FAQs

Note: If you do not use digital banking (either at home or on your smart phone), set up a draft path by starting a chat with us, M-F 8 AM – 5 PM. Click the chat icon at the bottom of your screen to get started. Or call us at 520-459-1860. Or visit one of our branches nearest you.

To Set Up an Overdraft Path within Digital Banking Platform

App Instructions

• Click Menu>More>Overdraft Protection
• Click on the account you wish to set up a draft path for
• Toggle the overdraft payment path button to the ON-position
• Follow and complete the steps to set up which alternate account(s) you wish us to draw from
• Click save

Desktop Banking Platform Instructions

(See screen shots at bottom if you need additional assistance)

• Click Menu>Overdraft Protection
• Click the small down arrow shown just to the left of your account
• After clicking the arrow, the account card opens automatically
• Toggle the overdraft path button to the ON-position and complete the remaining steps to let us know which alternate account(s) you wish us to draw from
• Click Save

Note: Each draft path you set up is specific to your individual account(s). If you have multiple accounts, it is wise to set up a draft path for each account you have.

What is an Overdraft Path?

An overdraft path is designed to help members avoid overdraft fees.

By setting up an overdraft path, if you do not have sufficient funds to cover your transaction, we will attempt to draft from one of your other accounts to cover it. It is up to you to tell us what account you would like us to draw from.

Desktop screen shots

1. Click on Menu and select “Overdraft Payment Path”

2. Click on the arrow to the left of the account you wish to establish a draft path for.

3. Toggle the button to the ON-position

Follow the remaining steps to select which alternate accounts you wish to draw from. You can add additional accounts to draw from if you wish.  Click Save.

Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned and therefore member-oriented. Generally speaking, fees and service charges are lower and interest rates for loans are more competitive at credit unions than at banks.

The quick answer is, “Yes, up to $250,000.00 under NCUA (National Credit Union Administration).”

Yes!  Fill Out Membership Application Online

All persons who live, work, worship or attend school in, and their immediate family members, and businesses and other legal entities located within Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz County, Arizona.  Membership also includes members of record of this credit union as of May 14, 2024; employees of this credit union; spouses of persons who died while within the field of membership of this credit union; immediate family members of all aforementioned persons and organizations of such persons; and also persons or organizations sponsored by members of the credit union.

$10 – $5 is a one-time Lifetime membership fee and $5 stays in your account to keep your membership open.

An unexpired government issued ID and Social Security number. We will also need your date of birth along with your address and phone number. If you are using a P.O. Box, we need the physical address as well.

How do I register for Fraud Alerts?
There’s no need to register for automated fraud alerts. As a member of ASCU you are
automatically eligible to receive fraud alerts via SMS, phone or email. Please make sure to review and update your contact information so that you will receive alerts should there be any suspicious transactions on your account.

Your Best Defense Against Fraud.

At American Southwest Credit Union, we’re serious about protecting you from fraudulent activity on your accounts. That’s why we’ve strengthened our defenses with a new, automated system that can identify threats faster, notify you sooner and equip you with the tools you need to take immediate action against fraud. Previously, you would have only received a personal call from a live agent if fraud was suspected.

The new system allows you to receive an automated text that easily walks you through reviewing suspicious activity on your card. You may also receive Fraud Alerts via automated phone calls on your mobile phone or home number. We will also send a fraud alert via email.

Our new automated system includes:

• IMMEDIATE alerts

When suspicious activity has been detected on your account, we don’t wait for an agent to dial your number – our automated system will contact you by text, phone or email.

• 2-Way Communication

You can take action the second you receive your alert – by texting the provided command word, or interacting with the automated system on the phone; simply follow the instructions to answer questions regarding your recent card activity.

• Real-time Support

Our live agents are ready to assist you at any time to ensure you receive the best defense exactly when you need it.

Don’t delay – Please Log into Online Banking or call us at 800-752-6394 to review and update your contact information to make sure you receive important fraud alerts about your account.

Members should be aware that, while ASCU does monitor fraudulent or suspicious account activity and may proactively contact a member about this activity, we will never call and ask for confidential information such as your entire account number or PIN. Contact us at 800-752-6394 if you have provided confidential information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please remember that we will never ask for account information, passwords, or other
sensitive information via these unsecure channels. Our SMS fraud alerts only require a
simple yes (Y) or no (N) reply. If you aren’t certain if the message is authentic, please
contact us at 1-800-752-6394 to learn more.
Thank you for being our member and allowing us to secure your account!

Q: How does it work?
A text message and/or pre-recorded voice call may be sent to your mobile device when
there is a suspicious transaction(s) identified. Simply reply to the text to confirm
whether or not you recognize the transaction(s). If you do not recognize the
transaction(s), you will receive a text asking you to call 888-918-7313 for further
assistance. There will be a block placed on your card to protect you from further fraud
until you call us. If you reply to the text that you recognize the transaction(s), your card
will remain available for use.
If you do not reply to the text within 30 minutes, a pre-recorded voice call may be
attempted to your mobile device and home number listed on your account. If you
receive a pre-recorded call, please listen to the prompts provided to review and respond
to the validity of each transaction that is presented during the call. An email will also be
sent to the address on file to confirm transactions on the account. You can also call us at
any time to validate the transactions or if you have any concerns about the message you
received.

Q: What is an SMS text?
SMS stands for Short Message Service and is also commonly referred to as a “text
message.” With an SMS, you can send a message of up to 160 characters to another
device. Longer messages will automatically be split up into several parts. Most mobile
phones support this type of text messaging.

Q: How much does it cost to use this service?
There’s no cost to use the automated fraud alerts service. ASCU pays for all costs
associated with sending and delivering the SMS fraud alert messages to your mobile
device. This service is provided to you free of charge.

Q: Is this service safe and secure?
Yes! Your security is our first priority! Our fraud alert messages will simply ask you to
reply Y or N to confirm charges. We will never ask for your account number, card
number, PIN number, or any other personal information via text message. If you ever
receive a text message asking for any personal or identifying information, please do not
respond. Call ASCU at 1-800-752-6394 immediately to report the fraudulent text
message.

Q: What if I do not have text messaging?
You will still receive automated fraud alerts via phone and email. A text messaging plan
is not required, but is a great way to receive fraud alerts about your ASCU account.
Q: What number will the fraud alert come from?
SMS fraud alerts will come from 919-37. You may want to save this number in your
contacts with a name you will recognize for future alerts. We recommend ‘CU Fraud
Alerts’. Fraud alert messages sent from this number will also be labeled with ASCU’s
name.
Q: If my mobile number changes, what do I do?
Please update your contact information as soon as possible so that alerts will be sent to
the proper number on file. You will still receive alerts on your home phone number or
email, if that information is on file. Accurate contact information is important so that
we can reach you in the event we identify suspicious transactions on your account.

Q: Why do I receive multiple messages with Pg 1/2, Pg 2/2?
Most SMS messages have a maximum length of 160 characters per message. Some
alerts may require multiple messages to provide you with all the necessary information.
All SMS messages are paid by ASCU and you will not be charged for any text message
alerts.

Q: How do I opt-out of text alerts?
To opt-out of text alerts, simply reply STOP to any text alert. You will no longer receive
fraud alerts via SMS message. You may also opt-out by calling the number provided on
the back of your card and asking to be opted out of Automated Fraud Alerts messages.

Q: What happens if the transaction in question in the fraud alert is legitimate?
If you recognize all of the transactions present in the fraud alert. Simply reply “Y”, to
confirm the activity as valid. Your card will automatically be unblocked and no further
action is required. You may now complete any purchases that may have been declined.

Q: Are the text commands case-sensitive?
No. Commands can be sent as upper-case, lower-case or a mixture of both.

Yes, at the Main Branch in Sierra Vista and also at our Sahuarita Branch. We offer four sizes.

Learn More

Yes! Not only can you apply online, but you can sign for your loan online as well. We strive to make the loan process as quick and easy as possible. You can apply for a variety of loans at ASCU!  Apply for a Loan Online

Yes, we even have rewards cards.  Find out more here.  Apply Now for Visa

Yes! Not only can you apply online, but you can sign for your loan online as well. We strive to make the loan process as quick and easy as possible. Apply today! Apply for a Home Loan or HELOC  (520) 459-1860

Current Interest Rates

A Shared Branch means you can conduct basic member transactions at participating credit unions across the United States, giving you surcharge-free access to your money. Shared branching provides convenience for you even when you are not at home.  ASCU is also part of the Allpoint ATM Network which means you have access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide.

By participating in Shared Branching and the Allpoint ATM partnerships, ASCU expands convenience for you to get your cash where you want, when you want, wherever you are without the ATM fees.

These are points that are given for making purchases with our Reward credit cards.

Login to Your Credit Card Rewards Account or call 1-888-634-6318.

Visit Our CURewards Page or call 1-888-634-6318

The documentation that you should bring depends on the type of business you own. Every Business must provide a SSN (Social Security Number) or EIN (Employer Identification Number). The chart below lists additional items forms or documentation you may need.

The minimum deposit to open a business account is the same as our general membership requirement. $10 – $5 is a one-time membership fee and $5 stays in your account to keep your membership open. The minimum deposit for a Business Checking account is $100. All types of businesses are subject to monthly maintenance fees. To avoid service fees, you must maintain a balance depending on the type of account you choose.

Yes, the owner, member, or officer of the business can authorize a non-owner to sign on the account.

In general, anyone who will sign on the account should be present to open the account.

• Sole Proprietorship – The owner
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – the Managing Member or all members will need to sign to open the account
• Partnerships – All Partners will need to sign
• Corporations – The designated Secretary should be present, unless it is a one-officer corporation
• Informal Association/Club – The designated signers, specifically those that are named in the meeting minutes

It takes approximately one hour to open an account.

Start a chat with our Member Services by clicking on the chat icon at the bottom right of this page.  Alternatively, you can call our Member Services Team at 520-459-1860.  Our business team will be happy to assist you.

Three years complete tax returns, business and personal, along with the Business Loan Application and Personal Financial Statement.

Your decision all depends on your individual circumstances. A term loan provides financing for capital expenditures such as fixed assets and other equipment needs which are regularly amortized over a period of years (for example, 1 to 5 years).

A line of credit gives you the flexibility and convenience of easily accessing funds whenever you need them for short-term financing needs.

The purpose for which you intend to utilize the funds will also help you decide which to choose. For example, a line of credit is the perfect solution for funding short-term operating capital needs. On the other hand, a term loan is a much better financing solution than a line of credit for acquiring business equipment or vehicles.

The product type and other factors are considered in determining the interest rate for your credit request. You will be notified of your rate once approved.

Your monthly payment depends on the type of business credit you request and whether you are seeking a fixed or variable interest rate.

Terms vary depending on the product you request. You will be notified of your terms once your application has been completed.

Yes, a personal guarantee of the business owner’s is required in all cases.

To learn more about a credit product, schedule an appointment with a Branch Manager by calling (520) 459-1860 or 800-752-6394 or by visiting your local branch.

Methods to access your funds vary by credit product. ASCU will inform you of the different methods of accessing your funds after loan documents are signed.

Closing costs will vary depending on the type and size of your credit request.

Yes, you can set up your payment option during the loan closing process.

No, interest only accrues on outstanding balances.

The International Prepaid Card is a reloadable prepaid Visa debit card, which means you can spend up to the value placed on the card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. You can shop in stores, online, over the phone, and by mail order. You can get cash at Visa ATMs worldwide. Each time you make a purchase, the amount of that purchase is automatically deducted from the card. When used in international markets where merchants authorize with the Chip & PIN on the front of the card instead of the magnetic stripe on the back of the card, the International Prepaid Card avoids unnecessary declines.

How do I know the balance on my International Prepaid Card?

You can check your balance by calling customer support at (855) 657-8588. Retail stores may not be able to view how much is on your card, so it is wise to keep track of your spending for the card.

Your card can be used to make purchases at millions of Visa debit locations worldwide and to obtain cash at any Visa ATM worldwide. Even merchants in countries who only accept cards with a Chip will be able to approve your transaction. However, note that some unattended kiosk terminals outside the U.S. such as luggage cart rentals, parking garages, even transit terminals may decline your International Prepaid Card due to the way the authorization is sent.

Purchase transactions are unlimited, up to the balance remaining on your card. However, for the protection of our cardholders, there are limits to the number and dollar amount of reloads, ATM withdrawals and cash advances performed within a certain time period. Cash-back from a Visa merchant is allowed at US Visa merchants only. To learn more about the current limits, please reference your terms and conditions.

Our International Prepaid Card can be purchased by any member in branch or online by anyone that has a valid debit or credit card registered in his or her name. The individual purchasing the card is defined as the primary cardholder. The address listed for the primary cardholder must match the billing address for the debit/credit card used to purchase the International Prepaid Card. Primary cardholders can order online up to 4 personalized secondary cards for family members or companions. When purchasing a secondary card for a young person with no card experience, be sure to go over all of the terms and conditions that accompany the card.

No, International Prepaid Cards cannot be given as a gift. You purchase the International Prepaid Card for your own personal use.

You can order International Prepaid Cards by visiting a local branch.

Each card is distributed with Terms & Conditions. This document fully explains the terms and conditions regarding the use of the card. This document can also be viewed online. The cardholder accepts the terms and conditions by signing the back of the card, using the card, or receiving the card by request.

By calling the toll free customer support number at (855) 657-8588 and a PIN is assigned during the activation call. You will have the option to select a new PIN should you desire.

Each merchant location has its own return policies and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other Visa transaction and may take up to 7 business days to be credited to your International Prepaid Card. The merchant may credit your International Prepaid Card, provide a cash refund or issue a store credit.

If a decline occurs, the card’s available balance is probably less than the purchase amount. You may inform the merchant of the remaining balance on the card and use another form of payment to pay the difference, subject to the policy of the merchant. Also, please be aware that some merchants – for example, restaurants, car rental agencies, salons, mail-order companies, and cruise lines – preauthorize for an amount slightly higher than your actual transaction to ensure sufficient funds for tips or incidental expenses. This amount is “held” until the transaction settles to your International Prepaid Card. Only the amount you sign for will ultimately be deducted from your card. Use of the card at automated fuel dispensers requires that a specific minimum balance be available on the card, which is determined by the issuer of the International Prepaid Card, in order to complete the transaction. For example, the issuer may require that there is a minimum balance of $100 on the card in order to utilize the card at an automated fuel dispenser. Again, only the actual amount spent will ultimately be deducted from the card.

Yes, simply pay a portion of the purchase with the available balance on your International Prepaid Card and then request to pay the balance of the purchase with cash, check, or another credit/debit card.

Yes, to reload using the funding account(s) registered online, cardholders can visit this website, call the number listed on the back of their card, or visit their local branch. Any applicable fee for reloading via the website or by phone will be charged to their funding source, along with the value being added to their card. Some issuers also allow the ability to have direct deposits set up from an employer, refer to your terms and conditions to confirm this option is available.

Possible reasons your initial load or reload might be declined are: you have not registered any funding accounts on the website; the name/address on file with the debit/credit card issuer does not match the primary cardholder profile on the International Prepaid Card website; the debit/credit card expiration date or 3-digit code listed on the website is incorrect; or the load limit or other applicable limits have been exceeded. First, verify your funding account information and the total number of reloads performed to date. If this does not resolve the issue, call the toll free number on the back of your card to discuss other limits that may have been exceeded.

Any authorization request that is greater than the card’s available balance will be declined. However, there can be times when a Visa merchant puts an item through without prior authorization. If an overdraft occurs, the cardholder can dispute the transaction if it was not legitimate, otherwise you will be required to either reload funds onto the card or make a payment to Cardholder Services to cover the negative amount.

Yes, if your credit union offers this service. Simply log into your account on this website and download the direct deposit form with your International Prepaid Card’s specific routing transit and account number and give it to your employer’s HR/payroll department.

Visit the ATM locator or at www.visa.com for participating Visa ATMs both domestic and abroad.

The exchange rate is determined by the rate of exchange on the date of purchase. Using your International Prepaid Card at an ATM can be less expensive than using a currency exchange to get foreign currency.

Your receipt will reflect the local currency. It is always good to plan ahead and have a general idea of the local exchange rates before you travel. This helps you to understand what goods and services are actually costing you.

We provide 24-hour toll-free support. Immediately report any problems or a lost or stolen card by calling (855) 657-8588. A replacement card can be issued and any available balance transferred to a new card less applicable fees that will be deducted from the card’s available balance. Replacement cards are generally received in 7-10 business days domestically or within two weeks or more internationally. Emergency card replacement can also be requested with guaranteed delivery within two business days domestically or within three business days internationally. See the Terms & Conditions for fees that apply to lost or stolen cards and emergency card replacement. As long as the lost or stolen card is reported immediately, you will not be responsible for any unauthorized merchant charges. If traveling internationally or far from home, a secondary card should be considered. That way, if the primary card is lost or stolen, the secondary card can immediately be used to access the funds without having to wait for a replacement card as delivery times will be longer than domestically.

We provide 24/7 toll-free support from the following countries:

Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. The toll-free numbers in those countries are the following:

Chip & PIN, also known as EMV, is an international standard replacing the magnetic stripe on bank cards used for payment transactions. The card can be used with a magnetic stripe or the chip, ensuring that both US and non-US merchants will be capable of accepting the card. EMV PIN transactions are more secure than those requiring a signature, and protect you against fraud.

For security purposes and fraud prevention, your International Prepaid Card will decline if attempts are made to use it at merchants in the countries sanctioned under the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). You can obtain the most recent list of those countries by calling customer support at (855) 657-8588.

• Notify the Credit Union of extensive domestic and/or international travels.
• Inquire about potential international fraud blocks before you travel.
• Test your card to confirm that you have a valid PIN.
• Verify that your card will not expire while traveling.
• Carry alternative payment methods (i.e. additional debit/credit cards).
• Do not pack all payment methods together (i.e. put one in a suitcase, another in a purse or wallet).
• Remain observant for pickpockets.
• Photocopy all cards front and back and keep separate copies on hand.
• Save all receipts and verify against your statement.
• Never leave valuables such as prepaid cards in the car, not even in the glove compartment or trunk.
• Report lost or stolen cards and unauthorized transactions immediately.
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering your PIN at an ATM or checkout counter.
• Keep our customer support phone number on hand as it is available 24/7/365 for assistance.

It’s a reloadable prepaid Visa debit card, which means you can spend up to the value placed on the card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. You can shop in stores, online, over the phone, and by mail order. You can get cash at ATMs worldwide. Each time you make a purchase, the amount of that purchase is automatically deducted from the card.

You can check your balance by contacting customer support at (866) 901-8090. Retail stores may not be able to tell you the balance on the card. Please keep track of your purchases so you will know how much money is on them.  You may also manage your card at the card management website.

Your card can be used to make purchases at millions of Visa debit locations worldwide and to obtain cash at ATMs worldwide.

Purchase transactions are unlimited, up to the balance remaining on your card. However, for the protection of our cardholders, there may be limits to the number and dollar amount of reloads, ATM withdrawals and cash advances performed within a certain time period. To learn more about the current limits, please reference your terms and conditions.

Our Student Prepaid Card can be purchased by anyone that has a valid debit or credit card registered in his or her name. The individual purchasing the card is defined as the primary account holder. The address listed for the primary account holder must match the billing address for the debit/credit card used to purchase the Student Prepaid Card. Primary account holders can order online multiple Student Prepaid cards for different children. When purchasing for a young person with no card experience, be sure to go over all of the materials that accompany the card.

No, Student Prepaid Cards cannot be given as a gift. You purchase the Student Prepaid Card for your child’s general purpose use.

You can order personalized Student Prepaid Cards online or by coming into any Credit Union branch.

Each card is distributed with Terms & Conditions. This document explains the terms and conditions regarding the use of the card. The full terms and conditions can also be viewed online. The cardholder accepts the terms and conditions by signing the back of the card, using the card, or receiving the card by request.

Your Student cards can be activated by logging into your account and clicking on the Activate Card button, or by calling the customer support number listed on the back of your card. A PIN will be automatically assigned after your card is activated and you’ll be given the opportunity to select a new PIN if you choose.

Each merchant location has its own return policies and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other Visa transaction and may take up to 7 business days to be credited to your Prepaid Card. They may credit your Prepaid Card, provide a cash refund, or a store credit.

If a decline occurs, the card’s available balance is probably less than the purchase amount. You may inform the merchant of the remaining balance on the card and use another form of payment to pay the difference, subject to the policy of the merchant. Also, please be aware that some merchants – for example, restaurants, car rental agencies, salons, mail-order companies, and cruise lines – preauthorize for an amount slightly higher than your actual transaction to ensure sufficient funds for tips or incidental expenses. This amount is “held” until the transaction settles to your Prepaid Card. Only the amount you sign for will ultimately be deducted from your card. Use of the card at automated fuel dispensers may require that a minimum balance of $99 be available on the card in order to complete the transaction. Again, only the actual amount spent will ultimately be deducted from the card.

Yes, subject to the ability of the merchant, simply pay a portion of the purchase with the available balance on your prepaid card and then request to pay the balance of the purchase with cash, check, or a credit/debit card.

Yes. To reload using the funding account registered during enrollment, Accountholders can visit the card manager website, call the number listed on the back of their card, or visit your local branch. Any applicable fee for reloading via the website or by phone will be charged to your funding source, along with the value being added to your card.

Possible reasons your initial load or reload might be declined are: the name/address on file with the debit/credit card issuer does not match the primary cardholder profile on the Visa Prepaid Card website, the debit/credit card expiration date or 3- digit code listed on the website is incorrect, or the load limit or other applicable limits have been exceeded. First, verify your funding source information and the total number of reloads performed to date. If this does not resolve the issue, call the toll free number on the back of your card to discuss other limits that may have been exceeded.

Any authorization request that is greater than the card’s available balance will be declined. However, there can be times when a Visa merchant puts an item through without prior authorization. If an overdraft occurs, the cardholder will be required to either reload funds onto the card or make a payment to Cardholder Services to cover the negative amount.

Visit the ATM locator for participating Visa ATMs.

The exchange rate is determined by the rate of exchange on the date of purchase. Using your Prepaid Card at an ATM can be less expensive than using a currency exchange to get foreign currency.

Your receipt will reflect the local currency. It is always good to plan ahead and have a general idea of the local exchange rates before you travel. This helps you to understand what goods and services are actually costing you.

We provide 24-hour toll-free support. Immediately report any problems or a lost or stolen card by calling (866) 901-8090. A replacement card can be issued and any available balance transferred to a new card, less applicable fees that will be deducted from the card’s available balance. Replacement cards are generally received in 7-10 business days. Emergency card replacement can also be requested with guaranteed delivery within the next business day, or sooner in some cases. See the Terms & Conditions for fees that apply to lost or stolen cards and emergency card replacement. As long as the lost or stolen card is reported immediately, you will not be responsible for any unauthorized merchant charges, provided such transactions took place on the Visa® Network.  For all other unauthorized merchant transactions, you may be liable for up to $50.

Your American Southwest CU Visa Gift Card is a prepaid Visa Debit Card with a specific dollar value. Your Visa Gift Card and its value are accepted at most places Visa Debit is accepted.

Gift cards can be activated online at the card manager website found on the back of your Gift Card. A PIN will be displayed after activation. You may also call 866-902-6082 and an assigned PIN will be automatically spoken after your card is activated.

Call the number on the back of your card for balances and transaction history.

You can use your American Southwest CU Visa Gift Card at most places Visa Debit is accepted. See Terms and Conditions for further information.

You have the option to press the ‘Credit’ or ‘Debit’ button. The credit transaction will require you to sign a sales receipt to authorize the purchase and the debit transaction will require you to enter your PIN to authorize the purchase

If the purchase amount exceeds the available card balance, then you must inform the merchant of the amount you want to pay with the Visa Gift Card and that you will pay the difference in cash, check, credit or debit card. If the purchase amount exceeds the available balance of the Visa Gift Card, the transaction will not be approved.

In the event you need to return an item you purchased with your Visa Gift Card, the merchant will handle the item in accordance with Visa guidelines. The merchant may credit your card (put the funds back on the card) thereby increasing your available funds.

When you have depleted all the funds on the card and no returns are necessary, simply destroy and discard the card.

Contact the card management immediately at 1-866-902-6082. Additionally, read the ASCU Visa Gift Card Terms and Conditions for important Visa Gift Card information.