Frequently Asked Questions
1. What action do I need to take? Account Numbers 2. Why are there additional digits added to my account number? 3. Will my PERA and/or Jeffco Public Schools direct deposit continue? Do I need to do anything? 4. I am a member of both Jeffco Credit Union and Westerra Credit Union. What account number should I use? 5. I have been paying my Jeffco credit card through www.ezcardinfo.com on the Jeffco website. How should I make my payment now? 6. I earn cash rewards on my Jeffco debit card. Will this continue? 7. Will my ScoreCard rewards from my Jeffco Visa Platinum credit card transfer to my new Westerra Visa credit card? 8. Will my Jeffco credit card, debit card and ATM card still work after the data processing merger November 2? 9. When will I receive Westerra cards? 10. My Jeffco credit card expires in December. Will I receive a Westerra card then? 11. Will debit/ATM/credit card numbers change? 13. How do I change my automated transaction information to the new Westerra numbers? 15. Will I still receive checks for free as a senior discount? 16. How do I learn more about Westerra's checking accounts? 17. Will I still receive 7 free ATM transactions every month? Online Services 18. How do I log in to Westerra's Online Banking and Bill Pay? If you used only Jeffco Online Banking (without Bill Pay), or have not used Jeffco Online Banking in several months, enroll in Westerra Online Banking as if it were your first time. The system will lead you through the process to create your user name and password. Be sure to use your new eight-digit expanded account number when logging in. 20. Will I have access to transaction history and previous statements online? 22. Can I obtain past check copies through Online Banking? 23. Will my loan change? Miscellaneous 25. What are Westerra's fees? 26. Will I still receive a senior discount on my safe deposit box? 27. Is the credit union still affiliated with Jeffco Public Schools? 28. Does the credit union still do classroom presentations and offer the FoolProof financial literacy program? 29. How do I learn more? Conversion Newsletter
Here are the actions we are asking members to take:
- Begin using your expanded account number.
- Call the credit union to order new checks at 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212. Let us know if you want to switch to Better Than Free Checking or Preferred Checking to obtain free checks-and other benefits, too.
- Provide your expanded account number and the Westerra Routing and Transit Number to your sources for any automated transactions. Click here for instructions and easy-to-use forms.
In an analysis of Jeffco and Westerra account numbers, some overlapping numbers were identified as needing to be changed to protect your security. To make the process as easy as possible for members, additional digits were added to existing numbers, rather than assigning other new account numbers. Hopefully, this will make it easier to remember your account number. To complete the merger, checks and automated transactions will need to be changed to the Westerra routing number. Changing both the routing number and account number simultaneously was determined as the solution with the least amount of impact on members, while ensuring the security of your transactions.
There is no need to re-establish direct deposits and pre-authorized withdrawals with Jeffco Public Schools or PERA at this time. We are currently working with both organizations to attempt to have all your new account information updated automatically. We will provide updates in the future should you need to make any changes.
You will continue to have both the account numbers from Westerra and the account numbers from Jeffco (expanded version) and can continue to use both. If you would like to consolidate the accounts under one number, please call us and we will make that change.
Cards - Credit, Debit and ATM
Look for the link to pay a Jeffco Credit Union credit card online on this website, in the Loans section, under Visa Credit Cards or click here.
Any cash rewards accrued on Jeffco debit cards will be paid to you at the end of the first quarter 2010. With your new Westerra Visa debit card, you will earn rewards for all purchases which can be redeemed for merchandise or travel. You can earn Scorecard rewards for Visa Platinum credit card transactions, too. Click here to learn more about ScoreCard rewards.
Yes, your ScoreCard rewards will transfer to the new card at the time the Jeffco card is deactivated.
Yes, all your Jeffco plastic cards continue to work as usual. Watch your mail for information regarding the transition to Westerra cards in the coming months.
If you have a Jeffco debit card, you will receive your new Westerra Visa debit card in November. Both cards will continue to work through the holiday season. You will receive information in the mail regarding activation and deactivation dates.
If your card expires during the transition period, your Jeffco card will be reissued as a Jeffco card. All cards will be transitioned to Westerra cards in 2010. Watch your mail for specific information in the coming months.
Yes. When the cards are switched over during the first quarter of 2010, card numbers will change.
12. Who do I contact regarding questions on my card accounts?
Questions on Jeffco credit cards should be directed to 1-800-599-7889, as you have done in the past. Questions on debit cards and ATM cards should be directed to the credit union at 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212.
Checking Accounts
Please notify originators of any automated transactions (deposits or loan payments) about the new routing number and expanded account number. Click here for instructions and easy-to-use forms.
14. Will I need to pay for my new checks?
Westerra offers three checking account options, two of which offer free check printing. At the data processing conversion, all Jeffco checking accounts became Westerra Value Checking accounts, with no minimum balance requirements and no fees. While this account does not come with free checks, you can obtain free checks by simply switching to Better Than Free Checking or Preferred Checking. You gain other benefits with these accounts, too:
• Value Checking-No minimum balance requirements or fees. Free Westerra Visa debit card with rewards, unlimited free CO-OP Network ATM transactions. Other ATM network transactions include a surcharge of $1.50 each. Deposits do not earn dividends.
• Better Than Free Checking-No minimum balance requirements or fees. Free Westerra Visa debit card with rewards, unlimited free CO-OP Network ATM transactions. Free checks, free annual credit report review and three rebated ATM fees monthly. Direct deposit and eStatements required. Deposits do not earn dividends.
• Preferred Checking-$10,000 minimum balance earns tiered dividends. Rate boost on Preferred Money Market Account. Free Westerra Visa debit card with rewards, unlimited free CO-OP ATM transactions. Free checks, free annual credit report review, three rebated ATM surcharges monthly and no fees on money orders or cashiers checks.
Please call us to let us know if you want to switch to Better Than Free Checking or Preferred Checking at 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212. We can also go ahead and order your new checks at the same time.
You can obtain free checks, at any age, when you use Better Than Free Checking or Preferred Checking. The credit union is also evaluating other ways members can obtain free or discounted services as a benefit of using specific products and services.
Click here to learn more about the Westerra checking account options.
With all Westerra checking accounts, you can use CO-OP Network ATMs as often as you like without paying a surcharge. CO-OP ATMs can be found in 7-Eleven stores, Costco, other credit unions-and even Denver International Airport. There are more than 800 CO-OP ATMs in Colorado and 28,000 nationwide. If you use Better Than Free or Preferred Checking, you can also use any other ATMs three times each month and receive the $1.50 fee rebated to you on your statement at the end of the month. The $1.50 fee applies to any other ATMs used. Avoid the fee by using a CO-OP Network ATM. For locations, click here.
On the main page of this website, click on Sign In to Online Banking. It is a yellow button at the top right of the screen that says Click Here to Sign In.
If you are an active user of both Jeffco Online Banking and Bill Pay, you received a password for the new system in the mail during the week of October 26. The first time you log in to Westerra Online Banking, use your new password and this formula for your username: your eight-digit expanded account number followed by your last name in lower case. Example: 80123456smith (if your last name is hyphenated, use the name to the left of the hyphen. If you have a space in your last name, use only the name before the space.) The user-friendly system will provide you the information you need for easy navigation. Note the system requires an email address on record. If you are not successful in logging in to the system, go to the Self Service tab and enter your email address. If you are still unable to log in, please contact us.
Access the Bill Pay feature by logging in to Online Banking. If you used Jeffco's Bill Pay, your scheduled payments and payees should be found in the new system. Be sure to check them for accuracy.
19. What do I need to do to use 24-Hour Phone Banking?
Call 303-320-7774 or 1-800-858-7213.
The first time you use 24-Hour Phone Banking, use your eight-digit expanded account number. The system will lead you through the process to create a new PIN/access code with a minimum of four digits.
For security purposes, the system will then ask you to create a second different access code with a minimum of six digits. You will need to use both codes each time you use the system. All financial institutions offering online banking services are required by the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council (FFIEC) to incorporate this identity verification security feature as an extra layer of security working behind-the-scenes to protect member accounts. Click here for the 24-Hour Phone Banking menu.
You will have access to previous statements by signing up for eStatements through the Self Service tab. If you are an active Bill Pay user and received a password in the mail, you are pre-enrolled. Simply accept the disclosure online and you will have access to past statements through eStatements. Transaction history was not transferred at conversion, but will begin to build with future transactions.
21. I am having trouble logging in to Bill Pay. What should I do?
The system requires an email address on record in order to use Bill Pay. Go to the Self Service tab and enter your email address. If you are still not able to log in successfully, contact the credit union.
Any checks processed on the Jeffco Credit Union Routing & Transit Number will not appear in Online Banking. You may obtain the image at no charge by contacting us. All checks processed on the Westerra Credit Union Routing & Transit number will appear in Online Banking.
Loans
All Jeffco Credit Union loans are now loans with Westerra Credit Union and will follow current terms through maturity.
24. I like to pay ahead on my loans. Will this continue to be an option?
Yes, you are welcome to make additional payments or larger payments than required. Please note that a payment on your loans must be made every month for home equity lines of credit, credit cards and lines of credit, as the new system will not advance the due date on these loan types if paid ahead.
Credit unions are known for the value they offer members with no fees or lower fees when compared to other financial institutions. You will find Westerra offers many complimentary services, such as free unlimited access to 160 Colorado Credit Union Service Centers, free upgraded online Bill Pay service, and a variety of account-support services at no charge. In fact, Westerra has eliminated some former Jeffco and Westerra fees. Stop by any branch, or call us and we would be happy to provide you all the specific account information, noting any differences. Click here to view Westerra’s account agreements, disclosures and fees.
All current safe deposit box rates will remain the same until renewal. A program is currently under evaluation to provide discounts to members based upon their use of other credit union services. While this is not a senior discount, there may be other discounts offered to you upon renewal.
Yes, Jeffco Public Schools continues to sponsor the credit union.
Yes - we continue to make our staff available to visit classrooms, kindergarten through 12th grade, to make financial education presentations. Among the most popular topics are savings, budgeting and establishing credit. If you are a teacher, please let us know if you would like us to make financial education presentations in your classroom. This service is provided at no charge, compliments of the credit union. Jeffco and Westerra both offer the same FoolProof financial literacy program for high school students, young adults, parents and grandparents. Look for the FoolProof icon at the bottom right of the main web page or click here.
Email us at email@westerracu.com, visit any branch or call 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212.
Click here for a print ready PDF of this information.
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