Coronavirus Updates
Update January 14, 2021
Beginning January 20, Westerra Branch Lobbies will Reopen
Making the safety of our members and our staff the highest priorities, we are implementing a phased approach to open branch lobbies:
Some branch lobbies will open Wednesday, January 20 – Aurora, Arvada, Belmar, Central Park, Cherry Creek, Green Mountain, Littleton and Parker. Both our Castle Rock and Centennial branches will remain drive-up only.
Drive-ups remain open – All drive-ups are open for Westerra and CO-OP Shared Branch transactions. Belmar and Central Park branches do not have drive-up facilities.
Facial coverings – Facial coverings continue to be required for all members and staff.
Access your accounts via the mobile app and online banking – We encourage you to continue using our electronic services for easy access to your accounts. Download the Westerra Mobile Banking App, or access your accounts through Online Banking or our Automated Telephone Banking system. If you need help using any of these services, visit WesterraCU.com, call us at 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com.
Thank you for your continued support and confidence.
Update December 10, 2020
Beginning December 14, Westerra Branches will be Open by Appointment Only
Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases and in an effort to protect the safety of our members and staff, we are working diligently to provide the service you need electronically and in-person while helping to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Branch lobbies available by appointment only – Click here to schedule an appointment for a virtual or in-person meeting at a branch. If you do not find an appointment available on the day you prefer, please check another branch, or contact us with your specific questions at 303-321-4209 or Email@WesterraCU.com. Appointments are unavailable at our Centennial branch.
Drive-ups remain open – All drive-ups are open for Westerra and CO-OP Shared Branch transactions. Our Belmar and Central Park branches do not have drive-up facilities.
Access your accounts via the mobile app and online banking – We encourage you to continue using our electronic services for easy access to your accounts. Download the Westerra Mobile Banking App, or access your accounts through Online Banking or our Automated Telephone Banking system. If you need help using any of these services, visit WesterraCU.com, call us at 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com.
Other services – If you would like a Financial Checkup – virtually, by phone or in-person – or to access your safe deposit box, please schedule an appointment. Coin-counting service remains temporarily unavailable.
Safety is our highest priority – Facial coverings are required for all members and staff. Our safety protocol includes appointments to limit the number of people in the branches, allowing for social distancing and sanitizing throughout the day. You may be asked to temporarily remove or lift your facial covering for identification purposes. Hand sanitizer is available. Restrooms are closed. For the latest updates, visit WesterraCU.com.We are dedicated to serving you safely. Please let us know how we can help. Contact us at 303-321-4209 or Email@WesterraCU.com. Thank you for your continued support and confidence.
Update August 21, 2020
Branch Updates
Making the safety of our members and staff the highest priorities, we are continuing our phased approach to adding in-person and virtual services, and opening branch lobbies:
Seven branch lobbies now open – Arvada, Belmar, Central Park (formerly Stapleton), Cherry Creek, Green Mountain, Littleton and Parker. Our Stapleton Branch reopened this week — reflecting the new community name, the branch is now known as our Central Park Branch. Location and hours remain the same.
Three branches remain drive-up only – Aurora, Castle Rock and Centennial. You can now schedule appointments online at the Castle Rock branch. If you typically visit the Aurora or Centennial branch, feel free to schedule an appointment for a virtual, phone or in-person meeting at another branch.
Safety is our highest priority – Facial coverings are required for all members and staff. Our safety protocol includes a host to limit the number of lobby visitors, floor decals to mark social distancing, and sanitizing throughout the day. You may be asked to temporarily remove or lift your facial covering for identification purposes. Hand sanitizer will be available. Restrooms will be closed.
Easy access to your accounts – Even though more branches are open, we encourage you to also continue using electronic services for easy access to your accounts.
Westerra is dedicated to serving you safely. Thank you for your continued support and confidence. We look forwarding to seeing you!
Update July 2, 2020
Some Branch Lobbies Open - Virtual & Branch Appointments Available
Six Branch Lobbies Open Monday, July 6 - Making the safety of our members and our staff the highest priorities, we are implementing a phased approach to open branch lobbies:
Six Branch Lobbies Now Open – Arvada, Belmar, Cherry Creek, Green Mountain, Littleton and Parker.
Three Branches will Remain Drive-Up Only – Aurora, Castle Rock and Centennial.
Central Park (formerly Stapleton) Branch Remains Temporarily Closed – For the health and safety of our members and staff, due to space limitations.
CO-OP Shared Branch Services are Reinstated – We are happy to again offer this valuable service for you and other credit union members.
Other Services – Coin-counting service remains temporarily unavailable. If you would like to access your safe deposit box, please schedule an appointment. Financial checkups may be conducted virtually or by phone – schedule an appointment by contacting 303-321-4209 or Email@WesterraCU.com.
Even though lobbies will be open, we encourage you to continue using electronic services for easy access to your accounts. Meet by Virtual Appointment, Phone or In-Person at a Branch - A limited number of appointments are now available at the Arvada, Belmar, Cherry Creek, Green Mountain, Littleton and Parker branches. Click here to schedule an appointment. If you do not find an appointment available on the day you prefer, please check another branch, or contact us with your specific questions at 303-321-4209 or Email@WesterraCU.com. The Safety of Our Members and Staff is Our Top Priority - Branches will follow safety protocol which include a host to limit the number of lobby visitors, floor decals to mark social distancing, facial coverings for staff as well as disposable masks for members who may have forgotten theirs — and sanitizing throughout the day. You may be asked to temporarily remove or lift your facial covering for identification purposes. Hand sanitizer will be available. Restrooms will be closed.Skip Payment Options and Relief Loans – If you are facing financial hardship and are looking to skip payments or obtain a relief loan, please contact us.Westerra is dedicated to serving you safely. Thank you for your continued support and confidence.
Update May 18, 2020
Top Priorities - Safety and Access
As some financial institutions have begun to open their doors to business, Westerra continues to monitor safety priorities for our members, staff and families. While our branch lobbies remain temporarily closed, confronting this health crisis has led to new ways of thinking in how we can serve you more efficiently.
Virtual Meetings with Loan Officers – You can meet virtually with a mortgage loan officer to discuss options for refinancing, purchasing a home, or your other specific needs. Find a Westerra mortgage loan officer near you.
Contactless Closings – Options are now available to eliminate personal contact during the loan closing process.
Online and Mobile Banking – Electronic access makes banking easy from home. Use the Mobile App to deposit checks by phone. Learn more about easy ways to access your accounts.
Personal Service by Phone or Email – Our staff is available by phone or email to help you with your specific financial needs.
Skip Payment Options and Relief Loans – If you are facing financial hardship and are looking to skip payments or obtain a relief loan, here are Six Ways We Can Help.
Branch Drive-Up Service and Meetings by Appointment – Call or email us if you would like a branch appointment to open new accounts, for notary service, or for your other specialized needs.
Most Westerra Staff Continue to Work from their Homes – Minimizing personal contact and remaining safely at home, our staff tell us they appreciate the opportunity to focus on creating solutions and efficiencies that will improve our service to members, and our overall work environment, as we transition through this health crisis.
We continue to monitor the situation and will keep you informed as we evaluate the best way to safely move forward in opening our branch lobbies. Meanwhile, please let us know how we can help you — email us at Email@WesterraCU.com or call us at 303-321-4209.
Update May 5, 2020
Denver Order Requiring Face Coverings
For the safety of members and employees, anyone entering Westerra facilities must wear a face covering. Note that any mask that incorporates a one-way valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask) that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling is not a face covering under this Order. Learn how to make and clean face coverings. Please visit CDC.gov for the latest information about the coronavirus.
Update April 20, 2020
How We Can Help You — and Local Small Businesses
We have been busy behind the scenes adding more ways to give you peace of mind during these uncertain times — and creating ways we can all join together to support our small locally-owned businesses. Please let us know how we can help you:
Skip Payments or Get a Relief Loan.If you are facing financial hardship and are looking to skip payments or obtain a relief loan, here are Six Ways We Can Help. Please call 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com to let us know how we can help you.
Help for Businesses — Please Send a Message to Congress.
As you have likely seen in the news, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) ran out of appropriated funding last week for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. To help our local small businesses, please send a message today to your US Senators and Representatives asking them to appropriate more funds to the Paycheck Protection Program. Learn more about our business relief options.
Let’s Support Small Locally-Owned Businesses.
To help bring awareness — and business — to the small locally-owned businesses that have remained open to serve our community during the COVID-19 crisis, we created
Yes, Denver, We’re Open. If you are a small business owner, Westerra will create a social media campaign by sharing a post about your business with our followers. Westerra is putting its own marketing dollars behind boosting the Facebook posts in targeted areas where the businesses are located. To help make this work for small local businesses — follow Westerra on Facebook — and then share the posts when you see them! Please spread the word to your friends and family, and other owners of small businesses, too.
How to Get Cash or Make Deposits.
To make it easier to access cash, the daily limit for ATM cash withdrawals has been increased. You can also deposit cash and checks through our CO-OP Network ATMs and in our branch Night Drop Boxes. Our drive-ups also remain open. Download the Westerra Mobile Banking app and you can deposit checks by taking a picture with your phone.
Easy Access through the Mobile App and Online Banking.
You can leverage all the available Westerra tools and resources for self-service banking and 24/7 account access through our Mobile app, Online Banking and automated telephone banking. If you are not enrolled in Mobile or Online Banking and you need assistance with the process, please call us at 303-321-4209 or email us with any questions at Email@WesterraCU.com.
Refinance Your Mortgage or Explore Your Next Car Purchase — from Home.With today’s rates, you may be able to lower your monthly mortgage payment to free up money when you need it the most — and you can refi your home from home. We have non-contact closings, too. You can also buy or sell a car from home through our Auto Resource Center.
Please let us know how we can help you — email us at Email@WesterraCU.com or call us at 303-321-4209.
Update April 16, 2020Economic Impact Payments: What to expect
Many Americans are eligible for stimulus checks (or Economic Impact Payments - EIPs) as part of coronavirus tax relief efforts.On Friday, April 10, 2020 the Internal Revenue Service began issuing economic impact payments by direct deposit to qualified Americans with the first set of funds available as early as April 15. Additional electronic payments will be released throughout April.These payments are based on 2018 and 2019 tax filings. Individuals who did not file for electronic returns for 2018 or 2019 filings will not receive direct deposit payments via ACH. Instead, these qualified individuals will receive payment by check in the mail in the coming weeks. Here are the basics: • For some qualified individuals, stimulus checks (or EIPs) were available in accounts on April 15. • Those that receive an electronic payment is based, partly, on whether you filed for electronic returns in 2018 or 2019 tax return filings. • There will be an opportunity to register for electronic payment on the IRS’s website.• If the IRS does not have a qualified individual’s ACH information, they will receive the payment via check in the mail. • Mailed checks will be sent in the coming weeks.• Those who’ve not filed 2018-19 taxes can use the IRS portal to designate a direct deposit account.• Westerra will not have additional information for individuals besides whether a deposit by ACH was received.
How you can register your accounts through the IRS website: • Visit the IRS website to see if you have to set up the online portal • Add your Westerra account number and routing number• Don’t include the check number • Double-check that you have entered the correct numbers. Entering an incorrect number could result in a payment delay.
Update March 27, 2020
How Can We Help?
These are the four most important words we want you to hear from us right now. With the growing impact of the CoronaVirus, we have been moving quickly to make sure you have access to the financial services and relief you need to ease your stress and give yourself some peace of mind. Here are some immediate steps we have taken to help members during this crisis. Please let us know how we can help you.
Waived Fees.For at least the next three months, we are waiving fees for overdrafts, late payments on loans, credit card cash advances, Certificate of Deposit (CD) early withdrawals, Reg D withdrawal limits, cashier’s checks, teller checks, money orders, ATMs outside the CO-OP Network, and fees when balances in Interest Checking drop lower than minimum. These fee waivers are already in place and no action is required on your part.
Skip Payments on Loans.You can defer your payments for up to three months on auto loans and unsecured term loans. During this time, interest will accrue as it normally would, but you will not be charged any late fees. The skipped payments are then added at the end of the loan. If you need to defer a loan payment, call us at 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com and put “Skip Loan Payment” in the subject line.
In the email, please provide your first and last name, phone number, email address, and the last four digits of your account number. Please include whether you are asking to skip one, two or three months’ payments.
A Westerra representative will reach out to you within 2-4 business days.
If you have a payment transfer set up from another financial institution, or in Westerra’s Online Banking, you will need to cancel it to stop the payment
Relief Loan with No Payments and 0% for the First Six Months.If you're facing financial hardship due to an interruption in your income, members who qualify can receive a 30-month Relief Loan with no payments and 0% for the first six months. Call 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com and put “Relief Loan” in the subject line. In the email, please provide your first and last name, phone number, email address, and the last four digits of your account number.
Help with Your Mortgage.If you’re worried about making your mortgage payments, here’s what you should know:
If you can, it’s best to continue making your mortgage payment because you will need to catch up eventually.
Any late fees are waived for the next 90 days — April, May and June.
If you need short term assistance, you may qualify for our COVID-19 Relief Loan. Call 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com with “Mortgage Help” in the subject line and explain your request.
If you expect COVID-19 to impact you for a while, you may want to consider an initial relief option of a forbearance, which is a temporary stoppage of your mortgage payments for three months. If you need additional assistance after that time, we would work with you to determine the best options to resume payments. During the months of a forbearance plan, late fees are waived and missed payments are not reported to credit bureaus.
The easiest way to start the forbearance process is to go directly to https://loansolutioncenter.com. Please be prepared to sign up, register and follow the prompts. You will need to have your Social Security Number (using the dashes between the numbers), the zip code of the property that is collateral for the loan, and your ten digit mortgage loan number. If you do not know your loan number, call 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com with “Mortgage Help” in the subject line and request your number. After you register, if you do not receive a letter detailing what assistance can be provided within 14 business days, please email Email@WesterraCU.com with your name, property address, and the last six digits of your loan number. We will research and reply to you as soon as possible.
If you would like to call our mortgage service department to talk about this option, please reach out to them directly at 1-866-657-0139. Please be aware that they are currently experiencing extended hold times.
If you prefer to email your request, send an email to customerservice@yourmortgage.com. Please include your name, property address and the last six digits of your mortgage loan number.
Help with Credit Cards and Home Equity Lines of Credit. If you need help making payments on your credit card or home equity line of credit, please contact us to discuss your specific situation at 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com with the subject line “Credit Card” or "Home Equity.”
Help for Businesses.If you have a business account at Westerra, we are standing by, and ready to work with you to find a solution for your specific situation. The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with the needs you have right now. Learn more.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP is an SBA loan designed to help keep workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Learn more or to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program SBA loan through our partner Newtek® Financial Services, click here.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Funds will be made available within three (3) days of a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. EIDL loans are administered directly through the SBA and are funded by the U.S. Treasury — not through Westerra Credit Union. To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, click here.
Westerra Credit Union Business Relief Line of Credit (Non-SBA Loan) - Current members may apply for this line of credit which includes a 12-month draw period and a special interest rate of Prime (the "Index") plus 0% margin rate for the first 6 months. To apply, just email us at Email@WesterraCU.com and put “Business Banking Help” in the subject line. We will reach out to discuss this special low-interest line of credit and other options for your specific situation.
Additional resources are available at www.sba.gov or through the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. Learn more. Get Cash or Make Deposits. To make it easier to access cash, the daily limit for ATM cash withdrawals has been increased to $1010. You can also deposit cash and checks through our CO-OP Network ATMs and in our branch Night Drop Boxes. Download the Westerra Mobile Banking app and you can deposit checks by taking a picture with your phone! Stay Home. Stay Connected. Stay Informed.The most vital thing we can all do to combat the virus is stay home. All Westerra branch lobbies are temporarily closed for the health and safety of our employees and members, but our drive ups remain open if you absolutely must go to a branch. The vast majority of our team is working from home to make things happen behind the scenes, and to answer your calls and emails. You can also access your accounts through our Mobile app, Online Banking, automated telephone banking and 1000 free CO-OP ATMs. If you need help using any of these services, please call us at 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com. Just because we have to remain apart, doesn’t mean we can’t pull together. If there's anything we can do to help you, please call us at 303-321-4209 or email us at Email@WesterraCU.com. Updated March 27, 2020.
Update March 17, 2020
Update on Westerra’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Planning
As the situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, we want you to know what we’re doing for our members, our employees, and the communities we serve. We are, as always, monitoring information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as our Colorado state health officials, as they become available. Below you will find a list of updates you may find helpful.
All Westerra Branch Lobbies Temporarily Closed – Drive-Ups Remain OpenAll Westerra branch lobbies are temporarily closed effective Tuesday, March 17, as we work to safeguard members and employees from COVID-19. Drive-up services remain open at these branches: Arvada, Aurora, Centennial, Cherry Creek, Green Mountain, Littleton, Parker and Castle Rock. Our Belmar and Central Park (formerly Stapleton) branches are temporarily closed due to small spaces and the inability to offer drive-up services.
Click here to find CO-OP Shared Branch locations – please be aware that many financial institutions are closing their lobbies and offering services only through drive-ups.
Use free CO-OP ATMs – including ATMs at Westerra branches.
Alternative Access to Your AccountsThere are multiple other ways you can access your account:
Mobile App – View account balances and history, transfer funds, make payments, pay bills and deposit checks from your smart phone. Download the app in the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android)
Bank By Phone – Talk to a Westerra representative M-F 8am-6pm & SAT 8am-1pm at 303-321-4209. Please be aware that our hold times may be slightly longer due to the increased volume.
Email us Email@WesterraCU.com
For our Business Banking members:
Business Banking App - Download the app in the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android)
Loan Payment AssistanceWe understand the impacts of this crisis are only beginning to be felt. For our Westerra members who find yourselves in financial hardship with the effects of coronavirus on your family, your job, or place of business, we are ready to help.
You can request an auto loan extension to skip a payment by extending the term of the loan.
There are no longer fees for making payments from other financial institutions to Westerra loans online or by phone.
Mortgage loan payment assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis. Please let us know if you need help.
If you are looking to lower payments and rates to free up cash flow, please ask us about refinancing.
If you need assistance, we are here to discuss your options and help you establish a plan. Please email us at Email@WesterraCU.com or call us at 303-321-4209 to talk about your situation and the options we have available to help you through this difficult time.
Beware of Potential ScamsSome people and companies are taking advantage of fears surrounding the spread of the virus. Do not let fear cloud your judgment when accessing links from emails and social media. Follow these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Use only reputable sources when searching for information about the coronavirus.
Be aware of phishing emails and never click unknown attachments or links.
Be cautious of emails and phone calls offering unexpected information and asking for personal information.
How We are Supporting Our Employees
We want to ensure our employees are not penalized if they cannot come to work due to illness. Therefore, in addition to our Paid Time Off plan, we have instituted temporary unlimited Paid Sick Time to our workforce.
Employees who have the ability to telecommute have started to do so effective March 16.
We are creating plans and supplying technology to the remainder of our employees who currently do not have the ability to telecommute.
We are setting up additional employees to support our Contact Center in anticipation of increased call volume.
For employees that must remain on site, we have instituted social distancing, asking employees to stay 6 feet apart and, if meetings are required, to do so using technology.
We are working with our employees who have child care needs impacting their ability to work while schools are closed.
We are increasing the intervals of cleaning and disinfecting our corporate office and branch locations.
If you have any questions that are not addressed in the information above, please call us at 303-321-4209, or check WesterraCU.com for updates as we will be posting new information as situations change and things progress. Thank you for your membership with Westerra.
Update March 16, 2020
All Westerra Branch Lobbies Temporarily Closed - Drive-Ups Remain Open
All Westerra branch lobbies are temporarily closed effective Tuesday, March 17, as we work to safeguard members and employees from COVID-19. Drive-up services remain open at these branches: Arvada, Aurora, Centennial, Cherry Creek, Green Mountain, Littleton, Parker and Castle Rock. Our Belmar and Central Park (formerly Stapleton) branches are temporarily closed effective Monday afternoon, March 16, due to small spaces and the inability to offer drive-up services. Click here to find Westerra branch locations. Click here to find CO-OP Shared Branch locations – please be aware that many financial institutions are closing their lobbies and offering services only through drive-ups.
You can also access your accounts through our Mobile app, Online Banking, automated telephone banking and free CO-OP ATMs — or email us with any questions at Email@WesterraCU.com or call us at 303-321-4209. Please be aware that our hold times may be slightly longer due to the increased volume.
Thank you for your patience as we take proactive precautionary measures to protect our members and employees. Please visit CDC.gov for the latest information about the coronavirus.
March 12, 2020
The Coronavirus: Safety is Our Top Priority
As we continue to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus, we wanted to share information with you on actions and policies we have implemented to safeguard the health of our members and employees, while continuing to provide convenient access to your accounts in branches and online: Safety is Our Top PriorityConsistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we ask all members and employees who may become sick to stay home to get well. Please go here for more information about COVID-19. In addition, we have added paid sick days for all our employees so they can stay home and take care of themselves, if coronavirus is suspected. We also have contingency plans in place that are designed to prevent service disruptions due to events of this type, which include remote access capabilities, alternate work locations for employees and continuity plans for critical operations. Please visit CDC.gov for the latest information about the coronavirus. Keeping Our Branches SanitizedPlease continue to use our branches as needed. In addition to our daily janitorial service cleanings, our Facilities team is committed to robust and thorough cleaning throughout the day—and our branch procedures include disinfectant cleanings after each member transaction at teller stations and desks. You will also see employees wearing gloves as a precautionary measure. We will be limiting physical contact with each other and with our members. You will be greeted with air-high-fives and waves rather than hugs or handshakes. Providing Easy Access Through Our Mobile App and Online Banking We also strongly recommend that you leverage all of the available Westerra tools and resources for self-service banking and 24/7 account access through our Mobile app, Online Banking and automated telephone banking services. Through these channels, you have options to check balances, view accounts, transfer funds, deposit checks, pay bills, apply for a loan or find the nearest ATM. Click here to enroll in Online Banking. If you are not enrolled in Online or Mobile Banking and you need assistance with the process, please stop by any branch or call us at 303-321-4209. Please be aware that our hold times may be slightly longer due to the increased volume. You can also email us with any questions at Email@WesterraCU.com.Your Deposits at Westerra are Federally Insured With the current economic uncertainty, you can rest assured that your funds at Westerra are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration up to $250,000 per member. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are federally insured up to an additional $250,000. Learn more about NCUA insurance.Beware of Potential ScamsThere are some people and companies taking advantage of fears surrounding the spread of the virus. Do not let fear cloud your judgment when accessing links from emails and social media. Read these tips to protect yourself from scams.Our leadership team is staying closely connected and working tirelessly to advance our preparedness and respond appropriately.
