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Frequently Asked Questions
Westerra Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that exists to serve members, not to make a profit. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to members, who have accounts at the credit union, in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits and lower fees.
Westerra Credit Union is the school district credit union for Jeffco Public Schools, Denver Public Schools and Douglas County Schools, and works closely with other schools throughout the Denver metro area.
Originally organized by teachers, Westerra is committed to financial education through making presentations in classrooms, providing grants to schools and helping students and families learn money management skills.
Since its origin in schools, Westerra membership has expanded to be available to everyone in the Denver metro area.
Westerra Credit Union funds the $52.80 fundraising program as a way to impact our schools and community while introducing more people to Westerra.
Most people who join the credit union say they did so because they were introduced by another member. Building upon this loyalty, the credit union launched a $52.80 fundraising program, emphasizing our local ownership, which donates funds to school sports and activities, and community organizations for new accounts attributed to their efforts.
This donation is our way of giving back to the community and thanking the group for participating in the fundraising program.
Many Westerra Credit Union employees are parents of students in our schools. It was as a result of participation in other sport and activity fundraisers that the idea of donating to the school was created. It was then expanded to help support other community groups, too.
It is important to Westerra to support the students and families in our schools, and in our community. This is one way that we can direct more funds to programs and activities that might not otherwise be possible.
Encouraging students to utilize the credit union for their first checking account supports our mission of financial literacy, introducing students to the credit union concept at a young age.
Let us know the school sport, activity, or community organization you would like to use this for, and we will provide a customized email and flyers for distribution. Each are customized by school and by sport or activity, or for your community organization.
Then, send or forward the email to your distribution list, or distribute printed flyers through the booster club, committee chairperson or other designated organization coordinator.
Westerra does not obtain any email addresses. We simply provide the customized email and flyers for distribution by the person responsible for fundraising for a specific sport or activity, so they can send it to their specific group of parents or other contacts.
Westerra will issue a check to your program every quarter for qualified accounts.
The sport, activity or community organization is not required to have an account at the credit union.
When a person from your group opens an account, they should mention the school and the program, or the community organization, they would like the funds directed to.
The $52.80 donation will then automatically be recorded in the system for payment to the group.
The $52.80 donation is given to the group requested, not to individuals,
for any loan, savings or checking account opened at the credit union with the exception of an adult share/savings account.
There is no minimum number of accounts required to participate.
Fundraisers can remain open year-round so your group can continue to earn funds as your participants' financial needs arise.
Possibilities include all sports as well as marching bands, clubs, PTA, After Prom or any other school-related program.
Community organizations can also use this program to raise funds. Just let us know how you would like to use the program, and we will customize an email and flyer.
Westerra checking accounts are designed to help students learn to manage their money without fees.
All Westerra checking accounts are set up so that if there are not funds in the account to cover a debit card or ATM transaction, the transaction will simply be denied. Without checks, there is no possibility of overdrafts.
Or the student can start with only a debit card and add checks later, if you choose.
Students will need an account for scholarship funds, heading to college or their first job.
Students can utilize their Westerra accounts no matter where they go to college or go to work. Credit unions share their branches - there are more than 200 credit union shared branches in Colorado and 5,000 nationwide where they can access their Westerra accounts.
They have access to cash at 1,000 free ATMs in Colorado and 30,000 nationwide.
The U.S. government has amended rules to require financial institutions to collect and verify specific information from businesses establishing new memberships, shares or loans. Requiring the disclosure of key individuals who own and/or control a business helps law enforcement investigate and prosecute crimes. Have any questions? Email us. We're here to help! This requirement does not pertain to Sole Proprietorships or Business Club Associations.
U.S. government amended rules require all financial institutions to obtain and verify information about the beneficial owners of their business members. These rules are meant to help the government fight financial crime. Because businesses can be abused to disguise involvement in money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion, corruption, fraud, and other financial crimes, requiring the disclosure of key individuals who ultimately own and/or control a business helps law enforcement.
This is the person with significant responsibility for managing the business—for example, a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, managing member, general partner, president, vice president or treasurer. Generally, this is the individual who has the authority to act on behalf of the business to make decisions.
For each person named on the certification, we are required to obtain their legal name, physical address, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN). If they are not a U.S. citizen, then a passport number may be provided in lieu of the SSN. Additionally, we will need a copy of a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport, for verification of each named individual.
The beneficial ownership information is required when a new membership or share is opened, or when a new loan is obtained.
Once Westerra has obtained a beneficial ownership certification for your business, we may ask that you confirm the information when you open additional new accounts.
Indirect ownership means the business may be owned by one or more legal entities. Westerra is required to obtain information on the individual persons behind those layered entities who ultimately have the equivalent of 25 percent or more ownership of the business.
Yes. You would simply mark the box indicating there are no individuals with beneficial ownership and complete the section for the individual with significant management responsibility.
The individual authorized to open the membership or share, or apply for a loan, is the person to complete the certification. The person who provides information for the certification will sign it indicating the information is accurate to the best of his or her knowledge.
Westerra is required to maintain this information as part of our records associated with the business. We treat this information with the same high level of confidentiality and security as we do all our member information.
Westerra’s business mobile banking allows you to manage your business account from your mobile device. With Westerra’s business mobile banking, you can:
View account balances and history.
Transfer funds.
Pay bills.
Make mobile check deposits.
Monitor savings goals.
Find free ATMs and shared branches.
Receive email, text messages* or push notifications.
Business mobile banking provides three ways to access your accounts:
Download the mobile banking application to your phone (Apple App Store or Google Play for Android).
Receive SMS text alerts on your mobile phone.
Use the browser on your smartphone to access business online banking.
*Text Messaging and Data Rates May Apply. Check with your mobile phone carrier for details.
The business mobile banking app is available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Download the business mobile banking application to your phone or tablet: Apple App Store and Google Play for Android.
Westerra Credit Union is committed to protecting the safety and privacy of your business information. To ensure the security of your account information, a number of security features have been built into Westerra’s business mobile banking.
You must be enrolled in Westerra business online banking to use the app. If you are not enrolled in business online banking, go here to enroll.
On your mobile device, open the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and download the app.
Launch the app and enter your Westerra business online banking username and password.
There are no fees to use or access the business mobile banking app.
You should contact your mobile provider for information about fees associated with sending or receiving text messages or accessing the internet from your mobile phone.
All accounts that are accessible through Westerra’s business online banking are eligible for use with Westerra’s business mobile banking. You may choose which accounts to display by going into Settings > Accounts > and hiding or displaying accounts you want to see displayed.
Westerra Credit Union will never provide access to your full account numbers or other personal information via mobile banking. If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, no one can access your account without knowing your unique username and password.
If your mobile phone is either lost or stolen:
Report it immediately to your mobile carrier.
Then, immediately log in to Westerra business online banking from your computer and change your username and password.
Alternately, you can contact us at 303-321-4209 and request that the mobile number be removed from mobile banking access.
To log in to business online banking and bill pay:
Enter your username and password on any page of the website in the top right corner of the screen.
Click the login tab, then select the "Business" tab.
If you have forgotten your password, click on the "Forgot Your Password?" link and the system will guide you through the process of gaining a new password.
If this is your first time using business online banking and bill pay, click the "First time users enroll here" link.
Read and accept the business online banking disclosures and enter your business account number, your Tax Identification Number (TIN), email and zip code.
Next, create a username and choose an email address to receive your temporary password at.
Enter your temporary password and then create a new password.
Once you are logged in, you will be prompted to choose and answer three security questions and confirm or edit your contact information.
To use bill pay, log in to your business online banking account and click the bill pay widget.
Please make sure you are using one of the supported browsers to view business online banking:
Google Chrome: Latest two versions
Firefox: Latest two versions
Microsoft Edge: Latest two versions
Safari: Last two major versions
iOS: Last two major versions
Android: Last two major versions
When you sign up for eStatements, we stop mailing your paper statement.
To view your eStatements, click the eDocuments widget.
To enroll, log in to online business banking and select the "More" widget, then select the "eDocuments" widget, then click "Statements" tab. In most cases, eStatement enrollment is immediate. However, you may receive a paper statement if you enroll after a monthly statement has already been generated.
You can view your eStatements within all account types.
Click on the "Message Center" widget or on your name in the top right corner — click on "Messages"
Then click compose
Choose:
A subject
The account you’re messaging about, or you can also choose "No Specific Account"
Type your message
Attach a file if necessary
Click "Send Message"
Bills will be paid on the date on which you scheduled the payment to be made.
Your account will be debited on the day on which you scheduled the payment to be made.
eBills allow you to receive your bills electronically within business online banking. Your payees must offer this option in order to take advantage of this feature.
When adding a payee who is eligible for eBills you can select "Set up eBills" and verify your account with specific information. For example, you may be asked to provide your username and password for the provider, your account number, your billing ZIP code and/or the last four digits of your Social Security (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN).
You will then be able to see your bill amount and due date from within the Bill Pay Dashboard. This makes paying your bills quick and easy.
Companies that provide bills through this service will allow you to view any eBills you are authorized to see, based on the information you provided during the sign-up process.
In some cases, these companies may elect to allow you to view bills where another individual's name, such as a spouse, is on the account, as long as you successfully provide the verification information required by the biller or payee.
Please make sure you are aware of the biller or payees’ policies.
If you have any questions while you are using Westerra’s bill pay service, call us at 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212 or send us a secure message through business online banking.
Log into business online banking and select the bill pay widget. You can then add your payee information using the add payee button.
You can make a payment to anyone in the United States.
Once a payee is set up, use either the Bill Pay Dashboard or MultiPay tab to choose the payee, amount, and date the payment is for.
For scheduling multiple payments at once, use the MultiPay tab.
No, bill payment on business online banking only accepts payments from business checking accounts.
If your payment goes out as a paper check, it is sent to the address provided when setting up the payee.
If it goes out as an electronic payment, it is sent directly to the payee's account.
Only you can authorize payments. You tell us who, when, and how much to pay.
Payments are issued electronically or via paper checks, depending on the payee’s capability. Both electronic payments and paper checks always include remittance information, ensuring that your payee can accurately record that a payment has been received for your account.
Yes, bill payment through business online banking does not replace your checkbook. You can continue to write paper checks as you normally would if you so choose when using your Westerra Credit Union business account.
Paper checks are issued a few business days before the due date to ensure the payment is made on the due date. Please note processing times may vary.
Electronic payments are issued a few business days before the due date to ensure the payment is made on the due date. Processing times vary, but the payment will arrive on the due date.
Within the bill pay page, you can access the history tab. This shows you all the bill payments you have successfully made.
Funds are taken from the account on the due date when you use business online banking bill pay.
To cancel a payment, go to the Scheduled tab, and click delete next to the payment.
One time
You may select the start and end date of these occurrences:
Once every week
Once every two weeks
Once a month
Once per year
Every four weeks
Every other month
Quarterly
Every six months
Due to legal requirements, we limit the ability to make certain types of payments. Payments to payees outside of the United States are prohibited and may not be issued under any circumstances.
The following payments are discouraged, but may be scheduled at your own risk:
Tax payments to the Internal Revenue Service or any state or other government agency
Court-ordered payments, such as alimony or child support
Payments to insurance companies
Our bill payment provider will not notify you if you attempt to make any of these payments and will not be liable if the payment was not processed for such payments.
We issue standard approved payments against your checking account. Just as with a paper check, you have to maintain sufficient funds in the account to cover all payment obligations.
However, we are unable to notify you if you have insufficient funds. Please note that your business online banking bill pay account will be blocked until the payment is satisfied or funded.
eBills allow you to receive your bills electronically within business online banking. Your payees must offer this option in order to take advantage of this feature.
When adding a payee who is eligible for eBills you can select "Set up eBills" and verify your account with specific information. For example, you may be asked to provide your username and password for the provider, your account number, your billing ZIP code and/or the last four digits of your Social Security (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN).
You will then be able to see your bill amount and due date from within the Bill Pay Dashboard. This makes paying your bills quick and easy.
Yes, you can pay your bills all at once using the MultiPay tab.
Some payees may continue to send a paper bill to your home even after you begin receiving the bill online.
To avoid making duplicate payments, it is best to pay only those bills that arrive online. Some payees may offer the option of turning off the paper bill, either by indicating such a preference on their website or you can contact their customer service department.
To activate a card, call 1-800-466-0040.
To report a lost or stolen Visa® credit, debit or ATM card, or for card inquiries:
Call 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212 during business hours.
Visit one of our branch locations to have your credit or debit card issued instantly.
Contact us via secure messaging through online banking.
Call 1-888-241-2510, 24 hours a day.
Please note: Cards sent by mail will arrive in approximately 4 to 7 business days. You will also receive a new PIN, which can be changed by calling 1-800-503-9249 and using the reference number on your PIN mailer.
Because you have better things to do than wait for mail, you can visit any of our branch locations to get an instantly issued card.
To get a new Personal Identification Number (PIN):
Call 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212. We can order a new PIN to be delivered by mail.
If you would like to change your PIN, you can also stop by any of our branch locations during regular business hours, Monday through Saturday.
If you received a PIN mailer, you may also call 1-800-503-9249 to choose your new PIN over the phone, using the reference number on your PIN mailer.
Set up your Apple device to pay with your Westerra card on the go. Follow the steps on the Apple website here to set it up.
Link you accounts to make automatic cash advances from your credit card, up to your credit limit on the credit card, for a 2% cash advance fee, to cover transactions when funds are not available in your checking/spending account. Complete this form to set credit card cash advances as overdraft protection.
Send us a message through online banking or notify us at 303-321-4209 with your travel dates and destination to head off any potential fraud alert service interruption on your credit or debit cards.
With the Westerra Rewards program, you can earn reward points for cash back, gift cards, travel, experiences, merchandise and more with your Visa Signature® credit or debit card. Plus, you can earn bonus points! Westerra Rewards is our way of thanking you for choosing Westerra.
Visa Signature® credit card purchases – Earn 1.25 points for every $1.00 you spend.
Debit card purchases – Earn 1 point for every $3.00 you spend when you sign for your purchase.
Business rewards credit card purchases – Earn 2 points for every $1.00 you spend.
Bonus points – Earn bonus points when you use the ShoppingFLING feature on Westerra Rewards.
If you already have a Westerra debit card or Visa Signature® credit card, you are already part of the rewards program. Reward points will automatically be combined in your rewards account for your Westerra cards based on your primary account information. Personal and business reward points will not be combined.
Access and redeem your rewards points through Westerra online banking:
For debit cards: Select the spending or checking account, then select on "More Actions," and "Rewards."
For credit cards: Select "Rewards."
For business accounts, login to business online banking and select on "Rewards." This will take you directly into Westerra Rewards without needing to register or sign in a second time.
If you prefer, you can access your rewards account online at Westerra Rewards and register using your name exactly as it appears on your Westerra account and the last six digits of either your Westerra Signature or business rewards credit card or debit card.
If you do not have a Westerra Visa Signature personal credit or debit card, reward yourself - you've earned it. Apply Now!
Points can be redeemed at any time through Westerra Rewards.
Cash Back – You have the option to redeem rewards points for cash to be applied directly to your account.
Gift Cards – Redeem for gift cards to your favorite places to shop and dine. There are even electronic gift cards you can use instantly online or at the store.
Travel – Westerra Rewards offers the largest selection of travel rewards in the market today. Choose from flights, cars, hotels, cruises, vacations and experiences.
Experiences – Redeem your points for experiences, theme parks and events, concerts, sports and event tickets.
Merchandise – Redeem points for home appliances, sports items, computers, electronics, gourmet foods and more.
Charitable Donations – You also have the option to donate your points.
Additional digits are required for checks and for automated transactions, such as payroll deposits and loan payments. Place your base account or member* number in the designated section. Add a number 1 to the left of the base account number, as shown below. (If your account number has fewer digits, adjust the number of zeros to the left to total 10 digits.) Two digits are also added to the right of the base account number to designate the specific account you would like funds to be moved to or from, for a total of 13 digits. 1 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Base 10-Digit Number 2-Digit Account ID Account IDs
Prime Share/Savings Account = 00
Spending/Checking Account = 03, 08, 09, 10, 80 (examples)
Money Market Account = 10, 16 (examples)
Business Savings Account = 40
Business Spending/Checking Account = 41, 42, 43, 44, 48
Business Money Market Account = 45, 49
The full 13-digit account number is required for checks and automated transactions along with the Westerra Routing & Transit Number: 302075319. You can find your account number (sometimes referred to as your member number) by logging into online banking and selecting the deposit account for which you would like the information. Click "Account Information" to view the full account number. If you have checks, your account number can also be found at the bottom of your checks. The Westerra Credit Union Routing and Transit (R&T) number is 302075319. *The terms "account number" and "member number" are sometimes used interchangeably and reference the same number.
Westerra mobile banking allows you to manage your account from your mobile device. You can:
View account balances.
Review transaction history.
Transfer funds between accounts.
Pay bills you have set up.
Search for Westerra branches and free ATMs near you.
Receive mobile alerts via text messages*.
Deposit checks from your smartphone using mobile check deposit.
Pay people directly from your smartphone using Popmoney.
Three ways to access your accounts:
Download the mobile banking application to your phone (Apple App Store or Google Play for Android).
Receive SMS text alerts on your mobile phone.
Use the browser on your smartphone to access online banking.
*Standard messaging charges may apply:Every mobile carrier has a different rate plan for text messaging and data services access. You may be charged per use or pay a flat rate for unlimited usage each month. You may also have different fees for text messaging and data services access.
Contact your mobile carrier directly if you aren’t sure what fees you will be charged to use mobile banking, as Westerra Credit Union has no access to information regarding your personal mobile service billing.
The mobile banking app is available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Download the mobile banking application to your phone or tablet: Apple App Store and Google Play for Android.
Westerra Credit Union is committed to protecting the safety and privacy of your information. To ensure the security of your account information, a number of security features have been built into the Westerra mobile banking app.
On your mobile device, open the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and download the app.
Launch the app and enter your Westerra online banking username and password.
Log in to your Westerra online banking account.
Click on the "Mobile" link in the upper right-hand corner.
Then click "Add New Device."
Under "Other Services," select "Text Messaging" and click "Continue."
Select your time zone, the accounts you would like to enroll in text messaging and create nicknames for your accounts, if you want (this is optional). Click "Continue."
Enter your mobile phone number and click "Continue."
Enter the code sent to your mobile phone number and click "Continue."
You will receive confirmation that your activation was successful, and you will receive text messages with short codes and texting commands.
Text* the following short codes to 39872 to get your account information:
BAL — Get balances for enrolled accounts.
HIST + ACCOUNT (SHARE) NAME — Get recent transactions.
MORE or NEXT — Use after a HIST command for more transactions.
HELP — Provides a list of text commands.
STOP — Unsubscribe from text banking.
If you have questions about the capabilities of your mobile phone, please contact your mobile carrier for more information.
*Standard messaging charges may apply:Every mobile carrier has a different rate plan for text messaging and data services access. You may be charged per use, or pay a flat rate for unlimited usage each month. You may also have different fees for text messaging and data services access.
Contact your mobile carrier directly if you aren’t sure what fees you will be charged to use mobile banking, as Westerra Credit Union has no access to information regarding your personal mobile service billing.
There are no fees to use the mobile banking app. Any fees associated with expedited bill payments will be displayed at the time you schedule the payment.
You should contact your mobile provider for information about fees associated with sending or receiving text messages or accessing the internet from your mobile phone.
All accounts that are accessible through Westerra online banking are eligible for use with mobile banking. You may choose which accounts to use with mobile banking when registering your mobile phone through the "Self-Service" tab within online banking.
Additional mobile phones may be added for use with mobile banking by accessing the "My Devices" tab on the mobile setup menu and click "Add Device."
Westerra Credit Union will never provide access to your personal information via mobile banking. If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, no one can access your account without knowing your unique username and password.
If your mobile phone is either lost or stolen:
Report it immediately to your mobile carrier.
Then, immediately log in to Westerra online banking from your computer and change your username and password.
Alternately, you can contact us at 303-321-4209 and request that the mobile number be removed from mobile banking access.
PLEASE NOTE: You can only register one Westerra account per smartphone device. You can log in to multiple Westerra accounts through the iPad app.
You should contact your mobile provider for information about fees associated with sending or receiving text messages or accessing the internet from your mobile phone.
Please note that you can only assign one member account number for access per mobile device.
Please contact your mobile carrier directly if you aren’t sure what fees you will be charged to use mobile banking, as the credit union has no access to information regarding your personal mobile service billing.
Check deposits can be made from your iOS or Android smartphones and tablets.
Launch Westerra mobile banking app, log in with your online banking username and password and select the deposits feature. The system will guide you through the process.
If you do not already have the Westerra mobile banking app, download it from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).
Launch the Westerra mobile banking app, log in with your online banking username and password and select the deposits feature. The system will guide you through the process.
Log in to the Westerra mobile banking app.
Select "Deposits" in the menu.
Select deposit a check.
Select the account you would like to deposit the check to.
Enter the amount of the check and select take photos.
Make sure to sign or endorse, or write "For Deposit Only" on the back of the check.
Place your check on a dark surface and take a photo of the front of the check.
Select use to accept the photo or retake the photo.
Take a photo of the back of the check .
Select use to accept the photo.
Select yes to confirm the transaction.
The deposit will now be on pending status.
Please allow two business days for the check to be deposited in your account.
To check on the status of your check deposit, go back to the deposits menu.
In the deposit history option under deposits, you can view all checks that you have submitted.
Check deposit statuses
Pending - The check image is on its way to Westerra.
Accepted or delivered - Westerra has received the check image.
You can always check the account transaction history to verify the check has been deposited.
If you do not already have the Westerra mobile banking app, download it from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).
The mobile banking check deposit app will know that the amount entered does not match the check and will reject the deposit. You must re-enter the dollar amount by selecting that field and entering the correct check amount.
You can make mobile check deposits to your checking, savings or money market accounts.
No. You can only make deposits to your accounts that you have full access to.
Generally, the first $500 of funds deposited in one day, regardless of the number of checks, will be available as soon as funds are credited to your account. The remaining funds will be generally available no later than two business days from the date you made the deposits.
Westerra Credit Union may make the funds available sooner at its sole discretion. In some cases, depending on the type of check you deposit, your funds may be delayed longer. Those funds will be available when the check is verified for available funds and authenticity.
If you need more immediate access to the funds, it’s best to make a deposit at a Westerra branch.
The service can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except when unavailable for maintenance.
There may be instances when the application will not recognize your check for deposit. If that occurs and you are unable to complete a deposit using mobile check deposit, please take the check to your nearest Westerra branch.
When you have confirmed that Westerra Credit Union has received your check image by checking the transactions history, please clearly mark the check "electronically presented" or "VOID," or properly dispose of — for example, by shredding — the check to ensure it is not re-deposited for payment.
To log in to online banking and pay your bills, click "Login" on the top right corner of the website and enter your username and password.
If you have forgotten your username or password, click on the "Forgot Username?" or "Forgot Password?" link and it will guide you through the process of entering a new username or password.
If this is your first time using online banking and pay bills:
Click the "First time users enroll here" link.
Read and "Accept" the online banking disclosures.
Enter your account (member) number, the primary account holder's social security number and date of birth.
Then click "Enroll."
Create your username and password.
Once you are logged in, you will be prompted to choose and answer five security questions and also enroll in the one-time security code feature.
Please make sure you are using one of the supported* browsers to view online banking:
Windows 7: Internet Explorer 11, latest version of Chrome and Firefox
Windows 10: Internet Explorer 11, latest version of Chrome and Firefox
Mac OSX: Latest version of Safari
Current allowed** browsers:
Windows 7: Internet Explorer 9
Windows 10: Microsoft Edge
*Supported: All functionality of the product has been fully tested.
**Allowed: Basic functionality has been tested. However, there may be cosmetic or other minor issues.
To view your eStatements (or "electronic statements"), click on the “Statements” link within the account details screen.
You can send a message by selecting "Messages" at the top right of any page.
Paying your bills online is quicker, easier and safer than writing checks - no stamps or envelopes needed. Receive your bills, or eBills, electronically and add new payees at any time. You can pay your bills when you’re away from home, at work or even on vacation.
Flexible payment options let you schedule payments the same day or up to a year into the future. You can send a one-time payment or set up a schedule for recurring payments, and you can easily change payments requiring different amounts each time.
Log in to online banking to pay your bills.
Payments are issued a few business days before the "deliver by" date to ensure the payment is made on time.
You can schedule payments up to a year in advance and should you happen to schedule a payment to be received on a weekend or a holiday, it will automatically be adjusted to fall on the previous business day.
Funds for electronic payments are withdrawn from your account on the "deliver by" date when you use online banking bill pay. In some cases, a paper check must be issued to the biller and the funds will be withdrawn from your account when the biller/payee cashes the paper check.
You can pay your online bills using a checking or money market account.
An eBill, or electronic bill, is like the paper statement you receive each month now in an electronic format for viewing online. You can see all of the same detail in an eBill that you can in a paper statement.
Companies that provide bills through this service will allow you to view any eBills you are authorized to see based on the information you provided during the sign-up process.
In some cases, these companies may elect to allow you to view bills where another individual's name, such as a spouse, is on the account, as long as you successfully provide the verification information required by biller/payee. Please make sure you are aware of the biller/payees’ policies.
Westerra's online banking bill pay supports the following browsers:
Chrome 80 or higher
Microsoft Edge 15 or higher
Firefox 57 or higher
Safari 9 or higher
Javascript is required for the application to function properly. If not enabled, certain features and functions will not work properly.
Expedited payments allow you to have bill payments delivered same-day or overnight.
Expedited payments are ideal any time you have either forgotten to pay a bill or you are surprised by a payment that you need to make quickly. Expedited payments provide an avenue to make that happen without incurring a sizeable late fee or damaging your credit rating.
Same-Day Payments: Allows payments to be credited on the same day to participating billers electronically.
Overnight Check Payments: Sends an overnight payment to any biller that receives paper check payments.
The ability to make an expedited payment depends on the payee and time of day.
Each payment and fee is listed on the payee's payment history.
No, processing of your payment begins immediately after you click the button to submit your payment on the preview page.
The “Pay Today” link is present below the date field. The same-day payment fee will be shown on the review payments, confirmation and bill history detail pages.
External transfer is an option in online banking that enables you to:
Transfer money between (to or from) your Westerra account and your account at another financial institution
Set up repeating transfers to save time
You can transfer money to and from any Westerra checking, savings or money market account. You can make a payment to an auto loan, home equity loan, line of credit or personal loan.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to make a credit card payment by transferring funds from another financial institution, please transfer the funds to your checking or savings account first, and then create an automatic transfer within online banking to your credit card.
Payments made to Westerra mortgage loans should be made by using the mortgage link on the accounts tab in online banking.
An external transfer allows you to transfer to and from accounts that you own.
Popmoney allows you to send money to anyone in the United States via email, text message or by providing their bank account details.
Yes, it is critical the primary member’s first and last name, date of birth, social security number and email address match on both accounts. If they do not match, the verification process will fail.
You can use Popmoney, instead of an external transfer, to transfer funds between your accounts if the above information does not match on both accounts.
You will see the option for next day outgoing or incoming transfers after meeting the following criteria:
Completed at least $500 in transfers ($500 total outgoing transfers through standard delivery to qualify for next day outgoing transfers; $500 total incoming transfers through standard delivery to qualify for next day incoming transfers);
60 days have passed since meeting the minimum $500 in transfers. In addition, there must be a minimum of $100 available in checking and no negative items on your account in the last three months.
The withdrawal date is the date the money is withdrawn from the "From" account.
The deposit date is the date you can expect the money to be deposited in the "To" account. Transfers may take up to five business days for standard delivery and one day for next-day.
For standard delivery, the transfer limit is $5,000 daily and $10,000 per rolling 30-day period.
For next-day delivery, the transfer limit is $2,000 daily and $5,000 per rolling 30-day period.
If the external transfer has not been processed, cancel the transfer. Once the transfer is cancelled, schedule a new transfer with the correct amount or correct account number.
If you have a problem with a transfer that has already been processed, please call us at 303-321-4209 or 1-800-858-7212.
Yes.
Please create an external transfer by 6:00 PM MT to process the next day.
Yes, any phone number, whether within the United States or international, will work for us to provide your one-time security code when additional verification is needed.
You have five minutes to enter the security code received by text message or phone call. If your code expires, click "Send a New Code."
You may add up to five phone numbers, but the code will be sent only to the phone number you choose.
After logging in to online banking, click on Settings > Security and Alerts > Identity Verification Phones.
You will need to verify your identity with a security code to change this setting. Once you are in this setting, you can add or delete phone numbers.
Please call us at 303-321-4209 for further assistance.
Please make sure you are not using private browsing. You must be using normal browsing mode on Safari to complete the security code enrollment.
You may be locked out of online banking if you tried to enter your password unsuccessfully multiple times. You can use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password and to unlock your account.
Your account is likely locked. Please call us at 303-321-4209 to unlock your account.
Please note that you will either need to pick five new security questions or keep your five current security questions as the system does not allow for updating just one or two questions.
For security purposes, the system will not let you use a password you have used in the past. Please create a new password.
Yes, but there's only one username and password, which were created by the primary account holder at the time of enrollment. You would have to use that username and password to log in to the account.
Popmoney is a free payment service in online banking and our mobile banking app that makes sending and receiving money as easy as emailing and texting. Best of all, you don't need a new account to send or receive money. Just use your current Westerra account.
How to send money: To send money, log in to online banking or the mobile banking app. Send money to anyone using their email address, mobile number or financial institution account information. You will be notified when the transaction is completed.
How to receive money: Westerra members, who are enrolled in Popmoney, and others who bank at a financial institution that also uses Popmoney will have their funds automatically deposited into their account.
If the person receiving a Popmoney payment doesn't bank with a financial institution that uses Popmoney, they can provide their account information at Popmoney.com to receive their funds.
If the account information is not provided, the payment will be automatically returned to the sender's account after 10 days.
No. Popmoney is a free service.
Verification of your email address and phone number are required for security reasons. Entering the correct verification codes ensures that you have access to your email and phone. You may also be asked to verify your mobile phone in the future to send and receive payments.
You can send money to someone using their:
Email address: Your contact will receive an email with instructions on how to direct the payment to their account.
Mobile number: Your contact will receive a text message with instructions on how to direct the payment to their account.
Financial Institution account information (routing and account number): The money will be directly deposited into your contact's account. You will also have the option to send the contact an email.
It depends on the delivery speed you selected to send the money or payment.
Standard delivery: 3 business daysYour contact will receive the money in 3 business days if you're sending money to someone who has used Popmoney and turned on automatic deposit or if you have provided your contact's account information.
If you are sending the payment via email or mobile, your contact must provide their account information and will receive the funds 3 business days later.
If you sent a payment to an account at another financial institution, the payment will be sent to your contact's account within 3 business days.
If you sent a payment to an email address or mobile number:
The recipient will be notified of the payment on the send date.
Contacts with automatic deposit enabled will see the payment in their account within 3 business days.
Contacts without automatic deposit enabled cannot receive the payment until they provide their account information. Once provided, the payment will be sent to the contact's account within 3 business days.
Express delivery: Next business dayYour contact will receive the money the next business day if you're sending money to someone who has used Popmoney and turned on automatic deposit or if you have provided your contact's account information.
If you are sending the payment via email or mobile, your contact must provide their account information by 10 PM Pacific Time in order to receive the funds the next business day.
If you sent a payment to an account at another financial institution, the payment will be sent to your contact's account the next business day.
If you sent a payment to an email address or mobile number:
The recipient will be notified of the payment on the send date.
Contacts with automatic deposit enabled will see the payment in their account the next business day.
Contacts without automatic deposit enabled cannot receive the payment until they provide their account information; once provided, the payment will be sent to the contact's account the next business day.
You may not send money to contacts' accounts, email addresses or mobile numbers that are suspended or on hold.
For your protection, your contacts' accounts, email addresses or mobile numbers may be placed on hold or suspended for various reasons. For example, if you fail verification when attempting to send money to them, this would result in a hold.
Please call us at 303-321-4209 for further assistance.
Yes, you may cancel a payment within Popmoney anytime before or on the send date. Your contact will be notified if you cancel a payment, after a payment notification has been sent.
Click on the "Contacts" tab and click on the "Add a Contact" button. Please enter the required fields and click "Save."
If you are expecting a payment and you do not see it in your "Incoming Payments," this is most likely because you have not added the email address or mobile number to which the payment was sent. If you haven't added this email address or mobile number, go to "Preferences" to add and verify it. Once you are done, you will be able to see the payment immediately.
Click "Activity" to view the estimated date when the money will be available.
Please call the sender to edit the mobile number. The sender can edit the mobile number by clicking "Activity" and editing the transaction.
Do not attempt to deposit this payment! The funds will be returned to the sender if you are unable to verify access to the mobile phone.
An automatic deposit is the easiest and fastest way to receive money in Popmoney. It allows you to designate one account into which all incoming payments will be automatically deposited.
Once turned on, there's nothing more for you to do: You will be notified of incoming payments via email or text message and the payment will be sent into your selected account. You can edit automatic deposit settings in "Preferences."
The payment was sent to an email address or mobile number that is not currently in your profile.
Please click "Preferences" to add and verify additional email addresses or mobile numbers.
You have 10 days from the send date to deposit the payment. When a payment expires, the funds are returned to the sender.
Please contact your sender to request another payment if you still wish to receive the funds.
Below is a list of all the possible Popmoney payment statuses and their definitions:
On Hold: The payment was placed on hold because the sender failed verification when attempting to schedule the payment. Please call us at 303-321-4209 to remove the hold.
Pending: If this is a payment you sent, the recipient was notified of this payment. The funds will be withdrawn from your account the next day. If this is a payment you received, the payment is being processed and the funds will be deposited into your account within three business days.
In Progress: If this is a payment you sent, the recipient was notified of this payment and the payment is being processed. If this is a payment you received, the funds are on their way and will be deposited into your account within three business days.
Failed: A payment may fail due to one of the following reasons:
The recipient is unable to validate access to the mobile phone as provided by the sender.
The funds could not be deposited into the account provided by the recipient.
There are insufficient funds in the account to cover the amount of the payment.
Stopped: The sender stopped the payment after the send date. The funds are returned to the sender's account.
Expired: The recipient has ten days from the send date to provide instructions on how to deposit the payment, after which the payment expires and the funds are returned to the sender's account.
Completed: The payment has successfully been deposited into the recipient's account.
A payment may fail due to one of the following reasons:
The recipient is unable to validate access to the mobile phone as provided by the sender.
The funds could not be deposited into the account provided by the recipient.
There are insufficient funds in the account to cover the amount of the payment.
You can stop a payment anytime after the send date provided the payment has not been deposited into the recipient's account.
To stop a payment:
Go to "Activity"
Click the "Stop Payment" button.
You will not see the "Stop Payment" button when the option is no longer available.
When a check is issued, it requires an endorsement before you can deposit it.
It is important that you properly endorse your check to avoid possible returns or delays in processing it, and getting those funds deposited into your account.
The following tips will guide you in making sure your check is properly endorsed, depending on the type of check, the issuer, and who it is made payable to.
Be sure each payee endorses the back of the check and it is deposited into an account held jointly.
Checks payable to multiple payees cannot be deposited into a single owner’s account.
What is government check?
A government check is a U.S. Federal, State or Local Government Payroll, Expense Reimbursement, Tax Refund, or Benefit Assistance check. Some examples include:
TABOR
Government Stimulus
Social Security
Disability
Child Support
What about insurance checks that have two or more payees listed?
When an insurance check has “and” between the payee names, both signatures are required for this type of check to be properly endorsed, and this check must be deposited into a joint account.
If the insurance check has “or” between the payee names, either payee signature is accepted and can be deposited into either payee’s account.
If the insurance check has an "or" but it is not between the payee names, both signatures are required and must be deposited into a joint account.
A government check that says "Endorsement for Benefit of" or for benefit assistance for "Social Security," "Disability," or "Child Support" must be deposited into an account in the name of the beneficiary.
For example, if the check says, "John Doe for benefit of Jane Doe" it needs to be deposited into Jane Doe's account.
A check that says "Restrictive Endorsement" means that there are limits to what can be done with that check. For example, it might say: "John Doe for mobile deposit only".
"For mobile deposit only" should be written below endorsement(s) on checks deposited through mobile check deposit.
Please note that restrictive endorsements alone are not permitted on government issued or insurance checks. This means that the payee cannot simply write “for deposit only” on the back of the check and not endorse it. These checks must be endorsed by all payees. Once endorsed by all payees, then you can notate “for deposit only.”
An endorsement that includes "without recourse" cannot be accepted.
A blank check endorsement is when the back of a check is signed by the account owner, but a specific payee is not identified. The most common example of blank endorsements are checks payable to “cash” or the account owner’s name and presenting the check at their financial institution for cash or deposit.
A check with a special endorsement means that the payee has signed the check over to another party. These checks are also commonly known as “third party checks.”
"Third party checks" are approved on an exception basis only and must be reviewed prior to presenting the check for cash or deposit. Please visit your local branch or contact us for more information.
Signed over – Third Party checks
"Jane Doe pay to the order of John Doe"
Please note that third party checks cannot be deposited through Mobile Check Deposit.
WeGotYa is a Courtesy Pay service that adds a measure of protection to your spending/checking account.
WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay may cover your transactions when you do not have sufficient funds in your spending/checking account — without a fee. That means, instead of declining an automated (ACH) payment, check, bill payment or debit card transaction because of insufficient funds, Westerra Credit Union may pay your item which may save you additional charges from the company you intended to pay.
All members are automatically enrolled in Courtesy Pay for automated (ACH) payments or checks. Everyday Money accounts are also automatically enrolled in WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay for debit card transactions. You can opt-in or opt-out of Courtesy Pay for debit card transactions, or for checks/ACH, at any branch or by calling 303-321-4209.
To qualify for WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay, you must be at least 18 years old, have your spending/checking account opened for more than 30 days, and be in good standing with the credit union. These criteria may be changed at any time without notice. WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay does not cover transactions through ATMs, tellers, phone banking, online banking transfers or Money Market Account checks.
If there are not sufficient funds in your spending/checking account when a transaction is presented for payment, it may be paid using funds in this order:
Through transfers from your Westerra savings or Money Market Account (if applicable).
Through the available balance in your overdraft line of credit or Westerra credit card line or credit (if applicable).
Through WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay — up to $200 on your Everyday Money account, or up to $750 for free or interest-earning spending/checking accounts, without a fee. You then need to bring your account current within 30 days.
After the above options are accessed, if available, and there are still insufficient funds in the available account balance at the time of the transaction, the transaction will be declined, without a fee. However, you might have to pay fees from the company you intended to pay.
Your checking account has two kinds of balances: the actual balance and the available balance. Both can be checked by reviewing your account online, at an ATM, by phone or at a branch. It is important to understand how the two balances work so that you know how much money is in your account at any given time.
Your actual balance is the amount of money that is actually in your account at any given time. It reflects transactions that have posted to your account, but not transactions that have been authorized and are pending. While the term “actual” may sound as though the number you see is an up-to-date display of what is in your account that you can spend, that is not always the case. Any purchases, holds, fees, other charges or deposits made on your account that have not yet posted will not appear in your actual balance. For example: If you have an actual balance of $50, but you just wrote a check for $40, then your actual balance will still show as $50, but it does not reflect the incoming or pending check transaction, so at this point, your actual balance will still say $50, but you have already spent $40.
Your available balance is the amount of money in your account that is available to you to use without causing a payment or transaction to be declined. The available balance takes into account things like holds placed on deposits and pending transactions—such as pending debit card purchases—that Westerra has authorized, but that have not yet posted to your account. For example: You have an actual balance of $50 and an available balance of $50. If you were to use your debit card at a restaurant to buy lunch for $20, then that merchant could ask us to pre-authorize the payment. In that case, we will put a hold on your account for $20. Your actual balance would still be $50 because this transaction has not yet posted, but your available balance would be $30 because you have committed to pay the restaurant $20. When the restaurant submits its bill for payment, which could be a few days later, we will post the transaction to your account and your actual balance will be reduced by $20.
Your available balance is used to determine when your account will be overdrawn. For example: Your actual and available balances are both $50, and you use your debit card at a restaurant for $20. A hold is placed on your account, so your available balance is only $30. Your actual balance is still $50. Before the restaurant charge is sent to Westerra for processing, a check that you wrote for $40 clears. Because you have only $30 available (and you have committed to pay the restaurant $20), your account will be overdrawn by $10, even though your actual balance is $50. In this case, we may pay the $40 check through WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay, without a fee, and your account is overdrawn by $10. At our discretion, Westerra may decline or return a transaction unpaid without a fee.
It is very important to understand that you may still overdraw your account even though the available balance appears to show there are sufficient funds to cover a transaction that you want to make. This is because your available balance may not reflect all your outstanding checks and automatic bill payments that you have authorized, or other outstanding transactions that have not been paid or posted from your account. In the example above, the outstanding check will not be reflected in your available balance until it is presented to us and paid from your account.
Also, your available balance may not reflect all of your debit card transactions. For example, if a merchant obtains our prior authorization but does not submit a one-time debit card transaction for payment within two calendar days of authorization, we must release the authorization hold on the transaction. The available balance will not reflect this transaction once the hold has been released until the transaction has been received by us and paid or posted from your account.
Transactions are paid in the chronological order they are received, regardless of the dollar amount or method of presentation for payment on the account.
When more than one check is received on the same day, they are processed in check number order.
When automated (ACH) transactions are received on the same day, deposits to your account are posted first, followed by payments. If the balance in your account is exceeded, all subsequent items will be declined to the merchant or returned unpaid without a fee.
There is no cost associated with WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay.
Both overdraft protection and WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay are designed to prevent you from having a transaction rejected due to nonsufficient funds (NSF), saving you any additional fees from a merchant or biller.
Overdraft protection does this by allowing funds to be transferred from a previously designated account (including any savings account or overdraft line of credit you have at Westerra) to pay an item. Overdraft protection will NOT allow the account to be overdrawn (or go into a negative balance) to pay an item.
WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay is a noncontractual courtesy payment program offered at the sole discretion of Westerra Credit Union that works this way: Instead of returning the transaction to the merchant and if your account is in good standing, we may approve your overdrafts within your current available WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay limit without a fee. You will then need to bring your account to a positive balance (or good standing) within 30 days.
Set alerts in online banking to let you know if your account reaches a certain high or low balance or if transactions over a certain amount take place on your account. Online banking is free for all members.
Download the free CardNav App to receive real-time notifications on your phone every time a transaction is made on your account. You can set spending limits, approved merchant locations and types of transactions — and you can turn your cards on or off instantly.
Use the free Westerra mobile banking app to quickly and easily check your balances.
Record all your automated transactions, bill payments, online banking transfers, checks, debit card transactions, ATM withdrawals and other payments. Be sure you are tracking your actual balance, not just your available balance.
Ask us to automatically transfer funds from your other accounts when there are not enough funds in your spending/checking account to cover transactions. Choose the order you prefer to have funds transferred from – call us at 303-321-4209 or inquire at any branch to set it up:
Share account - Transfers are made in increments of $25 up to your available balance.
Money Market Account (if applicable) - Transfers are made in increments of $25 up to your available balance.
Overdraft line of credit (if applicable) – The amount needed to cover the transaction is transferred. Any fees and minimum payment are based upon the amount advanced. Apply at any branch or call us at 303-321-4209.
Westerra credit card – For debit card transactions, the amount needed to cover the transaction is transferred, up to your credit limit on the credit card, for a 2% cash advance fee. For all other methods of payment, transfers are made in the nearest increment of $25, up to your credit limit on the credit card, for a 2% cash advance fee. Complete this form to set credit card cash advances as overdraft protection. Apply for a Westerra credit card online, at any branch or call us at 303-321-4209.
When funds are depleted from the accounts you designated, Westerra may pay your transaction at our discretion through WeGotYa/Courtesy Pay.
After the above options are accessed, if available, and there are still insufficient funds in the available account balance at the time of the transaction, the transaction will be declined, without a fee. However, you might have to pay fees from the company you intended to pay.
Wire transfers are a way to electronically transfer funds from one person or entity to another person or entity.
Quick tips:
Do not wire funds to anyone who overpays for something sold online or sends a check or money order, then cancels the deal and asks you to cash the check and wire back the money.
Give checks or money orders you receive from a stranger time to clear your accounts before you use the funds. Check with your financial institution for guidelines. If something feels off, it probably is.
To find your full 13-digit account number, log in to online banking, select the account that you would like your funds transferred from or to, then select "Account Information".
Domestic and international wire transfers are typically sent the same business day if they are submitted prior to 2:00 p.m. MT. Otherwise, your wire will be sent the following business day.
Request an outgoing domestic wire transfer here or visit one of our branch locations. There is a $20 fee for domestic wires.
Request an outgoing international wire transfer here or visit one of our branch locations. There is a $50 fee for international wires. Please note that you will need to provide a correspondent bank that is compatible with the receiving financial institution. Please contact the receiving financial institution for guidance and information about the specific institutions they work with, as Westerra Credit Union does not have this information.
The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) Code is a unique identification code that may be required by some banks, broker-dealers and investment managers for the completion of international wire transfers.
Grandparent Scam: When you receive an unexpected phone call where the con artist poses as a relative in distress or someone claims to represent their relative and requests that your funds be transferred to them immediately.
Lottery/Sweepstakes Scam: When the victim receives a call or a letter stating that they have won a prize and in order to claim the prize, they must first pay taxes. You have not really won the sweepstakes if you are asked to pay to collect your winnings. Foreign lotteries are illegal — you have not won.
Craigslist Scam: When the victim sells an item online and is paid with a check for a larger amount, the scammer will request that the remaining funds be wired back to them.
Sweetheart Scam: When the scammer sends the victim a large check and requests some of the funds be wired back to them. These scammers usually gain your trust or could make you believe that you are in a relationship with them.
Email Wire Fraud: When a criminal hacks into someone else’s email account, impersonates them, then proceeds to reach out to their contacts and requests funds be wired to the hacker's accounts.
Rental Scam: When scammers post property rental ads to lure unsuspecting renters and request a deposit and upfront rent payments via wire transfer.
Title Company Scam: When the victim receives communication from someone claiming to be from a title or escrow company with instructions on where to wire funds.
Do not wire funds to anyone who overpays for something sold online or sends a check or money order then cancels the deal asking you to cash the check and wire money.
Give checks or money orders you receive from a stranger time to clear your accounts before you use the funds. Check with your financial institution for guidelines. If something feels off, it probably is.
