Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for these accounts?
Numerica’s field of membership is everyone to works, lives or worships in Washington State. WSECU is limited to those who work for, or are related to someone who works for state or local government; or works for or attends schools or state colleges.
I can’t get a bank account – how can you help me?
If you have a record in ChexSystems, which indicates that you have had an account closed because of insufficient funds, banks and credit unions will refuse your application until you have cleared it up, and sometimes for years afterward. Through Neighborhood Assets, you can open a provisional account and get help resolving your banking debts in order to work your way back into full banking privileges. You will be given a savings account to start with, and by attending financial classes or counseling, saving money every month, and following a repayment plan, you will work your way into an ATM card, then a checking account, and then full membership over time.
I don’t make much money – why should I have a credit union or bank account?
People who don’t have a bank account are more vulnerable to losing their cash or having it stolen. They pay higher fees for check cashing services and small loans. And most importantly, they are unlikely to save any money for emergencies, much less invest in the future. Mainstream banking is the first step to getting your finances in order today and working toward a better life for yourself and your family tomorrow.
How much will membership cost me?
There is no charge for credit union membership in either Numerica or WSECU, and the minimum balance for both checking and savings is only $5.00. There are no check fees or other hidden fees. Of course, if you bounce a check there will be fee, and there are fees and interest involved in taking out a loan.
I work during the day when you’re open – how can I enroll?
Call our office at 456-7378 and make an appointment to come in when you can. You will apply for membership at that time, and then come back in to sign your paperwork and pick up your membership card a few days later. After you have become a member you can use any of the branches of your credit union or several others that offer shared branching, or bank by phone or online.
I hear that you don’t cash checks or accept cash deposits onsite – how does that work?
Neighborhood Assets, located in SNAP’s downtown office, does not have the security in place to handle cash. When you need to cash a check or deposit cash, our staff will make arrangements for you to see someone at a nearby credit union on the shared branching network. For example, if you are in our offices we will send you to the nearest branch of STCU that is 3 blocks away, to deposit or withdraw cash. Or you can visit a branch of your credit union anytime for full cash services.
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