COVID-19 Quick Reference
You have questions, we have answers.
As part of our commitment to helping members with their everyday banking needs, we continue to assist members to minimize the severity of any impact on their finances stemming from the pandemic. To reflect recent changes in California's guidelines and regulations around social-distancing, we have revised some of the information provided below. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for here, check out our more comprehensive COVID-19 FAQs page.
Stimulus Check Planning Tool
The IRS has started disbursing the second round of stimulus checks. For members still waiting to receive their funds —and even for those who already had it deposited— you now have free access to a tool that helps you plan how to allocate the funds based on your current needs and priorities. So, not only will you be able to spot any errors with your payment, you'll also be able to budget what you do receive accordingly.†
- The COVID-19 Stimulus Check Planning Tool provides members a way to compute how much money you are eligible to obtain from the coronavirus checks promised by the US government and how to budget those funds through a series of questions.††
To access, click here, or copy and paste the following link in your browser’s address bar: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8G1vDNkz27VGIMR - For additional information regarding this tool, visit our COVID-19 FAQs page.
Conducting Transactions
For your convenience during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Federal Reserve Board has helped us make accessing your funds via ATM and Digital Banking even easier. Members may now exceed the maximum of six (6) transfers or withdrawals from their First500, Secondary Savings, and Money Market Accounts.^
- Digital and Mobile Banking channels are always available 24/7 and offer convenient services such as:
- Bill Pay: The easy way to pay your bills online.*
- Mobile Deposit: The no hassle way to make your loan payments or check deposits. All you have to do is Sign, Snap, and Submit!
- You can also click ATMs & Branches to find your nearest CO-OP ATM. With nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, you’ll find one is never too far away.
Financial Relief Assistance
- Skip-A-Pay is available for qualifying Consumer Loans.
- To request a forbearance on your First Mortgage:
- Sign into your account via Digital Banking
- Select LOANS & CREDIT CARDS > Mortgage Portal
- Click Secure Messaging > COVID19 Hardship Topic
You also have the option to complete this online form or, if you prefer to speak to a representative, you may call 877.498.9409. For all other types of loans, please contact us at 888.800.3328 or Secure Message us via Digital Banking.##
Reaching a Representative
- Call 888.800.3328
- Send a Secure Message via Mobile or Desktop Digital Banking
- Make an Appointment online to speak with a Member Service Representative at a time that's most convenient for you.
References and Resources
- For general inquiries or concerns about how the current situation may impact your account(s), visit our designated COVID-19 FAQs page.
Important Safety Notice
Everyone’s safety remains our top priority. You should know:
- We maintain strict sanitizing protocols within in the branch and the Corporate Office building.
- We strongly recommend all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face mask when visiting a branch. Visitors will be asked to remove your mask briefly for security and/or identification purposes.
- In adherence to social distancing recommendations, we are limiting the total number of individuals allowed inside at one time. Individuals not conducting credit union business, or providing assistance to those who are, will not be permitted to enter.
To further protect yourself and others:
- Do not enter if you are sick, reside with someone who is sick, or feel sick/are exhibiting symptoms.
- Do not enter if you or someone you live with has tested positive for SARS-COV2 (coronavirus).
For assistance with obtaining information about COVID-19, email us at MemberService@firstent.org.
Thank you for your understanding and continued membership.
^As of 10/1/2020, First Entertainment eliminated the federal regulations stipulating the limitation of six (6) withdrawals or transfers from savings account per month, known as Regulation D (Reg D) after the rule was suspended by the Federal Reserve Board indefinitely. Reg D states a savings account is limited to no more than six (6) transfers or withdrawals per calendar month (or statement cycle) for the purpose of transferring funds to another of the depositor’s accounts at the same institution or making third-party payments by means of pre-authorized, automatic, or telephonic transfers or transfers or withdrawals made by check, debit card, or other similar order made by the depositor and payable to third parties. For complete details, please refer to the Account Agreement & Disclosure Regulation D Addendum.
*Learn how to sign up for Bill Pay at firstent.org/banking/digital-banking.
#Not all applicants will qualify. Terms and conditions may apply. Regular underwriting guidelines apply. For rates and complete details, please contact the Credit Union during normal business hours at 888.800.3328.
##Terms and conditions may apply. Proof of hardship may be required loan deferment. Please contact the Credit Union at 888.800.3328 during normal business hours for complete details.
†Estimate based a variety of factors including, but not limited to, previous year's tax filings, adjusted gross income, and presence of qualifying dependents. For complete details, visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.
††COVID-19 Stimulus Check Planning Tool was created and made available by Common Cents Lab and is not affiliated with First Entertainment Credit Union.