New Year, Digital Tools: The Services You Might Not Know You Already Have for your Convenience and Protection

As you start fresh in the new year, it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re getting the most out of your credit union membership — especially the digital tools already at your fingertips.

1. Online & Mobile Access – Check balances, transfer funds, and pay bills anytime, anywhere.
2. Digital Statements – Go paperless with eStatements — safer, faster, and eco-friendly. View past e-statements from one convenient location when you need to review them.
3. Mobile and Remote Deposit – You can snap a photo and deposit directly through your online and/or mobile banking app. Fast. Easy. Safe. Secure. And no need to leave the comfort of your home or office.
4. Real-Time Card Controls and Card Freeze – Instantly follow your transaction VISA card history by setting up notifications on your Excel Mobile App or through Online Banking. Then, once purchases are made you will be notified. Right at your fingertips … another step you can take toward fraud prevention and your account security. For your Excel MasterCard debit card take charge of usage on your card. With Card Valet easily lock/unlock your card, set usage preferences and spending limits to monitor how your card is used and set interactive alerts to monitor your transactions. These notifications are valuable for fast awareness if your card is used outside of transactions you have made. Sign up today. Installing the Card Valet app and connecting to your account is easy. For more information on Card Valet and this added step of protection please click here. Every recommended step you take adds another level of security and protection to your accounts as fraud continues to rise. We’ve got you!
5. GreenPath Financial Wellness Coming Soon – We are bringing you an upgrade in financial literacy from what is currently offered. Stay tuned to our website and look for GreenPath soon. As a better way to improve your knowledge and financial wellness through enhanced webinars, financial counseling, and educational programs in 2026. Partnering with GreenPath we have your best interest at heart. Stay tuned at www.excelfcu.org.
6. Payment App Compatibility – Seamlessly link your Excel accounts with PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Cash App and other payment apps for easy payments and transfers. Simply follow the requirements of your preferred payment app(s) and input your Excel account information that is required.
7. Fraud Prevention by setting your member alerts/notifications via online banking and/or your mobile app. Know when transactions are made on your account instantaneously.

These tools are already included with your membership. If you haven’t explored them yet, now is the perfect time to log in and tap into all the convenience, safety options , and control you have for 2026. Peace of mind – no added cost.

2026 Credit Union Scholarship Information Coming Soon!

Scholarship applications and information will be available online beginning January 30, 2026. Each year we offer three $1000 scholarships to area high school seniors who will be attending an accredited college in the fall.

Be on the lookout for full details by visiting our website. Be sure to tell any high school seniors you may know who have excelled in their academic and community pursuits to join Excel FCU to get their financial foothold and to apply. Applications are secure, and entirely online.

Applications will be inclusive of essay video that highlight applicants answers to a proposed essay.

Stay tuned!

RELAX. KICK BACK. There’s Still One Month Left to Skip a Payment!

Use the extra funds to relax knowing you’ve got one less bill to worry about. It’s our way of helping you ease into the New Year.

• Available on qualifying loans
• Quick and easy to apply – Start now!
• A little extra room in your holiday budget

Get started by completing the online skip-a-pay application.

*Not all loans are eligible for the skip a pay program. Finance charges will continue to apply. A fee of $25 will be assessed for each loan you skip. Other terms and conditions may apply; see credit union for full details.

Stay Alert: Latest Financial Scams & How to Protect Yourself

Common scams we’re seeing right now:

• Fake account alerts claiming your card is locked or needs verification
• Phishing emails or texts that look like they’re from trusted companies, or trusted emails.
• Scammers posing as family or friends asking for emergency money and creating a sense of urgency for action.
• “Too good to be true” investment or loan offers

How to protect yourself:

• Never click links from unexpected emails or texts. Be vigilant to carefully look at email addresses.
• Verify requests for money — even if they seem urgent. Do not give personal information or money until you have verified with your institution directly. Pause.
• Use varied and strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on all of your accounts.
• Monitor your accounts regularly using online or mobile banking. Set up notifications/alerts for immediate awareness of unauthorized transactions.

Remember – We will never ask you to provide personal information like your password or account number, ask you to click on suspicious links, or to send money via gift cards, PayPal, etc., to resolve problems with Excel. If you receive an unexpected or suspicious message take pause, screenshot the information and call us directly before you respond! We are here to help protect you.

Special Member Announcements

1. Stay Informed – Do you stay in the know about Excel? Follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram for all things Excel. Check our website often where you’ll find valuable information to answer your questions and inform you about all of our amazing products and services, community events, closings, and more. If you have unsubscribed to email, please reconsider subscribing again. Also, please keep your preferred email address and contact information updated with us as well. Stay informed.
2. Moneyline – You talked and we listened. Call and get fast access to your accounts for 24-hour banking. So many upgrades from the MoneyLine you were used to in years past. We now have a Spanish option and too many features to mention. Give us a call and follow the prompts for a full menu of anytime access options. For fast access and to go past the other prompts when calling go to Option 7. We’ve got you with easy phone call anytime access! Learn more.
3. Holiday Savings Accounts – Save a little each month and get your lump savings sum between October and December of 2026. You’ve got this! Learn more.
4. Tax Prep Tips – Tax season is right around the corner but the best time to prepare is now. Getting ahead early can help you file faster, reduce unneeded stress, and even uncover opportunities to lower your tax bill before the deadline.
   • • Gather your key documents now so that nothing is missed when you file.
   • • Secure your W-2s and 1099s (employment, investment income, freelance work, etc.), pull any mortgage interest or student loan interest statements and have those ready.
   • • Be sure to also gather charitable donation receipts, childcare, tuition and education expense records and any retirement or HSA contribution statements.
5. Financial Wellness – Your Path to a Bright Financial Future Begins Here! As a benefit of your membership, in 2026 we will be partnering with GreenPath Financial Wellness to provide you with more robust access to one-on-one financial counseling, debt management services, and financial education tools. Be on the lookout. You will have access in Spanish and English!

Get a head start and gain a little more peace of mind.