Check Card FAQs

Q Do I need to activate my Check Card?
A Yes. This also applies when you have two or more check cards for one account. Each card has a different card number and will need to be activated individually.

Q I have several accounts and have received several Check Cards. How do I know which Check Card goes with each account?
A Please call the credit union during business hours at (209) 549-8500 and a Member Service Specialist will assist you.

Q What information will I need to activate my card?
A To activate a card, you will need the following information:
- The card number.
- The Social Security Number of the Primary Account Holder.
- The six-digit birth date of the Primary Account Holder (for example 041353 for April 13, 1953).

Q How do I activate my Check Card?
A The telephone number(s) available to activate your card will depend on the year-of-birth of the Primary Account Holder. See NOTE below:
- Call the credit union during business hours at 549-8500.
- Call Valleyline 24 hours a day at (209) 524-5132 or (800) 266-8328.
- Call (209) 549-4820 24 hours a day.

NOTE: When the Primary Account Holder's year-of-birth is 1950 or earlier, Valleyline and the 549-4820 number will not activate the card. In that case, call the credit union during business hours to activate the card.

Q Is the Check Card an ATM card?
A It is an enhanced ATM card. The Check Card does everything an ATM card does, plus it can be used to purchase over the telephone, on the Internet and at any point-of-sale location displaying the VISA logo.

Q Is the Check Card a credit card?
A No, it is not a charge card. All transactions will be deducted from your checking account.

Q How am I protected when using my Check Card to purchase over the telephone or on the Internet?
A Your Check Card has Address Verification Protection. Any purchases made over the telephone or on the Internet can only be shipped to the address that is on the account. However, it is always a good idea to follow general safety precautions when using your Check Card or VISA Credit Card over the telephone or Online.
- Never give your card number to a solicitor that calls you on the telephone.
- Before ordering Online, be sure the ordering process is secure. Look for the padlock icon on the browser taskbar in the lower right hand corner of your screen.

Q If I have a Valley First ATM Card will I automatically receive a Check Card?
A Check Cards were initially mailed to members with a Valley First ATM Card and a Checking Account in good standing. If you did not receive your Check Card, or would like to apply for one, call the credit union at 549-8500.

Q Will I be charged more fees?
A No. Actually, there are fewer, if any fees. The credit union is not charging fees on Check Card transactions; however, merchants or non-Valley First ATMs may charge a surcharge. To avoid these surcharges: - Use an ATM owned by Valley First Credit Union or Washington Mutual Bank.
- Use an ATM displaying the CO-OP logo.
- When possible, make a VISA/credit transaction (rather than a debit/ATM transaction).

Q Will my previous ATM PIN work for my Check Card.
A Yes. If you have any difficulties you may bring your card into the credit union to customize your card with a PIN you choose.

Q Can I get cash back with a VISA/credit Check Card transaction?
A It depends on the merchant and the way the machine is set up. Typically the VISA/credit side does not give you the option for cash back.

Q If I do not have the funds in my checking account will the transaction be approved?
A No. You must have the funds in the account at the time of the transaction for it to be approved. If you have funds in you Savings Account or an Overdraft Line of Credit you can transfer the funds to your Checking Account and the transaction will be approved.

Q How do I find out if a Check Card transaction has cleared my account?
A Use Online Services or Valleyline to check whether a transaction has cleared your account.
- Online Services at www.valleyfirstcu.org
- Valleyline at 524-5132 or (800) 266-8328. In Menu Mode, select (4) Histories, then (3) Share History and enter your Checking Account ID Number (this is usually 80). In Expert Mode, select 25#.