Stay Informed on our Response to COVID-19

All of our decision-making related to COVID-19 has been, and will continue to be made with the safety of our members and employees in mind. Our current plan is to continue operating select branches with drive-thru only service at this time. 

Available Branches (Drive-thru and ATM Service ONLY) 
Avon, Bloomfield, Cromwell, East Hartford, Enfield, Glastonbury, Manchester, Newington, South Windsor, Southington, Vernon, and West Hartford

Hours of Operation

Contact Center (toll-free 800.842.0145)

• Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Branch Drive-thru (Lobby is currently closed)

• Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

ATMs are available 24/7 at all locations.

Temporarily CLOSED branches:

• ​Farmington Branch
• North Haven Branch (ATM and VTM available)
• Plainville Branch (ATM available)
• East Hartford High School Branch
• Pratt and Whitney Middletown Branch
• Pratt and Whitney L-Mezzanine Branch​

AEFCU is offering the following services in a limited capacity:

• Notary services are only available in the East Hartford, Glastonbury, and Manchester branches only.
• ​Branches are not currently able to execute wires; however, wire transactions may be conducted through Online Banking. Call 800.842.0145 if you need assistance.
• We're not able to accept coin deposits at this time.

Our Member Contact Center is experiencing longer hold times due to increased volume. For your convenience, we outlined information from our most typical calls as well as self-service options that you may find helpful during this time.

• Q: How can I check my balance or transfer funds between accounts?
  A: Complete standard requests such as obtaining your current balance, transferring funds, and more through Online Banking, our Mobile App, or by calling Telephone Banking at 800.843.1151.
• Q: How can I check the status of my loan?
  A: Find information about the status of your Personal or Auto Loan here and the status of your Home Loan, Home Equity Line of Credit, or Home Equity Loan here.
• Q: I used my AEFCU Debit Card at a store and the transaction double posted to my account. What should I do?
  A: To report incorrect or unusual activity, please send us a Secure Message within Online Banking.
• Q: I'm concerned about my ability to continue to make my loan payment(s) to AEFCU. What should I do?
  A: We have solutions to assist you during this time. Click here to explore our payment extension options.
• Q: I'm concerned about fraud. What can I do to protect my account(s)?
  A: Download AEFCU’s SecurLOCK App, which allows you to lock your card when you don't need it and unlock it quickly when you do. You can even control the types of products and services that can be purchased and where transactions can take place. Visit this link and use the buttons on the right to download. 
• Q: I'm new to Online and/or Mobile Banking. How do I enroll?
  A: Enrolling is fast and easy. Visit this link and click "Register Now." Once enrolled for Online Banking, you can visit your App store to download and use the Mobile App. Your Username and Password for Online Banking and the Mobile App are the same. Once enrolled in Online Banking, there are many things you can do - pay bills, transfer funds, view transactions, and use our secure forms for account issues 24/7. 
• Q: What are the different ways I can make a payment on my mortgage or loan with AEFCU without coming into a branch?
  A: To find different ways to make a payment on your mortgage or loan click here. 
• Q: I'm having trouble reaching your Member Contact Center. How else can I contact you?
  A: Secure messaging is available inside Online Banking to send an email to an AEFCU specialist. Also, Online and Mobile Banking as well as ATMs are available 24/7. Select branches are operating with drive-thru service only. For your convenience, we also have a Chat feature on our website, which is available during current business hours. See "Business Hours & Branch Operations" up above.
• Q: What services are currently available at your branch locations?
  A:  Drive-thru services are available at select branches, and ATMs are available 24/7 at all branches. Current hours and open branches can be found up above under "Business Hours & Branch Operations". Solutions for those experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 can be found here. 
• Q: How do I transfer money between American Eagle FCU and another bank or credit union?
  A: You can find information on various ways to transfer money to and from other financial institutions here. 
• ​Q: Is American Eagle participating in the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program?
  A: Yes. We're pleased to announce access to the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program          (PPP) through our partnership with Kabbage - a leading, preferred online lender. We're ready to accept PPP loan applications through our partner website. Learn more here.
• ​Q: Why are your hours and the number of available branches limited?
  A:  We can appreciate the frustration that comes with the temporary closure of your local branch or a reduction in hours. We require a certain number of employees to operate a branch safely and effectively. As you may already know, we’re working with reduced staff levels at this time for a variety of reasons including employees who are not feeling well, those who are not currently comfortable working with the public, and those who have children at home due to school closures. We know this is a challenging time for all and we are doing everything we can to be there for you as much as possible.
   

To be sure you receive the most up-to-date information, please ensure we have your current email address on file and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

To support members and prospective members affected by COVID-19, American Eagle Financial Credit Union has several flexible product and service options to alleviate financial pressures.

For Anyone 

0% Interest Short-term Bridge Loan
Get a 0% APR (Annual Percentage Rate), 12-month loan for up to $5,000. Apply online or call 800.842.0145, ext. 4181. First payment is due 90 days from loan origination. No prepayment penalties. Subject to credit approval. Offer is subject to change without notice.

Payment Example: $5,000 loan at 0% APR for 12 months equals a loan payment of $416.67. Payments start 90 days from loan origination and loan balance is amortized over twelve-month loan term.

For Existing Members 

Payment Extension Options

• Free payment extensions for up to three (3) months are available for existing AEFCU fixed rate Home Equity Loans, Auto Loans, and Personal Loans. To learn more or take advantage of this option, please complete the online form here (you will hear from a representative within 72 hours or three (3) business days) or call 860-569-5555 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Terms and conditions apply.
• Existing AEFCU Mortgages may also qualify for payment assistance options such as a forbearance, a temporary suspension of your mortgage payment for up to three (3) months. To apply, visit the Cenlar website and complete the presented form. After submitting your form, you will hear from a representative within five to seven (5-7) business days. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need to register if this is your first time visiting the Cenlar site.
  • You can also access the form from your AEFCU Online Banking account. Once logged in, within your Accounts screen, click on your mortgage which will prompt a View More Information option. When clicked, you will be brought to a website with a red Alert bar in the middle of the page. Click Learn More and complete the form provided. Again, if this is your first visit to the Cenlar website, you’ll need to register.
  • Alternatively, you may call 877.906.1672, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 8:00 pm. Please note that wait times are extremely long due to increased volume. Registering on the Cenlar website and completing the form is recommended.
  • For your convenience, you can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about mortgage forbearance here. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is an excellent resource to provide information. 

• Existing AEFCU Student Choice loans are also eligible for forbearance for up to three (3) months. In this instance, the temporarily suspended payments, along with any interest accrued during such period, will be spread out for the remaining term of the loan. See example below. Learn more here or call University Accounting Services at 800.723.2210. Terms and conditions apply.
  
  If a member’s loan is in repayment the monthly payment is $100 per month, and the remaining term on the loan is 12 months, the forbearance amount of $300 will be divided by the remaining term of 12 months, and added to the regular monthly payment. ($300 forbearance / 12 months = $25; New monthly payment = $125). Members that have selected the interest-only payment option during their in-school period will be offered the opportunity to convert into a deferred payment option. Those members that choose to do so will be allowed to revert back to the interest-only payment option at any time upon their request.

Visa Credit Card Skip-a-Pay

Qualified, existing AEFCU Visa Credit Card holders were offered no payments due for the months of April and May. Upon receipt of their statements, they will see $0 for the payment due, but will also have visibility to what their payment would have been should they not wish to take advantage of this option. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.

Fee Waivers for Credit and Debit Card Replacements

Rush fees for replacement AEFCU Credit and Debit Cards are being automatically waived effective immediately.

Elimination of Foreign ATM Transaction and Inquiry Fees

The $1.50 ATM inquiry fee for AEFCU members using ATMs at other financial institutions is being waived effective immediately. NOTE: Members may still be assessed a fee from the other financial institution.

Change to Transaction Restrictions (Reg D)

The Federal Reserve has made a change to Regulation D requirements which restricted an accountholder’s ability to withdraw or transfer funds out of savings and money market accounts (non-transactional accounts) to six (6) convenience transfers per month. Convenience transfers include ACH and auto withdrawals, online banking transfers, and other not-in-person transactions. Effective immediately, this restriction has been removed and you will be allowed to process unlimited transactions on your savings, club and money market accounts. We’re pleased to pass this positive news along to you especially given the current environment and the reduced ability for members to access branch locations.

Q: What is forbearance?
A: Forbearance is a temporary suspension of your monthly mortgage payment (i.e., your payments are suspended for a set period of time). In addition, credit reporting and late charges are suppressed for the duration of the plan. It’s important to be aware that at the end of the forbearance period, the temporarily suspended payments will be due.

Ex: John has a monthly mortgage payment of $1,000 and opts for a forbearance in January. When the forbearance period ends in March, he will owe $4,000 on April 1st ($1,000 for April payment and $3,000 in back payments).

Q: What are my options for repayment at the end of the forbearance?
A: At the end of the forbearance period, you may have three (3) options available to you depending upon your income and loan status:

1. Make Suspended Payments
   This option is the first one explored to see if the entire amount owed can be paid (current month plus three (3) months of payments that were temporarily suspended).
2. Repayment Plan
   In the event the entire payment amount can't be made, a repayment plan is considered. The entire amount due is required to be paid back within six (6) months. In order to qualify for the repayment plan, your financial situation is reviewed to ensure you can afford the additional amount due every month.
   ​​Ex: John has a mortgage payment of $1,000 per month and he owed $4,000 at the end of his forbearance period. He arranged to pay $1,500 in April, leaving an outstanding amount due of $2,500. For the next five (5) months, John will pay $1,500 per month until the back due balance is paid. His regular mortgage payment of $1,000 will resume in October.
3. Modification
   The last option to be considered is modification of your mortgage. An application will need to be completed and submitted along with all required documentation. All possible modification options will be reviewed based upon your current financial situation. A loan modification can help you succeed financially with future mortgage payments.

A representative will reach out to you prior to the conclusion of your forbearance period to determine next steps.

Q: Am I eligible for forbearance?
A: If you have been directly impacted financially from the COVID-19 pandemic, you may qualify for a forbearance plan for a minimum of three (3) months in order to recover from this difficult time. Visit https://www.loanadministration.com/ or call 877-906-1672 for assistance.

Q: Am I eligible if my employer has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: If your employment status has been impacted, you may qualify for a forbearance plan. Visit https://www.loanadministration.com/ or call 877-906-1672 for assistance.

Q: Do I need to apply for forbearance?
A: Yes. To apply, visit the Cenlar website and complete the presented form. After submitting your form, you will hear from a representative within five to seven (5-7) business days. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need to register if this is your first time visiting the Cenlar site.

• You can also access the form from your AEFCU Online Banking account. Once logged in, within your Accounts screen, click on your mortgage which will prompt a View More Information option. When clicked, you will be brought to a website with a red Alert bar in the middle of the page. Click Learn More and complete the form provided. Again, if this is your first visit to the Cenlar website, you’ll need to register.
• Alternatively, you may call 877-906-1672, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 8:00 pm. Please note that wait times are extremely long due to increased volume. Registering on the Cenlar website and completing the form is recommended.

Q: Can forbearance be offered for longer than three (3) months?
A: Towards the end of the plan period, your financial status will be reassessed to determine eligibility for further workout options which may include an extension of the plan or a loan modification. Additional eligibility requirements may apply.

Q: Can I submit payments during the forbearance plan?
A: Yes, you can submit payments during the forbearance. However, payments will not be applied to your loan until the forbearance period ends. You are not required to make any payments during the plan period. However, all payments that were forborne will be due at the end of the forbearance period.

Q: Will I still receive billing statements during the forbearance?
A: Yes, we are required to send you a billing statement every 30 days. Please refer back to your forbearance letter, which outlines the terms of your forbearance. You will not be required to make any payments during the plan period. In addition, you are not being assessed late charges or receiving adverse credit reporting during the plan period.

Q: Will I receive letters advising me of delinquency status?
A: Yes, we are required to send certain letters to ensure compliance with your investor guidelines. Please refer back to your forbearance letter, which outlines the terms of your forbearance. You will not be required to make any payments during the plan period. However, all of the payments that were temporarily suspended will be due at the end of the forbearance period. In addition, you are not being assessed late charges or receiving adverse credit reporting during the plan period.

Q: How do I cancel my forbearance?
A: To discuss options for terminating the forbearance, please contact us at 877-906-1672.

IMPORTANT: American Eagle does not have influence over the approval, denial, processing, funding, or forgiveness of loans through the partnership with Kabbage. We are a referral source in an effort to provide access to the PPP.

Questions about the PPP?

• Review our FAQs
• Contact Kabbage at 888-351-3143 or ppp@kabbage.com
• Visit the SBA website

IMPORTANT: American Eagle Financial Credit Union does not have access to who will receive a check, by when, or for what amount. 

The Treasury Department and the IRS announced they are issuing stimulus payments with pre-paid debit cards instead of checks to 4 million eligible people who have not yet received their stimulus payment and do not have direct deposit information on file with the IRS – they’re called EIP (Economic Impact Payment) Cards. Reminder that eligibility requirements and payment status can be checked here. A couple of things to note:

• The card is being mailed by Metabank. It will arrive in a plain envelope marked from "Money Network Cardholder Services." 
• The debit cards can be used for online purchases, at retailers, and to take out cash or transfer funds from the Allpoint network of ATMS. It cannot be used for a cash advance. If you withdraw from one of AEFCU's ATMs, there is a $500 maximum withdrawal amount per day.  You can then deposit the cash into your AEFCU account via drive-thru, or right at the ATM.
• Sample card pictured below:

• The cards do have fees associated with them. We encourage you to read the materials that come along with the card. 
• For other updated information from the IRS visit irs.gov.

Source: irs.gov

Contact Tracing Text Scam

There’s no question, contact tracing plays a vital role in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. But scammers, pretending to be contact tracers and taking advantage of how the process works, are also sending text messages. But theirs are spam text messages that ask you to click a link. Check out the image below. Unlike a legitimate text message from a health department, which only wants to let you know they’ll be calling, this message includes a link to click. Don't be scammed.

Stimulus Payment Scams

There are some things to keep in mind regarding the stimulus payments and generally during this time:

1. No one should be calling, emailing or messaging you to access personal information in order to process, disburse or finalize your COVID-19 stimulus payment from the government. Those who are eligible do not need to do anything to initiate their stimulus payment.
2. No one has early access to this money. Anyone that claims to is a scammer.
3. The Treasury Department advises: “If you receive calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department and offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond.”
4. With many of us working from home, our company systems are more vulnerable. Please use caution with outside emails and requests for information.
5. With so many folks out of work right now, fraudulent at-home job opportunities and other online job scams will become more prominent in the coming month.
6. Ignore:
   • Cures or vaccines for purchase – they do not exist at this time.
   • Messaging offering masks, gloves, antibacterial lotion, etc.
   • Robocalls and text messages related to COVID-19.
   • Offers of fraudulent test kits.