Have questions? We have answers.

Check out LCU’s most frequently asked questions, collected from all of our branches over the years. If you don’t see your question here...

• Call us at 800-649-4646. Our Contact Center is at your service to answer your questions about LCU financial products and services.
• Visit any LCU branch to talk with our helpful member service professionals.
• Contact us with your questions for easy, quick and secure answers.

Question: How do I get direct deposit?
Answer: To get direct deposit you will need your account number and LCU's routing number. You must then decide how much you want to deposit and how often you want it deposited. All of this information should be submitted to your employer and they will take care of the rest. Please note that it may take 1-2 pay cycles for the direct deposit to go through.

Question: What is a routing number and what is it used for?
Answer: A routing number is a nine-digit number used to identify a specific financial institution, each one is unique to the institution. Routing numbers, found on the bottom of checks, deposit slips and negotiable instruments, are used to "route" automatic transactions to the correct financial institution.

Question: What is LCU's routing number?
Answer: LCU's routing number is 211383736.

Question: How old do you have to be to have a checking account with LCU?
Answer: A potential member must be at least 16 years of age to open a checking account with LCU. We offer A+ checking accounts for members ages 16-22, and a parent/guardian must be on the account until the member is 18 years of age.

Question: Do I have to be a member to redeem a bond?
Answer: No, you do not have to be a member. We will cash bonds for non-members up to $1,000 and will cash bonds for existing members up to any dollar amount with proper identification.

Question: What is the difference between 'EE' and 'I' bonds?
Answer: The most distinct difference between EE and I bonds is the amount of interest earned. When you purchase a EE bond, you will pay half of the bond's face value (i.e. if you purchase a $50 EE bond, you will only pay $25). The bond will earn interest each year based on the current rate and will reach full maturity after 30 years. When you purchase an I bond, you will pay the full face value of the bond, however, the bond will earn more interest over time than an EE bond. An I bond will earn interest based on the current rate and will reach full maturity after 30 years. Check out www.usbonds.gov to learn more and to see how much your bonds are worth today!

Question: Does LCU charge fees to cash "on-us" checks (checks that are drawn on an LCU account)?
Answer: LCU is proud to cash on us checks, for both members and non members, with no fees!

Question: Does coin have to be rolled to be cashed in?
Answer: Your coin must be rolled if you would like to cash it in at the teller line. However, for your convenience, the Clinton and Leominster branches offer a coin cashing machine that will accept unrolled coin for a nominal fee.

Question: Does LCU sell traveler's checks?
Answer: Yes, LCU does indeed sell American Express Travelers’ Cheques. They are available in packages of $150, $250, $300, $500, and $1000 in denominations of $50’s or $100’s. There is service fee for Travelers’ Cheques.

Question: Do I have to be a member to purchase a money order?
Answer: Yes, the funds to purchase a money order must be withdrawn from an account here at LCU.

Question: Will I be charged a fee for not keeping a certain balance in my account?
Answer: We offer several checking account options that do not have a minimum balance requirement. However, depending on the type of account you open with us there may be a minimum balance requirement. Our basic savings account has a minimum balance of $25.00 however there is no fee if you happen to fall below that balance. Please review our product line for details.

Question: Does LCU sell gift cards?
Answer: We sell American Express gift cards. AMEX Gift cards can be purchased at each of our offices in denominations of $25, $50 and $100. There is a charge to purchase one of these cards.

Question: Why is there a daily purchase or withdrawal limit on my debit card?
Answer: There are limits on your debit card to prevent your account from being completely drained in the event that your debit card information is stolen or somehow compromised. In some instances we can temporarily raise the limit for a one-time large purchase. This is done on an individual request basis.

Question: What is the difference between and bank and a credit union?
Answer: The biggest difference between the two is that credit unions are nonprofit organizations owned by their members. Because its customers are partial owners, a credit union tends to produce a high level of customer satisfaction. Credit unions focus on the best interest of the member, while banks often have to focus on providing dividends to the bank's shareholders.

Question: What do I do if I have a transaction on my account that I did not authorize?
Answer: If you have suspected fraud on your account you must first make a good faith attempt to reconcile the situation with the company that withdrew the funds. If they are unwilling or unable to help, then we may be able to assist. In order to dispute the transaction we would need you to provide us with the details surrounding your attempt to obtain a refund. Once we have this information in writing we will credit your account within 10 days. We will continue to research this transaction. If it is found that the transaction was indeed valid, we would then remove the credit from your account.

Question: Is my money safe?
Answer: Having your funds on deposit with LCU is indeed safe. At all credit unions, including LCU members' funds are federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000. Furthermore, members' funds are protected through MSIC for up to $600,000 on single accounts and up to $1.2 million on joint accounts.

Question: What is the difference between current balance and available balance?
Answer: Your current balance includes all deposits including checks that may not be immediately available for your use. Your available balance shows you what you can use at that time excluding any outstanding checks.

Question: On what criteria is a loan approval based?
Answer: Loan approvals are based on several criteria. The loan officer reviews your credit history, ability to pay, and collateral being used to secure the loan.