Account Alerts
Members are encouraged to set up alerts for their Signal Financial accounts. Alerts can help you stay informed about important account activity without having to log in to eBanking, can be set up for any or all of your Signal accounts, and can be sent via email, text, or upon login to eBanking.
Alerts can serve two purposes: fraud prevention and account reminders.
Fraud prevention: Though we always monitor your debit card for unusual activity, you are your own best defense against fraud on your accounts. Protect yourself by monitoring your accounts frequently and setting up automatic alerts. Alerts inform you quickly if there’s an unauthorized transaction or a large withdrawal from your account, a failed eBanking login, or a password change. When fraud is discovered quickly, steps can be taken to minimize the damage and protect your deposits.
Account reminders: Alerts can also be set up to let you know when your balance goes above or below a certain amount, when a transfer fails, when a check clears, when a loan payment is due, or for specific reminders you set for yourself. Using this type of alert can keep you from overdrawing your account or missing a payment.
To set up alerts, log in to eBanking, then go to Options > Alerts. The email address we have on file for you will be displayed at the top of the Alerts Listing page. If this contact information needs to be changed, click Alerts Settings in the secondary gray bar. Use the navigation links in the gray bar to set up your alerts, or use the Edit links in the green bars on the listing page to make changes or add new alerts.
Bill Pay
Bill Pay allows you to pay most personal bills online using your Signal Financial checking account. Payments can be one-time or recurring, and you can choose to have a paper check mailed or to have the funds transferred electronically. Payments can be set up as much as a year ahead of time.
To use Bill Pay:
- Log in to your eBanking account and go to the Bill Pay tab
- Click the Add a Payee button and follow the instructions
After payees are set up in eBanking, they will appear as choices in the Pay Bills menu of the mobile app and the mobile site. Payees may also be added in the mobile app. Transfers may be completed by the next day if made before 3 p.m. on a weekday.
To find out more about Bill Pay or view a demo, log in to eBanking, then go to Bill Pay > Help.
eBanking
eBanking is an online banking portal that allows members to do their daily banking from almost anywhere, anytime. Members can enroll in eBanking after their membership is established by clicking here.
- Check balances and monitor account activity
- View, download, and print statements and tax forms
- Transfer funds between Signal Financial accounts or other accounts
- Pay bills
- Transfer money to individuals (Pay a Person)
- Set up payees, mobile and text banking, and other options
- Set account alerts
- Order checks
- Update contact information
- Secure messaging with Signal Financial’s Member Services Department
- Locate branches and ATMs
Certain features of online banking must be set up on a desktop or laptop computer in the eBanking portal before they will be available on the mobile app, such as Remote Deposit Anywhere (RDA), Me2Me Transfers, and payees for Bill Pay and Pay a Person. Other requirements may apply to use of these services — ask a Member Services representative for more information or assistance.
To find out more about how to enable mobile banking and use the Signal mobile app, scroll down or click to the Mobile Banking section of this page.
To find out more about Text Banking (which is a separate service from the mobile app), scroll down or click to the Text Banking section of this page. Text alerts and Text Banking can be enabled in eBanking on the Text Mobile Settings page. See our Text Banking Quick Guide and our eBanking Alerts Quick Guide for more instructions.
For detailed instructions on using the features of eBanking: click here.
Choosing a Password Reset Question in eBanking:
It’s very important to choose a Password Reset Question and answer, in case you forget your eBanking password. This offers a secure way to reset the password yourself and safeguard your account.
To set up a question and answer: log in to eBanking, and go to the Options tab. Use the fields on the Personal Settings page to create a question and answer that you will be able to remember, but that no one else would be able to answer. After you click Submit, a message confirming the new setting will show at the top of the page. You can reset this question and answer at any time while you are logged in to eBanking.
Security Tips: Choose a question that is not about personal facts that could be easily found out by a stranger, such as the name of your high school or your birth date. Using a full sentence for the answer is more secure than using just a word or two, which is easier to guess. And because only you need to know the answer, there’s no problem with making the answer something completely random or unexpected, like “Puppies are cute” as an answer to the question “What is your favorite book?” Or make the answer truthful but add a random sentence after it: “My favorite book is Jurassic Park. Puppies are cute.” Whatever question and answer you choose, just make sure you can remember them!
If you can’t remember your password: DO NOT attempt to log in again and again, as your eBanking account will be locked after several attempts, and you will need to call Member Services to unlock it for you and reset your password. Just click Forgot Your Password? and then fill out the short form to have an email sent to the address on file. Use the instructions in the email to reset your password. You will be prompted to answer the Password Reset Question as part of the process.
If you get locked out of your eBanking account: call 301-933-9100, ext. 298 during our normal business hours or send us a message from the email address we have on file for your accounts.
Please note: The Password Reset Question is not the same as the security questions that eBanking will prompt you with when you log in from an unfamiliar computer.
eStatements
eStatements are simply account statements that you access from a computer. They do not differ from paper statements except in how they’re made available. At Signal Financial, we strongly encourage members to receive eStatements. Because the credit union is a nonprofit organization, any money saved through switching to electronic statements is returned to members through improvements to services, higher dividends or lower interest rates.
eStatements are not emailed. Members are sent an email notification that a new statement is ready, and they may then log in to eBanking to access it, protected by the same encryption that protects all their account information.
To enroll in eStatements:
- Log in to eBanking on a desktop or laptop computer
- Go to the Home tab, then click on the Statements link
- Follow the prompts
- If you need to update your email address or other options, go to the Options tab
To access your statements:
- Log in to eBanking on a desktop or laptop computer
- Click on the Statements link
- To view or save the statement, click the Download link to the right
- Your browser should give you an option to open or save the file
We strongly recommend that members download or print each month’s statement as it becomes available.
Me2Me Transfer
Me2Me Transfer allows members to transfer money to and from their Signal Financial accounts and accounts at other financial institutions. The daily limit is $5,000.00, and transfers can be one-time or recurring.
Funds may be available as soon as the next business day, although funds transferred from a Signal Financial account to an external account are subject to the receiving financial institution’s availability and transaction processing schedule.
- Send us a secure message in eBanking to request enrollment in Me2Me Transfer
- Once enrolled, log in to your eBanking account and go to the Home tab
- Click the Me2Me Transfer link
- Use the links in the gray bar to add or delete accounts, make transfers, or view completed transfers
Mobile Banking
Our mobile app allows members to check their accounts and do most daily banking functions from virtually anywhere, anytime. iPhone and Android users may now use TouchID™ to login instantaneously, and users may also change their password from the app.
- Check balances and transactions
- View check images
- Transfer funds between Signal Financial accounts or other accounts
- Pay bills
- Transfer funds to individuals (Pay a Person)
- Make remote deposits
- Locate branches and ATMs
To enable mobile banking, log on to eBanking and go to Options > Mobile Settings > Web Mobile Settings. Click the link above for our quick reference guide.
NOTE: To view details of other accounts in the mobile app in addition to checking and savings, first log in to eBanking in a web browser and click on the Options tab. Click the Mobile Settings link in the gray bar, go to Web Mobile Settings, and then check the boxes for any accounts you want to be able to access through the mobile app. Then click Submit to save your choices. These accounts will then be included in the list of your accounts on the app.
| Feature | eBanking | Mobile app/device1 |
|---|---|---|
| Account summary and details | Yes | Yes |
| Locate branches & ATMs | Yes | |
| Transfer funds | Yes | Yes¹ |
| Pay bills | Yes | Yes |
| Pay a Person | Yes | Yes |
| Me2Me Transfers | Yes | Yes2 |
| Text banking | Yes³ | |
| Remote Deposit Anywhere | Yes | |
| View check images | Yes | Yes |
| Change password | Yes | Yes |
| Create or edit account alerts | Yes | |
| Order checks | Yes | |
| Update contact info | Yes | |
| Send secure messages | Yes | |
| Access statements & tax documents | Yes |
1 Standard carrier and data charges apply to all mobile banking services. Check your carrier agreement for more information.
2 Requires initial setup in member’s eBanking account to link outside accounts.
3 Available with mobile devices that use texting. Not a feature of the Signal Financial mobile app.
Notary Services
As a service to members and non-members, Signal Financial provides Notary and Medallion Guarantee services to add legal authenticity to important documents. Each branch has at least one commissioned Notary Public on staff. This service is free during normal business hours—no appointment is necessary.
To have a document notarized, make sure the document is unsigned and all signers bring photo identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport.
Locate the nearest branch here!
Online Security Tips
Signal cares about our members’ security. Our systems are protected by state-of-the art security, but members must also be careful in order to protect themselves from phishing, skimming, and other types of fraud. Please always use care with your online activities, computers, and mobile devices. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, please call our Member Services department immediately at 301-933-9100, ext. 298.
One of the best ways to catch fraud quickly is to check your accounts frequently. Use our Text Banking service to get instant balance and recent transaction info, or use the mobile app or eBanking to check your accounts anytime. Signal does not charge for these services, though your carrier may charge for data or messaging, so please check your carrier’s service agreement before using them.
Our Blog addresses security issues, including how to watch out for skimming at check-out counters and ATMs. Other tips for staying safe online include:
- Use strong online banking passwords: combine lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and make your password long enough to be hard to crack — 8 characters at a minimum. (The mobile app uses the same password as your eBanking account.)
- Change your passwords every few months and do not give out your passwords to anyone.
- Never use your online banking password for any other accounts.
- Create a Password Reset Question in case you forget your password, and make the answer something it would be difficult for a stranger to guess or find out from your social media accounts.
- Do not give out your personal information via email, on Facebook or other social media, or to anyone who calls to ask for it. Signal will never call you to ask you for your account number or social security number; we will only ask you such personal information to identify you when you call us.
- Do not make an online payment on a site that does not have good security. Look for a lock symbol in the address bar of your browser, and the prefix “https://” before the website address. If these do not appear, it’s best not to put your card information into that site.
- Safeguard the physical and digital security of your devices: keep your software up to date, use a locking code, and do not click on suspicious emails, links, or websites.
Overdraft Protection
Overdraft Protection Coverage Options
Unexpected overdrafts occur from time to time. We can help with Overdraft Coverage. Consider these ways to cover overdrafts:
- Overdraft Protection Link to Another Deposit Account you have at Signal Financial Federal Credit Union (no fee for transfer)
- Overdraft Protection Line of Credit (subject to interest; subject to credit approval)
- Overdraft Privilege ($31 Overdraft Fee per item)
OVERDRAFT PROTECTION SERVICES apply to all transactions and may help prevent overdrafts by automatically transferring funds to your checking account from another account or line of credit you may have at Signal Financial Federal Credit Union for a finance charge. Please note that overdraft lines of credit are subject to credit approval
OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE allows you to overdraw your account up to the disclosed limit for a fee in order to pay a transaction. Standard Coverage includes checks, ACH (auto debits), recurring debit card transactions, online bill payments, and telephone and internet banking transactions. Extended Coverage includes checks, ACH (auto debits), recurring debit card transactions, online bill payments, ATM withdrawals, everyday debit card transactions and telephone and internet banking transactions.
To sign up or apply for these services:
- call us at (301) 933-9100 x298
- complete the ODP Consent Form and bring it to any branch
- e-mail us at memberservice@signalfinancialfcu.org
Pay a Person
The Pay a Person feature is part of Bill Pay: simply designate a person rather than a company as a payee (recipient).
- Log in to your eBanking account and go to the Bill Pay tab
- Click the Add a Payee button and choose Pay a person
- Choose the payment method:For Direct Deposit, input the recipient’s routing and account numbers if you know them. For Email, provide their email address and create a secure keyword so they can login and provide their account information themselves. You may also request that a paper check be mailed.
- Designate the amount and other options and schedule the payment
Transfers may be completed by the next day if made before 3 p.m. on a weekday, but may be subject to availability requirements at the payee’s financial institution.
To find out more about Pay a Person or view a demo, log in to eBanking, then go to Bill Pay > Help.
Remote Deposit Anywhere
Remote Deposit Anywhere Quick Guide
Remote Deposit Anywhere (RDA) allows members to deposit checks from a smartphone without having to travel to a branch. This service is available only in our mobile app.
- Set up your eBanking preferences to include mobile banking
- Download and open the Signal Financial mobile app
- Use the Deposits menu in the app to take photos of the front and back of your check and make a deposit
Please be aware that deposits may not be available until the afternoon of the next business day. Other restrictions may apply. Please contact Member Services for assistance or more information.
Text Banking
Members may now receive basic account information by text message. Once this feature is set up in eBanking, users may text Signal Financial from a mobile device for balance and transaction information, without the need to log in—for example, if you need to quickly check how much you have in your checking account before making a purchase.
The ability to check your balances at any time is key to protecting yourself from fraud. Text banking is one way Signal makes it easier to monitor activity on your accounts.
To enable text banking, go to Options > Mobile Settings > Text Mobile Settings. Or click the link above to access our quick reference guide.
Please note: Text Banking is a separate mobile-based service that does not require the Signal app.
VISA Purchase Alerts
VISA Purchase Alerts Quick Guide
Signal Financial members who have VISA® debit or credit cards may now set up purchase alerts for their cards. These alerts do not affect any alerts you may have set up in eBanking, and apply only to purchases made with Signal VISA credit and debit cards.
Be notified when a purchase made with your card:
— was above a certain dollar amount
— was made outside the US
— was made online or over the phone
Purchase alerts can notify card holders almost immediately when their card has been used without authorization, and help reduce fraud, which is a good thing both for members and for the credit union.
Please read our quick reference guide, linked above, for instructions. It only takes a few minutes to protect yourself—you’ll be glad you did!
Wire Transfers
Signal Financial offers the added convenience of wire transfers for our members.
- Outgoing Wires—Domestic: $30
Wiring instructions for Signal Financial are as follows:
- Please submit your request between the hours: 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Be prepared to show adequate identification
- Members in the Washington Metropolitan area must go to a Signal Financial branch
- Members outside of the Washington, DC, area, call 301-933-9100, ext. 298 or email memberservice@signalfinancialfcu.org for assistance.
If you wish to wire money to your Signal Financial account, please provide the originating bank the following wire instructions:
Signal Financial FCU
Kensington, MD
Routing Number: 255075495
Further Credit: (member name, number, account suffix)
For more information, please call Signal Financial at 301-933-9100, ext. 298