Frequently Asked Questions

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General Savings Accounts Checking Accounts Credit Cards Loans

General

Do I have to have a savings account?

Yes, in order to establish membership with Baton Rouge Telco, you must open a savings account with a $5 minimum balance. The $5 will be held for the life of the account.

What’s my routing number?

Baton Rouge Telco Federal Credit Union’s routing number is 265473320.

Why should I contact Telco when I travel out of state?

To protect our members, Telco uses a monitoring service that tracks all member accounts for unusual transactions. When we know you’ll be making a purchase in another state or country, we can cancel any automated fraud protection measures from disrupting your trip. Log into Online Banking to contact us securely with your travel plans.

How is a credit union different from a bank?

Credit unions are democratically operated by members, and the board of directors is made up of volunteers from the membership. Members can save and borrow at better rates with fewer fees at a convenient, safe financial institution that exists to benefit them, not to make a profit. Plus, each member gets one vote, giving members an equal say in how the credit union is operated.

Are my family members able to join BR Telco?

If you are a member of Baton Rouge Telco, your parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, stepparents, or stepchildren are eligible to join.

Is my money secure?

Your money is safe and secure at Baton Rouge Telco Federal Credit Union with savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

How do I become a member of BR Telco?

If you live, work, or attend school in one of the following parishes (Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, Saint Helena, Tangipahoa, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana), you are eligible for membership. You can apply online or by visiting one of our convenient branch locations. If you are a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, step-parent, or stepchild of a BR Telco member, then you’re eligible to join too!

Savings Accounts

How do I enroll in eStatements?

It’s super easy! In our Mobile App, tap on More in the bottom menu, then tap eStatements. Or from Online Banking, select eStatements in the top menu and follow the prompts.

What happens when my certificate matures?

Certificates that have matured will automatically renew for the same term at the new APY if we are not notified in advance. However, you have a 10-day grace period to close, withdraw funds, or transfer to a new certificate after maturity. This can be done by calling us, texting us, or visiting a branch.

How do I find a high-yield savings account near me?

If you are looking for the best savings accounts in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, consider Baton Rouge Telco! Our Money Market account is ideal for growing your money. The high-yield savings account offers competitive interest rates, no monthly fees, and allows up to six withdrawals per month. You only need a minimum deposit of $2,500 to get started.

Checking Accounts

What is the difference between Overdraft Protection and Overdraft Privilege?

Overdraft Protection: If funds are unavailable in your checking account, we will transfer money from your savings (if available) to your checking account to cover the transaction. This service is available at $5 charge per item.

Overdraft Privilege: By opting into this service, we will authorize your checking account to accept charges, even if the funds are not available, up to $500. There is a $30 transaction fee for each charge submitted to your overdrawn account. Opt-in now by logging into Online Banking and selecting “Opt-In” from the Secure Forms menu.

How can I check my balance?

Online Banking, Mobile App (with Quick Access widget options), text banking, MANDI, and more! Checking your balance is quick and easy with all of our digital banking tools. Standard text message and data rates may apply from your wireless carrier.

Is a debit card included with your checking accounts?

Absolutely! Our checking accounts allow you to make convenient debit card purchases online and in person.

Does Baton Rouge Telco offer overdraft protection?

Yes, with our Overdraft Protection, you can link your Baton Rouge Telco savings account to your checking account. If funds are unavailable in your checking account, we will transfer money from your savings (if available) to cover the transaction to avoid an overdraft fee. This service is available at a charge of $5 per item.

Can I set up direct deposit to my checking account?

Yes, you can set up direct deposit with your employer to have your paycheck automatically deposited into your checking account. This provides faster access to your funds and eliminates the need to visit a branch.

Are your checking accounts insured?

Yes, all of our checking accounts are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000.

Do your checking accounts include free online banking and bill pay?

Yes, all of our credit union checking accounts include free online, mobile, and text banking. With online and mobile banking, you can conveniently pay bills, check your account balance, and take care of other banking tasks. You can also use our mobile app for remote check deposits, which saves trips to a branch. Also, with text banking, you can receive account alerts to stay informed about your account balance and transactions.

Can I access my account when I’m traveling?

Yes, through Co-Op Shared Branching, you can access your bank account through over 5,000 shared branches nationwide!

Can I make ATM withdrawals when I’m traveling?

Yes, you'll have access to over 120 local ATMs without being charged a fee, and 73,000 nationwide. This allows you to make convenient ATM transactions while you are traveling.

Do I need to be a member to open a Baton Rouge Telco checking account?

Yes, you will need to become a Baton Rouge Telco member to open any of our checking accounts. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in one of the following Louisiana parishes:

Ascension
East Baton Rouge
East Feliciana
Iberville
Livingston
Pointe Coupee
Saint Helena
Tangipahoa
West Baton Rouge
West Feliciana

Parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, stepparents, or stepchildren of Baton Rouge Telco members are also eligible to join.

Is there such a thing as a high-yield checking account?

A high-yield or high-interest checking account at a bank or credit union offers dividend payments at rates approaching market yields. Baton Rouge Telco’s Premier Checking Account is a good example.

Do checking accounts earn interest in credit unions?

Yes, like bank accounts, credit union high-yield checking accounts do earn interest. Baton Rouge Telco’s Premier Checking Account pays interest on deposits of any amount up to $10,000, while our Elite Checking Account also pays dividends³ on balances over $2,500. Baton Rouge Telco Accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $5.

How do I get 5.55% APY on my Premier Checking account?

Simple! Just enroll in monthly e-statements, set up a direct deposit, and make a minimum of 15 transactions each month to qualify. If you don’t qualify one month, don’t worry! You’ll never be charged a penalty, and you can earn the 5.55% APY the next month you do qualify.

Credit Cards

How do I report my credit card lost or stolen?

If you need to report your card lost or stolen, please contact the credit union during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm) at 225.924.8900. If it’s after hours, please call 888.297.3416 for assistance.

How do I receive my Cash Back Rewards on my Cash Back Visa card?

Cash Back rewards are deposited automatically to your savings account every month! Don’t worry about requesting a check, logging in to claim anything, or jumping through hoops. We do the work for you!

What is the fee for a balance transfer?

Zero. Zip. Nada. We offer no-fee balance transfers for all our Visa® credit cards.

Loans

Can I make my loan payments online?

Absolutely! We offer Online Loan Payments as a convenient option to our members through Online Banking, our Mobile App, and automatic payments via Monthly Recurring Payments.

I just paid off my auto loan. When will I get my title?

The majority of Louisiana vehicle titles are electronic and once paid off, printed and mailed by the Louisiana OMV. This process generally takes 2 – 4 weeks.

How do I make a loan payment?

You can pay online, by phone (fee may apply), by mail, or at your nearest branch location. You can also set up a recurring automatic withdrawal payment option.

How much can I borrow for a HELOC?

Home equity lines of credit have a minimum loan amount of $10,000 and you may borrow up to 90% of the combined value of your home.

What types of home loans are available?

Baton Rouge Telco offers real estate loans for new home purchases, land purchases, 1st and 2nd mortgage refinancing with cash-out options, and home equity lines of credit (HELOC). We do not offer loans for mobile homes, condominiums (townhomes are acceptable), or investment properties financed through an LLC.