Background

In 2010, Belco decided that our core processing system (the main computer that handles all of our transactions in the branches and back office bookkeeping) needed to be replaced so that we can offer you, our members, new and valuable services. We also needed a new system to accommodate a credit union of Belco's size.

Because of this, we are switching systems to a new, state of the art software provider.

We began this project in February 2011 and expect to convert to the new system on January 31, 2012. As we enter the final weeks of this project, you'll see more and more communications from us about it. The tiki torch icon to the left is a sign that there is important news about the conversion that you should definitely read. You will see this icon in emails, in the Connections newsletter, on our website, in our branches, and in direct mail.

We're doing this because the new system will allow us to offer better technology to you (a much improved Internet Banking system, with a new mobile phone app, for starters); streamline many of our internal processes that will help us cut expenses; and offer better support for our branch staff so that they in turn can better serve you.

So please keep an eye out for the tiki torch! If you have questions, feel free to ask at any of our branch offices, or call our Sales Center at 1.800.642.4482

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(Please check back at least weekly for new updates!)

Q. When will the conversion take place?
A. The conversion will begin Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.

Q. What happens at 1:00 p.m.?
A. Our branches will close, and will remain closed until February 1, 2012. Our Internet Banking system and Belle will also go offline.

Q. If your branches are closed, how will I get money?
A. You will still be able to withdraw money through ATMs using your Belco debit or ATM card by entering your PIN. This will also work at gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores, etc. Go here for a list of surcharge-free ATMs offered through the CU$ Network. Please note that your daily withdrawal limit during this time is $200.

Q. What if I prefer to sign for my purchases rather than use a PIN?
A. That will also work. 

Q. Will I have to get a new debit card, credit card, or ATM card?
A. No. You will be able to keep using the card(s) you already have.

Q. That's good news. What about checks? Will I have to order new checks?
A. No. We have that covered. Just keep writing checks the same as you always have.

Q. What about Bill Pay? Will that system change?
A. No. All the bills you have set up in Bill Pay will be unchanged after the conversion.

Q. Excellent. What about Internet Banking? 
A. We will be installing a completely new product called Money Manager. Not only will it look better, it will have new and improved functionality. To see a demo of Money Manager, go here.

Q. What about mobile phone banking?
A. You'll be happy to know that we will be rolling out a mobile phone app that will allow quick, convenient, and secure access to your Belco accounts through your iPhone or Android devices.

Q. Where's the bad news? I know there's got to be some pain in a process like this.
A. We're doing our best to minimize any inconvenience to our members. The goal is to make things better and faster for everyone, and be able to offer new products and services, as well as provide new features that make our exisiting products even better.

Having said that, we know that a project of this scale will have a few bumps along the way. Members will need to select new passwords and PINs for both Internet Banking and the new Belle system when they log on for the first time. Because of security measures, we can't transfer the current passwords and PINs from the old system to the new one. The good news is that you only have to reset them the first time you login, and the systems will prompt you through the process. You'll also be able to reuse your current passwords. In addition, the new system will prompt you to select a new security image, which then appears every time you login, so you know you are on the Belco site.

Q. What about my member number? Will that change?
A. No. Your member number will remain the same. However, your deposit and loan numbers will change. Some examples are called for:

  • All primary share accounts (that are required for membership) will change from S1 to 0001.
  • All S4 accounts (checking) will become 0040.
  • An S12 account will become 0120.
  • And so on.

In other words, all DEPOSIT sub-acounts will become four digits long, and all except the primary share will end in zero.

Q. Okay, that's not too hard to figure out. What about certificates?
A. Certificates have their own numbering system, but it's easy. 

Certificates are numbered sequentially starting with 1001. So if you have six certificates, your certificate numbers will be 1001 through 1006. Simple!

IRA certificates are the same, except they start with 2001 and go up from there.

Q. What about loan accounts?
A. Loan accounts will be prefixed with as many zeros as necessary to make the number four digits long. In other words, loan L16 becomes L0016. Loan 123 becomes L0123, etc.

Q. What about my statements?
A. Your statements (both electronic and paper) will receive a new, updated look that will make them easier to read and understand.

Q. What about online statements?
A. If you are currently enrolled in e-Statements, you will have access to twelve month's worth of e-Statement history in the new Money Manager system.

Q. What about my direct deposits? What will happen with them while you're closed?
A. Direct deposits into your accounts, and automated withdrawals from your accounts, that we receive on January 30 and January 31, may not post until February 1. Please plan your finances accordingly. 

 

Please check back often for more updates to the FAQ!