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FAQs

  • To see your pending transactions you will need to log into Online Banking. Once there you will see a sub-tab at the top that says "View Holds and Pending ACH." From here you will find any outgoing transactions still pending, and any direct deposit transactions that are pending."

    Keeping up with your Visa® credit card account has never been easier. To check balances, review transactions, make payments, and more, log into your account.

    With Astera's Make a Payment tool, paying your loans is fast and easy to do.

    Log into Make a Payment. If it is your first time using our Make a Payment tool, you will omit a password and will be directed to set that up in the following screens.

    Our Make a Payment tool can also be accessed from the services tab at the top of the page.

    Need additional help? Click here for our step-by-step guide.

    Save to Win is our free prize-linked savings program that rewards members for contributing to their own savings account. Just open a 12-month Save to Win share certificate with at least $25, and you'll be entered to win monthly and quarterly prizes. In addition to gaining regular interest on your savings, each additional deposit of $25 gives you more chances to win! Members can earn up to 10 entries per month, so the more you save, the more chances you have to win. Visit Save to Win to learn more.

    The yourMONEY account was created for people between the ages of 15 and 25. It was developed with your unique financial needs and wants in mind. Whether you're just starting out and deciding what college to attend, looking to buy a new car, or saving your extra money to buy your own place, the yourMONEY account will help you manage your finances.

    Astera Wire Transfers Instructions:

    1. To Alloya Routing # 272478075
    2. For further credit to: Astera Routing # 272481952
    3. For final credit to: Member's Name & Account # (no dashes or spaces) at Astera (specify checking or savings).

    You can access a Wire Transfer Request and Agreement online.

    There are three ways to change your email address on file with Astera Credit Union.

    1. Online - Simply log in to Online Banking and click on "Self Service" then "Personal Information" to make your edit.
    2. By Mail - Send your new email address to us in the mail. You must include your signature and the name change form.
    3. In Person- You can always stop by a branch location and meet with us personally. Bring a photo ID such as a Driver's License for identification.

    Email address changes for Online Banking or Bill Payment must be made in Online Banking on the tab where you signed up for those services.

    Your email address for Account Alerts is changed in Online Banking under "My Updates" and "Preferences".

    Yes for our members only. You may stop in at any of our branch locations for our Notary services.  There is no charge for members to use this service. Please bring along a photo ID.

    We believe trading paper statements for e-statements helps save our precious resources, while cutting out unnecessary clutter. Losing the paper trail also means gaining security. The less you leave for identity thieves, the more you can avoid falling victim to fraud.

    You can sign up for e-Statements through Online Banking. Sign in and enroll today!

    Kasasa checking is our FREE, rewards based checking system. For doing things you are probably already doing on a monthly basis, you can earn higher dividends or cash back!

    Kasasa checking is our FREE, rewards based checking system. For doing things you are probably already doing on a monthly basis, you can earn higher dividends or cash back!

    Our rates are subject to change at any time. Review our current rates and fees today!

    Yes! We offer Health Savings Accounts at Astera Credit Union, you are able to open a HSA online today!

    Consult with a specialist today to figure out which plan works for you and your loved ones.

    We have partnered with trusted insurance companies to offer you exclusive member discounts on products and services to meet your family's needs and budget.

    We offer exclusive member discounts on

    • Home and Auto Insurance
    • Health Insurance
    • Life Insurance

    Astera offers different plans to serve different financial goals: Roth, Traditional, and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. Talk to an Astera representative about our IRA options, and we'll help you find the best option for your personal situation.

    Absolutely! With online banking you always have access to your monthly statements.  Simply print them for your records when they become available.

    Nope! Your account will remain open, and with Shared Branching you still have access to any in branch needs you may have.

    All tax forms are sent out by the 31st of January.

    Likely the largest debt you'll ever take on, a mortgage is a loan to finance the purchase of your home. Your home is collateral for the loan, which is also a legal contract you sign to promise that you'll pay the debt, with interest and other costs, typically over 15 to 30 years.

    If you don't pay the debt, the lender has the right to take back the property and sell it to cover the debt. To repay the debt, you make monthly installments or payments that typically include the principal, interest, taxes and insurance, together known as PITI.

    Unfortunately we are unable to process your request online. To get your account number, you can log into Online Banking, or you will need to visit any of our Astera locations and a member service representative would be happy to assist you.

    Check deposits usually take 2 business days to deposit into your account, but can sometimes take up to 7 days. To see the status of your deposit, please contact us.

    We absolutely will accept coin deposits! In fact, we have coin counting machines at our Jolly and W. Saginaw Hwy. locations to accommodate our members.

    Our other locations unfortunately do not have the machines, so you will need to roll your coins before you bring them in for deposit.

    Unfortunately, we are unable to process your request online.  To find out what your PIN is or change your PIN, you will have to stop into one of our Astera locations and speak with a Member Service Representative.

    To contact us please submit a question using the button below. A Member Service Representative will get back to you as soon as possible. Or, you can contact us at 517-323-3644.

    For Astera Credit Union’s ATM locations, click here.

    Being a member of Astera means you don't have to travel to the ends of the earth just to find a free ATM. There are thousands of connected ATMs in the CO-OP network, allowing you 5 free transactions to our members. If you’re a qualifying Kasasa account holder you can get up to $10 refunded each month.

    Being a member of Astera means you don't have to travel to the ends of the earth just to find a free ATM. There are thousands of connected ATMs in the CO-OP network, allowing you 5 free transactions to our members. If you’re a qualifying Kasasa account holder you can get up to $10 refunded each month.

    Use the easy online ATM locator or download the app (iPhone or Android) to find the nearest ATM, no matter where you are in the U.S.

    Absolutely.  You can deposit cash or even a check at any Co-op ATM.

    The amount automatically set is a maximum withdraw of $500.00 a day.

    ATM withdrawals are free of charge if funds are withdrawn from an Astera Credit Union ATM.

    Withdrawals from an ATM other than the previously mentioned are granted up to five times. Withdrawals made after those five times will be charged a fee of $2.00 per transaction. Please note that balance inquiries on an ATM other than an Astera Credit Union machine will also be charged a fee of $2.00 per inquiry.

    Astera Credit Union’s routing (or ABA) number is 272481952.

    The Routing Number is also called an ABA number or routing transit number. You can also find it in the lower left- hand corner of your checks.

    Routing numbers identify the financial institution from and to which funds are transferred. They allow companies and individuals to know which specific financial institution has the account in question.

    Astera Credit Union is a great place to work! To see current openings please visit our Careers Page.

    Please see the list of 2019 closings below.

    2019

    • New Years Day - Tuesday, January 1
    • MLK, Jr. Day - Monday, January 21
    • Presidents' Day - Monday, February 18
    • Memorial Day - Monday, May 27
    • Independence Day - Thursday, July 4
    • Labor Day - Monday, September 2
    • Columbus Day - Monday, October 14
    • Veterans' Day - Monday, November 11
    • Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 28
    • Friday after Thanksgiving - Friday, November 29
    • Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24
    • Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25
    • New Years Eve - Tuesday, December 31

    To view our hours of operation at our various branch locations, please visit our Locations page!

    We take great pride in our community and love to give back. Please visit our Community Involvement page to learn more. Keep up with all the great things Astera is doing by liking us on Facebook.

    The Credit Union does not have a swift code. We have a routing number, 272481952. All international wires must come via a United States Bank.

    Routing numbers identify the financial institution from and to which funds are transferred. They allow companies and individuals to know which specific financial institution has the account in question.

    A routing transit number comes in the form of a nine-digit number that usually precedes the account number found at the bottom portion of checks.

    You can see if you are eligible by going to our Membership page. You can also view the Michigan counties we support.

    Join Astera Credit Union today!

    Astera Credit Union has various branch locations with convenient hours to make your life easier!

    You don't have to fret over being caught out of town without access to your credit union. Astera is part of a network of credit unions across the U.S. you can visit whenever you travel.

    Administrative Office 111 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, MI 48917 Phone: 800-323-0048 Fax: 517-323-4414

    Astera Credit Union is insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. Government Agency. This is an independent agency that regulates charters and insures the nation’s credit unions. Funds on deposit are insured up to $250,000. Learn more about the NCUA by clicking here.

  • We require full coverage insurance for an auto loan that Astera takes on as lien holders.

    We have partnered with trusted insurance companies to offer you exclusive member discounts on products and services to meet your family's needs and budget.

    We offer exclusive member discounts on

    • Home and Auto Insurance
    • Health Insurance
    • Life Insurance

    For more information, please visit our Insurance page!

    If the loan is paid off with cash, we are able to sign off on the title and release it immediately. If a loan is paid off with a Cashier’s Check or Money Order, in most cases the title will also be released immediately. The title for a loan paid off with a personal check will be released once the check has cleared.

    Click here to contact us. A Member Service Representative will get back to you as soon as possible. Or, you can contact us at 517-323-3644.

    We offer three convenient ways to apply to refinance your auto loan.

    1. Apply Online
    2. Apply by Phone
      • Call us today at 800-323-0048 and a Member Specialist will walk you through the steps to apply over the phone.
    3. Apply in Person
      • Stop by any of our branches and speak to a Member Specialist to get help on your application

    Absolutely! Call us at 517-323-3644 or stop in to get pre-approved for an auto loan. Our pre-approvals are good for up to 30 days.

    We offer competitive loans for new or used cars and trucks to get you back on the road in no time. Because we process loans in-house, you can expect quick decisions and efficiency. Consider getting pre-approved for better bargaining power, or refinance an existing non-Astera loan for a lower rate to save money! We do it all.

    Sometimes you still can qualify with bad credit. Loans are based on your credit history not necessarily your credit score. Call us today, to discuss your options at 517-323-3644.

    Our loans are done in-house so getting an answer is quick, usually within minutes.  For faster results, stop into a branch and get results even faster.

    Yes, we are proud to offer motorcycle loans!

    Apply for your motorcycle loan online today. Call us at 517-323-3644 or stop into any of our branches to apply.

     

     

  • Mortgage programs, Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit each have different escrow requirements. If you’re interested in paying for your taxes and insurance outside of escrow, you may be able to. Some members even choose to pay one of the other out of pocket and Escrow the other. Please speak with one of our mortgage experts about your specific needs at 517-323-0020.

    The Note is the written agreement that a property owner signs when taking out a mortgage. The mortgage note specifies the amount of money that was borrowed, the terms of the loan and the length of the loan.

    An escrow account is established to hold money collected by your lender to pay your hazard insurance and property taxes when they become due. This is sometimes called an "impound account.

    Lenders usually require escrow payments every month to ensure that they have enough to pay the insurance and taxes for you. This is a way for lenders to make sure their collateral is secure.

    For instance, if your home were to burn down in a fire and you had failed to pay your hazard insurance premium; the lender would not be able to recoup the loss. In addition, if you fail to pay your property taxes, the government can foreclose on your property.

    Insurance and taxes vary. You can find out the current taxes from the seller and seek quotes for hazard insurance coverage.

    The specific amount of your closing costs will vary, here are the reasons why the fees may change:

    • A home loan often involves many fees, such as the appraisal fee, title charges, closing fees, and state or local taxes. These fees vary from state to state and also from lender to lender.
    • To assist you in evaluating our fees, we've grouped them as follows: third party fees, taxes and other unavoidable costs, and lender fees.
    • Fees that we consider third party fees include the appraisal fee, the credit report fee, the settlement or closing fee, the survey fee, tax service fees, title insurance fees, flood certification fees, and courier/mailing fees.
    • Third party fees are fees that we'll collect and pass on to the person who actually performed the service. For example, an appraiser is paid the appraisal fee, a credit bureau is paid the credit report fee, and a title company or an attorney is paid the title insurance fees.
    • Fees that we consider to be taxes and other unavoidable costs include: State/Local Taxes and recording fees. These fees will most likely have to be paid regardless of the lender you choose. If some lenders don't quote you fees that include taxes and other unavoidable fees, don't assume that you won't have to pay it. It probably means that the lender who doesn't tell you about the fee hasn't done the research necessary to provide accurate closing costs.
    • Lender fees such as points, document preparation fees, and loan processing fees are retained by the lender and are used to provide you with the lowest rates possible.

    Astera offers our members a lot of options when it comes to finding the right mortgage or equity for each member’s unique situation. Each loan type can have different rules regarding closing costs. You may be able to roll some or all of your closing fees into your loan. When purchasing a new home you may even be able to negotiate the seller to pay some of your closing fees. Please talk with one of our Mortgage experts to find out what your options are at 517-323-0020.

    By getting pre-approved, you will know exactly what your budget will be when shopping for a new home. It eliminates the stress of finding the perfect home, only to find out you cannot get financed for the amount that house is selling for.

    Wouldn't it be nice to stop throwing your money away on rent and start building equity in your own home? Astera offers low-rate home mortgage loans, so you can start calling your own place "home" sooner than later.

    Our stellar loan officers will be there to guide you through every step.

    There are many great features to our Home Mortgage Loans

    • Build equity in your home in Michigan, instead of paying rent to a landlord
    • We offer free quick pre-qualifications for accurate budget shopping
    • Choose from a variety of mortgage loan financing options
    • Local processing ensures fast approvals and efficient processing
    • Personal attentive service from start to closing
    • Talk to an Astera expert lender today to get started

    Visit our Mortgage Web Center and apply now!

    One benefit of being an Astera member is getting access to the lowest rates around. Take out a loan to fund that major expense. We process loans in-house, from application to closing — without all the stress.

    We offer various loans and services to match your desires

    Click here, if you’d like to apply for a loan today.

    For our Astera Equity products, the only out of pocket expense for equity is for an appraisal. As a service to our members Astera covers all other closing cost.

    Wouldn't it be nice to stop throwing your money away on rent and start building equity in your own home? Astera offers low-rate home mortgage loans, so you can start calling your own place "home" sooner than later.

    Our stellar loan officers will be there to guide you through every step.

    There are many great features to our Home Mortgage Loans

    • Build equity in your home in Michigan, instead of paying rent to a landlord
    • We offer free quick pre-qualifications for accurate budget shopping
    • Choose from a variety of mortgage loan financing options
    • Local processing ensures fast approvals and efficient processing
    • Personal attentive service from start to closing
    • Talk to an Astera expert lender today to get started

    Visit our Mortgage Web Center and apply now!

    We offer three convenient ways to apply to refinance your home equity loan.

    • Apply Online
    • Apply by Phone
      • Call us today at 800-323-0048 and a Member Service Representative will walk you through the steps to apply over the phone
    • Apply in Person
      • Stop by any of our branches and speak to a Member Service Representative to get help on your application

    Our stellar loan officers will be there to guide you through every step of the process.

    Visit our Mortgage Web Center and apply now!

     

  • Sometimes you still can qualify with bad credit. Loans are based on your credit history not necessarily your credit score. Call us today, to discuss your options at 517-323-3644.

    To check the status of a loan application you must call 517-323-3644.

    Astera's Audio Banking gives the member banking over an automated phone service. There is only one simple application to complete. Choose your four-digit personal identification number (PIN), and you're ready to go. Use any touch-tone phone and perform a variety of transactions including loan calculations. Once you have your PIN, you can access Audio Banking by calling toll free at 1-888-222-8868. To view our Audio Banking Guide, click here.

    You are also able to utilize Online Banking or Mobile Banking in order to process the payment. A payment can be made by transferring funds to the appropriate loan. These payment methods are free of charge!

    To contact us please submit a question using the button below. A Member Service Representative will get back to you as soon as possible. Or, you can contact us at 517-323-3644.

    Astera Credit Union does offer Personal Loan and/or debt consolidations for our members to consolidate bills and pay off other debts.  There are several options available to most members.  This may include personal loans, home equity loans/lines, or even a first mortgage.

    If you would like to discuss options before applying, simply call a Member Service Representative at 517-323-3644.

    If the funds are in an Astera account, you are able to utilize Online Banking in order to process the payment. A payment can be made by transferring funds to the appropriate loan.

    If the funds are in a financial institution other than Astera, you cannot make payment through Astera’s Online Banking. You can however, use the external financial institution’s Bill Pay service to make online payments. Or you can go to the Make a Payment option on under the Services tab.

    Astera's Audio Banking gives the member banking over an automated phone service. There is only one simple application to complete. Choose your four-digit personal identification number (PIN), and you're ready to go. Use any touch-tone phone and perform a variety of transactions including loan calculations. Once you have your PIN, you can access Audio Banking by calling toll free at 1-888-222-8868. To view our Audio Banking Guide, click here.

    You are also able to utilize Online Banking or Mobile Banking in order to process the payment. A payment can be made by transferring funds to the appropriate loan. These payment methods are free of charge!

    To contact us please submit a question using the button below. A Member Service Representative will get back to you as soon as possible. Or, you can contact us at 517-323-3644.

    If the funds are in an Astera account, you are able to utilize Online Banking in order to process the payment. A payment can be made by transferring funds to the appropriate loan.

    If the funds are in a financial institution other than Astera, you cannot make payment through Astera’s Online Banking. You can however, use the external financial institution’s Bill Pay service to make online payments.

    To check the status of a loan application you must call 517-323-3644.

    Sometimes you still can qualify with bad credit. Loans are based on your credit history not necessarily your credit score. Call us today, to discuss your options at 517-323-3644.

    Astera CU is happy to offer 2 ways to apply for Skip-a-Pay.*

    • Stop into any branch or call us at 800.323.0048 and we'll be happy to assist you. A fee of $30 for each approved Skip-a-Pay applies for in branch applications.
    • Log into your Online Banking account and submit your application and pay a discounted fee of $20 for each approved Skip-a-Pay online application.

    As long as the program qualifications are met, you are allowed a payment skip at any point in the year, once every 12 months.

    There are steps that are taken after your loan is approved. Understand what happens before your loan is disbursed.

    We’ve got details on what you’ll need to start the loan application process and what we do once we have your application. Learn more about the student loan application process.

    It may take 24 hours for documents to come through and for your account to be updated.

  • The Kasasa qualifications calendar are the dates in which you must complete your Kasasa requirements to qualify for rewards for the month. Click here to view the 2020 calendar.

    Overdraft Protection can offer you peace-of-mind even if you do not end up utilizing it! This service protects you in the case of non-sufficient funds. Transfers from a Line of Credit or from funds within your account can be utilized to avoid fees in the case of an overdraft. Your Overdraft Protection can also be covered by Courtesy Pay. This service comes with a $30.00 service charge every time it is used.

    Having to take time out of your day to pay bills can be a real hassle. Avoid making late payments and pay bills from your own computer.

    With our updated One-Click Bill Pay service, paying bills is faster and easier than ever! Need to pay a friend or family member? All you need is their email address and a shared password to quickly transfer funds to another person.

    With features you can set up, like alerts and reminders, you'll find it's easy to keep up with your payments. Login to your online banking account to set up Bill Pay today!

    With Bill Pay you can:

    • PAY in just one click. Find the person or company, enter the payment amount and date, and click “Pay.”
    • VIEW all payees, upcoming bills and payment history.
    • ADD a new payee faster than ever. Click the “Add a payee” button to add a person or company.
    • SET UP recurring payments and save time each month. Simply select “Make it recurring” next to your payee.
    • SEE payment amounts and due dates of upcoming bills. Click on the “eBill” icon next to your payee.

    To learn more about Bill Pay, click here to watch a demo.

    At Astera, we offer several options in checking accounts. Our Kasasa Checking accounts do not require a minimum balance. Our Choice Checking account does come with a $5.00 service charge, for accounts that do not carry a $500.00 daily minimum balance, but you can choose to roll down that service charge by doing things you may already be doing such as:

    1. Enroll for E-Statements - $3.00 reduction
    2. Have at least 1 automatic direct deposit (ACH) or online bill payment clear per month - $1.00 reduction.
    3. Utilize your Astera Credit Union MasterCard debit card – for every transaction per month you will receive a $0.10 cent reduction.

    A $30 fee will be applied to your account, in order to stop payment on a check/draft.

    You have up to 30 days to bring your account current if it should go negative. The next thing you should do is take action to prevent this from happening again. How? Set up another account as a failsafe to transfer funds if your checking account happens to go negative for any reason. Or, you can sign up for Overdraft protection, which the credit union will cover any overages you accidently may incur.

    To contact us please submit a question using the button below. A Member Service Representative will get back to you as soon as possible. Or, you can contact us at 517-323-3644.

  • Direct Deposit is a free, convenient and reliable service where members may have their regularly recurring checks deposited automatically to the credit union by EFT (electronic funds transfer).

    Our Routing Number/ABA is 272481952.

    Under the requirements of the Patriot Act, all banks must do an identity check on a new customer. They use "customer identification programs" (CIP) that compare your name, address, date of birth, and other facts to the information contained on your credit report. Your credit score would not be damaged by that step.

    The CIP regulations require institutions to implement reasonable procedures for:

    • Verifying the identity of any person seeking to open an account, to the extent reasonable and practicable
    • Maintaining records of the information used to verify the person’s identity, including name, address, and other identifying information.

    Banks also review ChexSystems and sometimes credit report data during the process of determining if a customer qualifies to open a new account. Under FCRA regulations, the bank has to have a permissible purpose such as "intend[ing] to use the information in connection with a credit transaction involving the consumer" in order to pull a credit report and must obtain the consumer’s consent first.  A hard inquiry like this could cause a small credit score ding.

    Kasasa Saver is our savings account that pairs with our Kasasa Checking accounts. This savings account comes with high dividends earnings.

  • Call 517-323-3644 anytime to report your card lost or stolen. The representative will status the card lost or stolen immediately. Additionally, you will want to request a new debit card and PIN. A new PIN will be assigned to your debit card, however, you may customize your PIN once you receive the new card and PIN mailer.

    Generally it takes 7-10 business days for you to receive your new card. If you need it sooner, ask the Member Service Representatives for alternative delivery options.

    To replace your debit card a $10.00 service charge will be applied.

    One benefit of being an Astera member is getting access to the lowest rates around.

    Our Debit Cards are good at anywhere in the world that accepts MasterCard.

  • To make a transfer from your checking account to your loans through Online Banking, click on Transfers. Select the share you want to transfer from and the loan you want to transfer to.

    While logging in with your user name, you can click on the “Forgot Password” link and setup a new one.

    Yes, you can access your account through online banking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also track all your finances and budget your money using MoneyDesktop within Online Banking.

    To contact us please call us at 517-323-3644 to speak with a member service representative.

    Bill Pay through Astera Credit Union does allow you to make loan payments from another financial institution monthly. Please note the first payment through Bill Pay should be made 10 days in advance in order to ensure that the payment is processed on time.

    There are NO fees for using our Online Banking service.

    Members can easily manage accounts from their own computers — free of charge. Log on to easily check account balances, transfer funds, make loan payments, and more.

    Any account you have with Astera, can be viewed with Online Banking.

    Members can easily manage accounts from their own computers — free of charge. Log on to easily check account balances, transfer funds, make loan payments, and more.

    Any transfers done via Mobile Banking are reflected immediately.

    Depositing checks online or from your smart phone is available at Astera Credit Union. Download our app today to get started. The app will ask you to perform tasks such as uploading images of your check.

    You will be sent a one-time PIN the first time you try to log in to your app.  The PIN will be sent to the email address Astera has on file for you. This PIN will need to be entered the first time you log in and never again.

    Any account on file can be viewed through our Mobile Banking app.

    Astera provides its customers with the latest technology. Now you can manage your accounts from the convenience of your smartphone.

    Download the app to have instant access to easy account management.

  • You don't have to fret over being caught out of town without access to your credit union. Astera is part of a network of credit unions across the U.S. you can visit whenever you travel.

    Details:

    • Access over 5,000 credit unions all over the United States
    • Bring the following with you when you visit an in-network credit union:
      • Valid government issued ID
      • Astera account number
    • Several easy ways to find the nearest branch

    Yes! We allow members of other credit unions to come into our branches to conduct transactions.

    Just about! The services offered to you at a shared branch include:

    • Withdrawals
    • Deposits
    • Loan Payments
    • Money Orders
    • Cashier Checks