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- What to do if your personal data is compromised
If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States, everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. What to do if your personal data is compromised If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States, everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States , everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. If you receive a notification that your personal and/or financial information has been compromised, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Change your passwords. And while you’re at it, make sure you’re not using the same passwords for more than one login. That’s easier said than done when the average person has dozens of logins to manage, so consider using a password manager like 1Password or Dashlane . These applications will not only remember your login information at every site, they’ll make it easy to choose a unique, hard-to-crack password any time you create an account. But don’t get overconfident—even the password manager LastPass experienced a data breach in 2022 —that’s how common data breaches are.) Set up multi-factor authentication—especially for that password manager you probably just started using. Multi-factor authentication enables you to add an extra layer of protection between your password and your data. After your login information has been correctly entered, with MFA, you’ll automatically receive a phone call or a text message asking you to confirm that you’re the person attempting to access your account, along with a one-time code you can use to prove you’re really you. Take advantage of any free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services you are offered by the organization that was breached. Most companies will offer these services as compensation for the inconvenience they have caused you. Consider adding a verbal PIN or passphrase to your financial accounts. If identity thieves acquire enough of your personal information, it’s possible that they can assume control of your checking and savings accounts by contacting your financial institution and pretending to be you. One way to protect yourself at Vibrant—call us and set up a verbal PIN or passphrase we’ll ask you to provide every time you call. Scammers won’t know you have one unless they call – and it’s much more difficult to crack a password on the phone. Consider setting up a credit freeze. You can place a credit freeze on your credit report, preventing any lender or retailer from pulling your credit as part of a credit application. If you’re not actively in the market for a loan or credit card, then setting up a security freeze on your credit report is an effective way to keep identity thieves from signing up for credit cards of their own. If you later need to apply for credit, you can remove the security freeze either temporarily or permanently. The process is simple, free and can be completed online, via phone, or through the mail. Make sure to contact all three main credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to ensure you’re completely protected. Get complete instructions on setting up a credit freeze from USA.gov. Watch your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious transactions. If you see a transaction that doesn’t look familiar, contact your financial institution immediately to file a dispute. If your card has been compromised, your financial institution can issue you a new number and close the old account. Check your credit report regularly to make sure no one is taking out credit in your name. If you’ve signed up for online banking with Vibrant, it’s easy to keep an eye on your credit report. Log in , go to the TOOLS menu, and choose CREDIT TRACKER. You’ll receive an alert any time your credit report updates—from decreases in your available credit to new accounts added. Consider investing in identity theft insurance. Many homeowners and renters policies include optional identity theft protection that can cost as little as $15 a year. This coverage can provide compensation for attorneys’ fees, lost wages if you need to take time away from work to rectify the damage, and for administrative costs including certified mail, long-distance calls, or notary fees. Talk to our partners at Vibrant Insurance Group to find identity theft coverage that fits your needs. Feeling overwhelmed? Get expert advice from IdentityTheft.gov . This free program from the Federal Trade Commission will walk you through everything you need to do in the event of a data breach or documented case of identity theft (e.g., you have found a fraudulent charge on your credit card). Previous Item Next Item
- Easy Ways to Add Money to Your Account
Getting money into your account is quick—and once you do, you can start taking advantage of our award-winning rates right away. Easy Ways to Add Money to Your Account Getting money into your account is quick—and once you do, you can start taking advantage of our award-winning rates right away. Here are a few simple ways to get started: Transfer Money from Another Bank Already have funds elsewhere? You can move them over in just a few steps using online or mobile banking. Need help? Click here. Deposit a Check from Your Phone No need to stop by a branch—just snap a photo of your check and deposit it through our mobile app. Need help? Click here. Deposit Cash at a CO-OP ATM Near You Need to deposit cash? You can use thousands of CO-OP network ATMs nationwide. Here’s how to find one that accepts deposits: Start here . Click Find an ATM In the gray navigation bar, switch from Simple Search to Advanced Search On the right-hand filters, select Deposit-Taking ATMs Enter your location to find the nearest option Previous Item Next Item
- Understanding why interest rates change
Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Understanding why interest rates change Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. If you’re willing to follow along as we peel back the curtain, you can get a better understanding of what interest rates and how they are impacted by the world around us. What is an interest rate? Interest rates are the cost of doing business. If you want to borrow money from a lender, they’re taking a risk and expect a reward in return. You might be able to borrow money from a friend with nothing more than a promise to pay them back, but lenders don’t work on an honor system. The interest rate determines how much of a reward the lender gets. If you are approved for a loan with a 2 percent interest rate, in the end the lender will get back the total amount borrowed for the loan, plus an extra 2 percent. Think of that extra 2 percent as a tip for services rendered. One term you might see mentioned alongside the interest rate is Annual Percentage Rate (or APR). The APR is the total amount you pay each year to borrow money. Not only does that include the amount of interest paid, but it also considers any fees charged for the loan. Why do interest rates change? The answers you’ve been waiting five paragraphs for are here. Now that you know exactly what an interest rate is, you’re ready to see who is pulling the strings. Government. If the economy is a train, the U.S. Federal Reserve is the conductor. It wants to keep the train moving. If the economy is starting to slow down, the Federal Reserve can lower interest rates. When the interest rates are lower, people are more open to borrowing and spending money, which helps fuel the economy. Lower interest rates also make it cheaper for businesses to borrow money and use it to invest and create new jobs, reducing unemployment. The Federal Reserve is also known as the “central bank” of the U.S. It can create more money and deposit it with commercial bankers, increasing their supply of money. With more money in the bank, lenders can often lower interest rates to their borrowers. Supply and Demand. We all know the feeling of opening up the refrigerator, only to find it empty with nothing inside to satisfy our hunger. Well when you apply for a loan from a lender, they might not have money for you to borrow. They don’t have an infinite supply of cash. If the demand for money is greater than their supply, lenders will charge higher interest rates. Because they may have to borrow from another lender, they will be charged a fee, which the borrower ends up paying for. Inflation. Remember when a ticket to the movies was 25 cents? You probably don’t because that was the price of admission in 1920. Unless of course you’ve invented time travel, in which case we’d love to hear more about that. But back on topic, inflation has dramatically affected the value of our money over time, and that has consequences. Lenders will consider future inflation when figuring out interest rates to ensure that their return will still be profitable at the end of your loan. If you have any questions about interest rates or are in fact a time traveler willing to share your secrets, please get in touch with us . We’re here to help you! Previous Item Next Item
- Vibrant HQ Branch - Moline
Plan your next visit to Vibrant HQ Branch - Moline. Get hours, services, and driving directions. Vibrant HQ Branch - Moline 6600 44th Avenue Moline, IL 61265 United States (800) 323-5109 Get directions ITM (digital banking) hours Lobby hours (including ITMs) Mon 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tue 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wed 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thu 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sat 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sun Closed Services ITM banking Cash-dispensing ATM Deposit-taking ATM Branch lobby open Drive-thru open FAQ
- Vehicle Loans | Vibrant Credit Union
Finance your new or used vehicle with competitive rates through Vibrant Credit Union’s trusted dealership network. Fast, easy, and convenient auto loans to get you on the road. One Stop for Your Vehicle and Your Loan Enjoy a simple, streamlined financing experience — all handled right at the dealership. Find a dealership GetMyCash How it works Financing your next vehicle through Vibrant is simple, fast, and designed to keep everything in one place. Here’s what to expect: Visit a participating dealer— Head to one of our trusted dealerships (see list of dealerships ). Find your vehicle— Shop new or used vehicle with confidence, knowing you have Vibrant financing options available on the spot. Apply and get approved at the dealership— Complete your financing application right there with the dealer — no extra trips or paperwork. Drive away the same day— Once approved, you can take the keys and hit the road immediately. Manage your loan with ease— Track payments, view your balance, and stay on top of your loan anytime through your Vibrant online account or mobile app. Find a dealership We're proud to partner with some of the best dealerships in the region Kunes CDJR Belvidere 1615 N State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 McGrath Chevy CR 1600 51st St. Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Yemm Chevy 2195 N. Henderson St Galesburg, IL 61401 Interested in becoming a dealer? Join a growing network of dealerships partnering with Vibrant to deliver simple, competitive vehicle financing—right at the dealership, with the support and speed your team expects. Learn more Competitive rates designed to fit your budget Convenient on-site financing apply and get approved at the dealership Money in your account fast with same-day funding available Fast, easy process no extra steps, just a smooth path to your next ride Manage your loan anytime directly through your Vibrant account and mobile app Managing your vehicle loan Buying a vehicle is exciting, but there are a few important things to keep in mind after you drive off the lot: Submit proof of insurance While you're paying off your Vibrant loan, the financed vehicle must maintain full coverage insurance. Send us the declarations page from your insurance provider—visit www.myinsuranceinfo.com or c all 800-523-6404. Questions about y our vehicle title Vibrant holds your vehicle title until the loan is paid in full. If you have questions about title status, our team can help guide you through the process. Optional Vehicle Protection Products If you need to cancel ancillary product—such as extended warranties, GAP coverage, or service contracts—contact the dealership or product provider where the coverage was purchased. If you're unsure who to contact, our team can help point you in the right direction. Find a dealership Frequently asked questions How long does approval take? Approvals are almost instant. Once you complete the short application at the dealership, most financing decisions come back within minutes, so you can finalize your loan and drive away the same day. Can I manage my loan online? Yes — you can make payments, view your balance, and track your loan progress anytime through your Vibrant account or mobile app. Can I finance both new and used vehicles? Absolutely — financing is available for both new and pre-owned vehicles. Are the loan terms flexible? Yes. Terms vary based on vehicle age, mileage, loan amount to vehicle value and your credit history. Where can I find a participating dealer? We’re expanding our dealer network rapidly across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. New dealerships are joining Vibrant every month, giving you more places to shop, finance, and drive away with ease. Check back soon for our up-to-date list of participating dealers — chances are, your favorite lot will be on it soon. Do I need to be a Vibrant member to finance my vehicle? Yes — but becoming a member is easy. When you finance through a participating dealer, anyone can join. As part of the loan process, the dealer makes a $5 donation on your behalf to the Be the Good Foundation, so you automatically become a member while supporting community programs.
- What is a certificate of deposit and how does it work?
What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What is a certificate of deposit and how does it work? What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." If you’re unfamiliar with certificates of deposit, it’s an investment tool that allows you to turn the tables on the lender. Instead of paying interest on a loan, the bank pays you interest on a deposit. What is a certificate of deposit? As the name suggests, a certificate of deposit is a deposit. You deposit a specific dollar amount with a lender, but you agree not to withdraw that deposit for a certain length of time. It could be three months, a year, or even as long as 10 years. For as long as you agree to leave the deposit with the lender, you will earn interest on that deposit. Once your certificate of deposit has reached what’s called its “maturity date,” you can withdraw that money, penalty-free. Like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae, you’ll also get to pocket the interest. How does a CD work? The most important parts of a certificate of deposit are the interest rate and the length of the deposit. Generally, the longer you are willing to leave your deposit with a lender, the better the interest rate they’re going to offer you. CDs are an appealing alternative to a traditional savings account because the interest rates are often higher and the rates are fixed. It’s considered a safe investment tool because you’re not at the mercy of the market. CDs are also federally insured, so your deposit is protected. You also have the freedom to shop around and find the lender that offers the best CD interest rates. Is a CD right for you? Do you have a chunk of cash tucked away that you don’t need right now? Instead of collecting dust, that money can collect interest in a CD. It can grow into a bigger chunk of cash that you can then use toward a home, a car, or even a boat if you’re looking to set sail. The risk is obviously that, in the event that you find yourself in a bind, you can’t withdraw the funds without paying a penalty. So it’s best not to think of this deposit as an emergency fund. On the flip side, it can remove the temptation to spend that money. You can consider the CD as safekeeping for savings you might be tempted to spend under the right circumstances. If you’re interested in a Certificate of Deposit, get in touch with us ! The sooner you make your deposit, the sooner you can start growing that deposit into something more. Previous Item Next Item
- Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) right for you?
With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) right for you? With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. You shouldn’t expect to become fabulously wealthy by opening a Certificate of Deposit (CD). But if you’re looking for a safe place to earn a guaranteed return on your savings, right now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. With interest rates rising, many CDs are paying the highest rates consumers have seen in more than 20 years. How is a CD different from an ordinary savings account? In simple terms, a Certificate of Deposit is a type of savings account—one that pays higher interest on your balance in exchange for your promise not to withdraw any funds for a set period of time, which at Vibrant can range from 3 months to 5 years. Further, so long as your deposit balance doesn’t exceed NCUA insurance limits ($250,000 in total deposits per account holder at a single credit union), those returns are guaranteed so long as you don’t need to withdraw your cash early—and it never hurts to have an extra level of assurance considering recent volatility in the banking sector . Talk to us if you’re interested in depositing more than $250,000 for cost-free strategies for maximizing your deposit insurance coverage. The kinds of people who should consider investing in a CD If your current financial goals fall into any of the following categories, a CD might be the right solution for you. You’re saving for a short-term goal If you’ve been setting aside money for a down payment on a home, a new car or boat, a dream vacation, or a wedding, then putting your savings in a CD is a good way to grow your nest egg faster without committing to a long-term investment. You want to jump-start your retirement savings Even if retirement is a long way off, you can invest in an IRA CD at any age—and, right now, potentially earn a better rate of return than you would through your 401(k). With an IRA CD, your investment itself is tax-deductible (similar to the way that 401(k) contributions are made with pre-tax dollars). And, unlike a conventional CD, an IRA CD enables you to put off paying taxes on the interest income you earn until it’s time to make a withdrawal from your retirement plan. You can even roll over your IRA into a different retirement savings plan without tax penalties once your 401(k) starts earning more. You want to protect your cash against inflation When inflation is high, the value of your savings decreases. Putting your savings into a CD can help protect your money by locking in a fixed interest rate until the economy improves. You want a safe and secure place to park your savings CDs are a low-risk way to grow your money. The interest rate is fixed, so you know exactly how much money you will earn. Further, Vibrant CDs are insured by the NCUA, which means your money is protected up to $250,000 per account holder (and you can talk with a banker about strategies to maximize your NCUA coverage if you want to invest more). You want a great rate but don’t have a lot of money to invest While many financial institutions require a minimum deposit amount in the four figures to get their best CD rates, all of Vibrant’s CDs are available with a minimum $5 deposit. The bottom line Before you put your savings in a CD, think carefully about when you will need to access the money you’re setting aside. All financial institutions charge some kind of early withdrawal penalty if you need to close a CD before it reaches maturity—up to and including giving up all the interest you’ve earned to date. Once you decide how long you can afford to set aside your savings, compare your options to find the term and interest rate that work best for you. See Vibrant’s current CD rates, then reach out to one of our personal bankers for help opening an account or open an account online . Disclosures Before you open a Certificate of Deposit, be aware that there may be penalties imposed if you withdraw your money before the end of the term. Unless you specify otherwise, Vibrant's certificates will automatically renew at the end of the term—the 13-month CD automatically renews into a 12-month CD at maturity. Vibrant will contact you before your CD reaches maturity to help you choose not to renew or if you'd prefer to renew for a different term. All Vibrant CDs are federally insured by NCUA. Previous Item Next Item
- 5 money-saving tips for college graduates
To save money, you have to spend less than you earn. Simple enough, right? The truth is that it’s easier said than done. Saving money takes discipline, especially when you’re fresh out of college. No more classes and no more homework, but there are bills to pay and plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned money now that you’ve entered “the real world.” 5 money-saving tips for college graduates To save money, you have to spend less than you earn. Simple enough, right? The truth is that it’s easier said than done. Saving money takes discipline, especially when you’re fresh out of college. No more classes and no more homework, but there are bills to pay and plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned money now that you’ve entered “the real world.” To save money, you have to spend less than you earn. Simple enough, right? The truth is that it’s easier said than done. Saving money takes discipline, especially when you’re fresh out of college. No more classes and no more homework, but there are bills to pay and plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned money now that you’ve entered “the real world.” Here are five simple tips for how to stay on top of your savings after you graduate college. Start with a simple budget You can certainly keep a running list of expenses and then add it up at the end of the month to see if you spent less than you earned, but making a budget might be more helpful. Consider the 50/30/20 approach to budgeting. Set aside 50% of your budget for your “needs” like rent, utilities, and groceries, 30% for your “wants” like road trips, tickets to concerts, and pizza on Friday nights, and the last 20% for savings. The idea is to figure out how much you have to spend on what you need, so that you know how much you can afford to spend on what you want. Make your student loan payments According to the most recent statistics, about 45 million Americans have student loan debt. If you’re one of them, the sooner you start making payments, the better off you’ll be. Most student loans have a six-month grace period after graduation, but you’ll save on interest if you can start paying off that debt sooner. Most importantly, make sure you are making your payments on time. If you have federal student loans and are struggling to make payments, it might be worth considering applying for an income-driven repayment plan. Work on building your credit Need another reason to make your student loan payments? Well, aside from the fact that that debt isn’t going anywhere unless you start paying it off, making payments helps build your credit. It’s an opportunity to show lenders that you are a responsible borrower, improving your chances of being approved for a mortgage or a car loan. You should also explore other ways to build your credit, like applying for a credit card. Just remember to spend responsibly! Keep enough in your savings for emergencies Not all savings is for retirement. And considering you’re a recent college graduate, it’s safe to say retirement is probably not in your immediate future. Savings at your age is about creating breathing room, because a budget will only get you so far before an unexpected expense wrecks your budget. You can start by aiming to save at least 20% of your paycheck and setting it aside in a high-yield savings account. Consider that your emergency fund. If you can reach the point where you have at least $500 set aside for emergencies, you’ll have a great start. Understand the basics of investing The next best thing to saving your money is investing it. Now before you start dreaming about trading on Wall Street, there are simpler ways to invest than buying individual stocks. You can invest your income in a retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA, allowing your money to grow over time due to compound interest. Retirement may be in your distant future, but your future self will almost certainly be thankful you invested as early as you did. If you are interested in learning more about how you can start saving post-graduation, please get in touch with us . The learning never stops, even after college! Previous Item Next Item
- Vibrant ITM - Bettendorf
Plan your next visit to Vibrant ITM - Bettendorf. Get hours, services, and driving directions. Vibrant ITM - Bettendorf Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen 3230 Ridge Pointe Bettendorf, IA 52722 (800) 323-5109 Get directions ITM (digital banking) hours ITM teller on duty Mon 8:30am-5:00pm Tue 8:30am-5:00pm Wed 8:30am-5:00pm Thu 8:30am-5:00pm Fri 8:30am-5:00pm Sat 8:30am-12:00pm Sun Closed Services ITM banking Cash-dispensing ATM Deposit-taking ATM Interested in learning more about one of our accounts? Book time with a banker FAQ
- News & Blog | Vibrant Credit Union
Learn about the latest developments at Vibrant and check out our blog for sound advice about your finances. News Vibrant CTO Pete Nohelty joins Metal Blockchain Advisory Council His appointment brings unparalleled expertise in tailoring blockchain solutions for credit unions, focusing on critical areas such as digital payments, stablecoins, digital identity, and private subnets, thereby amplifying Metal Blockchain's value for financial institutions. Read more at Metal Blockchain > Read more in American Banker > Vibrant named among top 50 "Best Credit Unions to Work for" Vibrant ranked #41 on American Banker's survey of the Best Credit Unions to Work for. Winners were chosen based on two employee surveys asking their assessment of their employer's leadership and planning, corporate culture, communication, and overall engagement. Listen at Gallup.com > Investing in and developing people leaders at Vibrant In Gallup's Called to Coach webcast, Jon Sexton (senior vice president of culture and leadership development), VP of corporate services Jennie Powless, retail sales director Lola Williams, and branch manager Jane Evans talk about Vibrant's leadership development training and how it's helped them grow in their careers. Visit OurQuadCities.com > Vibrant shows off more images of updated arena Moline-based Vibrant Credit Union shared some additional images that were introduced at Thursday’s announcement of the renaming of the TaxSlayer Center to Vibrant Arena at The MARK effective Sept. 1. Read more > Quad-City Times: Art creates good vibes A Quad Cities artist is creating custom murals at Vibrant branches across the region. Visit Quad Cities Business > New HQ captures Vibrant Credit Union’s culture Vibrant's new corporate headquarters, located in a former Sam's Club building, is "by far the coolest building I've ever worked on," Russell Construction project manager Sarah Perkins told the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal. “Most banking facilities feel very banking-like … this one has an overall collaborative feeling.” Visit CUTimes.com > CU Times: Vibrant PPP loan lending supports businesses The credit union originated more than $200 million in PPP loans for companies across the United States. Read more > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read more > How to Know When a Financial Tip Online Actually Applies to You And how to know when you can keep scrolling Read more > Be The Good Foundation Awards Inaugural Grant to Living Lands & Waters Foundation invites community organizations to apply for future funding through the Vibrant Credit Union website. Read more > Vibrant Credit Union launches the Be The Good Foundation The new foundation deepens our mission to bring more good into the communities we love. Read more > Kids take over—again! Vibrant Credit Union, Junior Achievement, and Quad City Storm bring back the ‘Kids Run the Show’ hockey game for year two. Read more > Why the federal reserve changes rates (and why savers shouldn’t wait too long.) Read more > Why savings rates are changing — and why that’s still good news for you When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, it affects nearly every part of the financial world — including your savings account. So, if you’ve noticed an update to our deposit rates, here’s what’s happening and why Vibrant Credit Union remains one of the best places to grow your money. Read more > Will a checking account affect your credit score? Opening a checking account is a big deal for a lot of people. Suddenly, you have a place to put your money besides your wallet, your piggy bank, or under your mattress. But what does a checking account mean for your credit? It may not be as important as you might think, but knowing what does and does not affect your credit score can be helpful as you start to build your credit history from scratch. Read more > Understanding why interest rates change Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Read more > 5 reasons to take your business banking to a credit union Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. Read more > Understanding recent bank failures and what they mean for you With the back-to-back-to-back failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate Bank, followed by widespread turmoil in the financial markets, it's only natural to wonder whether your own money is safe where it is. Read more > Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) right for you? With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. From the blog
- Detect potential scams | Vibrant Credit Union
Detect potential scams Want to make sure your Vibrant accounts stay safe? We've put together some helpful tips for helping you recognize fraud attempts before it's too late. Unsolicited: If a person, business, or organization you don't have an existing relationship with asks you for money or personal information, be on guard. Make sure they are who they say they are. Unexpected: If you’re contacted out of the blue by an organization you DO have a relationship with, don’t respond directly. Instead, contact the organization via their publicly available phone number or email address so you can verify it's a legit request. Urgent: Scammers know the more time you have to think, the more questions you’ll ask. Even in a genuine emergency, no one will ask you to disclose personal or financial information before you do anything else. Watch out for spoof calls and text messages Your Caller ID may tell you Vibrant is calling, but it could be a scammer. If a caller asks you to provide any of the information below, this could be an attempt to access your personal account. Say nothing and hang up! Anything more than the last 4 digits of your debit or credit card Any security or verification code you receive via text or email Your account or routing number Your complete Social Security Number Your account password Your PIN Does Vibrant ever verify my identity by texting or emailing me a code? If you’ve set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account—and we highly recommend it—you will receive a code via text or email when you try to log in to verify it’s really you. While you'll need to enter that code on your browser or mobile app to complete your login, Vibrant will never ask you to tell us what the code is. Can a scammer access my account even I don't tell them my password? Unfortunately, yes. Scammers may find your login information through a data breach, on the dark web, or through other phishing tactics. Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers additional protection, but it's not foolproof. A common scam is to try bypass 2FA by pretending to be a legitimate caller who wants to verify your identity by sending you a security code, which they'll ask you to read back to them. If you tell them the code, unfortunately, they can use it to log in from their device How do I set up my two-factor authentication on my account? Log in to your account and go to Settings, then choose the Security tab. Toggle the on/off switch next to Two-Factor Authentication to ON to require a second security code via email, text, or voice call (you'll have the option to choose the method that works best for you any time you log in). What if a caller tells me I owe money and they need immediate payment? Legitimate organizations, including the IRS, your local tax assessor, or your financial institution, will never ask you to provide payment via a gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer. If you get a a call demanding immediate payment and they want you to use one of these payment methods, it's a scam. In addition, a legitimate caller will never threaten to alert law enforcement, immigration officials, or other authorities to collect a debt. What should I do if I think I may have been scammed? Contact us immediately to report the incident. We’ll place a fraud alert on your account and help you reset your login information. (And no, we won't ask you to tell us your new password.) Previous Item Next Item
- Enable second-factor authentication (2FA) | Vibrant Credit Union
Enable second-factor authentication (2FA) When you use 2FA, you’ll automatically receive a verification code via text or email when you try to log in to your Vibrant account. Before you can access your information, you’ll have to enter that code into your smartphone or browser. 2FA verification codes are set to expire within 10 minutes, and they change every time you request one by logging in. Step 1: Log in to your Vibrant account. Log in from your browser or use the Vibrant mobile app (available for Apple or Android ). Step 2: Access your security settings. For mobile app users Select MORE from the options listed across the bottom of the screen. Select FULL SITE. Select TOOLS. Select SETTINGS. Select SECURITY. Go to the section labeled TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION. Toggle the switch to the right from OFF to ON. Choose the channels through which you prefer to receive your verification code (text, email, voice call). For browser users Select TOOLS. Select SETTINGS. Select SECURITY. Go to the section labeled TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION. Toggle the switch to the right from OFF to ON. Choose where you want Vibrant to send your verification code (text, email, voice call). Previous Item Next Item





