Usage Tips for the Visa Check Card!
Do I need a pen or a p.i.n.?

While most of our members have recognized the value and convenience that comes hand-in-hand with our Visa Check Card, some confusion still exists about exactly how to USE this plastic bastion of efficiency.

Basically, it boils down to one simple question: Do I sign my name to make a purchase OR do I enter a secret code to make a purchase? Do I need a pen or my p.i.n.?

The answer can be "BOTH" or "EITHER"....depending on the situation. In fact, in many cases, there is a choice....our members can actually choose!

Here's an example: You are in line at the grocery store, waiting to check out. After your purchases are rung up it's time for you to pay for your groceries. You pull out your Coastal Visa Check Card and prepare to swipe it through the card reader. The clerk says "credit or Check"? Which option do you choose? EITHER!

If you choose the "credit" option, then you will be given a sales slip to sign....kind of like signing for your charge cards. Only in this case, you are approving a Check card purchase which will be deducted from your checking account at Coastal...generally in 2 to 4 days.

If you choose the "Check" (or "ATM") option, then you will be asked to enter your p.i.n. (NEVER tell the clerk your p.i.n., NEVER give the clerk your p.i.n.!) ....just like using the "traditional" ATM card. In this case, the transaction will post immediately to your checking account at Coastal. (Just like ATM withdrawals do!)

The real beauty of it all is, that in most cases, the consumer gets to choose the option that is best for them. It's easy to remember too. If you sign your name, the transaction will clear in a few days. If you use your Check card p.i.n, the transaction will post just like an ATM withdrawal.

In some cases, with merchants you DO NOT have a choice. For example, the merchant may not have a p.i.n. pad for you to use in order to enter your p.i.n. In this case, your only option is to sign your name. The reverse may be true as well. If you're paying at the pump when buying gas, you will need to enter your p.i.n.! (Amazingly, there is also a third option! Some merchants, generally gas stations, allow you to make Visa Check Card purchases at the pump without entering a p.i.n. or signing your name. In these cases you "pick" that option while at the pump and the transaction is deducted from your checking account in a few days.)

Other key points to consider:

1. ALL Check card purchases "look" to one's checking account balance for approval PRIOR to authorization. So the funds need to be there for your purchase to be approved while you are at the register.
2. Many merchants will allow us to take "cash back" when making a Check card purchase. They will ONLY allow this with p.i.n based transactions....for obvious security reasons.
   The neat thing about getting cash back is that doing this will save us a trip to an ATM, allow us to avoid surcharge fees, and it saves the credit union money! All pluses.