Why do you place holds on certain checks?
The quick answer is that if we didn´t place check holds, our losses from check fraud would be enormous.

Placing a hold on certain deposited items is one of the best ways we can protect our members´ funds from losses from check fraud.

Placing a hold on the item may give enough time for the item to be returned to us if the item is fraudulent.

Hold schedules are based on the newness of the account (a new account will generally have a longer hold), the type of item deposited, the location of the paying bank (non-local items receive a longer hold), and the size of the total deposit (larger deposits receive a longer hold).

Certain items simply are not accepted for deposit, such as loan drafts. This because, due to the nature of the item, payment is doubtful, at best.

Generally, we do not hold USPS payroll checks or social security checks.

It is important to note that you begin earning interest or dividends from the date of deposit, not from the date the hold is released.

To review our funds availability brochure, click here.

I went to the Service Center with a check, they told me that they are placing a Hold on the item for so many days. I later found out that the CU changed the Hold amount or days, is this legal?
Yes it is. The CU holds the right to change any item deposited to your account at the Service Center or at any one of our branches, if we later find out more information about the check or checks in question. Sometimes that knowledge can come from an individual members account history, or from knowledge of the checks in question based on information that we may have received about the maker of the checks, or the bank that they are drawn on.

The Service Center will inform you to contact the CU if you have any questions about the hold. You should always do so before you write any checks from your account.

To review our funds availability brochure, click here.

Why is there a hold on ATM deposits?
Again, holds on ATM deposits are necessary to control losses from ATM deposit fraud. We routinely receive fake ATM "deposits" that are actually just empty envelopes or fraudlent checks.

Placing a hold on ATM deposits may give sufficient time for fraudulent items to be returned and gives sufficient time for us to receive notice of an empty envelope deposit.

It is important to note that you begin earning interest from the day of deposit, not from the day the hold is released.

To review our funds availability brochure, click here.

What do I need to do if my ATM or Debit card is lost or stolen? If it is - inside the U.S. - you must call Express Teller at 800-239-7119 or 888-388-5363. For - outside of the U.S. - you must call 313-259-0195.   We will place a hold on the card and order you a new card and a new PIN within a few days of your call.

Why don´t you have a public restroom?
As with most USPS facilities, we have no public restrooms for security reasons.

Public restrooms can easily be used as a staging area for a robbery. This is why most financial institutions do not have a public restroom.

Why don´t you have a public telephone?
Due to the prevalence of cell phones and the extensive use of public telephones by the drug trade, many public telephones have been removed from their former locations, and telephone companies are very reluctant to place new public telephones.

In addition, due to the extensive use of public telephones by the drug trade, we would not want one on the credit union premesis.

If you need to use a public telephone at the Westland branch, there is one next door at the gas station.

Why was my loan denied?
Loans get denied primarily for 3 reasons:

1. Unacceptable credit history. If a member has not paid others on a timely basis in the past, it is unlikely that they will repay a new loan with the credit union.
2. Inability of the member to repay the loan. If a member does not have the ability to repay current obligations and the new loan, we believe it is not in either the credit union´s or the member´s best interest for the member to borrow more.
3. The credit union doesn´t make the type of loan requested or under the terms requested. For example, the credit union does not grant business loans or real estate loans secured by a home that is not the member´s primary residence.

Please note that we do offer free budget counseling to all of our members. For more information on free budget counseling, click here.

What is Your Routing and Transit Number
The credit union´s routing and transit number is 272078323.

Why is there an unsecured loan application fee?
The credit union charges an unsecured loan application fee to cover the costs of processing unsecured loan applications. The fee is $15.00 and is refunded if the loan is approved and the member closes on the loan. This fee is not applicable to responses to "pre-qualified" loan offers members may periodically receive in the mail from the credit union.

The fee is also not applicable to secured loans.

Why is there a $100 "good faith deposit" required to apply for a home equity loan?
We require members to place a $100 "good faith deposit" when applying for a home equity loan in order to assure that the member actually intends to close on the loan and to recover part of the processing costs the credit union will incur if the member fails to close on the loan and the loan is approved.

For all real estate loans, the credit union pays third parties much more than $100 for services required in processing a home equity loan. When members fail to close on their loan, and the credit union has paid third parties, this hurts the credit union and all members.

For loans over $25,000, the entire $100 will be refunded when the loan is funded. For loans under $25,000, the entire $100 will be applied toward closing costs.

For more details, see the "Good Faith Deposit" agreement you will be given when you apply for your home equity loan.

Name Change Q & A

 You may have questions regarding the name change. If you do, they’re probably addressed in this short Q & A.

 Question: Why is the name being changed?

 The state of Michigan recently granted the credit union permission to serve anyone who lives, works, or worships in Detroit, Westland, Southfield, or Lathrup Village. Since our current name gives the impression that you must be a USPS or federal employee to join, it is necessary to change the name to assure that potential members outside USPS and federal employment are not discouraged from joining.

 Question: Why was membership expanded?

 Expanding our membership base will allow the credit union the opportunity to grow. Due to declining USPS employment, we are seeing fewer and fewer USPS employees joining the credit union. Many USPS, federal employee, and other occupational credit unions have also expanded their membership and changed their names in recent years. Growth in membership and assets will allow the credit union to establish more locations and add new services, which will mean more convenience and better service for our members.

 Question: When is the name change effective?

 June 15, 2005.

Question: Will my account number change?

No. You will still use the same account number you are currently using.

Question: Will I need to order new checks?

No. Your existing checks are fine until you use them up. When you reorder checks from the credit union, they will have our new name on them. If you order your checks from another source, you will need to let them know about the name change.

Question: Will I need to order new credit or debit cards?

No. We will send you new credit or debit cards within the next few months. Until then, your existing cards will work just fine.

Question: Will my PIN’s change?

Your existing PIN’s will not change for debit, credit, or ATM cards. Also, your home banking access code and your Express Teller access codes will not change.

Question: Will the credit union’s web site address change?

Yes. Effective June 15, 2005, the new web address is www.priorityccu.com. You will be pleased to know that the structure of the web site has not changed. The way you log on to PC home banking has not changed, and your PC Home Banking access code has not changed.

Question:Will the phone number change?

No. None of the credit union’s phone numbers will change as a result of the name change.

Question: Will the credit union’s address change?

No. Our main office is still on Jefferson in Detroit. Our Westland office is still on Ford Road, the Southfield office is on Southfield Road and our BMC office is still on the second floor of the Allen Park BMC. Our expanded membership enabled us to add an office in Southfield, where many of our members currently live.

Question: Has the credit union been bought out or merged?

No. The credit union is still a member-owned cooperative financial institution serving the needs of our members, just like always.

Question: Will I still be able to use Service Centers?

Yes. We are still a member of Service Centers, and our members can still use Service Centers just like always.

Question: Is the credit union still federally insured?

Yes. Your funds are still federally insured to the maximum extent allowed by law, just like always. If you have questions or concerns about your specific insurance coverage, please ask us.

Question: I have “Mail Teller” envelopes with the old name on them. Can I still use them?

Yes. As long as the correct street address is on them, you can still use them.