At Metro Credit Union, we believe it’s important to provide ongoing information about our products and services. Whether a short video or infographic, we hope you find this information helpful. Be sure to check back often for new videos, articles, and links to educational information about our savings and loan products, mobile banking features, ITMs, and more.
Your Guide to Mobile Banking
Card Controls
Learn how to temporarily freeze your card, report your card lost or stolen, and raise your daily spending limits.
Remote Deposit Capture
Learn how to deposit checks from anywhere using Metro's mobile app and your smartphone's camera.
Custom Alerts
Learn how customize your alerts on our mobile app to get the notifications you need to take control of your finances.
How to Spot When You're Being Scammed
Threats & Emotional Manipulation
Unsolicited Offers & Requests
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I've had a great experience that's allowed me to establish credit with my first auto loan. Thank you Metro for giving me this opportunity.
Jessica A.
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I joined in 1990 & always receive great service. Technology has evolved for increased convenience & loan rates are great!
Ann T.
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I have been with Metro Credit Union since 1996. I wouldn't change to any other bank. Very friendly people and their service is outstanding.
Tammy F.
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They make banking easy. The mobile app allows quick access to activity going on in my account, and their tellers are great with ensuring the security of my account.
Katherine V.
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I have had multiple loans with Metro Credit Union, and they have stood beside me throughout the six years that I have been banking with them
Duane T.
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I have been a member of Metro Credit Union for 40 years. I have gotten car loans and other loans. Some of my children are banking there as well. Friendly and knowledgeable personnel at all locations. Love my credit union!
Louise G.
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I've done business with Metro for 7 years. Every branch is friendly and willing to do business to suit my needs. Referred to many friends.
Brian G.
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I love banking with Metro! I’ve never had an issue, whenever I have questions I write to them on the mobile app & they always answer quickly :)
K.W.
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It’s always a great experience at Metro Credit Union!
Randy J.
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Tellers are very friendly and able to answer questions and assist in timely manner. Also they have really good coffee for customers.
Wendylyn M.
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I visited the Emmet street location today and was met with nothing short of outstanding service from the folks working there. Special thanks to Justin, went above and beyond today. Kudos to you all!!
Mohammed H.
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Feb 18, 2025
<p>At some point in time, you may find yourself needing financial assistance to help you navigate life. Whether it’s to complete a home repair, finance a family getaway, or pay for an unexpected medical expense, a personal loan may be your best option. You might also consider a personal loan to consolidate existing debt into a single payment with a lower interest rate.</p><img alt="" src="/images/default-source/layered-ctas/home-repair.png?sfvrsn=5600af1d_1" sf-size="100" /><p>Depending on your needs, a signature loan, line of credit, or consolidation loan could be the best option given your unique circumstances. While each provides access to funds, they work very differently. Here’s what you need to know about each option:</p><h3>Signature Loan</h3><p>A signature loan from Metro Credit Union is a fast and easy way to get funds and does not require any collateral to open. This type of loan can be used for a variety of expenses with a wide range of rates and terms available to fit your financial needs.<br /></p><h3>Debt Consolidation</h3><img alt="" src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/credit-cards.png?sfvrsn=3db87405_1" sf-size="100" /><p>Credit cards are convenient to use, but if you find yourself struggling to make multiple credit card payments each month, you might want to consider <a href="https://save-and-succeed.metrofcu.org/articles/5-benefits-of-consolidating-credit-card-debt-to-a-personal-loan" data-sf-ec-immutable="">consolidating your debt</a>. When you convert credit card debt to a personal loan, you may pay less in interest, and you have a fixed repayment period while making a single payment for multiple credit card debts.</p><h3>Line of Credit</h3><p>A line of credit is a preset borrowing limit that can be tapped into at any time. You can take money out as needed until the limit is reached, and as money is repaid, it can be borrowed again in the case of an open line of credit.</p><h3>Your Credit Score</h3><p>When applying for a personal loan, the first thing that matters is your credit score. Just like a report card describes what kind of student you were, your credit score tells credit unions what type of borrower you are. It indicates how well you’ve repaid loans in the past and how likely you are to repay a loan in the future. Your credit score can determine not only whether you get a loan but also how much you pay in interest. A better credit score can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest. Each quarter, we provide our members with updates on their FICO® Score, and you can access it via <a href="https://my.metrofcu.org/Authentication?ReturnUrl=FicoScore" data-sf-ec-immutable="">online banking</a> under the tools section. </p><p> </p><hr /><p> </p><p>To help you understand what type of loan will meet your unique needs, visit our Resources page at <a href="/home">metrofcu.org</a> where you can find links to <a href="/resources/financial-calculators">financial calculators</a>, <a href="/resources/blog">blogs</a>, <a href="/resources/member-education">member education</a> tools, and <a href="/resources/save-and-succeed">Save and Succeed</a>, Metro’s personal finance program. Once you’re ready to move forward, visit our <a href="/loans/personal-loans">Personal Loans</a> webpage and click Apply Now. </p><p> </p>
Discover the best personal loan for your needs by exploring signature loans, debt consolidation, and lines of credit.
Read Article about Choosing the Right Personal Loan
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Jan 31, 2025
<img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/financial-checklist-blog-body-image-1.png?sfvrsn=f9bcc10b_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><h3>Set Financial Goals</h3><div><p>Define clear financial goals by prioritizing short-term and long-term <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">objectives, such as saving for a home or retirement. Break these </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">goals into actionable monthly or quarterly targets and track your </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">progress regularly to stay motivated and focused. With consistent </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">effort and evaluation, you can achieve your financial goals.</span></p><h3>Analyze Your Spending</h3></div><div><p>Small, habitual expenses can quickly add up. Spend a month <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">tracking your spending patterns to identify unnecessary purchases </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">and areas where you can free up cash for your financial goals.</span></p><h3>Create a Realistic Budget</h3><div><p>Setting a realistic budget helps you allocate your money effectively <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">before you even receive it. Start with a simple 50/30/20 framework </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">(50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings or debt repayment) and adjust </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">as needed to align with your financial priorities.</span></p><h3>Focus on Reducing Debt</h3><div><p>Debt can hinder your path to financial freedom. Adopt a repayment <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">strategy, like focusing extra funds on high-interest debts while </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">maintaining minimum payments on others. This approach can help </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">you reduce debt more efficiently.</span></p><h3>Review Your Spending</h3></div><div><p>Periodically review your expenses to uncover opportunities for <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">saving. Consider switching from cable to streaming, canceling </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">unused subscriptions, or finding more affordable options for phone </span><span style="background-color:transparent;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">and insurance plans.</span></p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/financial-checklist-blog-body-image-2.png?sfvrsn=7d9dd7a6_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><h3><span style="background-color:transparent;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Review Your Insurance Policies</span></h3><div><p>Ensure your health, life, home, and auto insurance policies meet your current needs. Life <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">changes like a new job or having a child can impact your coverage requirements and costs.</span></p><h3>Review Your Retirement Contributions</h3><div><p>Review your workplace retirement plans to ensure you’re maximizing contributions, especially <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">if your employer offers a match. If possible, aim to increase your contributions each year to s</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">tay on track for retirement.</span></p><h3>Check Your Credit Score and Report</h3></div><div><p>Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining loan approvals, interest rates, and <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">financial opportunities. Take advantage of Metro’s updated <a href="https://my.metrofcu.org/FicoScore" data-sf-ec-immutable="">FICO<sup style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">®</sup><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"> score feature</span></a>, available </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">quarterly via <a href="/services/online-banking" target="_blank">online banking</a>. Regularly monitoring your credit score can help you identify </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">areas for improvement and set goals accordingly.</span></p><h3>Update Your Will</h3></div><div><p>Keep your will up to date to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances. If you <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">don’t have one, now is the time to create it. Review and update beneficiaries on all accounts, </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">including pensions and life insurance policies, and consider establishing a power of attorney </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if needed.</span></p><h3>Build an Emergency Fund</h3><div><p>An emergency fund provides a safety net for unexpected expenses. Start small by setting <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">aside a portion of each paycheck and aim to save enough to cover 3–6 months of living </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">expenses. Automate your savings with regular transfers to maintain consistency and keep </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">the funds in an easily accessible <a href="/accounts/savings-accounts" target="_blank">savings account</a>.</span></p><h3>Educate Yourself on Personal Finance</h3><div><p>Empower yourself with financial knowledge to make informed decisions. Explore resources <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">such as <a href="https://save-and-succeed.metrofcu.org/login" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Save and Succeed</a>, Metro’s personal finance program. You’ll find financial blogs </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">– like the source of this article - and an array of other member education tools. Learn the </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">essentials of budgeting, saving, credit management, and debt reduction to take control of </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">your financial future.</span></p><p> </p></div></div><p> </p></div><p> </p></div><p> </p></div></div></div>
Follow this checklist to learn how to build a secure financial future and ensure you’re prepared for any fiscal challenges that come your way.
Read Article about Financial Checklist: Start 2025 On the Right Foot
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Jan 31, 2025
<div><p>Tax season can be stressful, and scammers often take advantage of this time to target individuals. <span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Staying informed and vigilant against evolving fraud tactics is essential to recognizing common </span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">schemes and protecting yourself.</span></p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/beware-tax-scams-blog-body-image4d124cfe-9376-4f01-81d5-d0f5539365e5.png?sfvrsn=dd2de6b5_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><h2>1. Phishing Emails and Texts</h2><div><p>Scammers send fake emails or texts pretending to be from the IRS or other trusted sources. These messages often include urgent requests to verify personal information or settle a tax debt, with links or attachments designed to steal your data.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: The IRS never contacts people by email or text. Don’t click on links or share personal details in unsolicited messages.</em></h5><h2>2. Phone Scams</h2><div><p>Fraudsters impersonate IRS agents, making threatening calls and demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal trouble. They may ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency</p></div><h5><em>Tip: The IRS doesn’t demand payments over the phone or threaten taxpayers with police action.</em></h5><h2>3. Identity Theft</h2><div><p>Scammers use stolen personal details to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. Victims often discover the fraud when their legitimate tax return is rejected.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: Protect your Social Security number and consider filing your taxes early to beat fraudsters to the punch.</em></h5><h2>4. Fake Tax Assistance</h2><div><p>Dishonest tax preparers promise big refunds but may alter your tax return without your knowledge, leading to audits or penalties.</p></div><div><h5><em>Tip: Check your preparer’s credentials using the IRS directory of authorized tax professionals.</em></h5></div><h2>5. Social Media Scams</h2><div><p>Scammers use social media to spread false information about tax credits or refunds, or they may impersonate the IRS to steal personal details.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: Trust only official IRS resources for tax-related information and report suspicious activity.</em></h5><h2>6. Charity Fraud</h2><div><p>Scammers pose as legitimate charities during crises or disasters, soliciting fake donations they claim are tax-deductible.<em></em><em></em></p></div><h5><em>Tip: Verify charities through tools like the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.</em></h5><h2>7. Evolving Cryptocurrency Scams</h2><div><p>With the rise of cryptocurrency, scammers use it for fraud, including fake tax payment requests or investment opportunities.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: The IRS does not accept cryptocurrency for tax payments. Be wary of unsolicited investment offers.</em></h5><h2>8. Tax Refund Fraud</h2><div><p>Scammers use stolen information to file fake tax returns and divert refunds to their accounts. Some send fake checks, later demanding repayment.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: Use the official IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track your refund safely.</em></h5><hr /><div><h3>In summary, remember these steps to protect your privacy during tax season.</h3><ul><li>Be Skeptical: Question unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS typically contacts taxpayers through mail. Suspicious calls or emails? Report them.</li><li>Verify Contacts: Use official IRS contact numbers to confirm any communication.</li><li>Secure Your Information: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your Metro accounts regularly. Protect your Social Security number and file taxes early to reduce the chance of identity theft.</li><li>Report Scams: Notify the IRS of any suspicious activity via their fraud reporting page.</li></ul></div><div></div><p> </p></div>
Be vigilant against scammers shifting tactics during tax season. Learn about the most recent tax scams taking place and follow our tips to protect yourself against them.
Read Article about Beware of Tax Scams: Protect your Information and Money
