Hurricane Season 2009 FAQs

In order to ensure the safety of all our members and employees, ALL Gulf Credit Union locations will close immediately if a mandatory evacuation is ordered.

Shared Branching will become available by the end of July 2009.

Q: Will the ATMs out of the area charge me a fee?
A: No, the nationwide ATMs with the co-op symbol belong in our network. If you use those ATMs, we will not charge you a fee. Visit www.gecu.org to find the Co-op ATM nearest you!

Q: Is it a wise decision to rely on my debit card in the event of an evacuation?
A: You should always carry cash, especially in the event of an evacuation. Carry enough cash to last you a couple of days, in case of power failure or network failure.

Q: What is “Shared Branching”?
A: Shared Branching is a FREE service that Gulf Credit Union has partnered with Credit Union Service Centers to give you access to your GCU account at thousands of locations across the country. There are 162 locations in the state of Texas. This service will allow you to conduct transactions just as if you were at one of our Gulf Credit Union locations.

Anywhere you see the swirl you can conduct a range of transactions, such as:

• Deposits
• Withdrawals
• Loan Payments
• Make transfers between accounts
• Purchase money orders, travelers checks and official checks*
• And more!

To take advantage of this service, when you enter a shared branch you only need to bring:

• Your home credit union's name
• Your account number
• Valid government-issued photo identification, i.e., State Driver’s license, US Passport

*May not be available at all outlets and locations.

Visit www.CUservicecenter.com for more information.

Q: How secure is my account if I choose to use “Shared Branching”?
A: The objective of Shared Branching is for credit unions to help each other out. So a transaction conducted at a “Shared Branching” location would be similar to one at GCU. Be sure to have your ID ready so they can identify you at the point of your transaction. Your information will remain secured at a “Shared Branching” site.

Q: How can I access my GCU accounts in the event of an evacuation or during the after math of a storm, if the credit union is closed?
A: There are a number of ways you can access your GCU accounts. These include: Call Anytime Teller (CAT)- now available in English and Espanol, Online Banking, Online Bill Pay, Mobile Banking (mb.gecu.org), ATMs, our Call Center and Shared Branching (coming July 2009).

Q: How long will it take to gain accessibility to the alternative account access methods (listed above) after the storm hits?
A: These methods are always available and we will do our very best to make sure they continue to be accessible to you in the event of a disaster.

Q: Will a mandatory evacuation affect my Direct Deposit?
A: Direct deposits will post in the order they are received.

Q: Will there be anyone available to call if I have any questions about my account during the evacuation period?
A: Yes, we will have a Call Center located in Dallas, Texas. You may call 800.448.5328 or 409.963.1191, and they will be able to assist you.

Q: How long will the physical locations of the credit union be closed once a mandatory evacuation is called?
A: The credit union’s locations will be closed until there is an “all clear” for residents to return to their homes. If there is damage to a credit union location, then that particular location’s opening time will be determined.