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Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about Blue Eagle Credit Union services, membership, accounts, loans, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us anytime.

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General Questions

Blue Eagle Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that has been serving communities across Virginia since 1948. Unlike traditional banks that are owned by shareholders and focus on maximizing profits, we are owned by our members—which means you.

As a credit union, we exist to serve our members, not to generate profits for outside investors. This fundamental difference allows us to offer better interest rates on loans, higher returns on savings, lower fees, and more personalized service. Every member has an equal voice and vote in how the credit union operates, regardless of how much money they have on deposit.

We serve over 15,000 members across Virginia with $100+ million in assets under management, offering a full range of financial services including checking and savings accounts, personal and auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, and innovative digital banking solutions.

The key differences are:

  • Ownership: Credit unions are owned by members, while banks are owned by shareholders seeking profits
  • Purpose: Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives; banks are for-profit corporations
  • Rates & Fees: Credit unions typically offer better rates and lower fees because profits are returned to members
  • Decision-Making: Credit union members have voting rights; bank customers do not
  • Service: Credit unions focus on personalized service and member relationships
  • Insurance: Both are equally protected—credit unions by NCUA, banks by FDIC (both up to $250,000)

Blue Eagle Credit Union has three convenient branch locations across Virginia:

  • Roanoke (Main Branch) - Rutherford Avenue location inside the main USPS building
  • West Salem - Full-service branch with Eagle Vision® ITMs
  • Lynchburg - Serving the greater Lynchburg community

All branches feature our innovative Eagle Vision® Interactive Teller Machines, allowing you to conduct banking with live tellers via video during extended hours. We also offer comprehensive virtual services for banking by phone, email, and online 24/7.

Visit our Locations page for detailed addresses, hours, and directions.

Branch Lobby Hours:

  • Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Eagle Vision® ITM Hours (with live teller):

  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Virtual Services (Phone/Email):

  • Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Phone: (540) 342-3429
  • Email: blueeagle@blueeaglecreditloans.com

Online & Mobile Banking: Available 24/7/365

ATM Access: 24/7 at all branch locations after hours

Membership Questions

Membership is open to anyone who meets one of the following criteria:

  • Lives in our Virginia service areas (Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, and surrounding regions)
  • Works in our service areas
  • Worships in our service areas
  • Attends school in our service areas
  • Is an immediate family member of a current member
  • Owns or operates a business in our service areas

If you're unsure whether you qualify, please contact us or call (540) 342-3429 and we'll be happy to help determine your eligibility.

Joining Blue Eagle Credit Union is quick and easy! You can become a member in three ways:

1. Online Application

Complete our simple online membership application in just a few minutes. You'll need a valid government-issued ID and basic personal information.

2. Visit a Branch

Stop by any of our branch locations with a valid ID. Our friendly staff will help you open your account on the spot.

3. Call Us

Call (540) 342-3429 and we'll guide you through the membership process over the phone.

What you'll need:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
  • Social Security number
  • Initial deposit of just $5 to open your savings account

Once your membership is approved, you'll immediately have access to all our services and benefits!

No! There are no membership fees at Blue Eagle Credit Union. To become a member, you only need to open a savings account with a minimum deposit of $5. This $5 represents your share in the credit union—making you a part-owner.

There are no annual fees, no monthly membership charges, and no hidden costs. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we keep fees minimal so you keep more of your money.

As a Blue Eagle Credit Union member, you enjoy numerous benefits:

  • Better Rates: Lower loan rates and higher savings rates than traditional banks
  • Lower Fees: Free checking, no monthly service fees, minimal transaction fees
  • Ownership: You're a part-owner with voting rights on major decisions
  • Personalized Service: Local decision-making and staff who know you by name
  • Free ATM Access: Thousands of surcharge-free ATMs through MoneyPass network
  • Advanced Technology: Eagle Vision® ITMs, mobile banking, digital wallets
  • Financial Education: Free workshops, calculators, and resources
  • Community Support: Scholarships, grants, and local investment programs
  • Equal Protection: NCUA insurance up to $250,000 (same as FDIC)

Learn more on our Why Choose Us page.

Accounts & Savings

Yes! Our checking accounts are completely free with no catches. You get:

  • $0 monthly service fees
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Free debit card
  • Free online and mobile banking
  • Free e-statements
  • Access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide
  • Free bill pay service

Our checking account truly costs you nothing, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money.

We offer several savings options to help you build wealth:

Regular Savings Account

  • Competitive dividend rates
  • Low minimum balance ($5)
  • No monthly fees
  • Easy access to your funds

Share Certificates (CDs)

  • Higher rates for longer terms
  • Terms from 6 months to 5 years
  • Fixed rates for predictable growth
  • NCUA insured up to $250,000

Money Market Accounts

  • Higher rates on larger balances
  • Limited check-writing privileges
  • Flexible access to your money

Youth Savings

  • Special accounts for young members
  • Report card rewards program
  • Financial education resources

Visit our Rates & Terms page for current rates on all accounts.

Opening an account is simple and can be done in multiple ways:

Online: Visit our online application and complete the process in minutes.

In Person: Visit any branch with a valid ID and initial deposit.

By Phone: Call (540) 342-3429 and we'll walk you through it.

What you'll need:

  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Social Security number
  • Initial deposit ($5 minimum for savings, varies by account type)
  • Contact information (address, phone, email)

Once approved, you'll receive your account details and can start banking immediately!

Yes! Your deposits are completely safe and insured.

Blue Eagle Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000 per depositor. This protection is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government—the same level of security as FDIC insurance at banks.

This means your checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates are all protected up to the legal limit. In the unlikely event that the credit union were to fail, your deposits would be fully protected and returned to you.

Loans & Credit

Blue Eagle Credit Union offers a comprehensive range of loan products:

Online Loans

  • $1,000 to $50,000
  • Rates starting at 6.99% APR
  • Terms from 12 to 84 months
  • Use for debt consolidation, home improvements, medical expenses, or any purpose

Auto Loans

  • New and used vehicle financing
  • Rates as low as 4.99% APR
  • Auto loan refinancing to lower your rate
  • Terms up to 84 months

Home Loans & Mortgages

  • Fixed and adjustable rate mortgages
  • First-time home buyer programs
  • Home equity loans and lines of credit
  • Refinancing options

Credit Cards

  • Rates as low as 9.99% APR
  • No annual fee options
  • Rewards programs available

Visit our Loans page for detailed information and to apply online.

Our loan rates are highly competitive and typically 1-3% lower than traditional banks. Current rates include:

  • Online Loans: Starting at 6.99% APR
  • Auto Loans (New): As low as 4.99% APR
  • Auto Loans (Used): Starting at 5.49% APR
  • Home Equity Loans: Starting at 6.75% APR
  • Credit Cards: As low as 9.99% APR

Actual rates depend on your credit score, loan amount, term, and other factors. For the most current rates and a personalized quote, visit our Rates & Terms page or contact us directly.

Rates are subject to change. All loans subject to credit approval.

Applying for a Blue Eagle Credit Union loan is quick and easy:

1. Choose Your Loan Type

Visit our Loans page to explore options and use our calculator to estimate payments.

2. Apply Online, In Person, or By Phone

  • Online: Complete our secure online application in minutes
  • In Person: Visit any branch to speak with a loan officer
  • By Phone: Call (540) 342-3429 to apply over the phone

3. Get a Decision

Many loan applications receive same-day approval! Our local underwriting team reviews each application personally.

4. Receive Your Funds

Once approved, funds are typically available within 1-2 business days.

What you'll need:

  • Valid ID and Social Security number
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
  • Employment information
  • Details about the loan purpose (for auto/home loans)

At Blue Eagle Credit Union, we pride ourselves on fast, local decision-making. Because we make lending decisions right here in Virginia rather than sending applications to distant corporate offices, we can typically provide:

  • Online Loans: Same-day approval for qualified applicants
  • Auto Loans: Same-day to 24-hour approval
  • Home Loans: 3-5 business days for initial approval, 30-45 days to close
  • Credit Cards: Instant to same-day approval

Approval times may vary based on loan complexity, required documentation, and credit history. We'll keep you informed throughout the process and let you know immediately if we need any additional information.

Digital Banking

Eagle Vision® is our innovative Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) technology that revolutionizes how you bank. Think of it as an ATM combined with video banking—you get the convenience of a machine with the personal service of a real person.

How it works:

  • Approach an Eagle Vision® machine at any branch
  • Tap the screen to connect via video with a live Blue Eagle teller
  • Conduct your banking transactions while speaking face-to-face with a real person
  • Available Monday-Friday 7am-6pm (extended hours beyond lobby)

What you can do:

  • Make deposits and withdrawals
  • Cash checks
  • Make loan payments
  • Transfer funds between accounts
  • Get account information and balances
  • Receive personalized assistance

After hours, Eagle Vision® machines function as regular ATMs with 24/7 access for basic transactions.

Yes! Our MyCU mobile banking app puts your accounts at your fingertips 24/7. The app is free to download and use.

Features include:

  • Check account balances and transaction history
  • Transfer money between accounts
  • Mobile check deposit—snap a photo to deposit checks
  • Pay bills directly from your phone
  • Find nearby ATMs and branches
  • Set up account alerts and notifications
  • View and pay loan balances
  • Manage your debit and credit cards
  • Secure messaging with our team

Download:

  • iOS: Available on the App Store
  • Android: Available on Google Play

The app uses bank-level security with multi-factor authentication, biometric login (fingerprint/face ID), and encryption to keep your information safe.

Yes! Blue Eagle Credit Union debit and credit cards are compatible with all major mobile wallets:

  • Apple Pay (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch)
  • Google Pay (Android devices)
  • Samsung Pay (Samsung Galaxy devices)

To set up:

Simply add your Blue Eagle card to your device's wallet app. The process takes just a few seconds and your card information is encrypted for security.

Benefits of mobile wallet:

  • Fast, contactless payments
  • Enhanced security with tokenization
  • No need to carry physical cards
  • Works at millions of merchants worldwide

Enrolling in online banking is quick and free:

Step 1: Visit our member login page

Step 2: Click "Enroll Now" or "New User Registration"

Step 3: Enter your account number and personal information

Step 4: Create your username and password

Step 5: Set up security questions

Step 6: Verify your identity

Once enrolled, you'll have immediate access to online banking and can download the mobile app using the same credentials.

Need help? Call us at (540) 342-3429 or visit any branch and we'll walk you through the enrollment process.

Fees & Rates

At Blue Eagle Credit Union, we keep fees minimal because we're not-for-profit. Many services that banks charge for are FREE with us:

FREE Services:

  • Checking account (no monthly fee)
  • Savings account (no monthly fee)
  • Debit card
  • Online and mobile banking
  • Bill pay
  • E-statements
  • MoneyPass ATM network (thousands of ATMs nationwide)
  • Account transfers
  • Mobile check deposit

Minimal Fees (when applicable):

  • Overdraft protection (optional, with competitive fees)
  • Out-of-network ATM fees (avoided by using MoneyPass)
  • Wire transfers (domestic and international)
  • Stop payment requests
  • Paper statement fee (if you opt out of e-statements)

For a complete fee schedule, visit our Rates & Terms page or ask at any branch.

No ATM fees when you use our network! Blue Eagle Credit Union participates in the MoneyPass® ATM network, giving you surcharge-free access to thousands of ATMs nationwide.

Free ATM access at:

  • All Blue Eagle branch locations (24/7)
  • 30,000+ MoneyPass ATMs across the United States
  • Convenient locations in retail stores, gas stations, and pharmacies

Use our mobile app or visit MoneyPass.com to find surcharge-free ATMs near you. If you use an out-of-network ATM, that ATM's owner may charge a fee, but Blue Eagle doesn't add an additional surcharge.

Our rates are reviewed regularly and may change based on market conditions, Federal Reserve actions, and our commitment to offering competitive rates to members.

Loan Rates:

Loan rates can change monthly or as market conditions warrant. When you apply for a loan, we'll provide a rate quote that's typically good for 30-60 days. Once your loan is approved and closed, your rate is locked in for the life of the loan (for fixed-rate loans).

Savings & Dividend Rates:

Savings account and certificate dividend rates are typically adjusted quarterly, though they may change more frequently in response to Federal Reserve policy changes.

For the most current rates, always check our Rates & Terms page or contact us directly at (540) 342-3429.

Security & Safety

Yes! Your security is our top priority. Blue Eagle Credit Union uses multiple layers of bank-level security to protect your information:

Security Features:

  • 256-bit encryption - Same level used by major banks and the military
  • Multi-factor authentication - Additional verification beyond just passwords
  • Biometric login - Fingerprint or Face ID for mobile app
  • Automatic timeouts - Sessions end after inactivity
  • Fraud monitoring - 24/7 monitoring for suspicious activity
  • Zero liability - You're not responsible for unauthorized transactions reported promptly
  • Secure messaging - Encrypted communication through the app
  • Account alerts - Instant notifications for account activity

Your Part:

  • Never share your login credentials
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Keep your app updated
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking
  • Report any suspicious activity immediately

Act quickly to protect your account:

Immediate Actions:

  • Call us immediately: (540) 342-3429 during business hours
  • After hours: Call our 24/7 card services hotline at the number on the back of your card
  • Use the mobile app: Temporarily freeze your card instantly through the app

We'll immediately deactivate your lost card to prevent unauthorized use and issue you a replacement card, typically arriving within 5-7 business days. You can request expedited shipping if needed.

Fraud Protection:

If unauthorized transactions occurred, report them within 60 days and you'll have zero liability. We'll investigate and credit your account for fraudulent charges.

Prevention Tip: Set up instant transaction alerts in the mobile app so you're notified of every purchase—helping you catch fraud immediately.

If you notice any suspicious activity, contact us immediately:

During Business Hours:

  • Call: (540) 342-3429
  • Visit: Any branch location
  • Email: blueeagle@blueeaglecreditloans.com
  • Secure Message: Through mobile app or online banking

After Hours / Weekends:

  • Card Fraud: Call 24/7 card services number on back of card
  • Freeze Card: Use mobile app to instantly freeze your card

What to Report:

  • Unauthorized transactions or withdrawals
  • Missing or stolen cards
  • Phishing emails or calls claiming to be from us
  • Suspicious login attempts
  • Missing statements or mail

We take fraud seriously and have dedicated fraud specialists who will investigate and resolve issues quickly. The sooner you report, the faster we can protect your accounts.

Support & Contact

We're here to help in multiple ways:

Phone:

  • Main Line: (540) 342-3429
  • Text: (540) 342-3429
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Email:

  • blueeagle@blueeaglecreditloans.com
  • Response within 24 business hours

In Person:

  • Visit any of our three branch locations
  • Lobby hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online:

  • Secure messaging through mobile app or online banking
  • Contact form on our website

Eagle Vision® ITMs:

  • Video chat with tellers Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Visit our Contact Us page for more information and directions to branches.

Yes! Texting is now available as a convenient way to communicate with Blue Eagle Credit Union.

How to text us:

  • Text: (540) 342-3429
  • Simply send your question or comment
  • We'll respond and route your message to the right person/department

Best for:

  • Quick questions
  • Simple requests for assistance
  • General information

Not recommended for:

  • Sending sensitive account information
  • Complex questions that require detailed discussion
  • Urgent matters (call instead)

For complex issues or anything requiring account-specific information, we recommend calling or visiting a branch.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our friendly team is here to help! Contact us through any of these convenient methods:

Call Us

(540) 342-3429

Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm

Email Us

Send Email

Response within 24 hours

Visit a Branch

Find Locations

3 locations in Virginia