NSB DEBIT CARD CUSTOMERS: Your NSB card is no longer active and will not process. Your First Federal debit card is ready for use. Please activate and begin using right away!
Welcome Urbana customers of
Northeast Security Bank!
First Federal Credit Union Completes Historic Acquisition of Bank Branch in Urbana, IA.
Hiawatha, IA – First Federal Credit Union announced today the completion of its acquisition of the Urbana, IA branch office of Northeast Security Bank (NSB). In connection with the branch acquisition, First Federal assumed approximately $19.0 million in deposits.
C. Thomas Chalstrom, CEO of First Federal Credit Union stated, “This acquisition is only the second-ever transaction in the state of Iowa where a credit union has purchased a bank branch. We appreciate the efforts of NSB to find a partner that is committed to Urbana and all Benton County communities, and we look forward to the opportunities this transaction will provide all members of First Federal Credit Union. We are delighted to welcome these new members and employees to First Federal”.
Mike Pickering, Chairman of First Federal added, “We look forward to being part of the Urbana and Benton County community. This is an ideal location for our members and is part of First Federal’s continued commitment and approach to building relationships while providing outstanding service and convenience to our members where, when, and how they use our products and services.”
According to Chalstrom, all employees at the Urbana office were retained and the credit union has already integrated its products and services which will minimize any changes Urbana customers experience. Deposits that were previously insured by the FDIC are now federally insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).
5 Things to Do:
- Enroll In Online Banking
- Download the Mobile App
- Activate Debit Card
- Save History on NSB Account
- Destroy NSB Debit Card & Checks
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FAQ: Welcome to First Federal Credit Union!
General Deposit Loans online banking
General Questions:
Who is First Federal Credit Union?
First Federal is a federally insured Credit Union whose shares are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (the “NCUA”), a U.S. Government agency backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. First Federal is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by the members whose profits cycle back to the members. First Federal is the state’s second-oldest Credit Union and exists to create lasting value for those we serve and have been taking great care of our members since forming back in 1926. We serve our members in the counties of Benton, Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Linn.
What are the benefits of becoming a First Federal member?
Through this transaction you will continue to have access to the existing products and services offered to you today, as well as gain access to an expanded suite of consumer financial services, including mortgage and personal loans, credit cards, and robust online and mobile services. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative where profits cycle back to the members, First Federal can offer competitive savings and loan rates and return excess capital to members when the Credit Union performs well.
When will the transaction be completed?
The merger will be complete April 7, 2022.
When can I start using First Federal branches?
Once the merger is completed on April 7, 2022, you will be able to visit any of our branches for your banking needs.
Where is the neighboring First Federal branches located?
For a map and a complete listing of all our locations, visit www.firstfedcu.com/locations.
Will I receive a new ATM and/or debit card?
If you have an NSB checking account in the Urbana branch, you will be receiving a new First Federal debit card. A new debit card will be mailed to you closer to the effective date of the transition. Your NSB debit card will cease to work as of the effective date of the transition.
When can I activate my new debit card?
Your new First Federal debit card can be activated on April 7, 2022.
What happens if my card is expiring in March 2022?
If your NSB debit card expires prior to the merger date of April 7, 2022, please contact NSB for a replacement card.
Does First Federal offer online banking?
Yes. You will need to enroll in First Federal Credit Union’s Online Banking to view your First Federal account history. The First Federal website is FirstFedCU.com. Once you have enrolled and logged in to the First Federal Online Banking portal, you will be able to:
- View real-time account balances
- Make real-time transfers between accounts
- Pay bills online
- Set up account alerts
- View check copies
- Make real-time payments on First Federal loans
- View credit card activity
Does First Federal offer mobile banking?
Definitely! The First Federal Credit Union mobile app is easy, secure, and reliable. The mobile app brings a fresh new look and easy navigation to First Federal services. You will have access to the same features as Online Banking including balance, balance transfers, account history, free ATM locator, Bill Pay, and much more. The mobile app is available for download in Google Play or through Apple iTunes.
Will I have access to my NSB account history online?
No. A final account statement will be provided to you from NSB as of the merger date.
Does First Federal have telephone banking?
Yes. With First Federal Credit Union’s Audio Response Teller (Telephone Banking), you can call 319.866.9933 anytime to access account information, transfer funds between accounts, make loan payments, and do much more when and where it’s convenient for you. To establish access, visit your local branch or call us 319.743.7806 to obtain your account number and telephone PIN.
What will happen to my safe deposit box?
If you have a safe deposit box at the Urbana location, then there will be no interruption with your safe deposit box.
What is First Federal’s routing and transit number?
The First Federal Credit Union routing and transit number is 273972871.
Does First Federal offer a service that allows me to make external transfers and send money to friends and family?
Yes. First Federal offers a service called, Popmoney through First Federal’s BillPay service. Popmoney allows you to send, request and receive money directly from your bank account.
How will future details about this merger or my accounts be communicated to me?
Member communication will be mailed during the month of March 2022. The communication will detail a timeline of events and what to expect. First Federal’s website will also contain a list of FAQs that can be accessed at any time.
How much notice will I be given about changes that affect me?
We will do our best to notify you immediately upon any changes that directly affect you. Examples of member communication may include membership emails, notifications on the First Federal website, and mail communication.
As an NSB customer, is there anything I need to do currently?
There is nothing you need to currently do. Member communication will be mailed to you in March 2022 as we approach the merger date.
Deposit Questions:
Will my account number(s) remain the same?
Yes, your account number(s) will stay the same.
What is First Federal's deposit insurance coverage?
Each credit union member has at least $250,000 in coverage through the National Credit Union Administration Share Insurance Fund (NCUAIF). You can estimate your insurance coverage here: Insurance Estimator
Can I use my current checks?
You should discontinue using your current checks on the transition date. To ease this transition, Members who have ordered checks in the last 12 months through NSB will automatically receive a new box of checks in the mail before the transition date.
Will First Federal continue to automatically deduct payments from my account?
ACH automatic payments will continue to post for the first 30 days. Please notify all vendors of the updated routing number to avoid having payments returned after 30 days.
Debit Cards will be turned off on the transition date. Please update those automatic payments upon activating your new First Federal debit card.
When will funds from my deposits be available?
Cash deposits are made available on the same business day as they are received by the credit union. Night drop deposits are considered next business day. For deposits made by check or through the ATM, please reference the funds availability policy.
What will happen to the direct deposit of my payroll, Social Security, pension or government payments into my account?
Direct deposits will continue to post for the first 30 days. Please notify your employer or appropriate agency of the updated routing number to avoid having payments returned after 30 days.
Will I continue to be able to use Shazam ATMs surcharge free after the merger?
Yes. In Iowa, avoid paying surcharge fees by finding PRIVILEGED STATUS ATMs. Outside of Iowa, First Federal members can avoid fees by using a MoneyPass ATM. You can find the nearest surcharge free ATM by visiting our Free ATMs webpage
Will there be any changes to my deposit statement(s)?
Statements will be mailed by default. Once enrolled in online banking you can sign up for e-statements. Accounts that only have a savings will receive statements quarterly, all others are received monthly.
When will I receive my last statement from NSB?
You will receive a final statement from NSB as of the transition date.
When will I receive a new First Federal passbook?
First Federal does not offer passbooks for IRA accounts. You can view your IRA CD balances and history on our online banking or your monthly statement.
Will there be any changes to my existing Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
There will not be any changes to your Certificate of Deposit.
Will the terms of my IRA account change?
There will not be any changes to the terms of your IRA.
Loans Questions:
Are there any changes to the terms of my loan(s)?
No. The terms of your loan(s) will remain the same. The only change is that after April 7th, you will be submitting your payments to First Federal Credit Union.
Will my loan account number(s) remain the same?
In most cases your account number(s) will not be changing
Where do I make my loan payments?
You can make your loan payments through online banking (www.firstfedcu.com); with our mobile app; at any First Federal Credit Union branch; or by mailing your payment to: First Federal Credit Union, 425 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.
Will First Federal continue to automatically debit my deposit account for my loan payment?
Yes. Any automated payment arrangement will continue uninterrupted.
Will I still be able to use my Home Equity Line of Credit?
Yes. You will still have access to your line of credit. Draw amounts will be for the exact amount of the advance. After the merger is complete, you will receive a new packet of First Federal Credit Union checks. You should continue to use your Northeast Security Bank home equity checks until you receive your new First Federal checks. Upon receipt of the new checks, please destroy the packet you are presently using.
When is my Home Equity Line of Credit payment due?
Home Equity Line of Credit payments are due 25 days from the date of your statement.
I have a loan secured by collateral. What do i need to provide to my insurance company?
To update your insurance policy, you will need to contact your insurance company and provide them with the following Mortgagee/Loss Payee information.
P.O. Box 924504
You or your agent can also upload your insurance information on our website at http://www.myloaninsurance.com/ or by calling our Insurance Processing Center at: (877) 702-6305
Online & Mobile Banking Questions:
When will I receive my online banking package in the mail?
There will be a packet of account information sent out in mid-March detailing the online and mobile services available with the First Federal.
When can I access First Federal Online Banking?
You can access First Federal Online Banking starting April 1st, 2022. You will need to re-enroll through First Federal’s website to access your online banking.
When will access to NSB Online and Mobile Banking end?
Access to NSB Online and Mobile Banking will end April 6th, 2022. Your NSB account history will not carry over, it is recommended that you either export or print at least 30 days of transaction history for your records.
Will my online banking Username change?
You will be able to choose your Username (Logon ID) when you re-enroll through First Federal’s online banking. The Logon ID must be between 6 and 50 characters. It may include letters, numbers and special characters. The Logon ID cannot be the account number, Social Security Number, or email address.
What is my business online banking User ID?
First Federal does not have a separate business online banking. You will be able to choose your Username (Logon ID) when you re-enroll through First Federal’s online banking.
How do I log into First Federal Online Banking for the first time?
To enroll online, you will first need to visit our main webpage, www.firstfedcu.com. In the upper right-hand corner, there is a red box that says Online Banking, in which there will be a link that says Enroll Online. Select this link to be directed to our enrollment page, which will ask you for your account number and a PIN number. The PIN is the last 4 digits of your SSN. After reading the Terms and Conditions, you will be directed to set up a Logon ID (username) and Security Code (password), along with your Security Questions and Security Phrase.
Do I have to enter a Secure Access Code every time I log in?
When you log in on a PC or through our website via your mobile browser, you will be asked to enter a Security Code (password) each time. On our mobile app, you can set biometric settings to log you on without entering in a Security Code.
How will I receive my Secure Access Code?
When enrolling in online banking for First Federal Credit Union, you will be prompted to set a Logon ID (username) and Security Code (password) of your own choosing.
When will access to initiate NSB ACH transactions end?
Access to initiate NSB ACH transactions will end April 6th, 2022
When will access to NSB Bill Pay end?
Access to NSB Bill Pay will end April 6th, 2022
When will access to initiate a wire transfer through NSB Online Banking end?
Access to initiate wire transfers through NSB Online Banking ends April 6th, 2022
When will access to NSB Mobile Check Deposit end?
Access to NSB Mobile Check Deposit will end April 6th, 2022
How do I update my email address and phone number in First Federal’s Online Banking?
Your data from NSB will not carry over. To update your personal information, such as your email address and phone number, in First Federal’s online banking, you would log into your online banking via the web browser and choose the Personal Information option under the settings gear up in the upper right-hand corner of the page. If you have more than one account, you will be prompted to select which account numbers the information should be updated for.
What information will transfer to First Federal Online Banking for customers?
The only thing that will transfer over to your First Federal online banking will be your balance information. All other previously set automatic transfers, bill payments, and eStatements will need to be set up again through your First Federal online banking and bill pay.
What information will NOT transfer to First Federal Online Banking for consumer customers?
The only thing that will transfer over to your First Federal online banking will be your balance information. All other previously set automatic transfers, bill payments, and eStatements will need to be set up again through your First Federal online banking and bill pay.
What information will transfer to First Federal Online Banking for business customers?
The only thing that will transfer over to your First Federal online banking will be your balance information. All other previously set automatic transfers, bill payments, and eStatements will need to be set up again through your First Federal online banking and bill pay.
What information will NOT transfer to First Federal Online Banking for business customers?
The only thing that will transfer over to your First Federal online banking will be your balance information. All other previously set automatic transfers, bill payments, and eStatements will need to be set up again through your First Federal online banking and bill pay.
When can I reestablish my information that will not carry over?
Your NSB online information will not be carrying over. Your NSB account history will not carry over, it is recommended that you either export or print at least 30 days of transaction history for your records.
I am a business account owner/designated admin that assigns user rights. Will I need to reestablish user rights for users?
First Federal online banking accounts do not have multiple user logins. There is only one login profile for each account number, so you will not need to assign user rights. For assigning authorized signors for your business account, please contact a First Federal Personal Banker, who would be happy to help you with your business account details.
Should I make copies of my eStatements and online banking account history?
Access to NSB eStatement and online banking account history will end April 6th, 2022, so it would be recommended to make copies of statements and/or history for records.
How do I reinstate eStatement delivery in First Federal Online Banking?
In order to enroll in eStatements through First Federal’s Online Banking, you will need to log into your online banking via a web browser and go to the Self Service tab, then in the Additional Services section, select PDF eStatements. This will take you to a page that will prompt you to confirm your eStatement enrollment, and then you can select your account information and view your eSatements as well.
Will my alerts and scheduled or recurring transfers in NSB Online Banking process as normal?
If you have alerts and/or scheduled or recurring transfers set up with NSB, you will need to reinstate those through your First Federal online banking.
Will I still have access to bill pay?
First Federal does offer free bill pay through our online banking. You will need to set up any automatic transfers again that you may have had through NSB on your First Federal bill pay.
How does First Federal process bill payments?
First Federal processes bill pay payments electronic and by check. Checks will be sent to the payee of the bill pay payment on the date requested through the bill pay system.
What is the First Federal cut-off time to make a bill payment?
First Federal recommends making bill pay payments 3 to 5 business days prior to the date of which the payment needs to be received to ensure a timely delivery of the payment. Please note, the funds may not clear the account the date of the payment, but rather when the check clears through the Federal Reserve.
Do I need to use a Token to log in to my business online banking account?
You do not need to use a Token to log in to your business online banking account, but you will be required to enter in your Logon ID (username) and Security Code (password) to log in through our website and app.
Do I need to use a Token to approve an ACH or a Wire transaction?
You do not need to use a Token to approve a Wire transaction, however First Federal does require a Wire Transfer Form to be signed prior to initiating a wire transaction. Contact a First Federal office for details.
What is the First Federal cut-off time to for wire transfers?
The cut-off times for wire transfers through First Federal are as follows:
Outgoing domestic – 1pm
Outgoing international – 12pm
Incoming domestic or international – 3pm
What is the First Federal cut-off time to for ACH transactions?
First Federal ACH transactions need to be initiated 3 business days before the transaction is to be applied to the account. (For example, if an ACH payment needs to be applied by Friday, the request for said payment would need to be Tuesday at the latest.)
Can I change my User ID?
Yes. You can change your User ID by logging in to your online banking via a web browser and selecting the Change Logon ID option that can be seen when hovering over the padlock in the upper right-hand corner of the online banking screen.
Will my First Federal Online Banking still be linked to QuickBooks or Quicken?
First Federal Online Banking is not linked with QuickBooks or Quicken.
What if I don’t see my account(s) on my online banking?
If you are unable to see your account through your online banking, please feel free to give one of our Contact Center Representatives a call at (319) 743-7806, and we would be happy to assist in helping you.
Does First Federal offer a mobile app?
First Federal Credit Union does offer a mobile app that can be found in the App Store or the Google Play store by searching for our name, First Federal Credit Union and selecting the option that shows our logo (a star with a flag through it) as the icon. Links can also be found at https://www.firstfedcu.com/mobile-banking-app.
Can I lock or unlock my debit card through online or mobile banking?
Debit card locking and unlocking cannot be managed through First Federal online or mobile banking, but can be managed through our card servicing app, CardValet. See https://www.firstfedcu.com/cardvalet for details.
How can I learn more about the features and benefits of First Federal Online and Mobile Banking?
First Federal encourages our members to explore out website at www.firstfedcu.com, and to download our self-titled app, First Federal Credit Union, through your Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you have any questions about any of the features or benefits, please feel free to contact us by chat through our website, by phone or text at (319) 743-7806, or by stopping in at any of our locations.
What are your office hours?
Office hours for each location can be found at Firstfedcu.com/locations