Introducing: Receipts on demand

Like many other businesses, American 1 is always looking to cut costs for our members, reduce waste, and leave less of an impact on the environment.

That’s why we’re excited to announce Receipts On Demand, a program that introduces both a new receipt and a new way of doing things.

For one, we’re no longer automatically printing receipts for our members for each transaction. If you come into a branch to manage your account, and you want a paper receipt, you will ask for one. Otherwise, we won’t print a receipt. Ask yourself: do you really need a printed receipt for your transaction? Sometimes you will, sometimes you won’t. We’ll assume, in most cases, that you won’t need a receipt.

Second, we’re launching new thermal receipts and printers at three of our branches – Home Office, Argyle, and Parnall – starting Monday. Those receipts you get when you pay for gas at the pump? They’re kind of like those. They’re smaller, lighter, and only one sheet – instead of the yellow-and-white sheets we used to have.

This new on-demand receipt system does many things, all of them good, including:

• Save money on paper costs and waste
• Reduce our environmental impact with smaller receipts AND less of them
• Make most transactions faster, saving time
• Reducing identity theft, since there’s less of a paper trail

While this on-demand receipt system is kicking off at three of our branches, we plan to install it credit-union-wide over the next few months.

So when you make a transaction at an American 1 branch, and we ask if you want a receipt, make sure you really think about it. For some members, a printed receipt helps them manage their money better.

But if it’s just going to end up in the trash, say “no thanks.”

Poll: What’s the best way to get information?

We’re wondering what method you use to get information about American 1, or what is the best way to get that information to you. Answering either is fine – we just wonder what our members are looking for.

If you have any further thoughts, leave them in the comments below. Thanks!

How to sign up for MasterCard’s Secure Code

Maybe you’ve been ready to purchase something online with your American 1 MasterCard debit card, but you get prompted by something called SecureCode.

MasterCard’s SecureCode is a security system to prevent online fraud and theft. It protects others from using your American 1 debit card, keeping your money safe.

There’s just a bit of set-up required. First, you have to make your way to American 1’s own SecureCode site, where you can begin the registration process.

When you click on American 1’s link, the first thing you’ll see is a “Register Now” button. Click that to begin the process.

Be sure to read through the agreement and click “I Agree” underneath.

On the next screen, you’ll enter your American 1 debit card number.

Then, SecureCode will ask for the rest of your information, including your card’s expiration date, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your birthdate. This is to confirm that it’s actually you signing up with the SecureCode system.

Finally, you’ll pick your Secure Code – a 8-15 character password made up of both numbers and letters. Use something that you’ll remember, but is hard for others to guess, and the more numbers and letters you use, the better. If you forget your Secure Code, you’ll have to pick a new one.

Now, when you’re prompted to enter your SecureCode at online retailers, you’ll be set up with MasterCard’s security system.

New presidential dollar coins coming

If you’re a coin collector, take note that Thursday, Aug. 20, the new presidential dollar coin will be released. This one will feature James K. Polk, America’s eleventh president. After Polk comes Zachary Taylor on November 19.

For the full presidential dollar coin release schedule, visit the U.S. Mint’s page.

We usually have the new presidential coins in a few days after their release. Stop in or ask an American 1 branch to find out if we have any.

Use direct deposit to avoid lost/stolen checks

Columnist Terry Savage shares some sobering statistics:

It seems a point almost too obvious to make. Yet, last year, more than 480,000 Social Security checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissued. And $64 million in Treasury-issued checks were fraudulently endorsed.

Savage recommends that SS benefit recipients enroll in direct deposit, ensuring that payments will go directly to their account.

Savage says GoDirect.org can give more information and guidance on the benefits of direct deposit. We feel that, once you have direct deposit, you’ll never go back to regular paper checks. It cuts a lot of hassle out of the whole process.

Help redesign the dollar

What if someone redesigned our currency? What would it look like?

The Dollar ReDe$ign Project explores this idea, with graphic artists posting new takes on the ol’ Greenback.

The above example is from Michelle Haft, and features bright colors and graphics celebrating the myriad engines of our economy (like energy, health care, and manufacturing).

What do you think? Would Americans be willing to change the classic “Dead Presidents” designs?

[Courtesy of ISO50 blog.]

New no-surcharge ATM at Allegiance Health

Good news – we just put a new no-surcharge ATM in at Allegiance Health’s Foote Hospital.

You can find the American 1 ATM on the second floor, near the cafeteria. Now if you need cash for food or the gift shop, you can take advantage of our no-surcharge ATM. For a complete list of American 1 ATMs, visit our ATM Locations page.

Message from the NCUA: ‘Your money is safe’

A message from Jane Bryant Quinn and the National Credit Union Administration. Learn more about your share insurance on their site.

2009: a Mobile ATM Odyssey

Check out pictures on our Flickr page.

Watch for it at this weekend’s Spring Women’s Expo!

Debit card denied? Here’s why

Has your debit card been denied sometime in the past week?

There’s a reason, and – if you can believe it – it’s because of a single little number.