How can I apply?

Members can apply for Virtual Branch on-line or at any branch. Members may choose which service they desire:

	Account Access (Home Banking)
	Account Access and Bill Pay (Optional Bill Pay Service)

Are there any requirements  to apply for Virtual Branch?

To enroll in our optional bill pay service, you are required to have an ALEC share draft account.

Can I change my Logon ID?  

YES. When enrolling, you will be asked to create a "unique" Log In ID. At anytime after your enrollment, you have the option of creating a new Log in ID.  Just select the Change Logon ID from under the Options menu and you will be prompted to create a new Logon ID.

Can I access family member accounts?

A member can request access to family member accounts for which they are a co-owner. The request can be made through the Mail It feature. 

What is the difference between current balance and available balance on the account summary screen?

The current balance is the total of funds in your account. The available balance is the amount of funds you can use for a transfer or merchant payment. The difference includes deposits placed on hold and debit card holds for pending purchases not posted to your account. Please keep in mind that you are always required to have a minimum share of $5.00 in your primary share account (share type 01).

How do I access my history on my ALEC Accounts?

How can I view my canceled checks?

When viewing your checking account history, just click on the check number. (SHR DRAFT XXXX). A separate browser window will open displaying the front and back of the cleared check. 

Will all my ALEC Account information be accessible? 

NO. First Mortgage information is not currently supported by Virtual Branch.

How do I make my ALEC Visa Payment?

The best way to make your ALEC Visa Payment is to use the Loan Payment Option under Account Access. In this option select:

	account to transfer from
	your ALEC Visa Account to transfer to
	amount of requested payment.
	Select: Immediate Transfer or Scheduled for a future date.

Please Note Visa Account balances are NOT on-line real time. It will take 3-4 business days to see your new balance in Virtual Branch. 

When posted, your payment will reflect the transaction date that the transaction occurred on Virtual Branch.

How do I begin using Bill Pay?

The first time you schedule your payment, just make sure you allow at least 5-business days before the payment is due. This ensures that enough time is allowed for delivery of the first payment. After the first payment is processed and the payment delivery method is determined, your personal merchant list is updated to indicate when future payments to this merchant should be scheduled.

Are Bill Pay transactions automatic?

	If the payment will be processed electronically, your merchant should receive the payment in 2 business days.
	If the payment will be made by check, your merchant should receive your payment in 5 business days.

To determine if an online bill payment was processed and sent to a merchant; view payment history.  Account debits for payments may not always appear the same day the payment processed.

Why does the system prompt me with 2 or 5 business days when setting up a payment?  

	If the system prompts you to allow 2 business days, the merchant will be paid electronically.
	If the system prompts you to allow 5 business days, the merchant will be paid by check.

The first time you pay your bills, it is recommended that you allow extra time for processing. It is the merchant’s responsibility to post the payment in a timely manner. Virtual Branch cannot control the merchant’s payment processing time. Allow ample lead-time for the merchant to receive and post the payment. The merchant and their ability and willingness to accept electronic payments determines how and when the merchant receives your payment.

Are there any payments I can not make using the Bill Pay Service? 

 YES. The service does not allow tax payments, court directed payments, or payments to payees outside the United States.

Can I schedule my Bill Pay transactions on any day?  

NO. Bill Pay transactions can only be scheduled on business days, Monday – Friday, and exclude bank holidays. (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day) The service will place a notice on the Virtual Branch home page reminding you of the bank holidays.

Can I download financial information using Quicken’s web site?

YES. Follow the instructions in quicken, or use the export function inside Virtual Branch to download to Quicken.

Or to speak with a representative, call 847.688.8000 or 800.762.9988, Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 CST and select option #3.