Q. What is a Debit Card?
A. It allows you to make purchases at any retail establishment which accepts MasterCard. It is much quicker than check writing, and much more convenient.

Q. How do I obtain a Debit Card?
A. You may visit your local service center to sign up, or click for an online application.

Q. Will my spouse automatically receive one?
A. No. If you currently have more than one Debit Card for one member number, you will want to order additional cards. A member can have more than one debit card to a particular checking account. It is not recommended, but can be done. The reason it is not recommended is that it is like having two people with check which can clear the same account. These two people must communicate very effectively or their account will overdraw and/or one of them will be denied without understanding why.

Q. How much does an ATM / Debit Card cost?
A. There is no charge for either.

Q. How do I use a Debit Card?
A. At the ATM machine, use it the same as your ATM card. At a retail establishment, siturations vary. Generally, if the cashier must swipe your card for you, it will be treated exactly like a credit card transaction, and you will sign your receipt. You will not be charged interest, however, because the money is coming straight out of your checking account. In addition, you will have signed proof of your authorized purchase. If the retail establishment is set up for you to swipe your own card at the checkout, the Credit Union recommends that you treat the transaction as a credit option so you may retain your signed receipt. A 'Debit' or 'ATM' option may be available, in which case you will have to enter your PIN to complete the transaction and you will NOT receive a signed receipt.

Q. What if my transactions are denied because funds aren't available - but I know the money is there?
A. Sometimes members forget to transfer money or make deposits, or technology just isn't fast enough to accurately reflect members' up-to-the-minute balance. Apply for an Overdraft Line of Credit. Your Line of Credit's available balance will be included in your debit card's total available balance, and this can compensate for any delays in updating Magic Line's records regarding your true balance. You may never hit your Line of Credit, but if you do, you'll be glad it was there for you.