COVID-19 Information and Updates

Last updated August 6th, 2020.

Our Duncan Branch lobby will re-open for member and loan servicing on Friday, August 7th 2020.

Our Spartanburg Branch lobby will re-open for member and loan servicing on Monday, June 15th 2020.

Members who have transactions such as withdrawals, deposits, or cashing checks that can be handled by a teller will still need to utilize our drive-thrus.

We have taken many precautions and are following all CDC guidelines with regards to allowing members back in our lobbies. Please understand there may be longer wait times and additional safety precautions put in place for both our member’s and employee’s safety.

Please note the following changes:

  • We will supply gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer for all employees and members who wish to utilize them

  • We have installed plexiglass shields at all member-facing areas

  • We have notated waiting spaces in the lobby that are at least six feet apart to ensure we are following proper physical distancing guidelines

  • The number of people in the lobby at one time will be limited. If we have reached capacity, you may be asked to wait in your vehicle until a space become available.

  • If you choose to wear a mask, you may be asked to pull it down briefly for identity verification purposes. This will only be done when proper physical distancing is in place or there is a plexiglass barrier between the member and employee.

  • The lobby will have shortened hours from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM in order for us to properly sanitize all areas.

We are excited to see our members again, but we must ensure the safety of our employees as well as all members. Please help us in complying with these new guidelines. Additionally, if you have had any symptoms of illness, please utilize our online banking system, ATMs, or call us for assistance.

VITAL FCU is here for our members during these uncertain times. We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our community in many ways and has impacted each of our members differently. In order to help our members to the best of our abilities, we have made the following changes to our regular procedures:

  • Early withdrawal penalties are being waived on regular share certificates. If you need to withdraw from your certificate before the renewal date, please contact us. IRA certificates are not currently eligible for waiving the early withdrawal penalty, but if you need to close your IRA certificate, we will waive the penalty in that case.

  • Regulation D has been suspended for the time being. This means that you are no longer limited to six automatic or online transfers from your savings account per month. Automatic transfers will occur as long as you have funds available in your savings to cover any transactions clearing through your checking account. You also have the availability to transfer an unlimited number of times between your accounts through online banking. 

These items are subject to change or stop at any time without notice. 

We are continually looking for ways to give back and assist our members during these unprecedented times. Our employees are here to help during regular business hours through the drive-thru at both locations and by phone. 

You have probably heard by now that the government will be sending stimulus money to many Americans who are eligible. The money will be direct deposited for people who have this information on file already with the IRS. While they announced that some of the earliest direct deposits would go out this week, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will see the money immediately.

You may still be waiting several weeks for your direct deposit, since they are not all going out at once. And possibly even longer if you have to wait on a paper check. However, now is the best time to plan ahead with how to best use your stimulus money, so that when it does arrive you are ready with a plan of action. 

Here are a few ways to plan ahead to get back on track:

  • Focus on the most important bills. If you are behind on your payments from being out of work, you should plan to make payments on the bills that are essential first. Payments like your mortgage, power and water bills, and food for your family.

  • Reach out to your credit union for help. We understand that everyone is impacted by this event differently. Our philosophy has always been “people helping people”, and we are here to help. We are currently waiving the skip-a-pay fee for all members.

  • Plan ahead instead of just for right now. Even if you can only save a few hundred dollars from your stimulus check, having some amount for bills coming up in the next few weeks is a good idea.

  • Be smart with your money. Don’t let criminals trick you into giving up your personal information. In times of crisis, scammers are always looking for an easy way to gain access to your funds. Never give out your passwords or your account numbers to an unknown source. Always verify that emails and phone calls are from a legitimate source. 

  • Keep your money safe. Remember that the safest place for your funds is in your credit union. Hoarding cash may seem like the best way to know you have your money, but cash can easily be lost or stolen and isn’t earning you any interest. Your funds at VITAL FCU are federally insured by the NCUA, and we have one of the highest ratings for being a financially sound institution. You can rest assured your money is safe with us!

  • Keeping these in mind, we know that our members are anxiously awaiting the much needed stimulus money. Unfortunately, we cannot give you an exact date for when or if you will receive a direct deposit. 

Due to our lobbies being closed we are handling a larger call volume than normal, and you may experience delayed holds on calls. To avoid long wait times, you can check your accounts 24/7 through your online banking or by calling the CAT system telephone teller. 

We want to thank each of our members for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. As always we are here to help with all of your financial needs!

As of Friday, March 20th both of our branch location lobbies will be closed for staff and member safety. The drive-thrus will remain open to service members.

The safety and health of both our members and staff is our top priority here at VITAL FCU. We are closely monitoring all new developments surrounding COVID-19 and are keeping up to date on accurate information from reliable sources. VITAL FCU management are making sure to follow all instructions and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

We are currently operating on normal business hours.

 As a financial institution, we know that we serve an imperative function in our community. That also means however, that we are interacting in close contact with the general public on a daily basis. If we feel that it becomes necessary to limit branch hours or contact with members, we will let everyone know through our website, email, and social channels.

Our branches have taken the following precautions to ensure member and staff safety:

  • Increased cleaning and sanitation procedures

  • Gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and soap are readily available to our staff 

  • Postponement of meetings

What YOU can do to help prevent the spread of disease:

  • Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap

  • Cover your cough

  • If you have any symptoms of illness stay home until you have been symptom free for at least 24 hours

  • Review all of the published guidelines from the CDC

Our members have access to free online services that are available 24/7. While we love seeing our awesome members, we ask that you consider utilizing one of these services instead of coming in for the time being.

While we are all focused on our physical health and well-being, please be aware of your financial well-being also. Scammers are continually looking for new ways to steal your personal and financial information.

 If you receive any calls, emails, or notifications from someone claiming to be VITAL FCU and they are asking for personal information such as your full social security number, your debit or credit card number, or your online banking login information, please DO NOT give this information out. VITAL FCU or our representatives will NEVER ask you for information over the phone or email that could put your identity or accounts at risk. 

If you are unsure of the validity of a call or email, please hang up or do not respond to the email and contact us at (864) 948-8200 immediately.

If you are negatively impacted by COVID-19 and are unable to make your payments, please call us as soon as possible to discuss your options. If you need to pay your loan with a debit card, we will be waiving our fee for this service until July 1st. Please call us to complete this transaction over the phone and not in-branch. 

And as always, your funds are federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000.00. VITAL FCU is financially sound and have been serving the Spartanburg community for over 50 years. You can learn more about NCUA Insurance by visiting their site.

We want to continue serving our membership to the best of our ability while keeping member and staff safety our top priority.  Our management will continue to follow all recommendations as they become available over the course of the next several weeks. We hope that everyone stays safe, healthy, and calm during this time.