Skip to Page Content

ONLINE CHAT | CONTACT US | SEARCH | eBranch Log In


Horizon Online

July 2009 banner
August 2009 Topics ...


Feeling Alien-ated by UFOs
(Unidentified Financial Organizations)

Come Back Down To Earth And Boost Your Buying Power With NASA Federal

If you’ve been left feeling alienated by other financial institutions due to high fees and rising credit card rates, let NASA Federal help you get back down to earth with winning rates, terrific terms and service that always puts you in first place.

Get Your Motor Running
Auto Loan Rates as low as 3.30% APR*

When it’s time to purchase or refinance your vehicle, you can count on NASA Federal for a great rate, flexible terms and 100% financing (including taxes, tags, title, registration, extended warranties and GAProtection.)

Receive A Tax Break When You Purchase A New Vehicle!

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, you could receive a tax break (link to http://nasafcu.com/l2.aspx?ci=1267 )when you file your 2009 tax return next year if you purchase a qualified new vehicle before January 1, 2010. You can deduct state and local sales tax that you pay on a vehicle with a purchase price up to $49,500. Qualifying vehicles include new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles. You can take the deduction even if you don’t itemize your taxes on your tax return. (Some income limits may apply.)

Learn more, then, come to NASA Federal, get pre-qualified for an auto loan and go car shopping with assured buying power. Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used auto, or refinance your current auto loan for a lower rate, look to NASA Federal to help you do more, travel farther and pay less! Visit us online or call 301-249-1800 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328).

Expand Your Purchase Universe
Visa Platinum Card rates as low as 9.9% APR**

When is the last time you checked the rates you’re being charged by other financial institutions and store credit cards? Now is the time to consolidate your spending and transfer your high-rate balances to the low-rate NASA Federal Visa Platinum. Enjoy:

  • No penalty rates
  • No annual fees
  • Same low rate for purchases and cash advances
  • No balance transfer fees
  • No minimum finance charge
  • $0 liability in the case of a lost or stolen card
  • Choice of card design

What are you waiting for? Get your credit card rates back down to earth and put cash back in your wallet. Visit us online or call 301-249-1800 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328).

*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) as of August 1, 2009, for a term of 36 months. Rate includes a .25% reduction in APR for automated payment and a .25% reduction in APR for a recurring monthly direct deposit of $1,000 minimum and a NASA Federal checking account. APR based on evaluation of applicant’s credit. Your actual APR may vary. Not valid if refinancing an existing NASA Federal Credit Union auto loan. Rate subject to change at any time without notice. Loan example: $20,000 loan at a rate of 3.3% APR for 36 months equals a monthly payment of $584.32.
**Annual Percentage Rate for purchases, cash advances and balance transfers. Annual Fee: NONE. Grace period for repayment of the balance for purchases: 25 days. Method of computing the balance for purchases: Average Daily Balance. Minimum finance charge: NONE. Transaction fee for purchases: NONE. Fees: Cash Advance: 3% of advance ($5 minimum); Balance Transfer: NONE; Returned Check: $29; Card Replacement: NONE for Platinum Rewards, otherwise $5; Late Payment: $20; Over Limit: $20; Foreign Transaction: 1% of transaction amount. APR based on evaluation of applicant’s credit. Your actual APR may vary.


Protect Your Finances From Fraud

Fraud happens. But it doesn’t have to happen to you. At NASA Federal, we’re committed to protecting you and your financial accounts. Here are some tips to help you prevent fraud.

  • Use dark, indelible ink to write checks and never leave the payee or amount lines blank
  • Always check your bank and credit card statement for suspicious activity
  • Safeguard your checkbook, bank statement and bank cards
  • Keep your extra checks in a safe location such as a safe-deposit box
  • Record your bank and credit card account numbers with their phone numbers. Keep the list in a safe and easily accessible location
  • Shred cancelled checks, account statements and other financial documents before discarding
  • Consider using NASA Federal’s Check Card, credit card(s) or Online Bill Pay as a safer alternative to paper checks

If you suspect that your account or credit card has been compromised in any way, contact us at 301-249-1800 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328). Or, you can dial either of the following directly: Lost/Stolen Credit Card 1-800-449-7728; Lost/Stolen Check Card 1-800-523-4175.


Are Your Mortgage Payments Getting Ready To Increase?

Let NASA Federal Help Fix Your Broken ARM

During the height of the real estate boom, low-interest, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were a very attractive option. But the low initial rates of ARMs that were written a few years ago are beginning to reset, often outside of a borrowers affordability range.

NASA Federal Has Options For You

If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, you might have seen your mortgage payment begin to adjust upward recently. Perhaps you were able to cut some luxuries from your budget to make the higher payment without a problem. But then the car needs repair, the refrigerator breaks down, and little by little, expenses may start to outpace your income.

If you’re saddled with a difficult mortgage and possible rising payments, NASA Federal Credit Union may be able to help. Visit our online Mortgage Center or call us at 301-249-1800 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328) to find out more about refinancing your home loan. Our goal is to save you money while providing the professional service you have come to expect!


NASA Federal’s Student Choice Loan

A Timely Funding Option For Today’s College Student

Do you know of a college student who may need help with their financial arrangements for the fall semester? If they’ve taken steps to line up financing for the upcoming school year and they’re still in need of additional funds, they should apply for NASA Federal’s Student Choice Loan.

We have partnered with several of the nation’s leading credit unions to help fill the funding gap that federal aid may leave behind. The Student Choice Loan features:

  • Zero origination fees
  • Low interest rates
  • No payment while in school option

We make it easy to apply

Don’t let the cost of education be an obstacle for a bright future. To find out more information on choosing student loans and the financial aid process, or to apply, visit us online today. You can also contact a Member Service Representative at 1-800-322-8816, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Credit Union Credit Cards More Favorable To Consumers

A Harvard University Study conducted by two doctoral students, Ryan Bubb and Alex Kaufman, recently released findings that “credit unions are less likely to charge the fees and penalties that the new Credit Card Reform Act hopes to eliminate.” The study also reported that credit unions largely conform to the new rules already. These findings reaffirm a similar study done by a noted economist last year, which found that consumers in one state saved nearly $5 million in interest rates and fees by using a credit card issued by a credit union.

Credit Unions primary distinguishing traits are their not-for-profit business model and focus on improving the financial lives of all their members.

The member focus of credit unions versus the profit focus of banks is more indicative of how regular credit cards will perform under the new law.

Offers For “No Balance Transfer Fees” Are Getting Harder To Find

Except At Your Credit Union

Make sure to carry the NASA Federal Visa Platinum card in your wallet and use it for all of your purchases. Transfer your high-rate balances today, you won’t have to worry about balance transfer fees like those charged by other financial institutions which could be as much as 5%! At NASA Federal, we want all of our members to experience the benefits of membership. Apply for your balance transfer today or call 301-249-1800, ext 203 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328).


8 Inexpensive Eco-Friendly Acts

  1. Recycle
  2. Bike and carpool
  3. Save a tree—switch to eStatements
  4. Conserve water
  5. Turn off lights
  6. Switch to compact, fluorescent light bulbs
  7. Keep your car tuned up to improve fuel efficiency
  8. Dispose of chemicals properly


CERTIFICATE SPECIALS

1.50%APY*
9 month • Regular/IRA Certificate

$5K minimum deposit to open

2.00%APY*
15 month • Regular/IRA Certificate
$5K minimum deposit to open

*Annual Percentage Yield as of August 1, 2009. Minimum $5,000 deposit required. Early withdrawal penalties apply and may reduce earnings. Special certificate renews automatically to a standard 6-month term at the rate in effect at the time of renewal unless instructed otherwise. Credit Union reserves the right to limit the number of special certificates opened. This limited-time offer is subject to change at any time without notice.
**Annual Percentage Yield as of August 1, 2009. Minimum $5,000 deposit required. Early withdrawal penalties apply and may reduce earnings. Special certificate renews automatically to a standard 12-month term at the rate in effect at the time of renewal unless instructed otherwise. Credit Union reserves the right to limit the number of special certificates opened. This limited-time offer is subject to change at any time without notice.


24/7 Access To Your Accounts

NASA Federal recognizes that your time is valuable. That’s why we have eBranch. It’s your online destination to help you manage your finances. eBranch puts the power of a branch at your fingertips 24/7 with a comprehensive suite of services to help you:

  • Manage your account(s)
  • Make eDeposits
  • Transfer funds between your NASA Federal accounts and to or from accounts at other financial institutions
  • Pay bills online
  • Open new accounts
  • And much more

Take greater control of your finances, with eBranch. It’s safe, convenient and FREE! Log in to eBranch today.


Traveling Abroad?

Contact NASA Federal when you plan to use your NASA Federal Visa Check Card and/or NASA Federal Visa Credit Card abroad. It’s the best way to ensure that your cards deliver the same value overseas as they do here in the U.S. Let us make a note on your account so we know you’re on a trip and need access to your accounts. Call 301-249-1800 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328) several days prior to your travel date for the best service.


Find A Free ATM From Your Cell Phone

Traveling out of town this summer? On vacation and need to locate a free ATM? You can locate free ATMs from your cell phone! It’s simple and easy! Here’s how:

  1. Send a text to MYCOOP (692667) from your mobile phone. In the body of the text, enter an address, zip code or intersection.
  2. In about 30 seconds, the service will reply with the location of the nearest free ATM.
  3. If you would like more ATM locations, simply reply MORE to the message and additional locations will be sent to your cell phone!

This service is FREE—only standard text messaging rates apply.


Calendar

September 7, Labor Day: Offices are closed. Access your account through eBranch, ATMs, and Contact-24.


NCUA National Credit Union Administration Equal Housing Lender