Your FAQs, answered

You can join if you live, work, worship, or attend school in our service area—Rockland County NY or Bergen County NJ. Simply open an eligible account to get started.

No. Membership is free—just a $5 minimum deposit to open a savings account.

We offer checking, savings, money market, youth accounts, certificate accounts, IRAs, and more—tailored to your financial needs.

Yes, new members can open accounts quickly and securely through our website.

Auto, home, personal, recreational vehicle, credit cards, and more.

Yes! Our online and mobile banking platforms are available 24/7, so you can manage your finances anytime, anywhere.

Yes, our digital banking services are free for all members.

Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page or contact our support team for help.

We use advanced encryption, secure login protocols, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.

Contact us immediately at 800-438-7415 to report any suspicious transactions.

You can order checks through digital banking or by visiting a branch. For a new or replacement debit card, contact us or visit a branch for assistance.

Credit requirements vary by loan type. Our loan officers work with you to find the best options based on your unique situation.

Contact us immediately to report your lost or stolen card. We will block it to prevent unauthorized transactions and issue a replacement.

You can customize alerts for transactions, low balances, and more through digital banking to stay informed.

Our routing number is 221979101. If you need to provide wire instructions, contact us for additional information.

Loan amounts vary based on your credit, income, and the vehicle’s value. In many cases, you can finance up to 125% of the car’s value—including taxes, title, and fees.

Yes! Refinancing with us could help lower your interest rate, reduce your monthly payment, or shorten your loan term—potentially saving you money.

Most auto loan applications are reviewed quickly, often within one business day. Our local team makes fast, personalized decisions so you can shop with confidence.

Yes! Getting pre-approved is a great way to understand your budget before you shop. It gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and may strengthen your negotiating power at the dealership. Plus, it streamlines the buying process when you’re ready to make a purchase.

Our team will walk you through the process and let you know exactly what’s needed, but in most cases, you’ll need:

• Proof of income (like recent pay stubs or tax returns)
• Proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)
• Vehicle information (for purchases: dealer quote or bill of sale; for refinancing: current loan details)

A Certificate Account, sometimes called a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or simply Certificate, is a type of savings account with a fixed term and a fixed interest rate. It typically offers higher returns than a regular savings account in exchange for leaving your money untouched for a set period.

You choose a term (e.g., 6 months, 12 months, 36 months), deposit the account minimum, and earn interest over that period. The interest rate is locked in for the entire term. When the term ends (matures), you can withdraw your funds or renew the certificate!

Our certificates require a $500 minimum deposit.⁹

Absolutely. Certificate Accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) for up to $250,000.

Once your certificate matures, you can renew it for another term, withdraw the funds, or transfer your money to another account!

To open a checking account, you’ll need a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license) and your social security number. You may also need to make a minimum opening deposit, depending on the account type.

Palisades Credit Union offers checking accounts with no monthly service fees. For certain accounts, fees may apply but can often be waived by meeting simple requirements like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

Some checking accounts, like our Archway Checking, earn interest when certain activity requirements are met.

Yes, you can open a joint account with a family member or another individual. Both account holders have equal access and responsibility for the account.

Switching is easy! Start by opening your new account, then update your direct deposits and automatic payments. Our team can guide you through the process to ensure a smooth transition.

No, it’s not a loan. It’s a discretionary service that covers transactions when your balance is insufficient. You’re expected to repay the overdrawn amount promptly.

Not always. Courtesy Pay is discretionary, and we may not cover every transaction. We typically consider your account history and status when deciding.

Yes, you can opt out of the service at any time by contacting us.

Accounts that remain overdrawn for an extended period may be restricted or closed and could impact your credit or future account access.

Yes! Online and mobile banking are free services for all members. There are no monthly fees, and most features,  including mobile check deposit and bill pay, are included at no extra cost.

You can enroll directly through our website by selecting “Get started” on the online banking login screen.  Or download the Palisades Credit Union mobile app from your mobile phone’s app store and select “Get started”.

Absolutely. Mobile check deposit is protected by the same security and encryption used in our other digital services. Just make sure to endorse your check properly and follow the deposit instructions in the app.

Yes!  With our mobile app, you can access Bill Pay just like you would online. Schedule one-time or recurring payments to anyone, anytime—from anywhere.

No worries!  You can reset your login credentials securely through the “Forgot Username/Password” link on the login page. If you need additional help, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Yes, if you are paying your loan through EasyPay, a $9.95 flat fee will be assessed.

The maximum payment accepted through our Payment Portal is $5,000.

Your payment will be applied to your loan within one business day.

You can pay Personal Loans, Vehicle Loans, Credit Cards, Home Equities, and Mortgages through our Payment Portal.

No, only your scheduled monthly payment can be applied.

Some plans have simplified underwriting, and many members qualify without a full medical exam.

Yes! You can mix and match plans based on your life stage, goals, and budget.

The plans are not issued by Palisades Credit Union. Plans are offered through The Family Security Plan^®, but they’re exclusively available to Palisades Credit Union members.

Plans can be customized, and you can adjust or cancel coverage as your needs change.

A Home Equity Loan gives you a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and predictable monthly payments. A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) works more like a credit card—borrow as needed up to your approved limit, with flexible repayment and variable rates.

You can use your home equity for just about anything—home renovations, debt consolidation, education expenses, or unexpected costs. It’s a smart way to fund major expenses with lower rates than most credit cards or personal loans.

Every situation is unique, but most home equity loans or HELOCs close within 15-30 days. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and make sure you have all the support you need to move forward with confidence.

A HELOC is great for ongoing or unpredictable expenses—like home renovations done in phases, tuition payments, or medical bills—because it lets you borrow as needed over time. A Home Equity Loan, on the other hand, is better for large, one-time expenses like debt consolidation or a major home upgrade, since you receive a lump sum with a fixed rate and term.

Our team will walk you through exactly what’s needed based on your situation, but to get started, you’ll need:

• Proof of income (like recent pay stubs or tax returns)
• A current mortgage statement
• Property tax and homeowner’s insurance information

An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a type of savings account that helps you set aside money for retirement with potential tax advantages. There are different types like Traditional and Roth IRAs, each with their own rules on contributions, taxes, and withdrawals. IRAs are a great way to grow your savings over time and plan for your financial future.

Anyone with earned income (and a Social Security number) can contribute to an IRA, subject to annual IRS limits and rules.

Yes. We can help you roll over your existing retirement account without taxes or penalties if done correctly.  We’ll navigate you through this process with ease.

Our IRAs can be opened with as little as $500.³

There are several differences, but the most noteworthy is how the funds can be used. Unlike many state-sponsored Section 529 plans, a Coverdell ESA can be used to pay for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses at most public, private, and parochial schools.

Our team is here to guide you. We’ll help you explore your options—whether it’s a fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, or VA mortgage—and find the solution that fits your budget, timeline, and long-term goals.

You’ll typically need proof of income, employment history, credit information, and details about the home you want to buy. But don’t worry—our mortgage specialists will walk you through every step and answer all your questions.

Every situation is unique, but most mortgages close within 30 to 45 days. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and make sure you have all the support you need to move forward with confidence.

Yes! We offer both Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) to help you tap into your home’s value for renovations, major expenses, or debt consolidation. Learn more on our Home Equity page.

Absolutely. Getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget and strengthens your offer when house hunting. Our team makes the process quick, easy, and personalized to your needs.

Nope! Our Palisades Perks are completely free for our members.

Yes! We’re always adding new offers and rotating deals to keep things fresh. Be sure to check back often so you don’t miss out.

Navigate to our Love My Credit Union Rewards partner page through the “Get rewards” button, click on the offer you would like to redeem, and follow the prompts from there!

We’re here to help! If you have any issues or if you would like more information, call us at 845-602-4242 or stop by any of our branches for assistance.

You can check back here, on the Palisades Perks page, to see the latest offers. We also post updates on social media and in our Member Newsletter!

Almost anything! Common uses are home improvements, debt consolidation, emergency expenses, vacations, weddings or family milestones, and other major purchases.

Borrow only what you need—up to $30,000.

Our approvals are made locally, so you’ll get a decision quickly. In most cases, funds can be available within just a few days.

Absolutely. There are no prepayment penalties, so you can pay off your loan early and save on interest!

You can apply online in minutes, visit one of our branches, or call us for personal assistance. We’ll guide you through every step.

Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in our eligible service area (Rockland County NY & Bergen County NJ) and is new to Palisades Credit Union. Your immediate family members are eligible too!

Make sure your friend or family member provides your unique referral code or name during account opening.

Nope! There’s no limit. Refer as many friends or family as you’d like and keep earning.

When your referral opens an account, you will both receive an email with a link to our rewards site. There, you can redeem your rewards points and choose the reward you’re most interested in.

No! Keep referring and keep earning. Your points will continue to accumulate and earn you even more rewards power.

Your Share Savings account represents your ownership in the credit union.  A small $5 deposit ($10 deposit for joint accounts) secures your membership and gives you access to all of our products and services.

Yes, a minimum of $5 ($10 for joint accounts) is required to keep your Share Savings account open and maintain your membership.  Our other Savings accounts have other minimum balance requirements.

You can access your savings account through digital banking, ACH transfers, in-branch withdrawals, or by visiting an ATM (Share Savings accounts only). Withdrawals may be limited to comply with federal guidelines.

Yes! All of our savings accounts earn dividends. Rates may vary depending on the type of account and your balance.

Your funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) up to at least $250,000, so your savings are safe and secure.

There is a $20 fee for payments skipped via online or mobile banking. There is a $35 fee for payment skip requests in-branch or via phone.

Yes, loans may be skipped for two consecutive months, as long as no other payments have been skipped in a 12-month period.

Modification loans, Mortgage, Home Equity Loans, Home Equity Line of Credit, Secured Credit Card, Certificate/Share Secured Loans, and Business Loans are not eligible for Skip-a-Pay.

On qualifying loans, interest will continue to accrue during the waived payment period which will result in the term of the loan being extended.

For loans with Payment Protection or GAP insurance, a skipped payment may have an adverse impact on how the insurance/protection is paid by the carrier.

A cosigner is a creditworthy parent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult who’s willing to assume legal responsibility for the loan liabilities along with you. A cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

If you’re conditionally approved, you may be asked to provide a government-issued ID, a transcript or other proof of enrollment, and copies of your two most recent pay stubs.

At minimum, you can borrow $2,000. The maximum you can borrow is the certified amount determined by your school which is up to $120,000 for undergraduate students and $160,000 for graduate students.

It may take 2-4 weeks from the time the application is submitted until your school receives your funds, but it can take less or more time in some cases.

You can! There are no prepayment penalties, so you can pay off your loan early and save on interest.

A youth checking account is available for anyone under the age of 22.  A student checking account is available to students ages 13-21.

Yes. For members under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be a joint member on the account. This ensures guidance and oversight while our youngest learn to manage their money.

Just a $5 minimum to get started!

Youth savings accounts will automatically convert into a Share Savings account and checking accounts will automatically convert into a Foundation Checking account.

Yes! Both youth and student account holders can use our website and mobile app to manage their accounts!