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Whenever you use any service from a banking institution or a credit union, it is important to understand all the terms and services. The same is true when you use a ValleyStar Credit Union Debit Card.
To make the most of it, you must stay updated about the various fees associated with it so you can avoid it.
That’s why we have written this post to help you.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different fees you may incur when using your Valleystar debit card. We’ll also offer tips on how you can minimize or entirely avoid these fees and from where you can get the latest information.
Let’s get started.
Common Valleystar Credit Union Debit Card Fees
Let’s take a closer look at the fees you might encounter when using your Valleystar Credit Union debit card. Understanding these fees can help you manage your account and avoid any unexpected costs.
1. Monthly Maintenance Fee
There is good news for you! Valleystar Credit Union doesn’t charge any maintenance fee and offers a free checking account. That includes several other benefits like
- Get paid up to 2 days early with Early Pay (with direct deposit)
- No minimum balance requirement
- No initial deposit required to open
- No monthly service charge
- 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs worldwide
- Earn dividends
- No per-check charge
- Free instantly issued Visa® Debit Card
- Free Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions when using their Debit Card
To maintain the no-fee structure, ValleyStar encourages you to enroll in electronic statements.
2. ATM Fees
You can use Valleystar’s own ATMs for free. These are the ATMs located at their branches or in their partner network. But if you use an ATM from a different bank, you will have to pay a fee of $4.00 per transaction.
Apart from that, you get two free ATM/Debit card replacements annually and a charge of $12 each thereafter.
3. Overdraft Fees
An overdraft happens when you try to spend more money than you have in your account. For example, if you have $10 in your account and you buy something for $15, you will overdraw your account.
Valleystar doesn’t charge a fee if you overdraw from your Savings account to Checking account. However, for Overdraft Privilege/NSF Return/ACH Return, you will be charged $35 each if the transaction overdraws by $3.01.
4. Foreign Transaction Fees
If you use your Valleystar debit card in another country, you might have to pay an extra fee. This is called a foreign transaction fee. The fee for International Transactions is 2.00% of each transaction in US dollars.
5. Inactivity Fee
If you don’t use your debit card for 120 days, Valleystar will charge $5.00 per month. This includes not making any purchases or withdrawals. The fee amount and the time it takes to become inactive can vary.
Remember, these are common fees, but it’s always best to check with Valleystar directly for the most current information.
Now that you understand the fee, let’s take a look at how you can minimize them.
Also Read: 6 Different Savings Account Types in USA
4 Hot Tips to Minimize ValleyStar Credit Union Debit Card Fees
Want to keep more money in your pocket? Of course you do! We’ve put together some simple tips to help you avoid those pesky debit card fees that can eat into your savings and emergency funds. Follow these easy strategies to make the most of your Valleystar Credit Union debit card and minimize those extra costs.
1. Keep Track of Your Account Balance to Avoid Overdrafts
It’s easy to overspend without realizing it. Make sure you know how much money you have in your account before you use your debit card. You can check your balance online, on your phone using Valleystar’s app, or by calling their automated phone system. You can also sign up for account alerts.
Valleystar can send you an email or text message when your balance gets low. This helps you avoid accidentally spending more money than you have and getting charged overdraft fees.
2. Use Valleystar’s Own ATMs Whenever Possible
Valleystar Credit Union has ATMs at their branches and sometimes in other locations. You can usually use these ATMs without paying a fee. Look for the Valleystar logo on the ATM. If you use an ATM that doesn’t belong to Valleystar, you will probably have to pay a fee to the ATM owner.
3. Consider Overdraft Protection Options
Overdraft protection can help you avoid the embarrassment and high cost of overdrawing your account. Valleystar offers different ways to protect your account. You might be able to link your checking account to your savings account.
This way, if you overdraw your checking account, Valleystar will automatically transfer money from your savings account to cover the difference. They might also have a line of credit you can use for overdraft protection. Ask a Valleystar employee about the different options and which one is best for you.
4. Be Aware of Foreign Transaction Fees
Using your debit card in another country can be convenient, but it can also be expensive. Remember that Valleystar might charge you a foreign transaction fee every time you use your card.
This fee is usually a percentage of what you spend. Think about getting a travel credit card. Some credit cards don’t have foreign transaction fees. You could also exchange your money for local currency before you travel.
To minimize the ValleyStar Credit Union Debit card fees, it is important to be aware of the latest fees.
How to Find the Most Up-to-Date ValleyStar Credit Union Debit Card Fees Information
Want to make sure you have the very latest information about Valleystar’s debit card fees? Valleystar Credit Union provides a few easy ways for you to stay up-to-date. Here’s how you can find the most current details:
1. Visit the Valleystar Credit Union website
Valleystar has a website with lots of helpful information. You can find their latest fee schedule on their website. The fee schedule is a document that lists all of their fees.
Here is the link to their Fee Schedule.
2. Go to a Local Branch
Valleystar Credit Union has branches in many locations. You can visit a branch and talk to a Valleystar employee. They can answer your questions about debit card fees and give you a copy of the fee schedule. You can also ask them about other accounts and services that Valleystar offers.
Here is a link to their Branch Locator.
3. Call Valleystar’s Customer Service Number
Valleystar has a customer service team that can help you with your questions. You can call them to ask about debit card fees or anything else related to your account. They are available during regular business hours. You can usually find their customer service number on the back of your debit card or on their website.
Here is a link to their Contact Information.
Fee schedules can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with Valleystar directly for the most current information. They can give you the most accurate and up-to-date details about their fees.
Wrapping Up
As you’ve seen, there are different kinds of fees that may apply when you use your Valleystar Credit Union debit card. However, with the correct information, you can avoid these costs or minimize them.
Valleystar Credit Union has all the updated information on their website. You can also contact their branches and even their customer service phone line in case you have a question the website doesn’t have an answer to.
Having knowledge of the fees associated with a debit card and how to avoid them enables you to use it with confidence and retain more of your funds!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if I accidentally overdraw my account?
Mistakes happen and Valleystar knows it. If you do accidentally go overdraft, make sure to get in touch with them immediately. They should also be able to help reverse the overdraft fee or provide other solutions. If you are facing any issues, it’s better to communicate with them and let them know.
2. How can I avoid paying foreign transaction fees when I travel?
There are a few ways to avoid foreign transaction fees. You may want to look into opening a travel credit card that doesn’t have these fees. You may also be able to convert your money into local currency before you go. If you will be using your Valleystar debit card, keep in mind the foreign transaction fees and plan for that in your travel budget.
3. What happens if my debit card is lost or stolen?
This includes reporting a lost or stolen debit card to Valleystar. They will close your card and give you a new card. This allows you to secure your account against unapproved use. A lost or stolen card can typically be reported by phone or online.
