Frequently Asked Questions
| Courtesy Pay
Courtesy Pay FAQ
Courtesy Pay adds a measure of protection
to your Columbus Metro checking account. If you qualify, we may
cover certain transactions that would otherwise be declined or returned
due to insufficient funds.
For more information about Courtesy
Pay, click any of the topics listed below. If you don't see the
answer to your specific question, please call us at 614.239.0210
or 800.986.3876 or email us at cmfcu@columbusmetro.org.
Courtesy Pay Basics
| How It Works | Eligibility
COURTESY PAY BASICS
Q: What is Courtesy Pay? Back
to top
A: Courtesy Pay is an enhancement to our checking
accounts that allows us to pay certain transactions when your account
balance isn't sufficient to do so. Instead of returning or declining
the transaction, we pay it and temporarily overdraw your account.
Q: How does Courtesy Pay benefit me? Back
to top
A: Courtesy
Pay saves you from the inconvenience, expense and embarrassment
of having a check or ACH withdrawal returned or your debit card
declined. It gives you the flexibility you need to manage your money
as well as peace of mind when you face an emergency or unexpected
expense. And it doesn't cost anything to have Courtesy Pay coverage
in place just in case you need it you'll only be charged
when and if you use it.
HOW IT WORKS
Q: What transactions are covered by Courtesy Pay? Back
to top
A: Courtesy Pay covers checks, including those that are
cashed in person, as well as ACH debits from your checking account.
Courtesy Pay does not cover ATM or MetroWeb Bill Pay transactions.
It cannot be used to make transfers on MetroWeb or MetroTeller or
to bring another Columbus Metro account or loan current.
Courtesy Pay can also be extended to your signature-based debit
card transactions, but you must specifically request this coverage.
If you're not sure whether you have Courtesy Pay for your debit
card, please contact Member Services at 614.239.0210 or 800.986.3876.
Q: How much does it cost? Back
to top
A: Courtesy Pay doesn't
cost anything until you use it. There is no charge for an item that
overdraws your account by less than $10. The fee for each item that
overdraws your account by $10 or more is $25.
Q: How far can my account be overdrawn? Back
to top
A: The limit is $300 ($100 for Metro Merit checking), including
Courtesy Pay fees. After you've reached that limit, additional items
will be returned for insufficient funds and a $25 NSF fee will be
assessed.
Q: Is my Courtesy Pay limit shown in my available balance? Back
to top
A: No, the Courtesy Pay amount is not added to your available
balance. It's not a line of credit and should not be considered
as such. Rather, it's meant to prevent the occasional, unintentional
overdraft.
Q: How will I know when Courtesy Pay has been used to pay an
item? Back to top
A: You should monitor your checking account regularly, using
MetroWeb and/or MetroTeller.
Transactions covered by Courtesy Pay will be listed in your checking
account history on both services.
Q: When do I have to repay the negative balance that results
from a Courtesy Pay transaction? Back to top
A: You should bring your account to at least a zero, if
not positive, balance within 10 days. If you do not repay Courtesy
Pay balances promptly, we may revoke the privilege and future transactions
will be returned for insufficient funds.
Q: How does Courtesy Pay affect other overdraft protection,
such as overdraft from savings or Metro Line? Back
to top
A: Courtesy Pay will not change your current overdraft protection
arrangements. If you have overdraft from savings and/or a line of
credit, we will first look to pay the item with funds from those
sources. If you do not have alternate arrangements or funds are
not available, then Courtesy Pay may be used to cover the transaction.
Q: I thought I had Courtesy Pay. Why was my check or ACH returned?
Back to top
A: Items are returned for insufficient funds when your available
Courtesy Pay balance has been exhausted or when your Courtesy Pay
privileges have been suspended or revoked.
ELIGIBILITY
Q: How do I apply for Courtesy Pay? Back
to top
A: There is no need to apply for Courtesy Pay coverage for
your checks and automatic debits. If you qualify, it's automatically
made available to you, should you need it. To qualify, you must
be 18 or older and have a Metro checking account. In addition, all
of your Columbus Metro accounts deposits and loans
must be in good standing.
Courtesy Pay can also be extended to your signature-based debit
card transactions, but you must specifically request this coverage.
To opt in, simply complete and return our Courtesy
Pay opt-in form, visit any of our offices, or call Member Services
at 614.239.0210 or 800.986.3876.
Q: How will I know if I have Courtesy Pay on my account? Back
to top
A: All qualifying checking accounts are covered by Courtesy
Pay for checks and ACH withdrawals unless you have told us you do
not want it. However, if you would like Courtesy Pay to cover your
signature-based debit card transactions, you must specifically request
this service. If you're not sure whether you have opted in
or not, please contact Member Services at 614.239.0210 or 800.986.3876.
Q: What if I don't want Courtesy Pay? Back
to top
A: Courtesy Pay is optional and you may opt out at any time.
Simply let us know and we'll note your wishes on your account. Keep
in mind that any transactions that would have been covered by Courtesy
Pay will be returned and a $25 NSF fee will be assessed.
If you opt out of the service and later reconsider, simply contact
us and we can reinstate the privilege (assuming you still qualify).
Q: Can Courtesy Pay be taken away? Back to
top
A: Yes, Courtesy Pay can be temporarily suspended or permanently
revoked if your account is no longer in good standing or if you
abuse the service. The best way to maintain your Courtesy Pay privilege
is to promptly repay any negative balance that results from a Courtesy
Pay transaction.
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