Membership | Frequently Asked Questions

Membership Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility Requirements | Opening An Account | Guidelines For Check Deposits

Eligibility Requirements

Q: Who is eligible to join Columbus Metro? Back to top

A: Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Franklin County, Ohio, is eligible to join Columbus Metro. If you don't fit these criteria, you may still be eligible to join if:

• You volunteer for an organization located in Franklin County;
• You are an immediate family member or live in the same household as someone who is currently a member; or
• Your spouse was eligible to join Columbus Metro at the time of his or her death.

Q. How do I become a member? Back to top

A: To become a member, simply open a share savings account with an initial deposit of $5 or more. This is your primary account at Columbus Metro and represents your share in the ownership of the credit union. As long as that $5 remains on deposit, you can take advantage of any of the many products and services Columbus Metro has to offer.

Q: What if I have a record on Chex Systems? Back to top

A: If you have a record on Chex Systems, you may still open an account at Columbus Metro. However, we will place extended holds on any check deposits to your account, and you may not qualify for all of the products and services we offer. (This also applies if you have a joint owner on your account with a Chex Systems record.)

Q: Can I open an account for my business or organization? Back to top

A: Yes, you can open an account for your business or organization, as long as you qualify for membership according to the guidelines above when the account is opened.

Opening An Account

Q: How do I open an account? Back to top

A: You can open an account at any of our offices; click here for office locations and hours. At this time, we do not permit accounts to be opened by mail or online.

Q: What do I need to open an account? Back to top

A:The USA Patriot Act requires all financial institutions to implement security measures to prevent money laundering and fight financial support of terrorism. In order to meet the requirements of that law, we require the following in order to open a new account:

• A street address. We will gladly mail your statements and other account information to a post office box, but you must also provide us with your street address at the time your account is opened.
• Government-issued photo identification. You may present a state-issued driver's license or identification card. A military identification card is also acceptable. If the address on your ID differs from your current address, you'll also need proof of your current address (a utility bill, for example).
• A thumbprint. We will ask you to provide an imprint of your right thumb.
• Consumer reports. Once your account has been opened, we will obtain reports from consumer reporting agencies -- specifically Chex Systems and Equifax -- as an additional means of verifying your identity.

Guidelines For Check Deposits

Q: What are your check hold policies? Back to top

A: In order to combat check fraud, we have implemented the following guidelines for deposits made by check:

• During the first 30 days of membership, we will automatically place a five-business-day hold on the entire amount of any check deposit.
• After 30 days of membership, we will provide up to $500 cash back on payroll and government-issued check deposits. We will cash personal checks up to $100. Funds in excess of these guidelines will be placed on a three- or five-business-day hold, depending on the type of check presented. We do not accept third-party checks (checks made out to another individual who then signs it over to you.)
• If you have a record on Chex Systems, we will place a 10-business-day (rather than three- or five-day) hold on any amount above the guidelines stated above. These extended holds will remain in place until your record on Chex Systems is removed or expires.
• Funds electronically deposited to your account are available immediately.

• America's Credit Unions: Where People Are Worth More Than Money