A Little More about Patterson and How We Can Help You!

As a full-service financial institution, Patterson Federal Credit Union:

• Provides security for funds, with accounts insured up to at least $250,000, IRA's are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. government agency.
• Offers a full line of free or discounted financial products and services.
• Provides dependable, friendly, personalized service.
• Provides printed materials for the introduction and promotion of services.
• Offers convenience.
• Increases members' knowledge of financial options.
• Extends membership privileges to family members.
• Places members' interests first.

Use PFCU's Payroll Deduction for Savings, Checking, or Loan Payments

When you establish payroll deduction at Patterson Federal Credit Union, money is automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited in your savings account or checking account, or used to make loan payments. It's an easy way to save or to ensure that you'll never miss a loan payment. Talk to us today about how our Payroll Deduction service can work for you!

Our Debit Card: Checking Convenience + Credit Card Versatility!

Patterson Federal Credit Union's MasterCard® Debit Cards combine the economy of a checking account with the convenience and versatility of a credit card. Your card works at millions of locations that accept MasterCard® Debit Cards. Your MasterCard® Debit Card draws money from your checking account, so no interest charges apply (ATM charges may apply). 
 

The MasterCard® Debit Card is available with our Checking accounts! Got questions? We'd love to hear from you! Drop by and see us at 124 W.P. Malone Drive in Arkadelphia, or give us a call at (870)246-8005!

Another Reminder: You Can Win $100 in Our Referral Program!

Our ad from the Daily Siftings Herald. We want to remind everyone about our referral program. If you're not a member, join soon so you too can have the chance to win some cash by referring others to Patterson Federal Credit Union!

Keep Your Financial Information Safe Onine

More and more people are taking care of their finances on line. That's why we have increased our security measures with our online banking program. When you log in for the first time, you will notice you must answer several questions before you can access your account info. 

If you will always access your account from the same computer, you may decide to register that computer's IP address. That just means you will skip security questions the next time you log in. Never choose that option from a public computer, like one you might use at a library, at work, or at school!

When you answer the security questions, be sure to make a note of your responses and store them in a safe place. Some people even choose to answer the questions with not-so-obvious answers as an added security measure. For instance, if the security question asks your mother's maiden name, you might use her middle name instead. If you decide to use tricky answers, be sure to write them down and store them in a safe place just in case you forget your answers!

Here are some other tips for safe online banking:

 

Never provide personal financial information over the phone or online if you did not initiate the contact! This includes your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords.

Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you believe is fraudulent. Links like this can be attached to viruses that will contaminate your computer.

Do not be bullied by an email or phone call!  Some scam artists will threaten dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.

If you believe an email contact is legitimate, go to the company’s website ... but NOT by clicking on a link they provide. Type in the company's website address or use a page from it that you have already bookmarked.

If you fall victim to an identity attack, act immediately! Protect yourself by alerting your financial institution. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.

Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.

A Little More Loan Info. How Can We Help You?

Patterson Federal Credit Union offers several kinds of loans to fit members' needs: AUTO LOANS - Financing available on new and used cars and trucks. FARM EQUIPMENT LOANS - Financing available for new and used farm equipment. OTHER LOANS - Various loan types. PERSONAL LOANS - Low interest rates with fast processing and convenient financing. These loans are often used for debt consolidation, medical emergencies, vacations, car repairs, Christmas expenses and other unexpected events. RECREATIONAL VEHICLE LOANS - Financing available on new and used boats, personal watercraft and motor homes. SHARE SECURED LOANS - Funds secured with deposits in a savings or savings certificate account. These loans feature the most attractive interest rates, and you will continue to earn dividends on your savings. Please contact us for more information on loans. Click here for the standard loan calculator or click here for the loan qualifier.

How to Win $100

Did the title catch your attention? It does mine every time I write it. I mean, hey -- who couldn't use an extra hundred bucks? If you are a member of Patterson Federal Credit Union, you can win $100 just by encouraging others to join. Here's how it works:

• There is no entry limit. Each PFCU member earns one entry for each referral made during the calendar month. The more you refer, the more chances you have to win. 
• New customers referred must open an account and must denote the name of the referring member along with member’s telephone number (or address if the member has no phone) at the time of application. To receive the prize, the referring member must have an account in good standing at the time of winning. The $100 cash prize will be deposited directly into the member’s account. In the case of a member who only has a loan account, the prize money will be deposited into the loan account and will apply to the next payment due.
• Monthly drawings will be held on the last business day of the month at the close of business. After the drawing, all entries will be destroyed. None will roll over into the new month. Winner will be notified the following business day. Employees and immediate family members of PFCU are not eligible to participate. PFCU reserves the right to modify, cancel, or suspend the referral program at any time and without notice.
  
  So, by telling your friends and family about your great experiences with Patterson Federal Credit Union, you can win $100. Heck, for that opportunity, it's worth telling your enemies about PFCU!

 

STREEETTTCCCCHHHH Your Tax Refund

Haven't figured out how to spend your tax refund yet? We can help you get the most of it! There's no time like the present to buy a new (or new-to-you) car or truck. Use a little of your tax refund as a down payment, then borrow the rest from us. It's also a good time to start thinking about summer recreation, like boats, ATVs, and campers. Again, use a little of your return as a down payment, then let us help you finance the rest. We offer competitive rates, so come see us today!

Plan Now for Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Okay, not really, but this cold snap is a good reminder that Christmas IS LESS THAN NINE MONTHS AWAY! Why not start saving now, so your finances won't take a sharp blow in December? A Christmas Club account is a smart and convenient method to save for the holiday season or any occasion. A $20 withdrawal fee is imposed if it occurs after seven (7) days of the date the account is opened.

Features included in the Club Account include: Pay-out November 1st of each year A competitive dividend rate No minimum balance required Quarterly statement Payroll deduction for convenient automatic deposits

To see how your savings can add up, click here for our savings calculator.You're also welcomed to drop by to talk with us in person at 124 W.P. Malone Drive in Arkadelphia.

PFCU Checking Offers Handy Online Image Feature

One of the big perks of joining Patterson Federal Credit Union is its checking account. PFCU offers a terrific checking account plan with NO monthly service fees, NO minimum balance and NO per-check charges to fit your needs! It includes features such as MasterCard® Debit Card and direct deposit.

Another great feature of PFCU's checking is that the check image is available for your review online. It's called virtual check imaging and it is handy, especially if you ever forget to record a check in your registry. Just click on the check and you can see both the front and back sides of it on PFCU's secure website.

Want more information? Drop by Patterson Federal Credit Union, 124 W.P. Malone Drive, Arkadelphia.

People Helping People

Like all credit unions, Patterson Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. When you join PFCU, you become a shareholder – or an owner – of a very unique financial institution. Earnings above the required reserves are returned to you in the form of lower interest rates on loans and competitive dividends on savings.That's why our slogan is "People Helping People."

You can join Patterson Federal Credit Union, too, and enjoy all the benefits that come with being a credit union member if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Clark County, Arkansas.

Joining is easy! Just complete a membership card and make an opening deposit of at least $25 to your share/savings account. Once you join, you and your IMMEDIATE FAMILY members who join have a lifetime membership, even if you change jobs or move!

Drop by today to start your membership! Come see us at 124 W.P. Malone Drive in Arkadelphia!

More Pics from the Annual Meeting

The evening's fun (in addition to having a chance to visit with everyone) was the prize drawing. Patterson Federal Credit Union gave away a number of prizes donated by area businesses as well as some of their own items. Shirts, sweatshirts, hats, gift bags, gas cards, and gift certificates were just a few of the prizes given away!

Just What is a Credit Union?

Patterson Federal Credit Union has been a part of Clark County since 1957. Despite its 55 years in business, a lot of people still are not exactly sure what a credit union is.

A credit union is a financial institution that operates as a non-profit cooperative. That means its members – people who use the credit union for checking, saving, or loans – actually own and manage it. In this way, it differs from a traditional bank which is owned by stockholders and operated for profit. But like traditional banks, credit unions are closely regulated and deposits are insured.

The biggest reason many local people are not familiar with what Patterson Federal Credit Union does lies in its history. When the credit union opened in 1957, it was established to specifically serve employees of Reynolds Metals Company in Gum Springs. Membership was open only to those employees and their families.

For that reason, Patterson operated from Gum Springs for most of its 55 years. First, it operated from the Gum Springs Community Building; then moved into its own facility on Hwy 67 South near the Clark County Industrial Park. When Reynolds closed in 1985, the credit union’s board of directors voted to open membership to other area businesses. Membership was still restricted to employees (and their families) of those specific businesses.

In 2007, Patterson Federal Credit Union was approved for a community charter. That means that anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Clark County is now eligible for membership. The credit union opened its Arkadelphia facility in 2009, conveniently located on W.P. Malone Drive across from Walmart.

Members of Patterson Federal Credit Union, as with all credit unions, are known as shareholders because they share ownership of the institution.  Since it is a non-profit financial co-op, any earnings above the required reserves are returned to members by low interest rates on loans and competitive dividends on savings.

Today, joining Patterson Federal Credit Union is easy. It takes $25 to open a savings account. Once you join, you are a member for life, even if you move. Patterson includes a full range of services including checking, savings, certificates of deposit, auto and recreation loans, and MasterCard debit cards. For more information about Patterson Federal Credit Union, drop by 124 W.P. Malone Drive or call (870)246-8005. 

PFCU Annual Meeting Serves Up Great Fun, Food, & Fellowship!

When Patterson Federal Credit Union hosts its annual meeting/dinner, you can count on three things:

• Lots of fellowship with friends and family
• Excellent food



Even though the line was long, it moved quickly!




• Fun door prizes and give-aways

That's exactly what happened at the annual meeting on March 8. Credit union members are invited to come enjoy the meal and conduct annual business. Remember, as a credit union member, you are a voting share holder! The event is always well-attended, but this crowd was the biggest ever! Thankfully, the CADC/Senior Center building is large enough to accommodate so many! When Patterson president and CEO Brenda Karber asked for a show of hands from first-time attendees, quite a few hands went into the air. It's an exciting time to become a member of Patterson Federal Credit Union!

Quite a few members attended the annual dinner for the first time. It was great to see such a big crowd!