Debit Card Information & FAQs
A debit card? makes shopping and traveling easier. It works like a check and gives you 24-hour worldwide access to your checking funds at merchants and ATMs.
To activate your debit card, call 866-985-2273
Use your debit card for purchases & payments.
- Use your debit card for shopping and payment of services
- Select “credit” and your purchase is handled by Mastercard®
- Or, select “debit” and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) in the merchant’s keypad. You can add “cash back” to your purchase at many stores
- Set up recurring payments from checking for services such as gym memberships and utilities. Just provide your debit card information
- Use with digital wallets for secure and easy payments
- Check out additional benefits here. Be sure to have your card number ready to access the site
Use your debit card at ATMs anywhere & save on fees.
- Get cash free of any ATM fees at VACU ATMs and at ATMs in all Wawa® and Sheetz® stores in Virginia.
- Enjoy 4 free checking withdrawals per month at non-VACU ATMs with no network ATM fees from VACU (Other ATM owners may have a fee).
- You can also get up to $8 per month in rebates for ATM fees assessed by other ATM owners if you have either a qualifying direct deposit or 15 debit card purchase transactions that month.? See our ATM FAQs for details.
How to request a debit card:?
Call: Member Services at 800-285-6609
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 6 pm and Saturday 9 am - 12 pm (ET)
Email: Send us a secure message
This email box is monitored regularly during business hours and periodically on evenings, weekends and holidays. Due to the number of SPAM filters at Internet providers, our reply to your message may not reach you. If you do not receive a response, please call us or send a secure message within online or mobile banking.
FAQs
Can I choose my own debit card PIN?
There are two ways to choose your PIN:
- By calling 866-985-2273
- By using Virginia Credit Union ATMs. Access the ATM using your card and current PIN, choose “More Selections” on the ATM screen and follow the prompts to select your new PIN.
What’s the difference between the “debit” and the “credit” options?
- Choose the "credit" option on the merchant's keypad and your purchase is processed through the Mastercard/Maestro network. The amount still comes out of your checking account, but you don't have to enter your PIN.
- Select the "debit" or "ATM" option on the merchant's keypad and you’ll be prompted for your 4-digit PIN. The transaction is processed through the ATM network. Use this option to get cash back with your purchase.
Is there a spending limit on my debit card?
Yes, there is a $750 daily cash withdrawal limit and $2,500 daily limit on point of sale purchases. There is also a $10,000 daily limit and a daily limit of 20 transactions on signature based transactions.
How can I qualify for rebates on ATM fees charged by other ATMs?
When are debit card transactions deducted from my account?
- Transactions using your 4-digit PIN are deducted immediately.
- Amounts authorized for non-PIN transactions will immediately reduce your checking account balance that is available for your next transaction. Then these items are posted to your account and deducted from your current balance within a few days, when VACU receives the final transaction amounts.
What is a pending debit card transaction?
This is a transaction that has been submitted by a merchant for authorization but has not yet been posted to your account and deducted from your current balance. Please remember that when you initiate a transaction at a merchant and we authorize it, we will immediately reduce your balance that is available for your next transaction.
Why was just $1 for a gas purchase deducted from my available balance when the actual purchase was for a lot more?
Some gas stations submit amounts for card authorizations that are less or more than the final purchase amount. As with other debit card purchases, you are responsible for having the necessary funds in your account when the final transaction comes through.
I used my debit card to pay at the pump for gas. Why was there an additional hold on my account?
Some pay-at-the pump gas stations may submit a larger initial amount for authorization, such as $75 or $100, to see if you have funds to pay for a fill-up. Those pre-authorizations may result in an additional temporary hold on your account that could be for a few hours or even several days. If you’re concerned that a merchant may submit a larger authorization hold amount on your checking account than you’re comfortable with:
- Rather than pay at the pump, you could go inside and pay in advance for a fixed dollar amount to be authorized, such as $30 worth of gas.
- You may wish to pay with a credit card instead of a debit card.
- Pay with cash.
What happens if I use my debit card & I don’t have enough money in my account?
If you don’t have the available funds for the amount authorized, your transaction may be declined. You may avoid this by signing up for Overdraft Protection transfers from savings or a line of credit, and/or you may authorize VACU to consider paying overdrafts on ATM & debit card transactions. Please be aware that fees apply for Overdraft Protection transfers & if you have authorized VACU to consider paying ATM & debit card overdrafts.
What if my debit card is lost or stolen?
Lock your card in the My Cards feature of online banking or the VACU Mobile app, then call Cardholder services to report it as lost or stolen. Cardholder Services is available toll-free (and 24/7), at 866-820-8785.
If there is an error or suspicious transaction involving a debit card transaction, how do I report it?
Call Cardholder Services toll-free 24 hours a day at 866-820-8785. A representative will take your report and mail you the necessary forms to complete and return. In the case of merchant errors, it may also be possible for you to correct the error by contacting the merchant directly.