SunDrops Rewards - The more you use, the more you’re rewarded!

We are pleased to introduce are new member benefit rewards program, SunDrops!  In Northeast WI, we realize there are tons of different financial institutions competing for your business.  We want to show our appreciation for your business and give you EVEN MORE reasons to continue doing business with us.  

So how does it work?  Beginning on 1/1/2015, members will be awarded points for the different services they use.  The more products and services you use, the more points you earn!  The number of points you earn for each product varies – a loan will earn more points than a savings account, for example.  And you don’t have to do anything differently; everyone is automatically enrolled and you earn points for things you’re already doing, like using a Horizon checking account and direct deposit!  Points are totaled up at the end of each month and ranked in four point levels:  Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum. 

Now let’s get to the good part... what do YOU get out of this?  LOTS OF FREE THINGS!   Here is just a sampling of some of the possible rewards:     

• Bronze level members are eligible for free text banking, free online banking & phone banking, free check cashing and free coin counting.
• By being a silver member you can receive all of the bronze level rewards PLUS things such as upgraded statements, free faxing and photocopies, and even one free box of checks!
• If you are a Gold member, you can receive all of the above PLUS annual discounts on a safety deposit box, free cashier’s checks, and loan rate discounts!  
• Our platinum members get all the benefits listed in addition to free wire transfers, free replacement debit/ATM cards, and free overdraft transfers! 

There are SO many great things members can earn through this program.  At each location we have a brochure that lists how many points each service earns, as well as lists what benefits you earn!  You can also preview the program on our webpage at http://www.horizonccu.com/ProductDetail.php?SID=136. Want to know what level you’re at today?  Just ask!  After 1/1/2015, your point totals will also be listed on your monthly statement and in It’sMe247 Online Banking.  If your family has accounts at the credit union, let us know!  We can link accounts by household so that all the members of a family can enjoy the benefits of the top point earner for that month.  If you want to earn more points but aren’t sure how it’s possible to reach the next level, stop in and we would be glad to help create a plan!

We’re all very excited to launch SunDrops!  We know HCCU has the best members out there, and we can’t wait to say thank you by giving everyone some added perks and benefits!   

Post by: Emily P

In Case of Emergency...

Definitely an emergency!

Emergencies happen.  Maybe you forgot to deposit a check, annual insurance payment is due, or an unexpected car repair arises.   That’s why it’s so important to have a financial safety net in place. Horizon Community Credit Union offers a solution for the times your account lacks the funds. It's a: 

A Kwik Cash Line of Credit!

Full Disclosure: This isn't what happens... but it can feel this way!

A Kwik Cash Line of Credit is a simple and convenient way to help ensure your checking account transactions clear in the event your balance runs low.  It is a line of credit that is linked to your checking account.  In the event funds aren't available in your checking account, the line will advance to help cover the difference. Not only can this product save you money on overdraft charges it can also save you the embarrassment of having a check returned or a transaction declined.  Plus, there are NO transaction-based monthly or annual fees.

Click here to see our current Kwik Cash Annual Percentage Rate and learn about Cash Loan Rebates!

Give us a call at 920-433-0122 to talk with a Loan Officer and make an appointment today! 

Post by: Kelly B

Benefits of Taking Out a Loan with a CU vs. a Bank

Lower rates: Auto loan averages for CUs as of July were 2.85%  on a 36 mo. car loan vs. Banks @ 5.59%.  Therefore, banks are charging nearly twice as much for the same loan.

Easier to borrow: Community-based CUs tend to be easier to deal with than megabanks. Lending decisions are more likely to be made locally with more flexibility.

In addition, while few national banks make signature loans(unsecured loans), CUs regularly offer this type of loan to their members with good credit.  CUs also offer lower-dollar loans than banks.  You could get a $500 signature loan with a CU, but probably not at a bank because it wouldn't be profitable to them.

Loans through CUs are usually reviewed and completed in a much quicker time-frame.

Lower fees:  When it comes to fees, you will probably find better deals at CU’s than at giant commercial banks.  Whether is for fees to maintain loans, checking accounts, ATM fees, or penalty fees for overdrawing, you are more likely to have fewer and lower fees at your CU.

Credit Unions are typically smaller than banks so talking with, meeting with or working with a real live person happens much sooner in the loan process.  If you've been a member for a while, you might have even talked to the person who makes the decisions on the CU's loans.

Credit Unions offer loans that a lot of traditional banks do not.  Overall, CU rock compared to traditional banking institutions!

Post by: Lori S.

Out and about, don’t know your balance?

Out shopping, at dinner, or taking in a show?  Want to use your debit card, but you’re not sure what your balance is?  And you have no way to access your account on-line...or maybe there's no public wi-fi and you're almost over on your data for the month?  Call our toll free number @ 1-855-718-0884 to activate CU*Talk.

The system is totally automated, and easy to walk through.  All you need is a touch-tone phone, your account number, and a four digit PIN (password).  You can find out your balances, see what checks have cleared your account, check any deposits or withdrawal that have been made, and verify the date and amount of transactions.  You can even transfer money between your accounts if you are running low in one of them.  You'll even have the option to make a loan payment.  (Just remember transferring out of your savings via CU*Talk will count toward your allowable Reg D transfers.)

If you have not used our CU*Talk phone banking yet, your generic PIN will be the last four digits of your Social Security Number.  

CU*Talk is fast and easy to use.  Add us as one of your contacts on your phone and give us a call.

Any questions, you can still always call us during our business hours at 920-433-0122.  We'd love to chat with you!

Post by: Karen S.

Individual Retirement Accounts available at HCCU!

What is an IRA?
IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account.  One member owns it, it helps the member to save for retirement or education. It is an account, not an investment.

What types of IRA accounts does HCCU offer?

ROTH IRA: With a Roth IRA, you make after-tax contributions, so withdrawals are tax-free in retirement

TRADITIONAL IRA: With a Traditional IRA, your contributions may be tax-deductible, and you'll pay taxes when you make withdrawals in retirement.

COVERDELL IRA: With a Coverdell Education Savings Account you save for future education of your child/children.

All of the above IRAs are available as a regular share account or share certificate.  IRAs at Horizon Community Credit Union are not part of the stock market. You cannot lose value in your account.  

If something happens to me, who gets that money if no one else is on the account?

You can will any of the above accounts to loved ones in the event of your death.

What if I have other questions?

Ask any one of our MSRs for details. We have informational pamphlets available to everyone, and we would be glad to answer any questions you have and help you find an option works for you.

Remember: We are a financial institution, not financial advisors. We are not able to give any tax advice to our members or evaluate members’ savings strategy for retirement.

Post by: Lori S

Are you still getting your account statement in the mail?

It all starts with a few papers next to the computer. Then it leads to a small pile on the corner of the desk. Before you know it there are stacks upon stacks all over the office! What are these papers that are cluttering your desk and office space?  Probably your account statements!

Now it’s time to look back at those statements and find a check you deposited two years ago in the month of December…. Let the hunt begin!

After a wild goose hunt for that stupid deposit, you decide to consolidate some of the mess and just toss the old statements that you no longer need. Next thing you know, someone is rummaging through your trash cans on the curb and your account numbers are stolen!

When it seems like things can’t get much worse, don’t worry, your credit union has some answers! Why not sign up for E-Statements? This would eliminate that mess in the office AND prevent those sneaky garbage hunters from getting your information! Think signing up is too much work? Of course not! Simply visit our website and sign into Online Banking! From there it’s as simple as clicking the E-Statements tab and choosing to enroll.  Or if you'd rather, you can give us a call or stop in and we can do it for you!

Forget about that messy office and stolen account numbers, sign up for E-Statements now!

Post by: Emily P

Benefits of Online Bill Pay

People today are paying every bill imaginable online: mortgages, loans, rent, credit cards, utilities, & any other bill that you can think of. So the big question is why should you pay your bills online?

• First of all, you will save money for postage, late fees, and also it will save you time. Converting your paper to online payments is a sure way to prevent losing a bill or even forgetting to pay.  Did I mention that online bill pay through HCCU is a FREE service?
• Another great perk to online bill pay is that you can set up monthly payments and you won’t have to pay anymore late fees. There are no paper bills to leave on the counter until you suddenly remember that they are past their due date. You can either choose to manually enter your payments each month, or set up for automatic withdrawal from your account. With automatic withdrawal, you can set up your payments in advance of their due date so your bill will always be paid on time.
• Online bill pay is also safer. Passwords and security keys are required to access your accounts and all your information is encrypted. Your personal information is much more susceptible to stealing if it's on paper. By eliminating paper bills and check writing, you also reduce your impact on the environment.

It takes just a few steps to get enrolled. Here are the steps that will get you on your way…

1. First, you need a checking account with HCCU.  If you have one, GREAT!  If you don't, it's super easy to open one right away by making a visit to one of our branches.
2. Go to our website www.horizonccu.com & click on Bill Pay at the top on the page. 
3. Next click Enroll.
4. Fill out all of the information that is required and you will be on your way. If you have any questions, we are just a call away (920)433-0122 & we would be happy to walk you through the steps. 

So don’t waste another second and make sure to enroll for Online Bill Pay today!

Post by: Beth B.

The Advantage of Being 50+

YAY! You’ve hit the big FIVE – O so flaunt it! You’re looking good and you deserve a break! So what can we offer you? A FEE FREE CHECKING ACCOUNT! Yes! FEE FREE! That means NO minimum balance required! Already have a fee free checking account with us? Guess what, you can now get checks at no charge too! That’s right! FREE! We know you are looking good but we want you to feel good too! Stop in the credit union and any Member Service Representative can give you more information and get you closer to a fee FREE checking!

Post by: Kelly V

Let us cover your car repairs!

Car trouble is more than hassle. It's expensive. Did you know here at Horizon we offer a product that will help limit the cost of those repairs???  It is called Mechanical Repair Coverage or MRC.  MRC will pay for the cost of covered repairs less any deductible.  Yes, pay for auto repairs!!!  We offer levels of coverage where you choose the term, mileage limit and deductible that meet your needs and fit your budget. You pay only the deductible amount you select – $0, $100 or $250.

Plus the plan includes:
-Rental Reimbursement up to $35 per day for 5 days.
-24-hour, toll-free roadside assistance, which covers towing, jump starts, flat tire changing, fuel, oil or other fluid delivery, and entry when keys are locked in your car.
-Emergency travel expenses up to $500 for lodging, meals and transportation if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home.

You are able to add MRC to a new or existing auto loan.  Even if your loan is with another financial institution or if you own your car free and clear, as long as the vehicle is eligible for coverage, you can get MRC through Horizon Community Credit Union. Contact Horizon to see how you can benefit by having Mechanical Repair Coverage.

Post by: Kelly B

What is 3" x 2", flat, and made of plastic?

Going grocery shopping, out for supper, or on a well-deserved vacation and don’t want to carry a bunch of cash? Boy do we have the solution for you! Instead of carrying a bundle of paper, carry a 3”x2” piece of plastic! It’s our VISA® debit card. It fits nicely in your wallet without all the bulkiness. It’s convenient and easy to use. When you make your purchase, you can sign as credit or use a PIN for debit. The money comes out of your checking account either way!  And  then, when you’re on that vacation and you are running low on gas, do not fear, that little 3”x2” debit card is here! You can get gas 24/7 with the plastic pump attendant!

Post by: Alice E

Nobody likes to think the unthinkable...

What would happen to your family if you became disabled, or worse, if you died?  Are they protected?


Disability insurance is designed to help maintain your standard of living while you are out of work.  It is the oldest form of health insurance, providing coverage when you are unable to work due to accident or long illnesses.  Statistically, there is a 30% chance of someone needing disability insurance before the age of 60.

Disability insurance replaces up to 60% of your income if you are out of work for the above reasons.  You can use funds to pay your mortgage, rent, monthly bills, medical bills, whatever you need to pay.  Disability insurance is non-taxable.  You will not pay any income tax on any disability insurance you receive.  It is also inexpensive, making it easy to maintain a policy so that you are covered in case anything happens to you.



Life insurance is designed to replace your income in the event of your death, therefore helping maintain your family’s standard of living. It also allows you to keep the financial promises you made during your lifetime if you die before those promises are fully paid.  Life insurance protects your assets and the assets of your loved ones. Your death benefit payout is non-taxable, so your family will not have to pay taxes on your death benefits.

Life insurance can also be accessed during your lifetime in certain circumstances, such as when you are suffering from a chronic or terminal illness.  Some plans accrue cash value which can be accessed during the life of the policy for any reason.  It can also be used as a supplemental form of retirement income, depending on type of life insurance you purchase.  Life insurance is also very affordable; the earlier you buy life insurance the more reasonably you can acquire it.

Post by: Lori S

Safe and Secure

Grandma’s Heirloom Necklace, Dad’s Favorite Watch, Passports, Your Last Will & Testament, Car Titles, Extra Cash.

What do these all have in common?  These have all played an important part in your life, and at Horizon Community Credit Union we want to help you protect these memories and valuable items. 

What would happen to these things if you had a house fire, experienced a natural disaster like a tornado or flood, or if your house got robbed?  What if you didn’t have to worry?  At our Voyager Branch we offer four different sizes of safe deposit boxes starting as low as $15.00 a year.  Yes, that is only $15.00 a year, for us to protect your important documents and life’s memories in our secure vault.  

Stop wondering where you put that birth certificate or car title, or if your jewelry is safe where you currently store it.  Call to inquire about our prices and box sizes, or next time you are in ask one of our friendly Member Service Reps.  We are always here to serve you, our members.

**Remember, HCCU does not insure the contents of your box.**

Post by: Karen S