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Our Core Data Processing System is Getting a Major Upgrade

A Message from the CEO

August 1, 2024

Dear Member,

We would like to inform you of an exciting development happening at Panhandle Credit Union. On November 1st, 2024, we will be completing a system upgrade. This will help us meet our long-term growth strategies and enhance our electronic delivery systems.

We began this process two years ago when we started looking into core processing systems that would enhance our account holders’ experiences while also helping us achieve our goals and strategies. Panhandle Credit Union has more than 15,000 members and is continuing to grow, quickly outgrowing our current core system. That’s why we chose MDT/Jack Henry Symitar.

As a partner, we chose Member Driven Technologies (MDT), a Credit Union Service Organization that hosts the Symitar core processing system from Jack Henry™ to provide a private cloud alternative for core processing and IT needs. Our priorities included a flexible solution that could help us effectively keep pace with evolving technology. MDT stood out because of its proven reliability, digital capabilities and dedication to exceptional service. We are confident this move will ultimately help us deepen member relationships today and tomorrow, which continues to be a top priority. We also plan to leverage Jack Henry’s Banno and digital lending solutions through the MDT partnership for additional automation and convenience. The digital tools will provide members with flexible, differentiated services while allowing staff to conduct their jobs with greater efficiency and ease.

While most of the changes will happen behind the scenes, there will be some brief disruptions, which will be communicated in detail as we approach November. Please ensure we have your up-to-date contact information so you can stay informed. We hope to work quickly and efficiently so this upgrade is as seamless as possible for you. We would also like to apologize in advance for any inconveniences this may cause and thank you for your patience.

You will be receiving key information about our core conversion, including what accounts and services will be affected, starting in August by mail, social media, and our website. If you have any questions, please contact us at (850) 769-3306. Our staff is well prepared and ready to answer any questions you may have about our core conversion.

Once again, thank you for your continued membership with Panhandle Credit Union. We are excited about this conversion and can’t wait to better serve you.

Respectfully,

Justin Hall

President / CEO

Panhandle Credit Union

Core Conversion Dates schedule

Important Information

November 1- 4, 2024

To receive the latest updates and post conversion notices, please ensure that we have your current email address on record. Panhandle Credit Union is committed to providing you with the most secure and efficient banking services to meet your needs.

To keep pace with today’s digital services, we are upgrading our core data processing system, the software and supporting hardware that PCU uses to maintain members’ accounts and loans, process transactions, and provide services such as Online, Mobile and Phone Banking.

Please review the following information carefully to minimize any inconvenience during the conversion of our core data processor.


How to Prepare

How to prepare for the Core Data Processor Conversion

Pre-Conversion:

  • Be sure that Panhandle Credit Union has your current email address and phone number on record. We will communicate with you throughout the process to keep you updated so it is important that we have the correct contact information on file.
  • It is a good idea to have some cash on hand for the 4-day conversion period. You will be able to use your PCU Debit Card and Credit Card, as well as our ATMs, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • If you are aware of a payment/transfer that would need to be processed in Bill Pay between November 1st and November 4th, we recommend you make that payment early, prior to October 31.
  • Any Online Banking/Bill Pay payments or transfers that are scheduled to process through October 31 will be paid as scheduled.
  • Any Online Banking/Bill Pay items scheduled to be paid between November 1 - 3, 2024, will be processed on November 4th once our systems come back up. As mentioned above, you may want to schedule those bills to be paid early to avoid possible late charges from the merchant. From November 4th forward, Bill Pay items set up through Online Banking will resume as scheduled.
  • If you normally look at your transaction history, you may want to download your account history before October 31, 2024. Once the conversion has completed, your previous transaction history will not be available in Online Banking. However, if you enroll in eStatements, you will have access to your eStatements for the past 12 months.

Pre-Conversion FAQs

Looking for details about our core and Online Banking systems conversions happening November 1 - 4, 2024? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions and answered them here.

Core Data Processing System
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What is a core processor and why is it being upgraded?
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How does this core system conversion benefit me?
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Is my personal information safe and secure?
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When is the core system upgrade happening?
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Will branches be open during the conversion?
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Will PCU ATMs be available for use?
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Will I be able to withdraw cash from an ATM using my PCU debit card?
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If I have a direct deposit scheduled during the conversion window, when will the funds be available?
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Will my member number and account number change?
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Will my debit card work during the upgrade?
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Can I still use my current checks?
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Will my Credit Card work during the upgrade?
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Will my loan payment due dates remain the same?
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If I put something in the night deposit drop box after close of business on October 31st, when will it be processed?
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Will my scheduled payments in Online Banking Bill Pay get paid during conversion?
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During the conversion, can I use my PCU account through Shared Branching at another Credit Union?
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Regarding Bill Pay - What do I need to know before the conversion?
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Regarding Zelle - What do I need to know before the conversion?
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What is the timeline for Intuit, QuickBooks, and Quicken?

Post-Conversion FAQs

The core data processing system conversion will be completed on November 1,2024.

Now what? Want to know what’s new? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions and comments we believe may be of value to you after the system change.

Online & Mobile Banking

All members will need to enroll in Online Banking for the first time even if you were previously enrolled in Online and/or Mobile Banking. Please update your contact information with the Credit Union to ensure a seamless enrollment experience.

New Online Banking Platform: Users will need to enroll as first-time users and set up a new login. You will need your Member and Social Security Numbers to enroll.

New Mobile Banking App: Please search for and download the new PCU Anywhere app in the App Store or Google Play. The old App can be deleted. The new PCU Mobile Banking icon has changed slightly.

You may enroll to set up your new login credentials or use your new Online Banking credentials. You will need your Member and Social Security Numbers to enroll.

Once enrolled, users will experience an entirely new look and feel with new features and options, some of which include:

  • Consistent functionality between the online and mobile experience.
  • Ability to transfer funds in three different ways: member-to-member transfers, transferring between your internal accounts, and FREE transfers to accounts at other financial institutions.
  • Bill Pay available at no cost, with clear and easy-to-identify payment delivery dates.
  • Personalized financial insights with the ability to set up budgets and goals.
  • Ability to attach transactions or a series of transactions or documents to secure communications with the Credit Union.
  • Monitor your credit score and credit report without a credit check.
  • Open and fund new Share Certificates, Savings Accounts, & Checking Accounts.
  • Reorder checks with just a few clicks.
  • Single sign-on link to your Credit Union Credit Card with near realtime information including card balance, transactions and account history.
  • Transferred payments to your Panhandle Credit Union Credit Card will now provide immediate availability of funds.
  • Loan Skip-A-Pay will be available online for eligible loans.
  • Autobooks - Create and email custom invoices; receive and request payments through email, QR codes, or payment links; setup recurring payments; accept donations; maintain detailed reports, balance sheets, and general ledgers, etc.
  • QuickBooks and Quicken direct integration
  • Business Bill Pay
  • Business Entitlements
  • Loan Payoffs
  • Make notes on specific transactions, tag a transaction for a special purpose, and even attach a copy of a receipt to a transaction. You can also see similar transactions with a few simple clicks.
Bill Pay
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Will I be able to access Bill Pay during the upgrade?
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Regarding Bill Pay - What do I need to know after the conversion?
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Regarding Zelle - What do I need to know after the conversion?
External Transfers
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Will I be able to access External Transfers during the upgrade?
Other Online Banking Features
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Do I have to set up all of my account information again in the new Budget/Wealth Management program?
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What will happen to my CU Rewards Points?
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Can the joint owner on my account have their own login and password to access Online Banking?
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Is it safe to use my Debit Card during conversion?
iTalk Phone Banking

Our new Phone Banking system is a full-service, interactive voice response system with an easy-to-use menu.

The new phone number is: 877-355-3152

Phone Banking services include:

  • Account Balances
  • Account History
  • Funds Transfers
  • Loan Payments
  • Line of Credit Advance Transfer
  • Balance and Rate Inquiries
  • PIN Change
  • Stop Payments
  • Merchant Check Verification
Statements & eStatements
Will I continue to receive a separate credit card statement?
Loans
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Will I be able to see my loans Online and in the Mobile Banking App?
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Can I make a loan payment through Online and Mobile Banking?
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Can I make loan advances online?
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Can I apply for a loan through Online and Mobile Banking?

Updates

Update

We are constantly seeking ways to improve our services and provide better experiences for you. One of the biggest ways to achieve this is by switching our core processor and Online Banking solutions. Here are some of the key benefits that we're striving to achieve by enhancing our core and Online Banking systems.

Streamlined Operations and Enhanced Efficiency:

Switching our core system offers a robust and reliable system that can handle transactions, member data, and other essential operations seamlessly. With advanced automation and integration capabilities, we can streamline processes, reduce manual work, and increase operational efficiency, enabling us to focus more on serving you and providing personalized financial solutions.

Improved Online Banking Experience:

The upgraded Online Banking platform will be comprehensive, with a user-friendly interface for accessing accounts, checking balances, transferring funds, and making payments. The platform will also offer enhanced digital tools for managing your finances.

Seamless Mobile Banking Experience:

The Mobile Banking solution further enhances the Credit Union's digital offerings. By upgrading our Mobile Banking platform, you'll have a seamless and intuitive Mobile Banking experience that will mirror Online Banking. You will be able to conveniently manage your finances on the go, deposit checks using your smartphone, perform instant transfers, and receive real-time notifications on your account activity.

Enhanced Integration and Innovation:

The integrations available will enable the Credit Union to leverage a comprehensive suite of financial tools and streamline processes, eliminating the need for multiple systems. This will result in a more cohesive and efficient experience for both credit union staff and members. Moreover, we will have access to innovative technologies and features that keep pace with your evolving needs and industry trends.

Upgrading our core system and Online Banking solution will unlock a range of benefits, including increasing efficiency, improving your experience, and accessing innovative features. Ultimately, this will assist in providing you with the convenience and flexibility expected in today's digital age. To stay in the loop, please ensure we have your current email address.