Frequently Asked Questions

No. The term Digital Banking refers to both Online Banking and the Mobile App. YOUR$ Online and YOUR$ Mobile are one platform that has all the same features whether on your computer or mobile device—which is why we call it YOUR$ Digital Banking.

Inside the App or on the website, look under the “Financial Planning” tab for a variety of virtual tools to make your credit better (like SavvyMoney) as well as manage your spending and saving activity, like categorizing spending or setting savings goals. This tool is even more powerful when you add accounts from other financial institutions for a complete overview of your total spending.

Unfortunately, the App Store and Google Play Store search algorithms can be incorrect, even if you’re searching for our app by name or using the name of the credit union.

Visit this page to get links directly to the Apps.

To help find the app, remember these tips:

• Look for the TVFCU logo: a circle with teal waves at the top, an orange space at the bottom, and a white field that has “TVFCU” in black letters.
• In the App Store, on Apple devices, it will be listed as “tvfcuYOUR$.”
• In the Google Play store on Android devices it will be listed as “tvfcuYOURMONEY.”
• TVFCU has three Apps: 1). YOUR$: The app for all of your Mobile Banking. 2). The TVFCU Perks App: Helps you take advantage of the benefits associated with your TVFCU Perks Checking Account. 3). TVFCULIVEStream: Lets you live video chat with one of our representatives.

To use YOUR$, your device must meet the following requirements:

• Web Browsers: We support the two most recent versions of Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.
• Mobile Devices: YOUR$ is compatible with Android and iOS devices that are currently supported by the manufacturer and have the latest security patches installed.

Simply enter in your current tvfcuONLINE Username and Password and follow the prompts to confirm your identity. You can watch our tutorial video here.

If you only have a joint account relationship with us, you can enroll in YOUR$ and create your own login ID. You’ll need to have your member number.

If you are a primary on another membership and have also been logging in to that Username, you can log in to that Username, and you should see ALL of the accounts you own, including the ones you are joint on.

If you are the primary on another membership but have never enrolled in online banking under that member number, you can do so now by clicking “enroll” and using the member number you are primary on, along with your own personal information.

If you are primary on another membership but have never enrolled in online banking under that member number, you can do so now by clicking “enroll” and using the member number you are primary on, along with your own personal information.

Sometimes these functions add spaces to the front or back of your information, making the entry incorrect. Instead, please manually enter your username, password, and other required information to ensure accuracy.

To save a particular device, and avoid the two-factor authentication required each time you log in with a new computer, smartphone, or internet browser, you must check “register device” and give the device a nickname so the system remembers your device. Please note, it can take several minutes for the system to update this, so repeated logins from the same device may still trigger two-factor authentication.

You are able to transfer within TVFCU Accounts AND to and from Accounts you have at other financial institutions. You’re also able to transfer money to other TVFCU members, or pay anyone, with no fee for personal accounts! For a full guide to transfers within YOUR$, click here.

If you added an External Loan Account for viewing, you’ll have to add it under the “Transfers” option to be able to transfer to the account.

Choose “Transfer” under the “Transfer & Pay” tab. Under the “To” drop-down, you can choose “Add Account.” If the bank or credit union you have a loan with allows you to use the “Add an Account Instantly” you’ll be able to transfer to that loan.

If the credit union or bank cannot be added instantly, unfortunately you aren’t able to add the loan as a “Transfer To” option. This is because adding an account manually requires verification of micro deposits, and loan accounts do not permit micro deposits.

But there is good news! If you’d like to pay your loan at another financial institution from a few clicks inside of YOUR$, you can set them up as a Biller in Bill Pay.

And since you can view your external loan account inside of YOUR$ under the Accounts view, you’ll be able to easily see when your payment posts.

Under the “Transfer & Pay” menu, click “Pay Bills.” Then, select “Bills & Payments,” and click the date at the top of the upcoming payments list. This allows you to choose a custom range of dates to view and will show all scheduled payments within the dates you selected.

tvfcuPAY will now be located within the YOUR$ experience, or you can continue using the tvfcuPAY portal.

You are able to transfer within TVFCU Accounts AND to and from Accounts you have at other financial institutions. You’re also able to transfer money to other TVFCU members, or pay anyone, with no fee for personal accounts! For a full guide to transfers within YOUR$, click here.

There could be a few reasons that a transfer failed. If you feel this is a mistake and initiated the transfer via debit card, please call 1-866-234-6436 to resolve the issue. If you think there’s a specific hold on your account, it’s best to contact TVFCU directly by phone at 423-634-3600 or by video chat via LIVEStream.

With YOUR$, any account at TVFCU that is associated with your Social Security number (meaning any accounts you own, co-sign on, or are an authorized signer on) will automatically show. You have the ability to customize and hide any accounts you want.

With YOUR$, any account at TVFCU that is associated with your Social Security number (meaning any accounts you own, co-sign on, or are an authorized signer on) will automatically be shown. If you are a joint owner who now has their own YOUR$ logon, you will not see accounts for which you are not an owner. This provides added security for all owners. If you don’t see an account that you believe should be visible, please contact the credit union, and we can ensure that you are listed correctly on the account.

If you previously had an account linked that you are not an owner of, but used it for transferring money TO the account, you will be able to add that account under the “transfers” screen. Check out our Guide to Transfers for more information.

No. If you want to add accounts from other financial institutions, you can do so by adding them yourself. It is not an automatic feature and is entirely optional.

It means that your account needs to be “re-authenticated,” which just means the connection to the other bank or credit union’s website was interrupted. If you go into the “more” menu, select “Tools,” then select “Settings,” you’ll be able to select “accounts” and then select the External Account. Then “Update Login” information to revalidate. You should see your balances for all accounts from that bank or credit union update.

While you’ll have separate logins for your personal account and business accounts, we can combine them for you. Once you’ve enrolled both your personal membership and business membership, contact TVFCU at 423-634-3600 and our business services department will link your accounts, allowing you to view them all at the same time.

If you added an External Loan Account for viewing, you’ll have to add it under the “Transfers” option to be able to transfer to the account.

Choose “Transfer” under the “Transfer & Pay” tab. Under the “To” drop-down, you can choose “Add Account.” If the bank or credit union you have a loan with allows you to use the “Add an Account Instantly,” you’ll be able to transfer to that loan.

If the credit union or bank cannot be added instantly, unfortunately you aren’t able to add the loan as a “Transfer To” option. This is because adding an account manually requires verification of micro deposits, and loan accounts do not permit micro deposits.

But there is good news! If you’d like to pay your loan at another financial institution from a few clicks inside of YOUR$, you can set them up as a Biller in Bill Pay.

And since you can view your external loan account inside of YOUR$ under the Accounts view, you’ll be able to easily see when your payment posts.

To update your name, you must provide a valid government issued photo identification showing your new name.

Yes! You will find your mortgage listed under your accounts, and if you want to visit the TruHome site for more detailed account info or to make a payment, just click on the “TruHomeMortgage” link under the “Accounts” menu. You’ll be logged in to your TruHome account driectly, no second password entry required.

Exit YOUR$ and log in to TruHome directly. You will be able to update your password there. Once you log back in through YOUR$, you should no longer see the warning that your password is expiring soon.

You can avoid the $7 monthly service fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $100 or by enrolling in eStatements.

TVFCU members can use TVFCU and CO-OP network ATMs without paying a surcharge. However, fees may apply when using ATMs outside of these networks.

Standard Checking comes with access to online banking and the mobile app, allowing you to check balances, transfer funds, and deposit checks anytime.

There are no requirements for this high-rate checking account, you earn our highest rate on every penny. View our rates here.

Our credit union high-yield checking account has a $10 monthly fee. There are no other minimum balance requirements. Check our fee schedule page for more information.

Your balance will earn interest while still being easily accessible for your daily needs. At the end of each statement cycle, we’ll credit your account with the interest earned. The interest rate is competitive, with an annual percentage yield (APY) that helps your savings grow over time.

There are no Non-Sufficient Funds fees, so you will not be charged if an item is returned. There is no fee for overdraft transfers from a TVFCU Savings Account. If you choose to opt in to Courtesy Pay Service, there is an affordable $9 fee if your account is allowed to go negative.

Yes, we offer mobile check deposits for your convenience. You can access thousands of network ATMs to withdraw cash or make deposits. Please note that some ATM operators may charge a fee.

There are no requirements for this high-rate checking account, you earn the best rate on every penny. View our rates here.

Our credit union high-yield checking account has an $8 monthly fee. However, if you maintain a $1,500 daily balance, we will waive the monthly service fee. There are no other minimum balance requirements. Check our fee schedule page for more information.

Your balance will earn interest while still being easily accessible for your daily needs. At the end of each statement cycle, we’ll credit your account with the interest earned. The interest rate is competitive, with an annual percentage yield (APY) that helps your savings grow over time.

There are no Non-Sufficient Funds Fees, so you will not be charged if an item is returned. There is no fee for overdraft transfers from a TVFCU Savings Account. Courtesy Pay service is an affordable $9 fee if your account is allowed to go negative.

Yes, we offer mobile check deposits for your convenience. You can access thousands of network ATMs to withdraw cash or make deposits. Please note that some ATM operators may charge a fee.

Tennessee Valley FCU offers the best checking account with rewards. It provides valuable perks and benefits, including mobile check deposits and ID theft aid. Enjoy convenient online banking and access to a broad ATM network.

No, it does not earn interest. For checking accounts that earn interest, consider the TVFCU Perks Platinum Checking account or TVFCU Perks Plus Checking account. Both offer a wide range of perks, great annual percentage yield (APY), and interest earned on your account balance.

You can access your account for free at any TVFCU ATM using your Tennessee Valley Visa® debit card or ATM card. TVFCU is part of the CO-OP network so members can access surcharge-free ATMs around the world.

Setting up monthly direct deposits ensures your money is automatically deposited into your account on the day your employer schedules the deposit. This can provide quicker access to your funds compared to manual deposits. It also adds convenience by eliminating the need to visit a branch.

Yes, there is a $6 monthly maintenance fee associated with TVFCU Perks Checking. This fee supports the various account features and benefits provided to members, which can lead to a much larger monthly savings. Always review the account terms to understand any additional fees that may apply.

There are no Non-Sufficient Funds fees, so you will not be charged if an item is returned. There is no fee for overdraft transfers from a TVFCU Savings Account. If you choose to opt in to Courtesy Pay Service, there is an affordable $9 fee if your account is allowed to go negative.

You will need to provide your driver’s license, Social Security number, and other necessary details. Having all this info beforehand helps streamline the account opening process. There is no minimum deposit required to open an account.

Yes! TVFCU is part of the CO-OP Surcharge-Free ATM Network, giving you access to thousands of ATMs nationwide.

If you’re traveling or currently outside our service area, you can easily find a surcharge-free ATM near you by visiting the CO-OP ATM locator and entering your location:
co-opcreditunions.org/locator

Many CO-OP ATMs are located at credit unions and select retail locations across the U.S.

1. NSF declines the transaction, while Courtesy Pay allows it to go through.
2. Courtesy Pay is an optional service, while NSF is not.

To avoid Courtesy Pay, choose to not opt in for that service. To avoid an NSF fee, there are a few different things you could do:

1. Bank with TVFCU to eliminate NSF fees completely! Learn more about our checking account benefits here.
2. Sign up for overdraft protection. Overdraft protection is a service that allows transactions to go through by designating a backup bank account (checking or savings) to cover the remaining balance of a transaction on the main bank account.
3. Keep an eye on your account balances. Checking even just once at the beginning of each day can help to avoid overspending. The TVFCU YOUR$ Mobile app makes it easy to check account balances, transaction history, receive alerts, and so much more. Visit our YOUR$ Digital Banking page for more information.

• Be eligible for membership with TVFCU.

• Provide a government-issued ID and Social Security Number.

• Complete the application form, either in person or online.

Dividends are the credit union’s way of sharing profits with members. They are similar to interest and are usually calculated as a percentage of your account balance. Dividends are typically paid monthly or quarterly.

Yes, share accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000 per member, similar to how the FDIC insures bank accounts.

Yes! You can make regular savings easy by setting up automatic transfers from any savings or checking account to your savings account. You can set these transfers up yourself through YOUR$ Digital Banking – click here to log in.
If you don’t have YOUR$ Digital Banking, you can contact TVFCU by LIVEStream Video Chat and a TVFCU representative will be happy to set the transfers up according to your needs.

To report a lost or stolen debit card, dispute a charge, or report fraudulent transaction, please call 1-866-234-6436.

If you are going to be traveling and plan to use your TVFCU Visa Debit Card, we encourage you to notify us. Our card programs use a fraud monitoring system that will alert you by telephone or potentially decline transactions that exceed your typical spending patterns or geographic location.

By notifying the credit union, we can place a travel exception on your card that includes the dates and location of your travel to help you avoid potential declines due to suspected fraud. This is especially important when traveling internationally, because so much fraud originates from foreign countries, and most transactions will automatically decline without a travel exception being placed on the card.

As always, it is important that your contact information is up to date with us, especially your home, work, and cell phone numbers.

Your card may have been compromised, or our system noticed unusual activity, therefore a lock was put in place for your account protection. If your card has been locked due to unusual activity, please call 1-866-234-6436.

Yes, there is a $1.00 fee from the Credit Union for each transaction at an ATM outside of our network. In addition, the ATM owner (another financial institution) may charge its own fee. To avoid these fees, you can use any ATM in the CO-OP Surcharge-Free Network, available at thousands of locations worldwide.

The ATM withdrawal limit is $500 per 24-hour period for security purposes and to help protect your account from potential fraud. If you need access to more than $500 per 24-hour period, you may visit a branch or connect with our LIVEStudio tellers by tapping the screen at any TVFCU ITM on Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you need a new TVFCU debit card, you can get one instantly at any branch—cards are printed on the spot, so there’s no waiting for it to arrive by mail.

If you choose to have your debit card mailed instead, please allow 7–10 days for delivery.

Unfortunately, we do not have a statement that can show the last four digits of your debit card number. Any statement, whether official or partial, would still display details that could be beneficial for your needs.

Yes, there is a $10 penalty for early withdrawal of your Christmas Club Savings Account. This is done for two reasons:

1. A fee can act as a small encouragement to maintain your savings until the holidays, and
2. The Christmas Club is not a “Demand Account” as defined by Regulation DD, and must be treated as such. That means having penalties for excessive withdrawals.

Yes! As you set funds aside little by little, year-round for holiday-related expenses, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive dividends on entire balance
• No monthly service charge
• No minimum balance requirements
• Free online banking
• Free eStatements
• Direct deposit, and more!

Yes, but early withdrawals typically incur a penalty, which may include loss of some or all accrued dividends.

There are two main reasons for early withdrawal penalties:

1. Impact on lending: As a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union, the funds you invest in a share certificate are loaned out to other members for things like cars, homes, and businesses. When you invest in a certificate, the credit union knows how long your money will be available to lend, which allows us to manage loan rates and dividends efficiently for maximum benefit to the members. Withdrawing early disrupts this balance, and the penalty helps mitigate that risk.
2. Regulatory requirements: Term certificates are not demand accounts. By regulation, we must apply fees for early or excessive withdrawals from non-demand accounts.

Upon maturity, you can choose to renew the certificate at the current rate, withdraw the funds, or transfer them to another account.

That is correct. Unfortunately, funds cannot be added to a Certificate of Deposit (CD) during its term, whether online or in-branch, except during the 10-business-day grace period following maturity.

If you wish to make any transactions on a CD during its current term, please contact a TVFCU team member. You can reach us via LIVELine (Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM), LIVEStream, or by visiting a branch during regular business hours.

To set up an IRA rollover, please visit your nearest branch or connect with a consultant via our LIVEStream during regular business hours. A TVFCU representative will guide you through the available options and the necessary steps to ensure the process is smooth and seamless.

Both traditional and Roth IRAs offer distinct advantages. The key difference lies in when those benefits are realized. Traditional IRAs may provide immediate tax relief through deductible contributions, whereas Roth IRAs are structured to offer greater tax advantages at the time of retirement, thanks to tax-free withdrawals.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your unique situation. We strongly recommend speaking with our investment advisors.

For 2025, the annual contribution limit is $7,000 (or $8,000 if you’re age 50 or older). These limits may change annually, so it’s a good idea to check with a financial advisor or visit the IRS website for the most current guidelines.

You can start making penalty-free withdrawals from a Traditional IRA at age 59½, although taxes may still apply. Roth IRAs allow tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals of contributions at any time, but earnings can only be withdrawn tax-free if the account has been open for at least five years and you’re 59½ or older.

Call our Member Solutions Department at 423-643-3550 to let them know. We recommend you pay what you can today.  You will be delinquent the additional amount, but you have 10 days before a late fee is incurred, and 30 days before it affects your credit report.

Your credit report is key for so many things, from financing major purchases to applying for a job. Regularly checking your credit report also helps you prevent identity theft.

Did you know that accessing your credit report is free to all members? Just log in to YOUR$ and look for the SavvyMoney credit score tool.

If you are listed as entitled to legal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), please go to www.militaryonesource.mil/legal or call 1-800-342-9647 for more information.

Give yourself one less bill to worry about. With our convenient loan payment transfer, your TVFCU loan is automatically paid on time — every time! Set up automatic payments inside YOUR$. You can make payments from a TVFCU account, or an account with another credit union or bank.

• Avoid late-payment penalties
• Simplify your monthly budget
• Little or no cost to you
• Safe and secure

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union understands that finances can be a bit tight from time to time. That’s why we offer Skip-A-Pay. Qualified members can skip one loan payment per eligible loan for a fee of $50 per loan. While interest will continue to accrue during the skip, the skipped payment is added to the end of the loan term — giving you a little reprieve from your loan payment.

As a courtesy to our members, TVFCU offers Skip-A-Pay twice a year. Here’s more information about Skip-A-Pay.

Conditions

• Loan(s) must not be more than 30 days past due and must have received six consecutive monthly payments since the last extension or origination. The six payments must be the equivalent of six months of payments without any missed payments during the six months. If paying weekly or biweekly, the member must have made six months of payments, not six payments.
• All credit union accounts must be in satisfactory status (no overdrawn accounts or loans over 30 days past due).
• Real estate loans, home equity loans, POP/BuyLine of credit loans, credit cards, share secured loans, share certificate secured loans and commercial/business loans are not eligible..
• A $50 fee applies to each Skip-A-Pay request per loan.

1. Interest will continue to accrue at the interest rate provided in your original loan agreement, during and after this time.
2. Deferring your payment will result in your having to pay more interest than if you made your payment as originally scheduled.
3. The payment deferral will extend the terms of your loan(s), and you will have to make extra payment(s) through that new term date.
4. You will resume your payments the following month.
5. A nonrefundable fee of $50 will be charged for this service at the time the request is submitted. Please note that this is nonrefundable.
6. Skipping a payment and late payment fees may reduce the amount of a Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) claim. Please refer to your GAP Policy for complete information. If you elected GAP or credit, life and/or disability coverage, the coverage will not be extended beyond the original maturity date.

For answers to common questions about Skip-A-Pay, including eligibility requirements, view our FAQ page. If you would like additional information, please call 423-634-3600.

You can request a Skip-A-Pay anytime day or night inside YOUR$ Digital Banking.

If you do not qualify for a skip, but are having a difficult time making payments, please fill out this form to request further payment assistance.

Ways to Pay Your TVFCU Vehicle or Personal Loan

Online in YOUR$ Digital Banking

• Transfer from a TVFCU account
• Transfer from an external bank/credit union (go to Transfers → Add an Account)
• Pay by debit card ($4.95 convenience fee)
• Set up AutoPay for automatic monthly payments (no ongoing fee after initial setup)

Pay by debit card at TVFCUPay ($4.95 convenience fee). You can also set up AutoPay for monthly payments with no ongoing fee after initial setup.

By Mail

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Loan Servicing
P.O. Box 23967
Chattanooga, TN 37422

Include your loan account number (found in YOUR$ or available by phone/video chat after identity verification). You may use your MICR Account Number or Member Number + suffix.

In Person

Pay by cash, check, or transfer at any TVFCU branch or drive‑thru.

Video Chat

Use LiveStream through the orange “Video Chat” button on the right of this webpage, or in the app to pay by transfer or by debit card (fee applies).

By Phone

Call LIVELine at 423-634-4600 to pay by transfer or by debit card (fee applies).

Notes: Debit card payments include a $4.95 convenience fee. If you set up AutoPay using a debit card, the convenience fee is charged only once during setup; subsequent monthly payments run automatically with no fee.

A Share Secured Loan is a type of loan that is backed by the funds in your savings account or share certificate. The money in your account is used as collateral, allowing you to borrow at a lower interest rate while continuing to earn dividends on your savings.

When you take out a Share Secured Loan, the amount you borrow is “frozen” in your savings account. As you repay the loan, the funds are gradually released. You still earn dividends on the secured amount, and once the loan is fully paid off, the entire amount becomes available again.

You can use a Share Secured Loan for almost anything—building credit, covering unexpected expenses, making a large purchase, or consolidating debt.

No, Share Secured Loans are a great option for members with limited or challenged credit. Since the loan is backed by your savings, approval is usually easier, and it can help you build or rebuild your credit history.

• Lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans
• Continued earnings on your savings
• Flexible repayment terms
• Helps establish or improve your credit score
• Quick approval process

You can borrow between $500 and up to the amount you have in your savings or certificate account, or $250,000, whichever is lower.

Yes, most institutions report your loan and payment history to credit bureaus. Making consistent, on-time payments can positively impact your credit score.

Loan terms are flexible and range from 6 months to 120 months, depending on the amount. There is no fee for paying a loan off early.

Missing a payment could negatively affect your credit and is subject to late fees. There is a 10-day grace period, but if you are more than 10 days late you will be charged a late fee. If you miss a payment for too long, we will use the money you used as collateral to pay off the loan.

You can apply online, in person, or over the phone. Make sure you have funds available in your savings account to secure the loan.

A FAST Cash Loan is a short-term, small-dollar loan designed to provide quick financial relief for unexpected expenses—without the high fees and interest rates typical of payday loans.

FAST Cash Loans offer lower interest rates, no hidden fees, and more manageable repayment terms. Unlike payday loans, they’re designed to help you get ahead—not fall behind.

• You must be the primary account holder of the account to which the loan is applied.
• A minimum of three months of membership with TVFCU is required before applying.
• You must have qualifying direct deposits for at least three months.
• You must ensure all your TVFCU accounts are in good standing.
• You must possess a valid email address and the capability to complete and eSign documents electronically.

You can apply online through our secure application portal. The process takes just a few minutes.

No, there is no credit check when applying for a FAST Cash Loan.

Once approved, funds are typically deposited into your account within 24 to 48 hours—often the same day.

Loan amounts usually range from $100 to $750, depending on your financial profile.

FAST Cash Loans feature 3 fixed monthly payments.

No prepayment penalties, and no fees.

Yes! As part of the loan, your payments are established to automatically transfer from your account monthly from the date you receive the loan funds.

Yes, timely payments can help improve your credit score since we report to major credit bureaus.

If you’re experiencing hardship, contact us right away. We may be able to offer payment deferrals or restructuring options.

Absolutely! We provide free financial counseling and budgeting tools to help you take control of your money and avoid future debt cycles. Check out the resources available inside of YOUR$ Digital Banking, or at our Financial Education page.

You may be eligible for another FAST Cash Loan once your existing loan is paid off or mostly repaid. Specific rules vary.

As a not-for-profit institution, we put our members first. Our loans are designed to be responsible, transparent, and focused on your long-term financial health.

A mortgage pre-qualification is an initial assessment by a lender that gives you an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow for a home loan, based on basic financial information you provide.

A down payment is the initial amount of money you pay upfront toward the purchase of a home when you get a mortgage. It’s typically expressed as a percentage of the home’s purchase price.

For example, If you’re buying a $300,000 home and put down 10%, your down payment is $30,000 (and you’d finance the remaining $270,000 with a mortgage).

TVFCU does not charge any upfront fees for applying for a mortgage. As part of the loan closing, there are costs that are typically associated with obtaining the loan.

Finding out your buying power starts with getting pre-qualified for a loan. Understanding your gross monthly income, your total monthly debts, your credit score, and how much money you have available to use as a down payment are the first steps in the process.

Mortgage refinancing is the process of replacing your existing home loan with a new one, often to secure a lower interest rate, reduce monthly payments, change your loan term, or switch from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Refinancing can help you:

• Lower your interest rate and monthly payments
• Pay off your mortgage faster with a shorter term
• Tap into home equity with a cash-out refinance
• Switch from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate loan for more stability

You may benefit from refinancing if:

• Interest rates have dropped since you got your mortgage
• Your credit score has improved
• You want to reduce your loan term
• You need funds for major expenses like home renovations or education

Refinancing typically includes closing costs such as:

• Origination fees
• Appraisal fees
• Title insurance and search
• Prepaid interest or escrow adjustments
• Other third-party fees such as credit report, flood certification, etc.

The refinance process typically takes 30 days from application to closing, depending on your specific situation.

Yes, you may still qualify through certain programs. Options like FHA Streamline or VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) may be available depending on your existing mortgage type.

Refinancing may cause a temporary dip in your credit score due to the hard inquiry and opening a new loan account. However, if managed well, it can improve your credit over time.

Common documents include:

• Recent pay stubs and W-2s
• Tax returns (past 2 years)
• Bank statements
• Information on your current mortgage
• Evidence of homeowners insurance

Yes, TVFCU offers refinancing options for investment and rental properties. Terms and rates may differ from owner-occupied properties.

You can:

• Apply online through our secure portal
• Call a mortgage loan officer for a consultation at 423-634-3600
• Video Chat from anywhere with tvfcuLIVE Stream

Mortgage rates are determined by a combination of broader economic influences, lender-specific factors, and borrower qualifications.

Mortgage interest rate movements are as hard to predict as the stock market and no one can really know for certain whether they’ll go up or down.

If you have a hunch that rates are on an upward trend, then you’ll want to consider locking the rate as soon as you are able. Before you decide to lock, make sure that your loan can close within the lock-in period. It won’t do any good to lock your rate if you can’t close during the rate lock period. If you’re purchasing a home, review your contract for the estimated closing date to help you choose the right rate lock period. If you are refinancing, in most cases, your loan could close within 30 days.

If you think rates might drop while your loan is being processed, take a risk and let your rate “float” instead of locking. After you apply, you can lock in by contacting your Mortgage Originator by telephone.

A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage gives you the ability to own your home free and clear in 15 years. And, while the monthly payments are somewhat higher than a 30-year loan, the interest rate on the 15-year mortgage is usually a little lower, and more important – you’ll pay less than half the total interest cost of the traditional 30-year mortgage.

However, if you can’t afford the higher monthly payment of a 15-year mortgage, don’t feel alone. Many borrowers find the higher payment out of reach and choose a 30-year mortgage. It still makes sense to use a 30-year mortgage for most people.

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or an “ARM” as they are commonly called, is a loan type that offers a lower initial interest rate than most fixed-rate loans. The trade-off is that the interest rate can change periodically, usually in relation to an index, and the monthly payment will go up or down accordingly.

Against the advantage of the lower payment at the beginning of the loan, you should weigh the risk that an increase in interest rates would lead to higher monthly payments in the future. It’s a trade-off. You get a lower rate with an ARM in exchange for assuming more risk.

For many people in a variety of situations, an ARM is the right mortgage choice, particularly if your income is likely to increase in the future or if you only plan on being in the home for three to five years.

Adjustment Period

With most ARMs, the interest rate and monthly payment are fixed for an initial time period. TVFCU offers five, seven, or ten years. After the initial fixed period, the interest rate can change every six months. For example, one of our most popular adjustable-rate mortgages is a five-year ARM. The interest rate will not change for the first five years (the initial adjustment period) but can change every six months after the first five years.

Index

Our ARM interest rate changes are tied to changes in an index rate. Using an index to determine future rate adjustments provides you with assurance that rate adjustments will be based on actual market conditions at the time of the adjustment. The current value of most indices is published weekly in the Wall Street Journal. If the index rate moves up, so does your mortgage interest rate, and you will probably have to make a higher monthly payment. On the other hand, if the index rate goes down, your monthly payment may decrease.

Margin

To determine the interest rate on an ARM, we’ll add a pre-disclosed amount to the index called the “margin.” If you’re still shopping, comparing one lender’s margin to another’s can be more important than comparing the initial interest rate, since it will be used to calculate the interest rate you will pay in the future.

ARMs typically have an initial fixed-rate period, after which the interest rate adjusts every six months based on a specified index plus a margin. The frequency and amount of adjustments are outlined in the loan agreement.

Mortgage interest rate movements are as hard to predict as the stock market and no one can really know for certain whether they’ll go up or down.

If you have a hunch that rates are on an upward trend, then you’ll want to consider locking the rate as soon as you are able. Before you decide to lock, make sure that your loan can close within the lock-in period. It won’t do any good to lock your rate if you can’t close during the rate lock period. If you’re purchasing a home, review your contract for the estimated closing date to help you choose the right rate lock period. If you are refinancing, in most cases, your loan could close within 30 days.

If you think rates might drop while your loan is being processed, take a risk and let your rate “float” instead of locking. After you apply, you can lock in by contacting your Mortgage Originator by telephone.

There’s no cost at all for completing our application. TVFCU charges no upfront fees.

Refinancing allows you to switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage. This can be beneficial if you prefer payment stability or if interest rates are expected to rise.

TVFCU’s VA loans offer competitive interest rates, require little to no down payment, and do not mandate private mortgage insurance (PMI), making homeownership more accessible for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.

Eligibility typically includes veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. Specific criteria apply, so it’s advisable to consult with a TVFCU mortgage specialist to determine your eligibility.

Yes! TVFCU provides dedicated support to veterans, including personalized guidance from our mortgage team, to navigate the VA loan process efficiently and securely. Our goal is to make homeownership a reality for those who have served. Start your online application today.

Both the Home Equity Loan and HELOC use the existing equity in your home as collateral to secure the loan.

The interest paid might be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for details specific to your situation.

We provide local Tennessee Valley decision-making and processing with personalized service from our lending experts to help customize a loan or line of credit that fits your lifestyle.

A Home Equity Loan provides a lump sum with fixed payments over a set term, while a HELOC is a revolving line of credit that you can draw from as needed, typically with variable payments.

You can use it for a variety of short-term or one-time needs, including home improvements, medical expenses, major purchases, or consolidating higher-interest debt.

The amount depends on the equity in your home, your credit history, and other qualifying factors. Our lending team can help you determine what you’re eligible for.

Simply click “Get Started” to begin your application through the TVFCU Mortgage Center. If you have questions, give us a call at 423-634-3667.

We recommend starting with savings, scholarships, grants, and federal student loans before turning to private loans. Be sure to carefully consider your future income and any monthly loan payments before borrowing privately.

These loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank or one of its lender partners. TVFCU is not the creditor and does not make loan decisions. TVFCU may receive compensation from Sallie Mae for referring loan applicants.

Loans are available to students attending participating degree-granting institutions. The Smart Option Student Loan^® is for undergraduate students only. Graduate-level loans (MBA, Medical, Dental, and Law School Loans) are not available for certificate or continuing education coursework.

Yes, with conditions. Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend a participating U.S. school, and apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a cosigner. They must also provide a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.

Yes. The requested loan amount must be at least $1,000. Other credit and eligibility criteria also apply.

No, there are no penalties or fees for early repayment. However, prepayments are applied in the order outlined in your promissory note: first to unpaid fees and costs, then to unpaid interest, and finally to the current principal.

Yes. Sallie Mae reserves the right to change or discontinue its loan products, services, and benefits at any time without notice.

You do not have to be a member of TVFCU to apply, but you do need to be eligible for membership. You qualify for membership with Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union if you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school within our 17-county community. You will become a member upon receiving your loan, and there is no fee for membership.

Yes. You can pay off both a new and used vehicle loan at any time with no prepayment penalty.

Through refinancing, you can potentially get a better interest rate or extend your loan term, which would lower your monthly payment. Additionally, refinancing may help you reduce the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan.

The Skip-A-Pay program gives qualified members the opportunity to skip up to two monthly loan payments on eligible loans during a 12-month period. Then the skipped payments are added to the end of your loan term.

You can request a Skip-A-Pay anytime day or night inside YOUR$ Digital Banking.

If you do not qualify for a skip, but are having a difficult time making payments, please fill out this form to request further payment assistance.

Personal loans, auto loans, motorcycle loans, boat loans and RV loans are all eligible, given there have been six months of consecutive on-time payments.

Real estate loans, home equity loans, POP/BuyLine of credit loans, credit cards, FAST Cash, share secured loans, share certificate secured loans and commercial/business loans are not eligible.

To be eligible, your loan must have received six months of consecutive payments and be in good standing. Good standing simply means that your loans must be less than 30 days past due.

Yes, there is a nominal, nonrefundable fee of $50 per Skip-A-Pay request per loan.

The skipped payment will be added to the end of your loan, extending the loan term, and interest will continue to accrue during skipped months.

If you have automatic payments from a TVFCU account, you will need to “stop” the ACH for the month then restart it. Please ask a financial services consultant for more information.

Bill Pay is different than automatic (ACH) payments. If you use TVFCU’s Bill Pay or Bill Pay from any financial institution, you’ll need to log into Bill Pay to stop and restart the payment yourself. However, don’t forget to turn it back on after your skip!

As an added-benefit to members, TVFCU offers Skip-A-Pay twice a year. Members who meet all of the conditions may skip any eligible loan twice during the year.

Yes, members can skip at any time as long as they have six consecutive monthly payments.

Visit our Preferred Dealers page for full details.

You don’t have to be a member to apply, but you do need to be eligible for membership. If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in our 17-county service area, you qualify! You can also apply if you are a member of the Audubon Society. Once your loan is approved, you’ll automatically become a member at no cost.

Refinancing could help you lock in a lower interest rate, reduce your monthly payment, or even shorten your loan term. That means you could pay off your vehicle faster, and save money over time.

Yes, all auto loans require proof of insurance.

Absolutely. Whether it’s a new or used auto loan, you can pay it off early, anytime, with no prepayment penalties.

If you’re having a difficult time paying your auto loan with us, you have several options.

Reach out to TVFCU as soon as possible
We understand that life events like a layoff or unexpected medical expenses can make payments difficult. If you’re experiencing a hardship, we may be able to offer payment deferrals or loan restructuring options to help you through a tough time. The sooner you contact us, the more options may be available.
If you would like a team member to reach out to you, please email loss.mitigation@tvfcu.com with your contact information. Do not include your member number or any personal information in your email.

Consider the Skip-A-Pay program
TVFCU offers a Skip-A-Pay option for qualified members, allowing you to skip one loan payment per eligible loan for a $50 fee. This can provide short-term relief when you need extra flexibility.

• Interest will continue to accrue

• The skipped payment is added to the end of your loan term

• Your loan must not be more than 30 days past due

• You must have made six consecutive monthly payments since the last extension or origination

For answers to common questions about Skip-A-Pay, including eligibility requirements, view our FAQ page.

Voluntary repossession 
If making payments is no longer manageable, a voluntary repossession may be an option. This is when you choose to return your vehicle to TVFCU and let us know you want to address the situation proactively. While the loan balance does not automatically go away, voluntary repossession may reduce stress and help limit additional fees compared to an involuntary repossession. Our goal is to work with you respectfully and help you understand your options every step of the way.

You might consider refinancing if interest rates have dropped, your credit score has improved, or if you need to lower your monthly payments. It can also make sense if you want to pay off your loan faster or remove a co-borrower.

Refinancing may cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score due to the hard inquiry on your credit report. However, consistently making on-time payments on your new loan can help improve your score over time.

With TVFCU, the process is quick and easy. You can apply online in minutes, and most approvals happen within a few business days. Once approved, we’ll handle the rest.

In general, TVFCU does not offer refinancing for auto loans that are already financed with TVFCU. However, if you would like to discuss the possibility of restructuring your auto loan with TVFCU, please contact our loan team at 423-634-LOAN (423-634-5626) and we’ll be happy to help!

Interest rates and terms vary based on the type of recreational vehicle and your credit profile.

Absolutely. TVFCU provides refinancing options for existing recreational vehicle loans, which may help you secure a lower interest rate.

Yes, TVFCU offers pre-approval for RV loans, providing added negotiation leverage at preferred dealerships.

No. The term Digital Banking refers to both online banking and the mobile app. YOUR$ Online and YOUR$ Mobile are one platform that has all the same features whether on your computer or mobile device—which is why we call it YOUR$ Digital Banking.

Inside the app or on the website, look under the “Financial Planning” tab for a variety of virtual tools to make your credit better as well as manage your spending and saving activity, like categorizing spending or setting savings goals. This tool is even more powerful when you add accounts from other financial institutions for a complete overview of your total spending.

Unfortunately, the App Store and Google Play Store search algorithms can be incorrect, even if you’re searching for our app by name or using the name of the credit union. Instead:

• Look for the TVFCU logo: a circle with teal waves at the top, an orange space at the bottom, and a white field that has “TVFCU” in black letters.

• In the App Store, on Apple devices, it will be listed as “tvfcuYOUR$.”

• In the Google Play store on Android devices it will be listed as “tvfcuYOURMONEY.”

Under the “Transfer & Pay” menu, click “Pay Bills.” Then, select “Bills & Payments,” and click the date at the top of the upcoming payments list. This allows you to choose a custom range of dates to view and will show all scheduled payments within the dates you selected.

No. If you want to add accounts from other financial institutions, you can do so by adding them yourself. It is not an automatic feature and is entirely optional.

It means that your account needs to be “re-authenticated,” which just means the connection to the other bank or credit union’s website was interrupted.  If you go into the “more” menu, select “Tools,” then select “Settings,” you’ll be able to select “accounts” and then select the External Account.  Then “Update Login” information to revalidate.  You should see your balances for all accounts from that bank or credit union update.

Yes!  You will find your mortgage listed under your accounts, and if you want to visit the TruHome site for more detailed account info or to make a payment, just click on the “TruHomeMortgage” link under the “Accounts” menu.

SavvyMoney is a comprehensive, 100% free Credit Score program offered by your financial institution, which helps you stay on top of your credit. You get your latest credit score and report, an understanding of key factors that impact the score, and can see the most up to date offers that can help reduce your interest costs or lower your monthly payments.

SavvyMoney Credit Report provides you with all the information you would find on your credit file, including a list of current or previous loans, accounts, and credit inquiries.  You will also be able to see details on your payment history, credit utilization, and public records that show up on your account. Like Credit Score, when you check your credit report, there will be no impact to your score.

No, TVFCU uses its own lending criteria when making final loan decisions. However, the SavvyMoney tool can show you estimated savings opportunities on new and existing loans. Final rate, term, monthly payment, and other factors will be determined at the time of application.

To see your account number on the YOUR$ Mobile App:

1. From the Accounts screen or Snapshot, tap the account you want to know the number for.
2. From the specific account screen, tap “Show Details” on the top right of your screen
3. Here you’ll see your full Micr Account Number, which is the number you should use for your direct deposits and ACH withdrawals.

1. From the Dashboard, click the account you want to know the number for.
2. Click the “Account Details” link, found at the top of the list of transactions, below the name of the account.
3. Here you’ll see your full Micr Account Number, which is the number you should use for your direct deposits and ACH withdrawals.

On your checks, the numbers across the bottom are the TVFCU Routing Number, your MICR Account Number for your checking account, and the check number (which is also found in the top right corner of the check). The digits after the zeros in your MICR number, but before the check number, are your member number.

TVFCU does not use the specific service Zelle, but we do offer the opportunity to send money to anyone using their mobile number or email address, at no charge! Just look under the “Transfer & Pay” option, and choose “Pay People”. If someone has sent you money using Zelle, you can receive that money by following the instructions provided in the text or email from the person who sent you money. So while TVFCU does not specifically offer Zelle, we offer the exact same services. This is a great example of how TVFCU puts members first – we are happy to provide the services you need, without the added expense of partnering with an expensive company. And because TVFCU is member-owned, those savings come back to you in the form of lower fees, higher savings rates, and lower loan rates.

If you forget your username, the quickest and most secure way to recover it is by using the “Forgot Username” feature on the YOUR$ login page. Just select the link on the login screen and follow the prompts to retrieve your information. This process helps keep your account secure and avoids the need to contact support.

Yes, all Business Checking accounts include a free debit card.

Yes, depending on the account type, additional services such as merchant processing, business credit cards, remote deposit capture, wire origination, sweep transfers, deposit drop, ACH platform, and IOLTA accounts may be available. Qualification requirements and restrictions may apply.

Yes, with YOUR$ digital banking, you can manage your account online, including viewing balances, transferring funds, and more.

To open a business account, you’ll need:

• Your business information (such as tax ID, business address, and basic contact details)
• A driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification may be requested
• Required business documentation based on your entity type (e.g., Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, Corporate Resolution, Partnership Agreement, etc.)
• All LLCs and corporations must be actively registered with either the Tennessee or Georgia Secretary of State

You can open your account online, or via our LiveStream Video Chat—whatever works best for you!

To order business checks yourself and to see pricing, visit https://www.ordermychecks.com/checks/omclogin.

Or, you can contact Business Services directly at 423.242.1023 or businessdeposit.operations@tvfcu.com and they’ll be happy to help.

Yes! The Business Share Account integrates fully with YOUR$ digital banking, so you can deposit checks, pay bills, and transfer funds anytime, anywhere.

Any business entity that meets TVFCU’s membership requirements can open a Business Share Account.

At TVFCU, you can typically open a Business Share Certificate with a modest minimum deposit of $1,000. The required amount may vary based on the term and promotional offers, so be sure to check with a representative for current details.

Yes, but early withdrawals may be subject to a penalty. Business Share Certificates are designed for funds you can set aside without needing access until maturity, so it’s best to choose a term that aligns with your savings goals.

Yes. Business Share Certificates at TVFCU are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000, providing your business with added peace of mind.

You need a minimum deposit of $2,500 to open and avoid the monthly service fee.

The account has a $15 monthly fee, but it’s waived when your balance stays at or above $2,500.

Absolutely! Your account includes direct check-writing and up to six free withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle.

There’s a $3 fee for each transaction beyond the six-per-period limit, including checks or online transfers.

The Idea Leap program supports early-stage and startup businesses by providing financial resources through grants and loans to help them grow and innovate.

The Idea Leap Grant application is available once a year during the competition period. The Idea Leap Loan application is available all year. Loan applicants must be referred by one of our approved partner organizations. For more information, contact us at Idea.Leap@TVFCU.com.

The Idea Leap Program offers both grants and loans. Grants from $10,000 to $30,000 are awarded to winning startups that participate in our annual pitch competition. Loans are offered year-round in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $75,000 with flexible terms.

You can finance both owner-occupied properties—where your business operates—and investment properties used to generate rental income.

Yes! Repayment terms are customized to fit your business’s unique needs and financial goals.

Yes, the property being financed typically serves as collateral for the loan.

Whether you’re paying your TVFCU loans or making payments from another financial institution, tvfcuPAY offers a convenient and secure solution, accessible through YOUR$, by calling us, or by logging in to the tvfcuPAY portal directly.

Pay your TVFCU loans using funds from your TVFCU accounts or other financial institutions, enjoy an intuitive platform designed for ease of use, and rest easy knowing your information is protected with advanced security measures.

You can finance new or used vehicles for business use, whether it’s a single vehicle or an entire fleet.

Yes! If you’re currently financing a company vehicle, you can refinance it through us, potentially lowering your rate.

Terms are flexible—customized to your unique business situation to help fit your budget.

Whether you’re paying your TVFCU loans or making payments from another financial institution, tvfcuPAY offers a convenient and secure solution, accessible through YOUR$, by calling us, or by logging in to the tvfcuPAY portal directly.

Pay your TVFCU loans using funds from your TVFCU accounts or other financial institutions, enjoy an intuitive platform designed for ease of use, and rest easy knowing your information is protected with advanced security measures.

You can finance both new and used equipment essential for your business operations—whether it’s heavy machinery or smaller tools.

No. By financing instead of using savings or other cash reserves, you preserve working capital for daily operations.

Whether you’re paying your TVFCU loans or making payments from another financial institution, tvfcuPAY offers a convenient and secure solution, accessible through YOUR$, by calling us, or by logging in to the tvfcuPAY portal directly.

Pay your TVFCU loans using funds from your TVFCU accounts or other financial institutions, enjoy an intuitive platform designed for ease of use, and rest easy knowing your information is protected with advanced security measures.

Yes! We customize repayment schedules based on your business’s unique cash flow and needs.

With a revolving option, as you repay the principal, those funds become available again—so you can borrow, repay, and borrow again without reapplying.

Not necessarily—operating lines can be unsecured, but securing your line with a business share account, share certificate, or the equity in your property can help you secure lower rates.

Whether you’re paying your TVFCU loans or making payments from another financial institution, tvfcuPAY offers a convenient and secure solution, accessible through YOUR$, by calling us, or by logging in to the tvfcuPAY portal directly.

Pay your TVFCU loans using funds from your TVFCU accounts or other financial institutions, enjoy an intuitive platform designed for ease of use, and rest easy knowing your information is protected with advanced security measures.

TVFCU provides a variety of business credit card options to suit different needs, including low-rate, cash back, and flexible rewards cards. Each card is designed to help manage business expenses effectively.

TVFCU offers free employee cards, allowing you to manage and monitor employee spending without incurring extra costs.

Yes, TVFCU’s business credit cards are equipped with mobile payment capabilities, enabling you to make secure transactions using your smartphone or other mobile devices.

Absolutely. TVFCU provides Zero Fraud Liability, meaning you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized purchases if your card is lost or stolen, provided you notify Elan Financial Services promptly.

The Internal Revenue Service generates and issues EINs. You may locate your EIN on the computer-generated notice issued by the IRS. You may also reference previously filed tax returns for your entity, which will contain your EIN. If you are unable to locate these documents, please call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.

Business members will enjoy a range of complimentary features, including reports, debit card controls, and the ability to link external accounts to view balances. Additionally, access to our ACH platform, remote deposit capture, and wire origination (subject to qualification and fees) will be available. Most features will be accessible through both the mobile and desktop applications.

While there will only be one master login, other login credentials can be created by using the sub-user feature within YOUR$ Business.

Unfortunately, the App Store and Google Play Store search algorithms can be incorrect, even if you’re searching for our app by name or using the name of the credit union. Instead:

• Look for the TVFCU logo: a circle with teal waves at the top, an orange space at the bottom, and a white field that has “TVFCU” in black letters.

• In the App Store, on Apple devices, it will be listed as “tvfcuYOUR$.”

• In the Google Play store on Android devices it will be listed as “tvfcuYOURMONEY.”

No. If you want to add accounts from other financial institutions, you can do so by adding them yourself. It is not an automatic feature and is entirely optional.

In YOUR$, you can view and manage both business and personal accounts, but they won’t be automatically linked.

Nonprofits aren’t eligible for linking, and all other types of account linking go through an approval process. Factors such as account ownership and entity information are reviewed before any link is approved.

If you believe an account should appear but doesn’t, or if you’d like to request that certain accounts be linked, please contact us so we can review your request and make sure everything is set up correctly.

• Athens
• Eastgate
• Hamilton Place
• Highway 58
• Hixson
• Kimball
• North Cleveland
• Ooltewah
• Ringgold
• Soddy Daisy
• South Cleveland

We partner with BancCard to provide seamless credit and debit card processing. Funds from card transactions are deposited directly into your TVFCU account.

RDC allows you to deposit checks electronically from your place of business using a provided check scanner—no branch visits needed.

RDC is available to business members who complete the application and underwriting process.

IOLTA accounts are a specialty at TVFCU, and we make the process smooth and fully compliant.

Please note: TVFCU can only open IOLTA accounts for attorneys licensed in Tennessee or Georgia.

To open an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account) at TVFCU, you’ll need:

• Your law firm’s business information
• Identification for the attorney(s) opening the account
• Any documentation required by your state bar for IOLTA accounts.

To get started, call 423-488-4035 or email BusinessTreasury.Mgmt@TVFCU.com, and a specialist will help you open your IOLTA account quickly and confidently.

To apply, you must first obtain a referral from one of TVFCU’s collaborating partners, such as CO.LAB, LAUNCH Chattanooga, SCORE Chattanooga, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Program. Once referred, you can proceed with the application process through TVFCU.

The Idea Leap Loan program utilizes flexible and non-traditional underwriting criteria, allowing for consideration of unconventional collateral such as intellectual property (e.g., patents, trademarks, copyrights). Additionally, the approval process is expedited, with a goal of a 24-hour turnaround time.

Yes, borrowers are required to maintain a relationship with their referring collaborator throughout the life of the loan, ensuring continued support and guidance for business success.

Every year since 2018, TVFCU has hosted the Idea Leap Grant competition to help local small businesses grow and enhance their services, stimulate local economies, and create fulfilling jobs within our service area. This grew from the Idea Leap Loan program, which started in 2016 and has provided over $5 million to small businesses by utilizing flexible and non-tradtional underwriting criteria, an expedited approval process and other great features to connect entrepreneurs with funding when other financial institutions may reject their request. As a not-for-profit credit union, TVFCU is able to reinvest proceeds from Idea Leap Loans to fund Idea Leap Grants.

Small business owners within TVFCU’s 17-county service area who meet the eligibility criteria may apply.

• Entrants/business owners must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application.
• Business must be currently active, lawful, and have all necessary and required licenses and registrations.
• Business must be in operation and generating revenue for at least twelve (12) months prior to application.
• Business must gross less than $2.5 million in revenue.
• Business must be a for-profit entity; nonprofit organizations are not eligible.
• Business must have between 2 – 25 employees.

Each small business may only apply for one of the three Idea Leap Grant competitions. Please apply for the primary area in which your business operates and provides most of your goods and/or services. All business members will access the same application regardless of region. For the purposes of this competition, the regions are outlined as follows:

Ocoee Region: Bradley, Polk, McMinn, and Meigs.

Chattanooga Region: Bledsoe, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Rhea, and Sequatchie.

Northwest GA Region: Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Gordon, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield.

In each competing region (Chattanooga, Ocoee, Northwest Georgia), three winners will receive $10,000, one will receive $15,000, and one will receive $30,000 in grant money, which can be used to advance their business in any way they see fit.

Here are additional some benefits that may apply, broken down by region.

Chattanooga Area Competition:

• Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Membership: The grand prize winner will receive a Premier Membership to the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce valued at $1,500, and all other finalists will receive a free business membership for one year.
• Sunny 92.3 Media Package: The grand prize winner will receive an advertising schedule valued at $2,500. The runner-up will receive an advertising schedule valued at $1,000.
• Wadel Media Consulting: The grand prize winner will receive a complimentary one-hour media consulting session valued at $500.

• North Georgia Radio 102.9 Media Package: All winners will receive on-air or call-in interviews valued at $100 per interview.
• Sunny 92.3 Media Package: The grand prize winner will receive an advertising schedule valued at $2,500. The runner-up will receive an advertising schedule valued at $1,000.
• Wadel Media Consulting: The grand prize winner will receive a complimentary one-hour media consulting session valued at $500.

• Mix 104.1 Media Package: The grand prize winner will receive an air schedule worth $1,500, and all runners-up will receive an air schedule worth $1,000.
• Sunny 92.3 Media Package: The grand prize winner will receive an advertising schedule valued at $2,500. The runner-up will receive an advertising schedule valued at $1,000.
• Wadel Media Consulting: The grand prize winner will receive a complimentary one-hour media consulting session valued at $50
• Cleveland / Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Membership: The grand prize winner will receive a Business Partner Membership to the Cleveland / Bradley County Chamber of Commerce valued at $995. The runner-up will receive a Business Essential membership valued at $310.

No, Idea Leap Grant funds do not have to be paid back. This program awards grants for $10,000, $15,000, and $30,000 to pitch competition winners.

No, you do not have to be a member of the credit union to apply for the Idea Leap Grant Program, and being a member will not increase your chances of winning. If you are selected as a Finalist, you will need to open a TVFCU account in order to receive your winnings.

Absolutely! We encourage all past applicants who have not made it to the pitch competition round to reapply.

The initial review of all applications takes place with an internal panel of TVFCU employees, followed by an external review of community volunteers. Volunteer judges continue to review businesses throughout each stage of the competition, and these community volunteers also serve as judges for the business pitch competitions.

Loan amounts under the conforming loan limit of $806,500 are allowed up to 12 months to complete. Loans over this amount are allowed up to 18 months.

TVFCU encourages open dialogue between you and your builder to notify us if delays due to weather, suppliers, etc. exist and the home cannot be completed in the allowed time. Extension fees may be applied if approved.

A construction loan is a line of credit and a draw is an advance against that line for costs associated with building your home. An inspection is done to confirm completion of work to the home and the draw is requested to pay for that work.

Your loan allows for 12 or 18 draws depending on the loan size and complexity of the build.

The draw amounts for specific inspections are included in your loan estimate. If all are not used, the funds allocated are applied as principal reduction to your loan balance.

Draws are requested by the builder through a portal online or using our construction management app. Once submitted, an inspection is ordered and performed. TVFCU confirms the work performed in accordance with the builder’s estimate and disburses the funds. This process typically takes 72 hours.

A specific construction checking account is created for your loan. Please note this account is not to be used like an ordinary checking account and is only for the payment of funds for your builder. You will not be issued checks or a debit card.

When a draw is approved by TVFCU, the funds are deposited to the construction checking account. You can request a certified check to deliver to your builder. You can also pre-authorize TVFCU to draft a certified check for the builder to pick up in one of our branches.

TVFCU locks in your rate at the start of construction for both phases. You have the same rate while the home is being built and once construction is complete. During construction payments are interest-only, and once modified to the permanent loan, it becomes fully amortizing.

Payments are interest-only during construction and due on the 25th of each month. As draws are requested by your builder, the amount disbursed increases and your subsequent payment will increase as well.

To estimate your monthly payment, take the balance times the interest rate. Divide that number by 365. Then multiply the per diem interest by the number of days in the billing cycle.

For example: ($100,000 x 7.000% = $7,000 ÷ 365 = $19.18 x 30 = $575.34)

Yes, TVFCU allows for auto payments. Simply complete the auto payment form available upon request. Note that the payments will increase over the course of construction as the line balance grows with draw requests.

A fixed-price contract sets a lump sum cost for a project, regardless of whether expenses and materials go up or down. The builder must carefully calculate how much to charge to protect against a jump in material costs so that it doesn’t run over the loan funds or wipe out their profit.

A cost-plus contract is one in which the builder provides a detailed estimate for expected costs plus their fee and you and the builder agree to a set of recognized expense increases that may be incurred. Usually, increases are for fluctuations in items like lumber which may experience a spike in demand. To protect against estimating errors or underbidding a project, a cap may be requested on total chargeable expenses.

No. However, no work can be started and no funds disbursed until the permit is issued.

No. Under no circumstances is the builder allowed to start any work on the property until the loan is closed.

Yes, with proper explanation.

TVFCU will allow for up to 50% of the disbursement of funds for the material line item to be ordered when construction is at a stage where the materials would be needed or if an item is delivered on-site and confirmed by an inspection.

Payment for the item will go directly to the supplier and should be evidenced by an invoice from your builder.

A contingency reserve is a budgeted amount above and beyond your builder’s contract price to construct your home that is set aside for unforeseen cost overruns or material cost increases.

Your TVFCU loan officer will discuss your options for establishing the reserve account.

TVFCU understands that changes may need to be made during the course of construction. Any changes made to the plans or materials needs to be brought to our attention immediately and should not be made without talking to us first.

In some cases, TVFCU allows owner builds. For consideration, you must be a licensed general contractor and undergo a thorough review.

Once the building permits are in place, your builder can start working on your home!

Within a few weeks after closing, you and your builder will receive a welcome call introducing you to our construction lending team and setting you up in OneSite, our construction management platform.

During this call, we will guide you through the steps for requesting and approving draws, explain how funds are released, and how to track the progress of your loan as the balance increases with each phase of the build.

One of the benefits of the one-time close construction to permanent loan is the transition to the permanent loan phase.

As you approach completion, TVFCU will prepare the necessary documents for converting the loan. You or your builder will need to file the 10 Day Notice of Completion in Tennessee. The documents will be sent to you for execution, and we will modify the loan to the preselected permanent financing program.

Please note that if you are planning to escrow for taxes and insurance, you may need to fully fund your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available to pay the bills when they come due to the respective county, city, or insurer.

Yes, TVFCU personal credit cards are compatible with mobile payment systems, offering you the convenience of making secure purchases using your smartphone.

Absolutely. TVFCU provides Zero Fraud Liability, meaning you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized purchases if your card is lost or stolen, provided you notify Elan Financial Services promptly.

The phone number for Elan support is 800-558-3424. This number can also be found on the back of your credit card.

For clarification on the Zero+ card balance transfer fee, please contact TVFCU via Live Line, Live Stream, or visit a branch so we can review the current offer details with you.

Yes. Please visit a branch or contact us via LIVEStream Video Chat to initiate your wire.

All TVFCU fees, including wire fees, can be found on our Fees page.

Domestic wires sent to your TVFCU account must be received by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day to post the same day. Wires received after this time will post on the next business day.

To send a domestic wire to your TVFCU account, provide the following information to the financial institution sending the wire:

Beneficiary Bank Information

• Routing (ABA) Number: 261375684

• Bank Name: Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union

• Bank Address: 535 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Beneficiary (Member) Information

• Member name as it appears on the TVFCU account

• 14-digit TVFCU account number the funds should be deposited into

• Member address and any additional information required by the sending institution

Fees

• There is a $10 incoming wire fee for each domestic wire received.

You can update your contact information, including your email address, home address and phone number, in several ways.

• If you use YOUR$ Digital Banking, you can often make updates directly within the platform.
• You can contact TVFCU by phone at 1-800-634-3600, Monday–Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• You can speak with a LIVEStream agent through tvfcuLIVE during posted hours using the “Video Chat with tvfcuLIVE” option on our website.
• You may also visit any TVFCU branch for assistance. Branch locations and hours are available on our Locations & Hours page. If you prefer, you can reach out through our Contact Us page and a team member will follow up to help.

For your security, please do not send account numbers or other sensitive information by email.

To update your name on your TVFCU account, please provide your new government-issued ID with your legal name.

To get started, call TVFCU at 423-634-3600, connect with a team member via LIVE Stream video chat, or visit the Locations & Hours page on our website to find the nearest branch. A team member will guide you through the process.

Yes, TVFCU offers money orders and cashier checks at every branch. The fee for a single Money Order or Cashier Check depends on your Winner’s Circle Reward Level. To see the list of fees, visit the Fee Schedule.

You can obtain a cashier’s check at any TVFCU branch. Cashier’s checks are not available directly through LIVE tellers.

If you’re unable to visit a branch during business hours, you can call our LiveLine agents at 423-634-3600. They can help arrange a cashier’s check to be placed in a Smart Locker, which you can access after branch hours.

There is no specific dollar limit for cashier’s checks at TVFCU. The amount you can request is typically based on your available account balance and any applicable branch guidelines for large withdrawals.

To have a cashier’s check issued, please visit your local branch. You can view our Locations & Hours page to find the branch nearest you.

Physical branch locations are no longer open on Saturdays.

If you’re unable to visit a branch during business hours, you can call our LiveLine agents at 423-634-3600. They can help arrange a cashier’s check to be placed in a Smart Locker, which you can access after branch hours.

Yes! Visit any branch location and they will be able to give you a cashiers check from any share account you may have.

It’s our way of giving back to TVFCU members who actively support the Credit Union through their account relationships. The Winner’s Circle is designed to provide members with increasing levels of rewards based on their combined deposit and loan balances. The greater your account relationship with us the greater your rewards. Bonus dividend rates and/or loan discounts may be periodically available based on reward levels in The Winner’s Circle. See our fee schedule for a detailed listing of the benefits available at each reward level of the Winner’s Circle.

It’s Easy to Qualify

The Winner’s Circle starts at the Star level for members with combined deposit and loan balances below $5,000. Move up to the Ribbon level with balances of $5,000 to $9,999. For members with balances of $10,000 to $24,999, the Medallion level provides additional rewards. And the exclusive Trophy level is for members with a combined balance of $25,000 or more.

The Bigger Your Balance — the Better Your Rewards

Whenever your reward level changes you will be notified by a special message printed on the last page of your statement. Members moving up to a higher Winner’s Circle Rewards level will begin receiving additional benefits as of the statement date. Members moving to a lower Winner’s Circle Rewards level will have until the next statement date to increase their relationships if they choose to retain their current level of rewards.

Sign Up Today!

If you would like to maximize your Winner’s Circle Rewards, you can elect to have your reward level determined using the combined deposit and loan balances of everyone in your household. To do this, simply compete a “Householding Opt-In Form”. You may pick one up at your local branch or contact us and request one be mailed to you.

Return the Householding Opt-In Form to:

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Attn: The Winner’s Circle
P.O. Box 23967
Chattanooga, TN 37422

Unfortunately, we have to place limits on self-service transfers to protect against fraud. One of the main ways criminals are able to scam money from people is tricking people into either transferring large amounts of money themselves, or by tricking people into providing the online account access or debit card information and making the transfers themselves. If you need help with a large transfer, please contact us by phone or video chat and we can provide some options after verifying your identity.

You can find our consumer financing rates on the rates page.

For business and commercial loan rates, Rates and loan terms can vary depending on factors like your credit score, loan term, down payment, type of equipment (common vs. specialized), length of time in business, and other considerations. There’s a lot we take into account to tailor the loan to your situation.
For the most accurate rates and personalized options, you can speak with a local lending expert at (423) 991-3664 or (423) 635-0260, or start your application and learn more here: Equipment Loans at TVFCU.

To submit Power of Attorney (POA) documentation, please visit your local TVFCU branch. You can view our Locations & Hours page to find the branch nearest you.

You may also submit POA documentation through tvfcuLIVE Stream video banking by connecting with a Personal Consultant during normal business hours from your computer or mobile device.

Representative Payee Accounts must be opened through TVFCU LiveStream (our video banking service) from any internet-connected device.  If you do not have an internet-connected device, we have LIVEStream Stations at every branch. Representative Payee Accounts cannot be opened through online self-service.

To open your account, TVFCU requires the Representative Payee Award Letter from the Social Security Administration stating who is the representative payee and who is the beneficiary

TVFCU currently conducts transactions in U.S. dollars only and does not exchange or carry foreign or international currency.

The length of a check hold depends on multiple factors about your account and the type of check itself. There is no exact answer since it’s a case by case basis. To inquire about a specific check, please reach out to a branch or use our LIVEstudio tellers in the drive thru!

Any of our stand-alone branch locations (not our Food City branches) will have a medallion signature guarantor based off of employee availability. Please contact the branch first to ensure availability on your planned date of visit.

All of our branches, except our Volkswagen Branch, have a coin counting machine accessible to members without a fee up to $250. Any amount over $250 will be subject to a 6% fee.

If you purchase a gift card from one of our branches, there will be a one time fee of $5 for each card. You can use these gift cards like a debit card anywhere VISA is accepted.

You’ll find them under e-statements and then tax forms.

Tax documents are generated at the beginning of January for us to review and have mailed out by January 31^st. On tax advantaged accounts, members have until April 15^th to make contributions for the prior year. These tax documents are generated at the end of April and sent out by May 31^st

In order to have a tax form generated, you would have to do a qualifying transaction on an account that would require a tax form be generated, or have made $10.00 or more in interest income.

1. 5498 – Reports contributions, rollovers, conversions, and the year-end fair market value of your IRA.
2. 5498-SA – Reports contributions from an HSA
3. 1099-R – Reports distributions (withdrawals) from your IRA.
4. 1099-INT – Reports interest income.
5. 1099-SA – Distributions (withdrawals) from an HSA

This is printed on the December bank statement.

An Everyday Spend Card is a Prepaid Reloadable VISA Card that can be used anywhere VISA is accepted. It is not linked to a checking or savings account.

There is an app for managing Everyday Spend Cards. This app is called “CUMoney”. All you need to enroll is your Everyday Spend Card and personal info. You will be able to view balances and transaction history.

There is no dollar limit on the bills that can be deposited at one time; however, our ITMs can accept up to 40 bills per deposit. If you have more than 40 bills, you can split them into multiple deposits.

TVFCU will only cash a series E, EE, or I Bond.

Yes. You can order a box of checks in several ways:

• Your$ app
• By phone: 423-634-3600 (Mon–Sat, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. EST)
• tvfcuLIVE Stream video banking on your computer or mobile device
• You can order checks online with Harland Clark: https://www.ordermychecks.com/checks/omclogin

Need counter checks? Please visit your local TVFCU branch. You can find the nearest location on our Locations & Hours page.

There are no Non-Sufficient Funds Fees, so you will not be charged if an item is returned. There is no fee for overdraft transfers from a TVFCU Savings Account. Courtesy Pay service is an affordable $9 fee if your account is allowed to go negative.

The minimum age to open a checking account is 12. Students ages 12–15 must have a parent or legal guardian listed as a joint owner. Students age 16 and older may open an account without a joint owner if they can provide proof of full or part-time employment.

To get replacement counter checks please visit your local TVFCU branch directly. You can check out the Locations & Hours page to find the branch nearest you. If you would like to order another box of checks you can do so via the Your$ app, over the phone at 423-634-3600 (Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) or on your computer or mobile device via tvfcuLIVE Stream video banking!

Unfortunately, physical branch locations are no longer open on Saturdays. You can still receive the same care with our LIVE Stream video banking, available from the comfort of your own home on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

Courtesy Pay is available immediately once you sign up if you have an existing account. However, if the account is brand new, it won’t be available until 90 days after the account was opened.