Frequently Asked Questions
Membership & Getting Started
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Who can join Garden Savings Federal Credit Union?
Membership is available to individuals who meet our eligibility requirements, including family members of existing members and individuals residing in the same household.
If I leave my employer, can I keep my Garden Savings membership?
Yes. Once you become a member, you can remain a member for life as long as you maintain your membership account.
What is the minimum deposit required to become a member?
A Regular Share Savings Account requires a $5 minimum opening deposit to establish membership.
What is Garden Savings Federal Credit Union's routing number?
Our routing number is 221278954.
Are my deposits insured?
Yes. Deposits are federally insured by the NCUA up to applicable limits. Garden Savings also provides additional excess share insurance coverage.
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Branches, Hours & Locations
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Where are Garden Savings branches located?
Garden Savings has branch locations throughout New Jersey, including Parsippany, Dover, Newark, South Orange, Brick, and Sayreville.
Do you have bilingual staff?
Yes. Garden Savings has employees who can assist members in multiple languages, including Spanish.
Are notary services available?
Yes. Notary services are available free of charge for Garden Savings members. We recommend calling ahead to confirm availability.
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Checking & Savings Accounts
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Do you offer free checking accounts?
Yes. Several of our checking accounts offer no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
What checking accounts do you offer?
We offer:
- Basic Checking
- Debit Rewards Checking
- Silver Checking
- Platinum Rate Rewards Checking
Can I open a savings account for my child?
Yes. Our Kids Club Savings Account helps teach children and teens healthy savings habits.
Do you offer high-yield savings accounts?
Yes. We offer High Yield Savings, Money Market Accounts, Platinum Money Market Accounts, Certificates, and Flex Certificates.
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Online Banking & Mobile Banking
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How do I enroll in Online Banking?
Visit GardenSavingsFCU.org, select Online Services, and choose New User to begin enrollment.
Is Online Banking free?
Yes. Online Banking is available at no cost to members.
What can I do with Online Banking?
You can:
- View balances
- Review transaction history
- Transfer funds
- Pay bills
- Enroll in eStatements
- Use Money Management tools
- Access Zelle®
- Manage accounts and loans
Do I need Online Banking to use the mobile app?
Yes. Members must be enrolled in Online Banking before using Mobile Banking.
Is the Mobile Banking app free?
Yes. The Garden Savings Mobile App is free for enrolled members.
What can I do using the mobile app?
Members can:
- View balances
- Deposit checks
- Transfer funds
- Pay bills
- Find branches and ATMs
- Monitor account activity
What should I do if I forgot my Online Banking password?
Use the password reset option on the Online Banking login page or contact us for assistance.
Why can't I log into Online Banking?
Common causes include:
- Incorrect username or password
- Account lockout after repeated login attempts
- Browser issues
- Security verification requirements
If you continue experiencing issues, please contact us.
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Mobile Check Deposit
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Can I deposit checks using my phone?
Yes. Mobile Check Deposit is available through our mobile app.
What are the Mobile Deposit limits?
- Maximum daily deposits: $10,000
- Maximum weekly deposits: $15,000
- Maximum monthly deposits: $25,000
- Maximum 5 deposits per day
What should I write on the back of a check for mobile deposit?
Use one of the following endorsements:
- For Mobile Deposit Only at GSFCU
- For GSFCU Mobile Deposit
How long does a mobile deposit take to clear?
Please allow up to five business days for deposits to fully clear.
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Debit Cards
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How do I activate my debit card?
Follow the instructions that arrive with your card or contact us for assistance. Your PIN may also be established during activation.
What should I do if my debit card is lost or stolen?
Report it immediately by calling 1-800-754-4128.
Can I freeze my debit card?
Yes. Eligible cards may be managed through SecurLOCK Equip card controls.
Does my debit card work with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets?
Yes. Garden Savings debit cards support mobile wallet tokenization.
What are the debit card limits?
- ATM withdrawals: $800 daily
- Zelle services: $1,500 daily
- Subscription services: $1,500 daily
- Overall daily limit: $3,500
Why was my debit card declined?
Possible reasons include:
- Insufficient funds
- Incorrect PIN
- Suspicious fraud activity
- Daily spending limits
- Expired card
Contact us if you're unsure why a transaction was declined.
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Zelle®
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What is Zelle®?
Zelle® allows you to send and receive money directly from your bank account using a mobile number or email address.
Is Zelle® available through Garden Savings?
Yes. Eligible members can access Zelle® through Online Banking and the Mobile App.
How fast does Zelle® send money?
Many transactions are delivered within minutes when both parties are enrolled.
Can I cancel a Zelle® payment?
Payments can only be canceled if the recipient has not yet enrolled and accepted the payment.
Is there a fee to use Zelle®?
Garden Savings does not currently charge a fee for standard Zelle® transactions. Members should review current disclosures for details.
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Bill Pay
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What is Bill Pay?
Bill Pay allows you to pay individuals and companies electronically through Online Banking.
Do I need a checking account to use Bill Pay?
Yes. Bill Pay requires a Garden Savings checking account.
Can I schedule recurring payments?
Yes. Bill Pay allows one-time and recurring payments.
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ATMs & Shared Branching
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How many surcharge-free ATMs can I use?
Members have access to over 85,000 surcharge-free ATMs through Allpoint and CO-OP ATM Networks.
Can I deposit cash or checks at participating ATMs?
Yes. Thousands of participating Allpoint and CO-OP ATMs support deposits.
What is Shared Branching?
Shared Branching allows you to conduct transactions at participating credit unions nationwide as if you were visiting a Garden Savings branch.
What do I need to use Shared Branching?
Bring:
- Your account number
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Garden Savings FCU name
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Loan Payments
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How can I make a loan payment?
Loan payments may be made:
- Through Online Banking
- Through the Mobile App
- By mail
- In person
- Through automatic payments
- Through BillMatrix loan payment services
Do you charge prepayment penalties?
No. Most Garden Savings loans have no prepayment penalties.
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eStatements
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How do I enroll in eStatements?
Log into Online Banking, select Additional Services, then choose Online Statements.
Are eStatements free?
Yes. eStatements are provided at no cost.
How long are statements available online?
Up to 12 months of statement history is available after enrollment.
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Identity Theft & Security
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Does Garden Savings provide identity theft protection?
Yes. Most checking accounts(except basic) include access to EZShield Identity Theft Protection services.
What does EZShield include?
- Identity restoration support
- Fraud recovery assistance
- Lost wallet remediation
- Security monitoring options
- Access to certified resolution specialists
What should I do if I think I'm a victim of identity theft?
Contact us immediately and visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery resources. Members enrolled in EZShield should also contact EZShield support.
Account Maintenance
How do I update my address, phone number, or email address?
You may update certain information through Online Banking or contact Garden Savings directly for assistance.
Can I reorder checks online?
Yes. Online check reordering is available for eligible checking accounts.
Do you offer direct deposit?
Yes. Direct deposit is available for eligible accounts.
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Overdraft Protection
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What is Courtesy Pay?
Courtesy Pay is discretionary overdraft coverage that may help prevent transactions from being returned when sufficient funds are unavailable.
What is Courtesy Pay Plus?
Courtesy Pay Plus extends overdraft coverage to include ATM and one-time debit card transactions if you opt in.
How much does an overdraft fee cost?
Garden Savings currently charges a $32 overdraft fee when an item is paid into overdraft. Certain exceptions may apply.
Can I link another account for overdraft protection?
Yes. You may link eligible savings accounts or loan accounts to help cover overdrafts.
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Financial Resources
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Do you offer financial counseling?
Yes. Members have access to Financial Counseling resources and educational tools through Garden Savings.
Do you offer college planning resources?
Yes. Members can access student loan resources, educational planning tools, and student financial education content.
Do you offer insurance and investment services?
Yes. Garden Savings partners with trusted providers for insurance, identity protection, retirement planning, and investment services.
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