New Pligrim Merger
Merger Update
October 25, 2024
The merger between the former New Pilgrim Federal Credit Union (New Pilgrim) and Hope Credit Union (HOPE) is nearing completion. As part of that process, there are a few important things members need to know.
Legacy New Pilgrim members will have a new member number starting on November 1, 2024. Members should update this number for any direct deposits that are currently being made to any accounts. Items that were set up to be automatically paid will continue to work without taking any action. Information providing the new member number was mailed in October. If members have trouble locating that information, please contact the branch.
Debit Cards
New HOPE debit cards were mailed to members who previously had New Pilgrim debit cards. Members must update card information with any merchants who automatically charged the old card for recurring expenses.
If a member did not receive a card, the contact information required to have a new card issued may not have been on file in the old New Pilgrim system. Please contact the branch to update your address and/or telephone number so a card can be created.
Members should activate and immediately begin using the new card on November 1, and then destroy the New Pilgrim card. ATM and transaction limits may apply, and members may contact the branch with questions or for additional assistance.
Electronic Services
The New Pilgrim online, mobile, and voice banking systems will be available until approximately 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30. The E-Safe digital lockbox service will be available through December 31, 2024.
Legacy New Pilgrim members will be able to sign up for HOPE’s great selection of convenience services after 6:00 a.m. on November 1. This includes online, mobile, and telephone banking, bill payment, e-statements, and Smart Money Insights (our Personal Financial Manager tool). Learn more and check out the convenient user guides at https://hopecu.org/bankingtools.
September 13, 2024
As we continue to combine the operations of the former New Pilgrim Federal Credit Union (New Pilgrim) with Hope Credit Union (HOPE), we want to share some important updates and information about your accounts.
Here is what you need to know:
New Member Number
You will have a new member number starting on November 1, 2024. You will need to update this number for any direct deposits that are currently being made to your account. Items you have set up to be automatically paid will continue to work without taking any action. Your new member number will be provided in a separate mailing sent in October.
New Account Agreement, Disclosures, and Policies
Beginning November 1, 2024, your accounts will be governed by the documents enclosed with this correspondence. Those items include the Membership and Account Agreement and Disclosures, Privacy Notice, Schedule of Fees, Truth in Savings, and Overdraft Guardian disclosures.
New Branch Hours
Starting Friday, November 1, the branch will be open with new hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Things to Do Before the Merger
New Pilgrim Online Banking – The current online banking system, including transaction histories, will not be available after October 31, 2024. Download any account records including any documents saved securely in eSafe deposit box that you may want to keep prior to that date. You can register for HOPE Digital Banking beginning on November 1, 2024.
Debit Card Replacement
HOPE will issue new VISA debit cards with new numbers that will be delivered before the end of October to any member who has a New Pilgrim debit card and an active share draft account. You should activate and begin using the new cards on November 1, 2024, and destroy your current cards. If you have any recurring transactions connected to your debit card, you will need to update your card information with the vendor.
Overdraft Guardian
Dealing with a returned check or other unpaid item is a difficult experience that can lead to additional costs and frustration. In the event that an overdraft does occur, we can help protect members from the fees charged by merchants and the negative effects it can have on your credit history with HOPE’s Overdraft Guardian service. Updated limits on coverage effective November 1, 2024, for converted New Pilgrim accounts are as follows:
Rewards Checking – $300
You can learn more about the terms and conditions of overdraft protection by reviewing the enclosed program disclosure.
Personal Loans
All personal installment loans will continue under their current terms and conditions until the loan is repaid. A new late charge will apply on your loan if you are past due 15 days or more. The late charge will be the greater of 5% of the monthly payment or $15.00.
Account Type Changes
Wealth Building (Savings) Accounts – Learn more about all our Wealth Building accounts at www.hopecu.org/savingsaccounts.
Primary Savings – The minimum balance on your Regular Share accounts will remain $5.00. Your new Share can be used as your primary savings and will meet the requirements to be a member of Hope Credit Union. HOPE offers ATM cards by request for members with only a savings account.
Christmas Club – Your Christmas Club will be converted to a HOPE Holiday Club account and will require a $10 minimum balance to remain open each year. All funds will be dispersed each year on October 31 to your share (primary savings) for you to access without an early withdrawal penalty of $10.00.
Share Certificates – Any Share Certificates you may have will remain unchanged and will retain their current rate until maturity.
Checking Accounts – See all our checking options at www.hopecu.org/checking.
If you have New Pilgrim paper checks, you may continue to use them until December 31, 2024. We are offering one free box of standard checks to all current Paper Checking account holders. Requests must be made through the branch on or after November 1, 2024, for your new HOPE paper checks.
Rewards Checking –Members who have a Share Draft account (account type 09) will receive a HOPE Rewards Checking account. This is a free checking account with no minimum balance, and it can pay you back each month. If you meet certain basic account activity conditions each month, you can earn a significantly higher bonus rate of return. Account details are included in the Truth in Savings document. To learn more about HOPE Rewards checking, visit www.hopecu.org/rewards-checking.
Convenience Services
Your new HOPE accounts come with lots of great benefits. Some of the best are the services that help you manage your finances no matter where you are or what time it is.
With HOPE’s full array of electronic tools, you’ll be able to transfer money while you’re on vacation or deposit a check. Use the services that are right for you and get the most out of being a member-owner at HOPE.
All these services will be available to you beginning November 1, 2024. You will need to register for these services using your new account information.
HOPE Digital Banking – Turn any Internet-connected computer or tablet into a money management machine with full-service online banking. You can also take HOPE with you wherever you go with our free mobile banking app for Apple and Android devices.1 You can check account balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, apply for a loan, accept payments, and pay bills with just a few mouse clicks. To take advantage of these convenience services and register easily on November 1, 2024, contact the branch and update your email address. Learn more and check out the easy-to-follow user guides at www.hopecu.org/digitalbanking.
HOPE24 Telephone Banking – Bank just by pressing a button. Get account information and perform basic functions quickly and easily. It’s just a toll-free phone call away at 1-877-214-HOPE (4673) and available 24/7. Check out the options available to you at www.hopecu.org/phonebanking.
Shared Branching Network – Even when there is no HOPE branch close by, you can conduct transactions at more than 5,000 credit union locations and 30,000 ATMs that are part of the shared branching network. Learn more and find shared branching locations at www.hopecu.org/sharedbranching. HOPE also partners with other local banks, Regions and Wells Fargo, that offer surcharge free ATMs for HOPE members.
E-Statements – Save time, keep your information more secure, and show the planet some love by getting your statements online. It’s one of our most popular features. Get the details at www.hopecu.org/estatements.
Once your membership information has been transferred to HOPE’s systems, you will receive additional information about all the new products and services available to you. We hope you will take advantage of everything your HOPE membership has to offer. You can also visit www.hopecu.org for more information.
If you aren’t using the current account because it does not meet your needs, or if you just want to go ahead and gain access to all of HOPE’s products and services, you can stop by the branch or give us a call to find an option that suits you better.
Please contact the branch if you have questions or need more details. You can also visit www.hopecu.org/newpilgrim for the latest merger information.
We look forward to having the privilege of serving you!
1Wireless carrier messaging and data rates may apply.