Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Beacon making this change?
Beacon Federal Credit Union went live with its current internet banking site over a decade ago. Over that time, the site has received only minor upgrades and very few modern features with the last upgrade being performed in 2015. Our service provider had been acquired and resold multiple times, and in 2021 we were notified that the product was being phased out. Beacon had already been looking for a new service provider to offer mobile banking members the same full set of online banking products and services that desktop and laptop users enjoyed. We are proud to provide Beacon members with a new modern digital banking experience that provides a consistent user experience across all devices and apps.
Services Currently Impacted by Conversion
Service | Start Time | Expected Restoration of Service |
Bill Pay Unavailable | May 25th, 2023 @ 5:00 PM Central | May 31st, 2023 @ 10:00 AM Central |
What should I do to prepare for this change?
Check back here often and review the FAQ for updates.
Members should review their contact information and ensure it is current. This is especially important for information such as phone numbers and email addresses, as these details will be used to verify account ownership during enrollment.
Will I still have access to all my accounts and services?
Beacon will offer all the most popular products and features currently available in PC Branch, although most will have a new look and feel. You will even have some new features to enjoy, like biometric login from mobile apps, modern multifactor authentication options, credit score tracking, improved remote deposit capture, the ability to update member details, debit card controls and alerts*, and many more.
How do I log in to the new site?
If you are registered to use PC Branch, you will log into the new Online Banking using your existing credentials. Your member number will be your username until you are prompted to change it. You will be guided through a process to verify your identity, and you will be prompted to create a username and change your password.
For new members not currently registered for online banking, please contact the credit union for assistance registering.
Will I need to change my username or password?
Yes. We know you love your old password – or if you have been with us a long time, your old PIN – but with ever-changing security concerns, it is time you change your username and password. You will be prompted to change your password upon login on May 31, 2023.
Why am I being asked to create a username?
Currently, members have the option to create a username for their online access. With the new online banking experience, you will be required to create a unique username that is between 8 and 20 characters. This requirement is in keeping with industry best practices and helps limit exposure of your member number to prying eyes. For the registration process your member number will be your username until you change it.
What about my security questions? Do those move over?
Our new online banking platform will not utilize security questions and answers to satisfy two-factor authentication requirements. Instead, you will receive a one-time random security code delivered to your phone, smartphone, or email box. We even support third-party authenticator apps such as Authy, Google Authenticator, and Duo. Within the settings options, members will be able to enable/disable two-factor authentication for each login or utilize the "Remember Me" feature on trusted devices to speed up their login process.
Will I need to download a new app?
It depends on what type of device you use.
Apple users will receive an update for their existing Beacon Federal Credit Union mobile app the morning of Wednesday, May 31st. Go to the App Store on your devices and check for updates.
Android users will have to download a new App from the Google Play Store. After downloading the new Beacon Federal Credit Union app, Android users can delete the old mobile banking app.
Check back here on May 31st for updated links to the mobile stores for downloading the new mobile app.
Will I experience any other interruptions to my online banking experience at Beacon?
There should be minimal interruptions to our other services like PAL, debit credit card transactions, ATMs, etc. You may not even notice the upgrade is going on until you try to log on for the first time. Certain online features within PC Branch will experience an interruption of services. Those features are listed below:
- Bill Pay
- eStatement Presentment
- A2A Transfers
- Alerts
- Intuit Support
Will my Bill Pay be affected?
Yes. We will be updating the look and feel of our Bill Pay services. Members may experience interruptions to their ability to schedule new payments during the conversion week.
- Access to bill pay will be disabled Thursday, May 25th, at 5:00 PM Central to start the conversion process and will be back online on Wednesday, May 31st. During this time, your scheduled payments will process as scheduled.
- In the weeks leading up to the launch of the new online banking platform, we will perform some necessary cleanup to ensure the conversion goes as smoothly as possible. Some members might receive a communication indicating the adding or deleting of funding accounts in bill pay as this maintenance is performed. If you receive one of these communications, nothing needs to be done other than to monitor your scheduled payments to confirm payments are clearing your Beacon account as expected.
- Your Bill Pay information will automatically transfer to the new online banking site. We advise checking everything is correct after May 31 to avoid missed payments.
Will I be able to view my statements online still?
Yes, however, E-Statements will be unavailable starting Tuesday, May 30th, until Wednesday, May 31st, when the new website and mobile app launch.
Will I be able to make A2A transfers in the new system?
Absolutely! However, in order to meet new regulatory requirements, you will have to verify your accounts again in order to be able to transfer funds between financial institutions. Beacon now supports instant account verification with financial institutions that support this feature*. Accounts can still be verified using a manual with routing and account number penny verification transactions.
What will A2A transfers be called in the new online banking?
Users can find access to transfer to External Accounts in the Transfer widget. Simply select the Add Account option inside the Transfer widget to link External Accounts. We now support instant account verification along with traditional manual account verification options with penny transaction deposits.
Will I still be able to use my Intuit software?
In most cases, yes. We are continuing to support Intuit WebConnect and Banking solutions. DirectConnect support will be discontinued, which means older versions of Intuit software may no longer be supported. Authentication credentials within your Intuit product will need to be updated after completing registration with the new online banking product.
I was able to register for the website, but I'm experiencing issues or have a question.
Please use the contact us form located here to send us a message about your issue or question.
I have additional questions. Where do I go for help?
We’re happy to help you! Give us a call at 281.471.1782, visit your closest branch, or send us an email, and we’ll respond to any questions or concerns you have about the upgrade.
*Some options not available at launch. Not all financial institutions support Instant Account Verification for setting up ACH account.
NEW Beacon Mobile App Features
Push Notifications
Set up custom alerts to be sent to your phone or email. Never be surprised by an unusual transaction again!
Biometric Login
Log in quickly and securely with Face ID, Touch ID, and Fingerprint Authentication (if supported).
Credit Monitoring powered by SavvyMoney
Access your credit reports, credit updates, and get advice on how to reach your credit score goals with our free credit monitoring tool – all without impacting your score!
Deposit My Check
Save some gas and deposit checks with your mobile device by taking a picture.
Full-Service Mobile App
Enjoy a smoother online banking experience on the go, allowing access to more services previously unavailable on our mobile app.