Online Bill Pay FAQs

How do I sign up for Bill Pay?
To use the bill pay service you must be a member of  American Lake Credit Union,  you must have an active checking account and you must be signed up for Homecu. If you meet all three requirements, the follow the link for Bill pay in Homecu and enroll today.

When can I start using Bill Pay?
Processing your Bill Pay application can take anywhere from 2 to 3 days. You will be able to access your account as soon as you have enrolled in Bill Pay and you have received your confirmation letter from American Lake Credit Union (email and hard copy).

What bills can I pay through Bill Pay?
Practically anyone: credit card accounts, utility bills, doctor, day care, loans, church tithe, charitable contributions, magazine subscriptions, insurance payments, credit union loans --- and more!
Some organizations will NOT accept Bill Pay, such as the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing entities, court-ordered payments (child support), or payments OUTSIDE the United State.

Will I be able to use Bill Pay with any of my accounts?
You must be enrolled in our internet home banking service Homecu to have access to our Bill Pay option. You may choose only American Lake Credit Union checking accounts to be your designated source for Bill Pay purposes.

How many days does it take for a payment to reach my payer?
You should count on at least seven calendar days – 10 if it’s a brand new entry. Bill Pay will attempt to pay national and large companies electronically, but where that can’t be done, a physical check is issued on the East Coast and mailed for you. If there is a late fee or service charge past a stated due date, then line your payment up well in advance to meet that deadline.

How do I add a New Payee to My Payee List?
Changes to payee information can be submitted on-line by choosing the “Add Payee” function. Please remember to enter complete information to avoid delays.

How long does it take to add a New Payee to my Payee List?
Your request to add a payee is processed immediately, and you may begin to make payments at that time.

How and when will I be billed for the Bill Pay service?
There is a one time enrollment fee of $2.00 per membership account that will be waived until December 1st, 2007. Bill Pay is free to all members who have more than 3 bill payments per month.  A service fee of $3.50 per month will be reflected on your American Lake Credit Union monthly checking statement if you do not have the required 3 payments and will be deducted directly from you designated checking account.   If you have more than 20 payments per month, an additional transaction fee of $.39 per transaction above 20, will be assessed on a monthly basis.

When is Bill Pay available?
Bill Pay is available 24hours a day, 365 days a year. Only system maintenance may interrupt Bill Pay’s availability.

Can I use Bill Pay if I am traveling or overseas?
Online Bill Pay can provide you with peace of mind if you are traveling for an extended period of time. All you need is access to the World Wide Web with a secure browser, and you can pay your bills. You will always access the credit union website (www.americanlake.org), logon into Homecu, then select Bill Pay.

How will Bill Pay debits appear on my statement?
All bill payment transactions will show as an automatic withdrawal on member statements.  The comment attached to the transaction will show the name of the Payee.

Will I be charged the monthly service fee even if I don’t make any payments?
Yes, you will be charged $3.50 for each month unless you tell us to end that you want to discontinue Bill Pay in writing.

What are prohibited payments?
Payments may be made only to payees with a U.S. payment address. You may not make a payment of alimony, child support, taxes, or other governmental fees or court-ordered payments through the Bill Pay service.

How far in advance can I schedule a payment?
You may schedule a payment to be processed on any future Business Day within one year from the date you scheduled the payment (“Future Payment”).

How do I terminate or discontinue the Bill Pay service?
You may terminate your use of the Service at any time by writing to the Credit Union (mail, in person or by fax). You must notify us at least ten (10) days prior to the date on which you wish to have your service terminated. We will require that you give us written notice with your signature and a date.

How do I place a stop payment? Is there a fee?
You may delete any single payment or recurring payment at any time prior to 5:30 a.m., Eastern Time, USA, on the Account Debit Date. To delete a payment, simply log into Bill Pay and follow the instructions/links.

You may also stop any payment by calling us in time for us to receive your request three business days (Monday through Friday) or more before the Account Debit Date. If you call, we will also require you to put your request in writing and send it to us within fourteen days after you call. If you delete the payment yourself as described above, there is no fee. If you place a stop payment order with us, the fee is $20.00 per stop.

Are payments processed even on weekends?
Payments can be processed only on Business Days, subject to system availability.  If the Account Debit Date falls on a weekend or a holiday, your payment will be processed on the previous Business Day to ensure that the payment will get to the payee on time. Our Business Days are Monday through Friday. Federal Reserve and Credit Union holidays are not included.

Is there a cut off time for processing payments?
You may schedule a bill payment to be processed on the same day that you scheduled the payment if we receive instructions before 5:00 a.m.Eastern Time, USA, on a Business Day (“Same Day Payment”).