Merger News

Merging ... What It Could Mean For You and Your Credit Union

Recently your Board of Directors entered into a merger proposal with USAlliance Federal Credit Union.  USAlliance Federal Credit Union is a New York based credit union that was originally formed to serve employees of IBM and now includes other select employee groups. Over the years, they have grown to one of the strongest credit unions in New York with a capital-to-asset ratio of over 8.59%. USAlliance Federal Credit Union has nine (9) branches and innovative electronic services such as web online banking and twenty-four (24) hour loan service.

As with most industries these days, the financial services industry seems to be changing before our very eyes. While Skyline FCU is financially sound, with reserves of 22.40%, our asset base and staff is small, and our resources are limited. Keeping pace with technology and regulatory issues at our size becomes more challenging with each passing day.

Merging with this larger, full service credit union will enhance your credit union membership in many ways. When it comes to financial services, we at Skyline FCU feel that you deserve the best: the lowest possible loan rates and service fees, highest possible dividend rates, and convenient access to your money. While USAlliance Federal Credit Union is large, it is anything but impersonal. Member service is their top priority, and a major factor in our recommendation to merge.

We enjoy serving you at Skyline FCU, and greatly appreciate your membership and support. Skyline FCU will maintain our two (2) branches and our current employees will continue to serve you. Your vote regarding the Skyline FCU merger is very important. It will enable you and other members to benefit from the increased services, locations, interest and dividend rates that a larger credit union can offer.

Questions about My Credit Union Membership

Q: Why merge?
A: A merger with USAlliance FCU will allow Skyline FCU members greater access to more products, services and banking locations. This merger also will help ensure our membership maintain financial stability along with access to the latest banking services.
Q: Has the merger been approved?
A: In February of 2008, Skyline FCU Board of Directors voted in favor of merging with USAlliance FCU. On May 28, 2008, Skyline FCU will announce the votes for the merger, and answer any questions you may have. USAlliance will also be there to answer any concerns. Skyline FCU has received approval from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
Q: When will the merger occur?
A: The merger will occur on June 30, 2008.
Q: Why merge with USAlliance FCU?
A: When Skyline FCU began searching for a merger partner, key factors in making the decision included: finding a credit union that closely matched Skyline FCU commitment to member service, interested in continuing to serve Skyline FCU members, interested in keeping Skyline FCU location and employees, and would offer increased services. After careful search, Skyline FCU board of directors chose USAlliance FCU after finding that they met the requirements.
Q: Who is USAlliance Federal Credit Union?
A: USAlliance Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, with over 38 years of experience, providing financial services to employee groups in New York such as IBM and American Express and individuals who live, work, or worship in Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Worcester counties in Massachusetts. Established in 1966, USAlliance FCU offers a full range of personal financial services to over 35,000 members nationwide. USAlliance FCU is owned by its members; therefore profits go directly to its members, often in the form of higher savings rates, lower lending rates and high quality personal service. In addition, the Federal Government insures all deposits up to $100,000.
Q: Will the Skyline locations remain open?
A: Yes. Skyline FCU’s current locations will remain open.
Q: Will the name of the credit union change?
A: Yes, Skyline FCU’s name will change to USAlliance Federal Credit Union.
Q: What will happen to the Skyline FCU staff?
A: Retaining Skyline FCU staff was important to this partnership. You will continue to enjoy the same staff, and their friendly, knowledgeable service.
Q: Will the phone numbers for Skyline FCU change?
A: Yes, Toll-free staffed telephone service is available at 1-800-431-2754 from 7:30am to 7:00pm Eastern Time weekdays, and 9:00am to 1:00pm Saturdays.
Q: Will there be any special closings or hours during the transition?
A. Yes, a brief closing soon after the merger to allow for the conversion of members
files.
Q: Will there be a change to the deposit insurance on my deposits?
A: Deposits at USAlliance FCU are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, the
same as deposits at Skyline FCU. Generally, this means that regular deposits are insured up to $100,000 per member and IRA deposits are insured up to $250,000 per member. To find out more, visit www.ncua.gov.
Q: Will I have the same member number?
A: No. Your member number will change as a result of the merger. Your new USAlliance
member number will be sent to your address of record prior to the system conversion.
Q: Will the web address of www.skylinefcu.org still work?
A: This web address will still work after June 30th, but it will redirect you to USAlliance FCU webpage www.usalliance.org; be sure to bookmark the new address.
Q: How will the merger affect my accounts?
A: Your Skyline FCU accounts will be integrated into the USAlliance system. Unless otherwise notified, your existing loan and certificate of deposit rates and terms will stay the same. In the future, you may experience more favorable rates and terms.
Q: Can I continue to open new accounts and services with Skyline FCU?
A: Yes, effective July 1, 2008, you may still go to the Skyline FCU offices to conduct your business: new memberships (and any additional products and services on the new membership account), new checking accounts, and new debit cards. New memberships, related products and services (including but not limited to all savings and loan products), checking accounts and debit cards will be available at the rates and terms offered by USAlliance FCU at the time of the account, product, or service opening.
Q: How will this affect my savings account?
A: Your regular savings account will automatically convert to a USAlliance FCU Share Plus Account with the rate and terms of USAlliance FCU.
Q: Will my checking account change?
A: Yes, all checking accounts will automatically convert to the Share Management Account
(SMA). Prior to the conversion, you will receive the terms and conditions of your new
USAlliance checking account.
Q: Can I still use the checks I have with Skyline FCU?
A: You can continue to use your Skyline FCU checks after the merger occurs. The expiration date for Skyline FCU checks will be set at December 31, 2008. USAlliance will provide 50 “free” checks for all existing Skyline checking account holders.
Q: Can I still use the debit card that I have with Skyline FCU?
A: No. You will receive a new USAlliance debit card prior to the conversion. This card must be
activated before its first use. Please note that the terms and conditions related to the use of
your USAlliance debit card may differ than those of Skyline.
Q: Can I still use the ATM-only card that I have with Skyline FCU?
A: No. All ATM cards will be replaced with a Visa debit card. You will receive a new USAlliance
debit card prior to the conversion. This card must be activated before its first use. Please note
that the terms and conditions related to the use of your USAlliance debit card may differ than
those of Skyline.
Q: Do the USAlliance FCU ATM machines accept deposits?
A: USAlliance FCU owned ATMs do not accept deposits.
Q: How will this affect my savings overdraft protection (for checking)?
A: Overdraft protection from your savings is still available, and when funds are available, will be transferred for the exact amount of your overdraft.
Q: How will this affect my checking overdraft line of credit?
A: There will be no changes to the Overdraft loan.
Q: Will I be able to use online banking? Will I be able to use my same online banking passwords? What web address will I use?
A: You will need to enroll in USAlliance FCU’s online banking by logging on to www.usalliance.org.
When logging on to online banking, you will be required to enter your new USAlliance FCU account number, your password will be the last 4-digits of your Social Security Number. You will be immediately required to change this password. USAlliance FCU’s online banking provides secure access to your accounts anywhere, anytime and features multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication requires you to choose a security picture, phrase, and password, all of which will provide more security when logging in.
Q: Does USAlliance FCU offer Bill Pay?
A: Web Bill Pay is available to all checking account users signed up for online banking. There are no maintenance fees for online banking. The fee structure for Web Bill Pay is based on your Credit Union relationship. Online Bill Pay offers the standard bill pay options and is available at no charge.
If your total savings and loans balances* are: Your monthly charge is:

If your total savings and loans balances are*:

Your monthly charge is:

$10,000 or greater

FREE

$5,000 or greater, but less than $10,000

$4.95 per month

Less than $5,000
*Based on month-end balances

$6.95 per month

Q: How will this affect my Telephone Banking?
A: USAlliance FCU uses a 24-hour telephone teller service. The DIAL-UP Audio Response System can be accessed by entering your USAlliance FCU member number, and your 4-digit PIN number. You may reach the DIAL-UP Audio Response System MAX by calling 800-431-2754.
Q: Can I still use the Visa® credit card that I have with Skyline FCU’s Credit Union?
A: You can continue to use your Skyline FCU Visa credit card until further notice. All “Scorecard” Rewards will need to be redeemed by November 1, 2008 otherwise their will be a total forfeiture.
Q: Can I still make my payments on my Visa credit card through online banking?
A: No, all Visa payments must be made directly to Visa using https://www.ezcardinfo.com/ or they may continue to be mailed in.
Q: Will I need to change my automatic payments or direct deposit?
A: If you currently have direct deposit of your payroll check or a payroll deduction sent to your
Skyline FCU account, it will automatically transfer to your account at USAlliance FCU. However, any recurring payment information must be updated prior to December 31, 2008.
Q: How will this affect my consumer loan, home equity line of credit, first mortgage, and second mortgage?
A: Your loan balances will automatically be transferred to USAlliance at their original terms and rates.
Q: I have credit life and disability insurance on my loan with Skyline FCU. Will the terms be the same?
A: Yes. The terms and conditions of your loan insurance coverage will be unchanged. The insurance provider, CUNA Mutual will continue.
Q: How will this affect my share certificate of deposit?
A: Your certificate of deposit will automatically renew to the closest lower USAlliance FCU term share certificate of deposit upon renewal unless you notify us otherwise. A renewal notice will be sent out approximately 2 weeks prior to maturity. On existing CD’s your dividend payment method will remain the same as it was at Skyline FCU.
Q: How will this affect my IRA?
A: Your IRA terms and conditions will not change, except that when any Certificates of Deposit come due within your IRA, any renewals will be automatically renewed into the lowest comparable IRA Certificate of Deposit that USAlliance FCU offers, unless otherwise contacted before renewal.
Q. Will my account statements change?
A. You will still receive your statements, just as you do now. If you have a Visa Credit Card, you will no longer receive a separate statement. It will be included in your account statement with your other USAlliance accounts.
Q. Does USAlliance FCU offer eStatements?
A: Yes, eStatements are your monthly account statements provided electronically via eBranch,
secure site for online account access. Electronic Statements look exactly like the statements you would normally receive in the mail, only now you have immediate access on your home or office PC. If you elect eStatements, you will no longer receive monthly statements in paper form. If you are currently receiving quarterly statements, electing eStatements will initiate monthly statements.