UWCU Source Code -- The Web Branch Blog

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2010-04-21T12:14:00.001-05:00

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Updates Coming to Money Management Tools

2010-04-08T15:03:00.003-05:00

Members are loving Money Management Tools and we are just on version 1.0. As you'd expect, we have plans to continue to enhance the system over the course of this year and beyond.

Here is a summary of just some of the things we are working on. Most of these will be available over the course of the next 2-6 months.

Pending debit transactions--we'll show debit card purchases you've made but haven't cleared your account in your history so you'll have a better sense of your real balance.
Splitting transactions into multiple categories--we realize that for many stores, you buy groceries, household items, automotive items, etc. all in one transaction. We'll allow you to break up the purchase into multiple sub transactions so you can assign individual categories to each type of spending.
More flexible category customization options--you'll be able to add (and hide!) top level categories as well as subcategories. You'll be able to customize as much as you want to fit your needs (keep in mind that for auto-categorization to work well, you should try to use as many standard categories as possible).
Budgets and goals--all the data is great, but today you have to do most of the work to take that data and make it actionable. You'll be able to set savings goals and spending budgets to keep better track of areas you want to monitor.

We'll have more details on these specific features as they become available.

Become a Fan of UW Credit Union on Facebook

2010-02-02T11:47:00.010-06:00

Check out our UW Credit Union Page on Facebook. Show your support for UW Credit Union and find information about events, news, educational articles, helpful tips and more.

UW Credit Union on Facebook

Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

Money Management Tools are Live!

2010-01-21T11:15:00.000-06:00

Money Management Tools are now available in the history section of Web Branch. As I mentioned in a previous post, there are a ton of new features to help you manage your accounts with UW Credit Union. And, we have plans for many future enhancements--stay tuned for more information.

We've invested quite a bit of time in our help section for using the new tools. Our "Ask a Question" system has been updated with answers to many questions. In addition, we have created six demo videos to walk you through how do use the different functions. Help is available in the Web Branch main menu bar and under the Settings tab of the history screens.

We are so excited to bring these features to our members.

Money Management Tools Sneak Peek

2010-01-15T15:09:00.005-06:00

We are putting the finishing touches on Money Management Tools. We will have extensive help available on Web Branch along with videos detailing the features available and how to use them. One of the videos is a general overview and is available now to get a sneak peek at the features.

Money Management Tools Overview Video Demonstration

Look for more details here, on the Source Code blog, next week.

Web Branch History is about to Get Smarter

2010-01-08T13:49:00.011-06:00

After tons of hard work and planning, we are excited to announce one of our biggest enhancements ever for Web Branch: Money Management Tools. The new tools will be available in about two weeks and will significantly enhance the functionality of Web Branch. And, they are free.

Money Management Tools will add the following features to Web Branch:

Categories--auto categorized based on your past preferences.
Transaction notes
Labels--add an additional layer of information to your history to track spending across categories.
Extended history storage--we'll have history dating back to December 2008 right away and will continue to store more history going forward.
True searching of all your history--easy ways to find transactions.
Advanced searches--search by date, amount, description, category, label and notes in any combination.
Transaction alerts--get e-mail or text messages based on new transactions appearing in your history. Find out when a particular check clears, a transaction over a certain amount posts or a transaction posts from a particular store.
Reports--spending reports, income reports and cash flow.

The new tools are integrated right into your existing Web Branch history. There's nothing you need to do to start enjoying the benefits of the new system. Once we go live, you'll see a new categories column in your history. We'll do our best to categorize as many of the items as we can. From there, you can start categorizing transactions based on your personal preferences. You'll be able to immediately see spending reports from 2009 right up to the present. You can start setting up alerts if there are any particular transactions, or transaction types, you want to keep up-to-date with.

We are excited to bring these new features to Web Branch. Tons of work has gone into making this the easiest way for you to track your spending and stay on top of your accounts with us. We aren't going to stop there, however. We are already planning on adding new functionality like the ability to split single transactions into multiple categories. We will also add the ability to see pending items like recent debit card purchases and upcoming Web Payments and transfers in your history so you get a better sense of your true available balance. We also have plans to add budgeting tools and better ways to set savings or spending goals.

Keep your eyes on the Source Code blog for the next couple of weeks as we'll be adding a sneak preview soon and more details as we launch Money Management Tools.

Web Pay Add a Payee Simplified

2009-11-09T15:06:00.000-06:00

We've simplified the process for adding a new payee to Web Pay. In the past, you had to search for your payee by name and you may have been unsure which payee to pick from the list. Now, all you have to do is enter the information exactly as it appears on your bill. We'll search our list of electronic payees automatically. If possible, we'll validate the address and account number you entered. If the data validates, you'll immediately be able to add the payee as an electronic payment.

If you don't have an account with the payee (like when you are just paying a friend), you don't have to bother searching. We'll just send your payment as a paper check.

If the address or account number from one of your bills can't be validated, and you are sure it is correct, you can proceed and we'll send the payment as a paper check. In the future, the payment may still upgrade to an electronic payment.

We hope this will lead to less confusion when adding payees and allow for more of your payments to be processed electronically.

Secure Messaging Enhancements

2009-10-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

We've made a few updates to our secure messaging system. First, we've added cases. A case is a set of messages that are all related. When you send in a question and we respond, our response is grouped with your original message. If you then reply, your response will be grouped with the first two messages and so on. This will help you keep track of related messages. Just click on the subject of a case in your inbox to see all the messages within the case. If you've already read a message, we'll minimize it to only show you unread messages within that case. To view the read messages, click the plus sign next to the message. If you are inquiring on a new issue, please start a new message using the Compose New Message link on the right of the secure messaging screens so you'll get a new case.

We've also enhanced our messages so we can include links within the message. If you ask one of our member service specialists where something is in Web Branch, they can now just include a link in their response. Since this is secure messaging and not e-mail, you don't have to worry about any fraud or phishing within the system. And, as a reminder, because the Web Branch secure messages are sent back and forth encrypted, and the messages never leave our servers, you can include private information like account numbers without worry (never include them in e-mail).

Finally, another reminder, you can sign up for our secure message alerts where you'll receive an e-mail or text message whenever you have a new, unread secure message. With the alert, you never have to worry about missing an important account update between the times you login to Web Branch. To add the alert, just edit your Alert Preferences under the Profile & Services tab.

See Web Branch Data and History in a Calendar View

2009-07-23T16:33:00.002-05:00

It's been quiet on the Source Code blog for a while. That's not because there's nothing going on. We've been busy developing a number of exciting new features that will come out later this year to make staying organized and managing your finances on Web Branch even easier.

Today we've launched a new feature that gives a bit of a preview into the direction we are going. A while back we introduced a new widget for the side toolbar in Web Branch. The new widget just showed a monthly calendar. Now, you can expand the calendar by clicking Full View (see right) to be taken to a calendar view of your Web Branch transactions.

You can page through month by month. If you go back, you'll see historical information. If you go forward (past today's date) you'll see upcoming transactions like scheduled transfers and Web Payments.

Click to Enlarge

You'll note it says "Showing:" at the top of the calendar. You can choose, by clicking on Calendar Options, between seeing Web Branch items (like Web Pay and transfers) and Account History. You can choose exactly which items or accounts you'd like to see as well.

What you end up with is a convenient calendar view of those items so you can see, in a visual way, what is happening with your accounts. We've also included links to the calendar view on many pages within Web Branch. Just look for the Calendar View link at the top. If you use those links, they will show the item or account history corresponding to the section you were in on Web Branch.

If you don't have the calendar widget, click Add/Remove Widgets at the very top of the side toolbar and check the box next to calendar to add the widget.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Added to Supported Browser List

2009-04-10T10:49:00.006-05:00

Microsoft recently released a major update to its Web browser Internet Explorer. Version 8 of the browser is available for download. In keeping with our attempt to provide the best experience with our Web site and Web Branch no matter what browser you use, we've tested Internet Explorer 8 and made it an officially supported browser.

If you are an Internet Explorer user, upgrading to the latest version will give you a number of benefits including: faster page rendering, enhanced security features and quicker access to the sites and functions you use most.

We highly recommend upgrading if you still use Internet Explorer 6. This version of the browser is over seven years old. There have been many enhancements to Web site development since then and using a browser this old means you may not be getting the full experience. It also doesn't have the latest security features like phishing site warnings and secure site enhancements.

See Credit Card Transactions Since Last Statement

2009-03-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

We've added the ability to view only those credit card transactions since the last statement date to Web Branch. This was a highly requested feature by members and we're happy to say we were able to add the feature.

To see your recent transactions, click the "Recent Items" link above your credit card history. That link applies a filter to your history where you'll only see transactions that haven't appeared on a billing statement. To go back to viewing your entire history, just click on the "All Items" link.

One Less Thing to Worry About with Auto Pay

2009-02-23T16:45:00.000-06:00

We all have enough to do and logging into Web Branch to make sure your bills are paid on time doesn't have to be something to worry about. That's why we created Auto Pay. I wanted to mention it here for those who haven't discovered it yet.

Auto Pay allows you to set your preference for how to pay your lines of credit and credit cards with UW Credit Union. You can set each account individually to either pay the minimum due or the payoff amount each month. Then on the due date, we'll transfer the necessary amount (since the amount due on these types of accounts can change from month to month) to make the payment.

You can still make payments to your accounts during the month. Auto Pay can just be there as an insurance measure to make sure you're never late with a payment. Also, if you still owe something towards the minimum payment or payoff, we'll still transfer the necessary amount on the due date to cover the rest.

Access Auto Pay by going to the Transfers & Payments tab on Web Branch. Check the box next to the accounts you'd like to set up and choose whether to pay the minimum or in full and we'll take care of the rest.

Firefox 2 Support Discontinued

2009-01-27T14:41:00.007-06:00

One of the most important things to ensuring a safe browsing experience is the Web Browser you use (see our security tips on what you can do). At UW Credit Union, we try to support as many browsers as practical. Our group of supported browsers generally represents over 99% of the traffic coming to our site. However, our supported browsers have recently changed.

As new browsers come out, it is up to the provider to decide how long they'll support their older versions. Recently, Mozilla announced they'd be discontinuing updates and fixes to its 2.x version of its browser Firefox. This significantly affects the security of the browser going forward as new vulnerabilities will not be fixed (nor will anti-phishing support continue).

We recommend anyone using Firefox 2.x to upgrade to version 3.x of their browser. Besides being more secure going forward, it also has a number of performance and usability enhancements.

Support Added for Google Chrome Browser

2008-12-11T13:29:00.006-06:00

Today, Google announced their new Web Browser, Chrome, is no longer in beta. We've certified it is compatible with our Web site and Web Branch and added it to our supported browsers list.

We love Chrome for its speed and simple design. You can also make "application shortcuts" to easily launch sites you use often (like Web Branch!).

Find out more about Chrome here and download it here. It is currently only available for Windows, but Mac and Linux versions are in the works.

Web Branch Design Refresh Completed

2008-11-19T17:42:00.001-06:00

As most of you have probably noticed, we've completed the design refresh of Web Branch. We hope you like the new look and find it modern and easy on the eyes.

Besides updating the look, we've used the latest Web design techniques to make the site load faster and be even more responsive. We made no changes to the functionality of Web Branch, nor did we move any of the tools or links that you've become familiar with.

Let us know what you think.

Direct Downloads Now Available for Credit Cards

2008-11-11T09:32:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, once we'd implemented integrated credit card data on Web Branch, we'd continue to work to make improvements. We've now made credit card data available via direct downloads for Quicken and Microsoft Money.

If you are already and direct downloads user, you should be prompted by your software to add the credit card data (either as a new account or you can associate it with an existing account).

If you are a new user to Quicken or Money, check out our Quicken & Money page for more information. In Quicken or Money, look for UW Credit Union in the FI list to get started.

Integrated Credit Card Data Now Live on Web Branch

2008-10-28T15:24:00.005-05:00

UW Credit Union credit card data is now available on Web Branch. You'll notice a number of new things right away:

History includes "processing" and "authorized" transactions. Theses are transactions that will post or are authorized to post in the next couple of days. Remember, some authorized amounts will vary from the actual amount of the transaction (many gas stations authorize your card for $1).
Credit card history is now available on Web Branch mobile. Authorizations are included there as well.
Payments made via Web Branch from a UW Credit Union account will instantly update your available balance. For example, if you have a $5,000 limit on your card and have $1,000 worth of charges, you have $4,000 available credit on your card. A payment of $500 on Web Branch will update your available balance to $4,500. The payment will show as authorized in history and will post in 1-2 business days. At that time, your current balance will be reduced by the amount of the payment.
Web Statements are available for credit cards on Web Branch going back to January 2007 (in the next few months we'll turn off paper statements for credit cards as we do for other deposit and loan accounts).

We still have a bunch of work left to enhance the integration, but as you'll see, this is a great first step. We are working on getting caught up posting transactions and payments. Rest assured, all activity will appear on Web Branch in the next day or so. Then, we'll be working to fix any issues we find and respond to member feedback to make the system easier to use.

We'd love to hear your feedback as you use history and make payments. We'll do our best to make updates as needed. We appreciate your patience as we move through this major enhancement.

Text Messages for Web Alerts Now Available

2008-10-06T15:15:00.001-05:00

Web Alerts are now available as text messages to your cell phone (in addition to e-mail). Now you can be informed whenever your balance alerts are met or if overdraft protection is advanced wherever you are.

Just choose your mobile carrier and enter your cell phone number in Profile & Services to enable the feature. Then edit the individual alerts to enable the alert to be sent to your cell phone.

We also have added the ability to have a second e-mail address on file. That way, you can choose to have individual alerts delivered to e-mail accounts at home, work or both, for example. This feature is enabled in the same way as text messages.

Because we realize you may not always want to be notified, there's a do not disturb feature where you can "snooze" the alerts during certain hours each day. The alerts are stored and sent when your set time period ends.

Add UW Credit Union Mobile to your iPhone Home Screen

2008-09-30T13:50:00.003-05:00

Thousands of members are already using our mobile site and mobile Web Branch available at m.uwcu.org. Many of those members are using iPhones and iPod Touches.

There's an easy way to access your favorite Web sites on those devices. Just go to the Web page and tap the + key at the bottom of the Safari browser. Then choose "Add to Home Screen" from the menu that appears.

Now any time you need to access that page, it is available with the tap of your finger from your home screen.

If you haven't seen our mobile site, you can try our interactive demo.

External Transfer Limits Increased

2008-09-16T09:25:00.000-05:00

We've increased the transaction and monthly limits for External Transfers. The increase is not available to all members right away. You first need to qualify for the higher amount by completing a transfer of at least $500 and having 60 days pass following the successful completion of that transfer. Many members have already qualified as they have previously completed the qualification process.

You'll know if you've qualified by looking at the limits on the transfer page (see screenshot). Once you've qualified, you'll be able to do transfers up to $10,000.

The increase is to Standard transfers only--Express transfer limits have not been increased.

Web Branch Design Refresh Preview

2008-09-09T09:16:00.001-05:00

We're hard at work doing a design refresh for Web Branch. The new design brings Web Branch in line with our redesigned Web site that launched in April. Rest assured, we aren't changing any functionality or where you find things--the changes are purely cosmetic. However, we continue to optimize our use of graphics and layout to make the pages load as fast as possible.

Look for design updates to Web Alert HTML e-mail messages and the mobile site in the future as well.

The new design should go live in the next month or so.

Money Link Invitations Just Got Easier

2008-07-30T15:57:00.006-05:00

We created Money Link to make it easy for members to receive money from anyone with a bank account in the U.S. (if that account is with UW Credit Union the transfer is instant--otherwise it takes 3-4 business days). This free service is already used by many members.

Today, we made it easier to invite people to send you money. Just go to Money Link under the Transfers & Payments tab in Web Branch and choose to "Create a New Money Link." Now, you can easily import the names and e-mail addresses of your contacts from AOL, GMail, Hotmail and Yahoo mail. We just pass on your e-mail address and e-mail password to those services so there's no need to worry about your account information being used or compromised. And, of course, we never store or sell the e-mail addresses you enter.

Money Link is a great way to share in expenses with roommates, split checks when getting lunch or for parents to send students money at school. If you haven't tried Money Link, now is a great time to start.

Enhanced Credit Card Integration Coming to Web Branch

2008-07-18T09:36:00.001-05:00

We are starting to work on a project that will enhance the integration of our Visa credit card data with Web Branch. Currently, a summary of information is available on Web Branch and the majority of information such as transaction data, alert set-up, etc., is available on another site called "EZCard."

This Fall, we'll eliminate the need for the EZCard site and will have the transactional data and alerts available in Web Branch. We're excited about this change as it will make the user experience consistent with that of Web Branch and give us the flexibility to better address member feedback when it comes to accessing their credit card information.

Look for more details this Fall.

New Educational Resource on Internet Security

2008-07-02T09:32:00.002-05:00

A number of government agencies and technology companies have joined forces to create an educational Web site on Internet security, online fraud and computer security called OnGuard Online. It has a ton of great and (sometimes) fun quizzes to test your knowledge on phishing, file sharing, social networks, online auctions and more. There are videos, tutorials and links to software tools with many of them available in Spanish.

We've linked to the site from our online security page:

http://www.uwcu.org/OnlineBanking/OnlineSecurity/Default.aspx

Browser Support Updated for Firefox 3

2008-06-17T14:14:00.005-05:00

A new version of Firefox is now available. Version 3 adds a bunch of new features and improvements to page loading speed and memory usage. We've fully tested the new version with our Web site and Web Branch and have added it to our supported browsers list.

For those of you not familiar with Firefox, it is made by the Mozilla Corporation, a non-profit company based in California. Firefox was introduced in 2004 and quickly took off. It is the second most popular browser after Microsoft Internet Explorer.

For those of you still using Firefox 1 and 1.5, those versions are no longer supported by Mozilla. Now would be a great time to upgrade to make sure you aren't vulnerable to any security flaws.