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Labels: new features
Money Management Tools are Live!
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.
Labels: help, money management, new features, Web Branch
Money Management Tools Sneak Peek
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.
Labels: education, help, money management, new features, tips, Web Branch
Web Branch History is about to Get Smarter
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.
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.
Labels: money management, new features, Web Branch
Web Pay Add a Payee Simplified
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.
Labels: new features, tips, Web Branch, Web Pay
Secure Messaging Enhancements
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.
Labels: new features, tips, Web Branch
See Web Branch Data and History in a Calendar View
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.
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.
Labels: money management, new features, tips, Web Branch
Web Branch Design Refresh Completed
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.
Labels: new features, Web Branch
Direct Downloads Now Available for Credit Cards
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.
Labels: credit cards, direct downloads, feedback, help, Money, new features, Quicken
Integrated Credit Card Data Now Live on Web Branch
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.
Labels: credit cards, mobile, new features, Web Branch
Text Messages for Web Alerts Now Available
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.
Labels: mobile, new features, Web Branch
External Transfer Limits Increased
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.
Labels: External Transfers, new features
Money Link Invitations Just Got Easier
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.
Labels: Money Link, new features, Web Branch
Enhanced Credit Card Integration Coming to Web Branch
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.
Labels: feedback, new features, Web Branch
Use Web Branch to Place Stop Payments on Checks
We've added the ability to place a stop payment on a single check to Web Branch. If you ever have a need to stop payment on a check, just login and go to Disputes & Stop Payments under the My Profile & Services tab. From there, you can provide the details of a check you wrote or choose from a list of past Web Payments. There is a fee for stopping a personal check, but stopping Web Pay checks is free.
You can also view past stop payments and cancel stop payments you've placed.
If your checkbook is lost or stolen or you need to place stops on a range of checks, you'll still need to contact us so we can consult with you as to what your best options are.
Labels: new features, Web Branch
Web Pay Enhancement--Last Payment Date
We've made a small change to the Pay Bills screen in Web Pay. We now show the date last paid under each payee. This should help you stay organized and make sure you are making monthly payments on your bills.
We also added the ability to sort your payee list by the date last paid (along with alphabetical as it always was).
If you've never used Web Pay, now is a great time to give it a try (or try it again if you once tried it). We've added many additional electronic payees over the last two years and now most major billers are electronic. The Web Pay service is free with all of our checking accounts.
Labels: new features, Web Branch, Web Pay
Your Feedback After Three Months
We’ve received a lot of feedback since our blog went live in February. So it is about time I shared some of the feedback that we’ve heard and provided some answers. But first, I wanted to mention that many of you have submitted feedback using the “Post a Comment” function, and many of them were posted anonymously. Since we are not posting the comments to the blog, I am unable to respond directly to each comment. If you would like a response, please e-mail sourcecode@uwcu.org.
Since adding Certificate Opening to Web Branch (read previous post), we’ve had an amazing response to the number of members using it. However, some of you have commented that you’d like the ability to use this interface for IRA Certificates and also for other ownership types like trusts and POD. We are actively looking into how we can enhance the process to provide the additional ownership options. More information on these options will be available soon.
A few of you have inquired about the ability to do check deposits from home via Web Branch instead of having to visit a branch or ATM. We’ve been monitoring the different options for this service for a number of years. Technology has recently changed where home scanners are being used to send a check image to do the transaction. We are starting to look into this new technique and will hopefully find a solution so we can add the service to Web Branch in the future. Now if we can just figure out how to dispense cash out of a CD-ROM drive!
We’ve also had requests for an online register in Web Branch so memos, categories and other data can be attached to your transaction history. We think this is the future of online banking and are actively working on this service. I’m really excited about the potential this has to make managing your finances even easier with Web Branch. As we get closer to being able to offer this service, we’ll be providing additional details.
We have received a number of questions that are technical in nature. This is not the focus of the blog, however with the title of the blog being Source Code, it probably looks like we’d cover the technologies used for our Web services. I’d be happy to respond to these kinds of questions individually if you e-mail or include an e-mail address in your comment post.
Finally, we’ve received lots of positive comments and praise. It is great to be reassured that our efforts are recognized and appreciated by our members. All too often, people don’t take the time to write unless they are having a problem. We believe strongly in providing a great online experience for our members, so it is great to have confirmation that our work is making a difference in our members’ lives.
We really appreciate the feedback—keep it coming!
Labels: about, feedback, new features, tips
Open a Certificate in 60 Seconds on Web Branch
We've had instant deposit account opening on Web Branch since July 2007, but certificate accounts were not available. We've added certificate account opening to the new account tool. It's a simple process to open a new certificate:
- Choose the type of deposit account you'd like to open.
- For a certificate account, choose the type of certificate and the term (we have a savings advice calculator to help you narrow down the choices and select the account the best meets your needs).
- Read and accept the disclosures.
- Choose the account you'd like to fund the new certificate from and the amount.
- Set up additional account options like a nickname and if you'd like a joint account holder.
- Verify that all the details are correct.
- Congratulations, you have a new certificate. You'll instantly see it on your account summary.
To begin the process, select Open New Account on the Account Summary.
Labels: new features, tips, Web Branch
Web Branch Mobile Now in Open Beta
Due to the large number of requests from beta testers and excellent feedback we've received so far, we are opening up the beta for Web Branch Mobile. All members now have access to our mobile Web site and Web Branch Mobile (see previous post regarding mobile services).
Go to m.uwcu.org to get started. An interactive demo of the functionality is also available.
Labels: mobile, new features, Web Branch, Web site
UW Credit Union Goes Mobile
We are excited to announce the availability of our new mobile banking service. Using your cell phone’s or mobile device’s built in Web browser, you can locate the nearest UW Credit Union branch or ATM, get answers to commonly asked questions, and login to Web Branch.
Web Branch Mobile features account balances and history (with check images), transfers and loan payments, Web Pay and Money Link. It also has the same security and reliability as our standard Web Branch. To try our mobile banking services, go to m.uwcu.org.
The site has been designed to work on mobile devices with small screens as well as iPhones. We are very interested in receiving your feedback on how the site works on your particular device. While we’ve done our best to test and optimize the mobile site for as many devices as we can, there are too many devices to fully test. Our goal is to make it work on as many devices as possible -- and your feedback will help us do so.Because we need your help to test Web Branch Mobile, the service will be in a closed beta for a short period of time. If you’d like to help test, please e-mail sourcecode@uwcu.org and we’ll set you up with access. Update: we've opened up the beta to all members. An interactive demo of the functionality is also available.
Labels: about, mobile, new features, Web Branch
Preview our Redesigned Web Site
We've been working on redesigning our main Web site to bring to the surface the information our visitors use the most. There are fewer clicks needed to find information on products and services and to get current rates. The new site has a more modern look and feel and uses the latest Web design techniques.
Labels: new features, Web site
Customize Web Branch with User Preferences
Last week we introduced Quick Views (read the previous post here). We realize some members may not want to use this feature so we've added the ability to turn it off to the User Preferences page. This page can be accessed via the My Profile & Services tab.
We have a few other customization options available there now and we'll be adding more choices as new features are added.
Labels: new features, tips, Web Branch
Introducing Quick Views
We've added a new feature to Web Branch--Quick Views. This feature gives you instant access to the last five history items for each of your accounts from the account summary page.
Just hover over the History link next your account and a summary of the last five history items will appear. If you'd like to view additional history or details, click the Full View link in the pop-up box or click the History link you are hovering over. Previews of check images are also available in the same way.
Labels: new features, Web Branch
