Frequently Asked Questions


Membership

We are located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and our field of membership includes:

  • Those who live or work in Linn County or one of the 14 surrounding counties (Benton, Blackhawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Muscatine, Scott, Tama or Washington)
  • Employees of companies who are enrolled in Metco’s Employee Connect Program
  • Family members of eligible members

However, once you’re a member of Metco, you’re always a member, no matter where you move or work.

  1. Non-expired ID (drivers license or passport) with your current address. If your ID does not list your current address, we will request a recent piece of mail with the current address.
  2. Social Security number

Yes! Your deposits are federally insured by the NCUA to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

An initial deposit of $5.00 is required to open a share savings account with Metco. That $5 deposit makes you a member-owner of Metco Credit Union, and able to take advantage of our wide variety of financial services.

Our routing number is 273973100

No! Once you become a member of Metco, you can maintain your accounts with us for life, no matter where you live or work.

For security reasons, it is preferred that members stop in to the Metco branch to sign a change of address form. However, if that is inconvenient or not possible, please contact us to discuss other options.


Savings & Checking

We have a variety of savings and investment accounts.

Our savings accounts include special & club savings accounts, youth accounts, accounts for members who are age 55+, business accounts and more.

To grow your money faster or for the long-term, we offer money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), IRAs and ESAs.

More information on all of these accounts can be found under the “Savings & Checking” tab of our website.

If you are already a member of Metco, you can call or stop in to open a special or club savings account, or you can open one instantly inside of Online Banking.

If you are not yet a member of Metco, you can establish a membership by opening a savings account with a $5 deposit. Simply schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, or submit an online membership application and we’ll be in touch with you shortly!

If you are already a member of Metco, you can call or stop in to open a checking account, or schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with us.

If you are not yet a member of Metco, you need to first establish a membership by opening a savings account with a $5 deposit. Simply schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, or submit an online membership application and we’ll be in touch with you shortly! At that time, we can also talk with you about opening a checking account.

If you are already a Metco member, we likely will not need any additional documentation.

If you are not yet a Metco member, the following documents will be required to join:

  1. Non-expired ID (drivers license or passport) with your current address. If your ID does not list your current address, we will request a recent piece of mail with the current address.
  2. Social Security number

  • To join Metco and become a member-owner, you need to deposit $5.00 into a savings account.
  • Once a member, you can open a checking account with a min. $50.00 deposit.

You can have your paycheck or other transfers deposited directly into your Metco accounts. You’ll need to provide Metco’s routing number, 273973100, and the full account number, which can be found in Online or Mobile banking, or on the bottom of your checks.

What the numbers on your checks mean - where to find the routing number, account number and check number

Ultimate Checking is a rewards checking account that offers a bonus rate on balances up to $15,000 once certain requirements are met. Learn more.

Courtesy Pay is a way for us to provide a higher level of service to our members by helping protect your account and reputation when an inadvertent overdraft occurs. Courtesy Pay may cover your insufficient funds checks, up to a $500 limit, for one low fee per covered overdraft transaction; saving you additional charges from the merchant collection companies, in addition to Metco’s insufficient fund fee. Get more details here.

Yes, we do! You can learn all about our business accounts here.

You bet we do! Metco Credit Union believes it’s vital to teach kids and young adults how to save and manage their finances, long before they have the opportunity to incur debt or are faced with large financial decisions as adults. On our Youth Accounts page, you will find specific recommendations based on the age of the member, however we’re always happy to talk with parents/guardians and their children to determine what services fit you best!

At Metco Credit Union, the member number encompasses all individual accounts and serves as the account number for the membership savings. The account number for checking is a combination of the member number and additional numbers to create an individual checking account number.


Cards

Yes! We have a variety of personal and business credit cards based on your needs and planned usage. Visit our credit card services page for more details.

Card services is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year at 1.800.558.3424 (consumer card) 866.552.8855 (business card)

Yes! Visa Debit cards are offered to qualified members, and are a great complement to our FREE Checking Accounts.

Yes! Our debit cards are compatible with Fitbit, Garmin Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

To dispute a purchase made with your Metco debit card, please call 1.833.288.1126. Our debit card customer service representatives will also call you using this number if a potentially unauthorized transaction is discovered on your card.

Sign-up for Metco’s Debit Card Roundup Savings program and every purchase you make with your Metco debit card will round-up your purchases to the next whole dollar amount and drop the rounded amount into a savings account for you. This makes it easier to track your spending and set aside a little cash to save or spend. Learn more here.

No, we do not at this time.   If you have an existing prepaid Metco Visa Gift Card, the funds are still available and the card can be used.  However,  we are unable to load additional funds to these cards.

We no longer issue gift or reloadable cards.

Brella is a free service that helps you protect your Metco debit card by sending you alerts when your card is used so you can quickly detect unauthorized or fraudulent activity on your account. Users have the option to receive text or email alerts, and the service can be accessed via a computer or mobile app. You can also check your account balance anytime, turn your card off and on, send money to other users and find nearby ATMs. Learn more and download the Brella app here.

It is a surcharge-free ATM. Metco Credit Union participates in the Privileged Status program, therefore Metco members are allowed to use the ATMs of other participating Privileged Status financial institutions without paying surcharge fees at the machine.

Visit the Privileged Status ATM locator here: https://www.shazam.net/atms/

A digital wallet allows you to securely store your Metco debit card on your smartphone, smartwatch, or other mobile device so you can make purchases without carrying your physical card.

Metco debit cards can be added to popular digital wallets like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet.

Simply open your preferred digital wallet app, select “Add Card,” and follow the prompts to verify your Metco debit card.

Yes. Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization technology to help protect your card information during transactions.

Yes. You can use your digital wallet for in-store tap-to-pay purchases, online shopping, and in-app purchases where digital wallets are accepted.

Tap-to-pay allows you to make secure purchases by simply tapping your contactless Metco debit card or mobile device near a compatible payment terminal.

Look for the contactless symbol on your Metco debit card.

Yes. Contactless payments use secure chip technology and advanced encryption to help protect your information.

You can use tap-to-pay anywhere you see the contactless payment symbol at checkout.

Most small purchases can be completed with a simple tap. In some cases, merchants may still require a PIN or signature for added security.

Please contact Metco Credit Union for options and assistance regarding your card features.

Yes. Members who would like a tap-to-pay card can contact the credit union to discuss replacement options.


Loans

A HEL (home equity loan) is a loan that lets you borrow a one-time lump sum based on the equity in your home, using your home as collateral.

A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a line of credit you can draw from as needed, using your home as collateral.

At Metco Credit Union, we evaluate this on a member-by-member basis, but generally at least 15–20% equity is required.

Common uses include renovations, debt consolidation, or large expenses—home equity funds can be used for just about anything, depending on your needs.

Home equity loans usually have fixed interest rates, while HELOCs typically have variable interest rates.

Typically, a few days to a few weeks depending on documentation.

Yes, an appraisal is typically required to determine your home’s current value and available equity.

At Metco Credit Union, our lending team reviews your complete financial picture—including credit, income, and debt—when evaluating HELOC eligibility.

In some cases, interest may be tax-deductible when funds are used for qualified home improvements—please consult a tax advisor for guidance.

Yes, though terms vary.

A HELOC is a separate line of credit in addition to your mortgage, while a cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new, larger loan.

At Metco Credit Union, we review your earnings to help assess your ability to repay the loan.

Yes. The loan is secured by your home.

With a HELOC, you typically have a draw period where you may pay interest only, followed by a repayment period that includes both principal and interest. A HEL usually has fixed monthly payments from the start.

Please complete our secure online loan application to apply for a HEL or HELOC.

Auto loans allow you to borrow money to purchase a car or truck and repay it with fixed monthly payments over time.

Requirements vary, but at Metco Credit Union, we consider credit score, income, and overall financial health.

Yes. Pre-approval helps you understand your budget before shopping.  Please complete our secure online loan application to start the pre-approval process.

Most terms range from 36 to 72 months, depending on the loan and your financial profile.

Yes. Refinancing may lower your interest rate or monthly payment.  Please complete our secure online loan application to see if we can save you money by refinancing.

Yes. At Metco Credit Union, we offer competitive, often lower rates along with personalized service designed to fit your needs.

Yes. At Metco Credit Union, we offer financing for both new and used vehicles.

This depends on your income, expenses, and loan terms.

At Metco Credit Union, down payment requirements vary by loan and your financial profile—most auto loans may require a down payment.

Approval can often happen within a day or two.

Typically, you’ll need a valid ID, proof of income, and vehicle information to complete your auto loan application.

Yes. Please complete our secure online loan application to apply for an auto loan.

New auto loan rates are typically lower than used auto loan rates, which often reflect the higher risk and faster depreciation of used vehicles.

Yes. Trade-ins can help reduce the amount you need to finance and may be applied toward your down payment or overall loan balance.

Late payments may incur fees and impact your credit score.

At Metco Credit Union, we allow early payoff without penalties.

At Metco Credit Union, we offer options for members with lower credit scores.

GAP insurance covers the difference between your loan balance and your vehicle’s value if it’s totaled. It may be a good option if you have little or no down payment, a longer loan term, or a vehicle that may depreciate quickly.

Payments are calculated based on loan amount, rate, and term.

Yes. At Metco Credit Union, we support private party purchases.

Know the Price Range for Your Vehicle

If you’re looking at used vehicles, having a realistic price range is essential. Our team can help you determine a fair price for the car you want by using trusted resources like NADA Book Values so you can make an informed decision.

Understand How Much You Can Afford

A pre-approval gives you clear, detailed information about your interest rate, maximum loan amount, and estimated monthly payment. With this knowledge, you can confidently shop within your budget, knowing exactly what you can afford.

Access Affordable GAP & Extended Warranty Coverage

Optional GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) and Extended Warranty coverage can provide peace of mind—and we offer these programs at 40% less than many other lenders. Choosing Metco for these add-ons can save you significant costs over time, ensuring you’re covered without overspending.

Whether you’re ready to buy or just starting your search, getting pre-approved with Metco Credit Union puts you in control. Simply contact one of our lenders and enjoy the confidence of knowing your loan is set up to fit your budget and your goals.

A personal loan provides funds for various needs and is repaid with fixed monthly payments.

Common uses include debt consolidation, medical bills, and home repairs—personal loans can be used for just about anything, depending on your needs.

Many personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is required.

At Metco Credit Union, we consider a variety of factors—not just credit score—when reviewing a personal loan application. The best way to determine your options is to meet with a loan officer who can review your full financial picture.

Funds are often available within a few business days.

Personal loans  often have lower fixed rates and predictable payments.

Generally, yes, however terms vary by loan.

Typically, 1 to 7 years.

Personal loan amounts vary based on income and credit.

Yes.  Please complete our secure online loan application to apply for a personal loan.

Yes, but consistent payments can improve your score.

Yes. This is one of the most common uses.

Typically, you’ll need a valid ID, income verification, and basic financial information to complete your application.

Some personal loans include origination fees.

At Metco Credit Union, our lending team reviews your complete financial picture—including credit, income, and debt—to help determine the best loan options for you

A Credit Builder Loan is designed to help you establish or improve your credit. Instead of receiving funds up front, the loan amount is placed into a secured savings account while you make payments. Those on-time payments are reported to credit bureaus to help build your credit history.

 

When you take out the loan, the funds are deposited into a savings account in your name but remain locked. You make regular payments, and once the loan is fully paid off, the funds are released to you.

Yes. Your on-time payments are reported to credit bureaus, which can help you build or improve your credit over time.

No.  A Credit Builder Loan is specifically designed for members who are new to credit or looking to rebuild it, so credit requirements are more flexible.

No income verification is required, making it easier to get started.

You can borrow up to $5,000, depending on your needs and eligibility.

No. Credit Builder Loan funds are held in a secured savings account until the loan is paid in full.

Once a Credit Builder Loan is fully repaid, the funds in your savings account are released to you and can be used for any purpose.

Once released, you can use the funds for anything—such as building an emergency fund, making a large purchase, or reaching another financial goal.

Loan terms can vary based on your loan amount and your circumstances. It’s best to contact a member of our lending team for specific options.

Rates and terms vary depending on the loan amount and your situation. Please contact a member of our lending team for current rates and details.

Yes. Credit Builder Loans are available to eligible members.

Please complete our secure online loan application to apply for a Credit Builder Loan.

Private student loans are provided by private lenders — banks, credit unions, and online lenders. You can use private loans to pay for education costs and living expenses, which your federal education loans might not cover. Interest rates and terms on private student loans can vary, depending on your financial situation, credit history, and the lender you choose.

You can use private student loans to pay for education-related costs and living expenses, which your federal school loans might not cover. Some uses include:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Room and board
  • Housing utilities
  • Meals and groceries
  • Books
  • Supplies
  • A personal computer you’ll use for school
  • Dependent childcare expenses

There are several types of student loans:

  • Federal student loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education and have interest rates set by Congress. These loans also provide benefits and protections that private student loans don’t offer, such as access to federal deferment and forbearance options, income-driven repayment programs, and student loan forgiveness programs.
  • Undergraduate student loans include both federal and private student loans that are used to pay for your undergraduate studies.
  • Parent PLUS Loans are available to parents who want to help their child pay for school. Unlike other federal student loans, PLUS loans require a credit check, and you might not qualify if you have an adverse credit history, such as a default, delinquent account, or repossession. Keep in mind that some private lenders offer parent student loans, too — though these don’t come with the federal protections that PLUS Loans offer.
  • Graduate student loans can be used to help you pay for grad school. Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans are two types of federal student loans that can
    be used for graduate programs. There are also several private lenders that offer graduate student loans.
  • MBA student loans can help you finance a business degree. While you might be able to use a general graduate student loan to pay for these costs, there are also private lenders that offer specialized MBA loans.
  • Law school student loans can be used to pay for a law degree. You can take out general graduate student loans for this, or borrow specialized law school loans from certain
    private lenders.
  • Medical school student loans can help you cover expenses while attending med school. Some medical school loans also sometimes let you defer payments until after residency.

Metco’s marketplace allows you to compare real, pre-qualified student loan rates through a single form. Think of it as Expedia or Google Flights of student loans.

With our marketplace, you can compare real repayment plans from multiple lenders side-by-side so you know precisely how each loan stacks up when it comes to APR, monthly repayment, total repayment amount, and repayment options.

Student loan interest works by adding a percentage of the loan amount to your outstanding balance over time. This interest rate represents the cost of borrowing money. When you make monthly payments, a portion of the payment is allocated towards covering the accrued interest, while the remaining amount goes towards reducing the principal balance (the original loan amount). Choosing a lower interest rate can help you save money over the life of the loan and accelerate the process of paying off your debt.

Before you borrow, you’ll need to decide whether you want a fixed- or variable-rate student loan.

Here’s the difference between the two:

  • A fixed-rate will stay the same over the course of your loan term. This also means your payments won’t ever change.
  • A variable rate can fluctuate and possibly even increase over time. Because of this, your payments might rise or fall.

While private student loans can be a helpful option in some cases, they also come with drawbacks to keep in mind, including:

  • No federal benefits: Private student loans don’t come with federal benefits and protections. For example, you won’t be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs or
    federal deferment and forbearance options.
  • Lack of repayment options: Unlike federal student loans, private student loans don’t provide a variety of repayment options. For example, private student loans typically don’t
    offer income-driven repayment or graduated repayment plans.
  • Potentially higher interest rates: If you have excellent credit, you might get approved for a lower interest rate on a private student loan compared to a federal loan. However, many
    college students haven’t yet established enough of a credit history to qualify for these rates — so unless you have a cosigner, you’ll likely get a higher rate on a private student
    loan.

With a private student loan, you’re eligible to borrow up to 100% of what your school says it costs to enroll and attend classes (the “cost of attendance”), minus other financial aid and loans you’ve already received.

How much you can actually borrow will vary by lender and can include annual or cumulative borrowing limits. Other private lender criteria that can affect how much you can borrow might include your credit history, the credit quality of your cosigner, your school’s certified cost of attendance, the degree you’re earning, and more.

Receiving the funds for your private student loan depends on whether you’re borrowing an in-school loan or refinancing an existing loan.

For in-school private student loans, the funds are typically sent straight to your school to cover tuition. The school then gives the rest of your loan money directly to you, the student, for other expenses related to getting your degree, such as housing. Your school sets the disbursement date (when you actually receive the money), which is usually
around the beginning of the semester. Regardless of when you applied for the loan, your school’s disbursement date will be the same. However, it’s best to apply early so that you can avoid any unexpected confusion or delays. We suggest giving yourself at least 30 days to be safe, but be sure to contact your financial aid office to learn more about accessing your funds.

For student loan refinancing, no new funds are disbursed. Instead, your new private lender pays off your existing loan(s) and gives you a new loan with new terms. This generally happens within a few days, but always check with your lender(s).

You can apply for private student loans at any time since there’s no deadline tied to them (like filling out the FAFSA for federal loans). But it’s still a good idea to apply for private loans as soon as you know you’ll need them to cover education costs.

Although it varies depending on the lender and your school, it can sometimes take 3 to 5 weeks for you to receive the funds. So, if you’re trying to decide when to apply for a private student loan, be sure to give yourself some time and apply sooner rather than later.

Each lender has different requirements when it comes to qualifying for a private student loan. But typically you must:

  • Have a qualifying credit score (or a cosigner with one)
  • Have a qualifying income and debt-to-income ratio (DTI) (or a cosigner with one)
  • Be enrolled in an eligible education program
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a Social Security number
  • Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent (or have a cosigner)
  • Use the loan for education purposes only

You can get a student loan with bad credit, but not necessarily on your own. While federal loans don’t require a credit check, private student loans do. Many students don’t qualify for private loans on their own because they don’t have a credit history or they have bad credit. If that’s your situation, you may need to add a cosigner to qualify for a private loan.

Private student loans require a credit application that examines income, employment, and a credit report. The lower your credit score, the higher the risk for the lender, which translates into higher interest rates. One way to get approved for a loan with a lower rate can be to add a creditworthy cosigner to your loan application.

It depends, but in most cases, yes. You don’t have to add a cosigner unless you’re under the age of majority in your state (usually between 18 and 21). But if you have a limited or poor credit history, lenders may require you to add a creditworthy cosigner to reduce their risk on the loan.

Plus, more than 90% of private student loans taken out by undergraduate students are cosigned. Even if you’re a graduate student and don’t need one, adding a cosigner with good credit can improve your chances of qualifying for a private student loan at a lower rate.

Our marketplace even makes it easy to compare cosigners to see which cosigner can help get you the best rate.


Shared Branching

Shared branching is a cooperative service whereby participating credit union members can conduct basic teller transactions in person at a location other than their credit union.

A CO-OP Shared Branch is a credit union or stand-alone facility that welcomes members from participating credit unions to conduct teller transactions. CO-OP Shared Branches serve members of all participating credit unions.

  • Make deposits and withdrawals
  • Make loan payments
  • Receive loan advances
  • Access MasterCard® funds

In most cases, you will be able to conduct transactions on savings, share draft (checking), money market, and loans.

A CO-OP Shared Branch is an extension of your credit union, but CO-OP Shared Branches only process teller transactions.

In order to conduct a transaction at a CO-OP Shared Branch you must bring your credit union name and member number. Additionally you must present a non-expired, non-mutilated identification. You will also be asked for the last four digits of your social security number. If your ID does not match the address on the system, you will also be asked to verify your current address.

As of May 1, 2025, members using a Shared Branch location with an out-of-state ID must complete identity verification through the new IDCheck system before conducting a transaction. IDCheck is a secure digital tool designed to enhance fraud prevention by verifying members’ identities. To use it, members will scan a QR code or visit verify.coop.org, select Metco Credit Union, enter their account details, upload a photo of their ID, and take a selfie. A one-time passcode will then be provided to show the teller.

  • US or Canada State Issued Driver’s License
  • US or Canada State Issued Identification
  • Passport
  • US Military Identification
  • Alien Registration Card or Green Card
  • Matricula Consular Card

However, as of May 1, 2025, members using a Shared Branch location with an out-of-state ID must complete identity verification through the new IDCheck system before conducting a transaction. IDCheck is a secure digital tool designed to enhance fraud prevention by verifying members’ identities. To use it, members will scan a QR code or visit verify.coop.org, select Metco Credit Union, enter their account details, upload a photo of their ID, and take a selfie. A one-time passcode will then be provided to show the teller.

CO-OP Shared Branches do not have the ability to search for your member number. In the event you forget your member number, you may request to use a courtesy telephone at the CO-OP Shared Branch to call your credit union.

Current identification is required to process any transaction at a CO-OP Shared Branch.

CO-OP Shared Branches are required to ask for the last four digits of your social security number to help prevent fraud. You may want to write these numbers unmarked on your transaction form so the teller doesn’t have to ask you for that information out loud.

Transactions conducted at a CO-OP Shared Branch appear immediately on your account. There is no time delay.

There are over 4,500 CO-OP Shared Branches nationally and internationally.  Find the location nearest you.

CO-OP Shared Branches cannot answer specific questions about an account, conduct any type of lending, open new accounts or services, provide information or conduct transactions over the telephone, or order checks. Please contact your credit union directly for such items.

CO-OP Shared Branches do not place holds on deposited items. It is your credit union that decides whether or not a hold will be placed. You received a “Funds Availability Disclosure” from your credit union sometime in the past, most likely when you opened your account. This document tells you about holds on deposits. Please contact your credit union with any questions you might have regarding funds availability.

Exterior of the Metco Credit Union building.
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