Tips & FAQs

Yes. You can legally open a credit union account whether or not you have a Social Security number, and regardless of your immigration status. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions accept a wide range of identification documents, including the Matricula Consular.

The IRS issues Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to people who are required to file U.S. taxes and are not eligible for Social Security numbers. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions accept ITINs as valid identification numbers to open accounts.

• A photo ID (like your passport, Matricula Consular, etc.)
• Proof of your home address (like a phone or utility bill)
• An identification number (ITIN or Social Security number)

No. Your account and your money still belong to you. Once you open an account, your money is safe. Also, keep in mind that credit unions provide remote access to your account and your money through ATM, debit cards, online, or through your mobile phone.

In the U.S., banking is a part of everyday life. It is essential for many things you might want to do, such as renting a home, getting a credit card, or buying a car. It is also safer than keeping large amounts of cash at home.

Yes, but generally speaking the credit union will require you to first deposit the check into your own account with them and make a withdrawal based on how much money is available in your account. If you don’t have enough money, then the credit union will place a hold on your check in accordance to its “Funds Availability Policy”. Keep in mind that many credit unions participate in a shared branching network that lets credit union members use branches of other credit unions to conduct business. If you can’t make it to your credit union’s branch, you’ll be able to complete most transactions at a different credit union location

Sometimes a credit union cannot give you the money from a check immediately, because the amount of the check is too large or they need to make sure the person who wrote you the check actually has the money available. Your money is usually available within two to three days.

“Banking” refers to services offered at any financial institution in the U.S. The word applies to both credit unions and banks.

Yes you are, but keep in mind that you will likely be considered for a small dollar loan or a secured loan. This will allow you to start building your credit history and establish a relationship with your credit union.

In today’s world, your credit history and credit score are valuable tools that determine why type of financing you can access, how much you can borrow and how much that borrowing will cost you. Whether you want to get a credit card to buy a computer; finance the purchase of your home; start or expand your own business; pay for your education (or your children’s), your credit score will come into play. Your credit history is also something that landlords, employers and even insurance companies rely on to make their decisions. Your creditworthiness is the key to your financial life. Building credit can be tricky. If you don’t have a credit history, it’s hard to get a loan…but how are you supposed to show a history of responsible repayment if no one will give you credit in the first place? That’s why it is critical to establish a relationship with a responsible lender, a Juntos Avanzamos credit union that can provide a secured card, or a credit builder loan that will help you establish your credit and plan for your future.