Manage Account Access
peace of mind starts with u
Learn how to securely give a trusted person access to your accounts when you need support.
Your accounts can be available, even when you’re not.
Life can change quickly. Having a plan in place helps protect your finances and gives you peace of mind — no matter what comes your way. Whether you’re traveling, recovering from an illness, temporarily unavailable, or simply want support managing your finances, there are safe, secure ways to give someone you trust access to your accounts, and we’re here to help you choose the best option for you.
- Visit any UFCU branch or call Member Services.
- View the full comparison chart here.
- Visit our Member Relief Center for more options when you or your loved ones are facing unexpected financial challenges.
Important: Never share your password or login credentials. Instead, choose an authorized role that fits your needs.
Set an appointment to discuss your options.
Your Options for Account Management
| Role | Can they access your funds? | Are they an owner of your funds? | What can they do? | Access after Death? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Account Holder | Yes, full access at any time. | Yes, they share ownership immediately. | Help manage your account immediately:
| They have access immediately; some features are limited. |
| Beneficiary | No. Beneficiaries never have access to your account itself. | No, not during your lifetime. After your lifetime, yes, they will be an owner of your funds. | Beneficiaries should contact us after a death certificate is provided. Once beneficiary identity is verified, funds will be disbursed by mail. | Beneficiaries never have access to the account even after death. |
| Power of Attorney | Yes, they can access your funds and act on your behalf. | No, but they are authorized to access them. | Act on your behalf to manage your finances:
| They have access immediately once the POA has been accepted and placed on file. |
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This is ideal for shared, everyday financial management. A joint account holder1 gets full access to your funds and immediate joint ownership of your account. Joint owners are responsible for fees, overdrafts, and any debts tied to the account. If one person mismanages the account, all owners are affected. Here’s what they can do:
- Deposit or withdraw funds using their own debit card
- Pay bills and view transactions
- Use Online Banking and the mobile app with their own unique login
1 Membership is subject to eligibility per the Membership and Account Agreement. Certain restrictions apply.
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This is ideal for planning for the future. A beneficiary will receive the funds in your account after your passing (once a death certificate is provided and verified). The funds are distributed after the beneficiary’s identity is confirmed. Note that beneficiaries do not have access to your account at any time during your lifetime. After your death, the death certificate must be provided and verified, and their identity must be confirmed. With those requirements met, your beneficiary will receive funds from the designated account(s).
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This is ideal for financial support in the event you are unavailable to manage your finances and want someone to act on your behalf. A POA usually does not manage your finances on a day-to-day basis. In the event you are unavailable, they can present the POA documentation to your financial institution. Once it is verified, they get immediate access to your funds using your credentials. Here’s what they can do:
- Manage finances on your behalf
- Deposit and withdraw money
- Use Online Banking and the Mobile app with your credentials
- Pay bills and view transactions
Planning Ahead: Traveling Internationally?
Before you leave, take a few simple steps to avoid disruptions:
- Update your contact information
- Review or update your account roles
- Consider adding a joint account holder
- Set travel alerts in Online Banking
We’re here to help. Not sure which option is right for you? We’re here to guide you. You can add a joint account holder, beneficiary, or power of attorney to your account at any time.
Set an AppointmentFAQs
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No. For your security, never share your password. Instead, designate a joint account holder, beneficiary, or POA. Joint account holders are given their own unique login and password for Online Banking and the Mobile app.
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Visit any UFCU branch or call Member Services. These updates cannot be completed online at this time.
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A POA can act on your behalf while you are living if you become unable to manage your finances. They can pay bills, deposit or withdraw money, and use Online Banking. Their authority ends at the end of your lifetime.
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A beneficiary does not have access to your account during your lifetime. Once a death certificate is presented after your passing, they may claim the remaining funds and then the account will be closed. You may designate multiple beneficiaries and update them at any time.
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Yes. A joint account holder can use Bill Pay, transfer funds, and manage payments just like the primary account holder.
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A joint account holder shares full access to your account. They are issued their own debit card and given a unique login for use with Online Banking and the Mobile app. They can deposit or withdraw money, pay bills, view transactions, and use Online Banking or the Mobile app. They also share responsibility for fees or negative balances.
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You can designate a joint account holder, beneficiary, or Power of Attorney (POA). Each option offers various levels of access depending on your needs. These roles help ensure your accounts can be managed if you’re traveling, unavailable, or facing an unexpected life event.
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