Check Sentry

We understand. It happens to all of us. You make an honest mistake in your checkbook. Unusual or unforeseen circumstances pop up at just the wrong time.

That is why TwinStar Credit Union offers Check Sentry overdraft protection, an added member service that protects your checking account when an inadvertent overdraft occurs. We require no applications or additional signatures.

Check Sentry is a service that adds a measure of protection to your checking account. Check Sentry may cover your insufficient funds, up to your approved limit, for a fee per covered overdraft transaction. That means, instead of returning an item because of insufficient funds, TwinStar may pay your overdraft, saving you the embarrassment an inadvertent overdraft can cause. It also helps protect your credit rating.

How Does Check Sentry Work?

Overdrafts on your checking account, up to your limit, including the amount of the overdrawn item(s) and the Check Sentry fee(s), may be honored by TwinStar Credit Union. A $33 fee is assessed for each item that draws your account negative.

You have up to 30 days to bring the account positive. Any deposits received by the Credit Union will be applied first to your overdrawn balance.

What if I already have overdraft protection?

If you already have overdraft protection from either a savings or a TwinStar Visa line-of-credit account, these will be activated in the order that you established. If there is no overdraft protection or if the transaction products have been depleted, Check Sentry will be activated.

Do I have to apply for this service?

No. We require no application or additional signatures. You will have Check Sentry added to your account as long as:

  • Your checking account is currently positive and has not been negative more than 41 consecutive days in the past six months; and
  • You do not have a loan that has been 31 days or more past due in the past six months; and
  • You are 18 years of age or older.

Check Sentry is a way for TwinStar to provide a higher level of service to our members by helping protect your account and reputation when an inadvertent overdraft occurs.

How can I access my overdraft privilege?

Overdrafts are approved on your checking account for the following items/transactions:

  • Checks
  • Preauthorized debit card transactions
  • Electronic transactions
  • Bill payer

The following transactions may also be included in your Check Sentry coverage at your request:

  • ATM withdrawals
  • One time debit card purchases

Note: If you have not chosen to include ATM and one time debit transaction in your Check Sentry coverage, they may be declined when the requested transaction amount exceeds your available balance. ATM transactions are honored based on available balance at the time of transaction. Previously issued checks that have not cleared may still result in an overdraft.

How will I know when I have activated Check Sentry?

We will mail you a notice advising you when items have been paid using Check Sentry. This notice will advise you of the following:

  • The items that activated Check Sentry
  • The amount of these items
  • Check Sentry fees that have been assessed
  • Your total Check Sentry balance

If you are signed up for eNotices, you will receive an email to alert you to the notice. When you log in to Online Banking, you’ll be able to read the letter with the information listed above.

What if I exceed my limit?

If you exceed your Check Sentry limit, additional items/transactions will not be paid and will be returned. The normal NSF fee(s) will be assessed for additional items/or transactions presented.

What happens if I can’t bring my account to a positive balance?

If you cannot bring your account positive within 30 days your Check Sentry privileges will be suspended or revoked, and collection procedures will be initiated.

How do I change my Check Sentry options or obtain more information?

If you would like to change your Check Sentry options, discontinue Check sentry coverage, or obtain more information about Check Sentry features, please call us at 360.357.9917 or 1.800.258.3115.

Services

Last updated on August 27, 2019.