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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Fitchburg Federal Credit Union selling its credit card portfolio?
Fitchburg routinely re-evaluates its product line in order to bring you the best products. ATIRAcredit assumed ownership of Fitchburg’s credit card program on September 30, 2009. The reason for the change is simple – to stay competitive in the credit card industry, we must have a card that offers additional features and flexibility.
Who is ATIRAcredit?
ATIRAcredit is a Credit Union organization that offers credit cards to partner credit unions. They offer a Platinum Rewards MasterCard to replace your current Fitchburg credit card.
What are the benefits of the Fitchburg Federal ATIRAcredit Platinum MasterCard?
Your platinum card gives you the prestige of having a top-tier card with a generous rewards program. It also combines great benefits at no additional cost such as Zero Liability fraud protection and a $250,000 travel insurance policy that is automatically added when you use your ATIRAcredit Platinum MasterCard. Finally, AT NO COST TO YOU, we are pleased to offer the following additional benefits:
- Extended Warranty Coverage – Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items purchased with your Fitchburg ATIRAcredit MasterCard.
- Price Protection Coverage – If you find a lower price for something you purchased with your Fitchburg ATIRAcredit MasterCard within 60 days of purchase, you may be eligible for the reimbursement of the price difference.
- Purchase Assurance Coverage – If something you purchased with your Fitchburg ATIRAcredit MasterCard is damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you may be eligible for coverage of the actual cost of the item.
Why is my rate changing from fixed to variable?
New federal regulations that have recently taken effect have changed the way credit card issuers can adjust rates, even when the Prime Rate changes. Today, your effective rate remains the same. If the Federal Reserve raises the Prime Rate, your rate will adjust by the same amount (unless a minimum APR applies).
Why is my minimum monthly payment amount changing?
As part of our conversion to the new program, we are adjusting our minimum monthly payment amounts to 3% of your total balance or $40, whichever is greater. Although the minimum amount is a bit higher, this change will help you to pay off any balances you might have sooner – ultimately decreasing your costs associated with carrying a credit card.
Will Fitchburg Federal still be able to service my credit card account?
Your relationship with us at Fitchburg is enhanced by this partnership. You will still be able to make inquiries about your card, and you can continue to make payments at your local branch. Your current card – with its features and benefits – will continue to work as usual.
What is the transition timeline?
November 2009 – letter announcing the partnership sent to all current cardmembers.
January 2010 - letter mailed with the new terms and conditions and cardmember agreement.
June 2010 – your new card arrives, look for it in a white, unmarked envelope for your security
Will my account number change?
Yes, you will receive a new account number and expiration date. Closer to the transition, we’ll remind you to update any recurring payments that happen automatically with your current Fitchburg card to your new account number.
Will my interest rates increase?
Your new Fitchburg ATIRAcredit card pricing will be based on your individual risk score, therefore interest rates will be unique to the individual. In January 2010, you will receive a Welcome Letter disclosing your new interest rates, along with a new cardmember agreement.
Can I continue to use my Fitchburg Federal credit card?
Your current account will continue to work as usual until June 2010. You will receive your new Fitchburg ATIRAcredit card (see timeline above) before that date so you will not have any usage interruptions.
What will happen to my old Fitchburg Federal credit card?
Your old Fitchburg card will be closed and your balance will be moved to your new Fitchburg card ATIRAcredit card at conversion in June 2010.
Will my credit bureau report reflect this change?
Your new card will be added to your report. The new card may be listed as TMG Financial Services, ATIRAcredit.
Will my joint account holder or authorized users also receive a new card?
Yes, all card holders under your current card will receive the new Fitchburg ATIRAcredit card and maintain the same relationship they had under the old card.
How can I make a payment on the new card?
As a cardmember, you’ll continue to have a number of convenient ways to make your payment, just as you do today, including:
- Online
- At your local Fitchburg Federal Credit Union branch
- Over the phone
- By mail
This is Your Credit Union
At Fitchburg Federal, our mission is to meet the financial needs of our members. For more information about our products or services, please use our information request form or give us a call at (978) 342-1827.
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