Personal Banking

You can make informed financial decisions with a full understanding of basic banking services.

At People’s we get a lot of questions from members looking for financial guidance. We’ve compiled the most common questions about personal banking for your reference.

If you need help navigating your financial decisions, click the button below to speak to our member services representatives.

Personal Banking Basics

Five Convenient Branches: Hazel Dell | Battle Ground | Fisher’s Landing | Vancouver Waterfront | Ridgefield

You have a lot of options when it comes to managing your money, it can be tricky to weigh all of your financial decisions. Personal banking isn’t always simple. In fact, it can be frustrating trying to plan your financial future without all the facts. Luckily, our Member Services team is made up of financial experts dedicated to making your personal banking experience as smooth as possible. We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions we get about banking. Whether you’re opening an account for the first time or in need of assistance with your existing debts, People’s has you covered. Browse our FAQs below to get answers to our most commonly asked questions!

Credit

How Is My Credit Score Calculated?

Various factors impact your credit score including, payment history, length of your credit history, and the types of credit you have.

Can I Get a Loan With a Low Credit Score / Bad Credit?

Yes, you can get a loan with a low credit score or bad credit. Here’s how:

Try a collateral loan
Have a cosigner
Borrow less
Visit a local credit union

Can You Withdraw Money Without a Debit Card?

If you’re like most people, you’ve suffered the headache of losing your debit card or even worse–getting it stolen. It’s inconvenient and it makes it harder to access cash when you need it most. Fortunately, there are other ways to withdraw money without a debit card with People’s Community Federal Credit Union.

Can You Set Parental Controls on a Credit Card?

A credit card is a good way to teach your teen how to manage their money, learn about interest rates, and build their credit. But credit cards may not be as cut and dried to a teenager as they are for seasoned adults. Thus, parents may need to teach their children about how to build good financial habits. One of the most effective ways to do this is by adding them as an authorized user on your People’s credit card.

How to Dispute Mistakes on Your Credit Report

If you spot an error on your credit report, take action immediately to have it corrected by reporting the mistake to the lender and the report bureau.

What Are Secured Credit Cards?

A secured credit card is backed by your own money. It can help you build credit with flexible spending power, and they carry a lower risk than traditional credit cards.

How to Build Credit as a College Student

From qualifying for loans to renting apartments, your credit score can play a large role in how you make key decisions and purchases throughout your life. However, building credit while still in school can be a little challenging. Here are our tips for building credit as a college student.

How to Help Your Child Build Credit

Teaching your children how to responsibly manage their finances and build credit is an important step in preparing them for the adult world. Here are our tips for helping your child establish and grow a healthy credit score.

Can Taxes Affect Your Credit?

A large tax bill can be stressful and overwhelming. But, what if you can’t afford it? With tax season upon us, many people are wondering if an unpaid bill from the IRS can affect their credit. Find out if taxes can impact your credit score here.

How Are Credit Unions and Banks Different?

The primary difference between credit unions and banks is ownership. Banks are for-profit companies with a primary obligation to their shareholders. They make money by charging interest on loans and collecting account fees. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profit institutions owned and controlled by their members, which are account holders.

What Is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation is a method of combining multiple loans or debts into one loan, typically with a lower payment, lower interest rate, or longer payoff terms.

What Is a Pending Balance?

Your pending balance may not always match the available balance in your bank account, because it takes into account any transactions that may not have fully cleared.

How to Pay Off Holiday Debt

If you went overboard during the holiday season, you can get start to pay off your holiday debt in 6 easy steps.

Add up your debts
Select a payment strategy
Stop unnecessary spending
Consolidate with a balance transfer card
Consolidate debt with a personal loan
Talk with a credit counselor

Personal Loan or HELOC for Home Improvement

If you’re thinking of how to cover the costs of your home improvement projects, personal loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit are two options.

The Advantages of Digital Payment Methods

Digital payment methods allow consumers to make cashless payments through their smartphones. They’re fast, convenient, and secure. Learn more about the top digital payment methods on the market.

Can You Use a Personal Loan to Pay Off Debt?

Personal loans can be used to pay off debt. Using personal loans to consolidate debt could save you time and money in the long-run.

How Have IRA and 401(k) RMDs Changed in 2021?

A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum dollar amount you must withdraw from your retirement savings account each year after reaching a certain age. Learn how RMD rules changed in 2021.

Holiday Shopping on a Budget

It’s easy to go overboard on your spending during the holiday season. However, setting and following a budget can help set you up for financial success in the new year. Learn our tips for holiday shopping on a budget here.

What You Need to Know About Wire Transfers

If you need to send or receive money quickly and safely, wire transfers are a great solution. Before beginning a transaction, though, it’s useful to know what to expect when using a wire transfer. Learn all about wire transfers here.

How to Save Money While on Vacation

You don’t have to break the bank in order to enjoy a fun vacation! While it may be tempting to overindulge while traveling, it’s important to keep an eye on your finances to avoid spending too much.

How to Save Money on Your Gas Bill

Gas prices have been steadily rising, but that doesn’t mean fuel has to completely break your budget. Learn how to save on your gas bill here.

How to Save Money in College

Saving money while in college can be a serious challenge. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to save money in college without sacrificing the fun and excitement of school.

Financial Calculators

Our financial experts have compiled tools to help you calculate all the details of your loan, debt consolidation, or credit card interest.

Loan Calculator

Savings Calculator

Share Certificate Calculator

Debt Consolidation Calculator

Credit Card Interest Calculator

Apply for a Personal Loan

If you need extra cash – for whatever reason – our personal loans can offer funds you need at rates you can afford

Apply for a Loan See Our Current Rates

At People’s, All Members Get the Same Rate

People’s provides members with access to affordable credit through low-rate loans. What sets our credit union apart is that all members pay the same rate, no matter their credit score or amount in their account. We are here to help you with your financial needs.

Five Locations in Vancouver WA

Hazel Dell
7403 NE Hazel Dell Ave
Vancouver, WA 98665

Battle Ground
121 NW 20th Ave
Battle Ground WA 98604

Vancouver Waterfront
701 W Columbia Way
Vancouver WA 98660

Ridgefield
109 S. 65th Ave, Suite 102
Ridgefield, WA 98642

Fisher’s Landing
16211 SE 12th Street
Vancouver WA 98683