Credit Union Service Descriptions

ATM Cards

Use your Ascend ATM card at thousands of ATMs worldwide. Please refer to the Rate and Fee Addendum: Deposits for information on fees applicable to network transactions.

Christmas Club Accounts

A specialized savings account that provides a means to set money aside throughout the year for holiday spending or a specific purchase, then have funds automatically transferred into your checking or savings account on the first working day after Oct. 31 to spend however you like.

Consumer Loans

Finance your next major purchase at a great low rate. Ascend consumer loans offer quick approval, competitive rates, flexible terms, no application fees, and no prepayment penalties on auto and recreational loans. Take advantage of our indirect lending program that lets you apply for an auto loan with low Ascend rates right at the dealership when you purchase from participating dealers.

Credit Cards

Get the spending power and freedom of the most widely recognized and accepted card around the globe. Ascend offers a Visa Platinum and Visa Platinum Rewards card with no annual fee, zero liability fraud protection,⁹ a low annual percentage rate, and a host of added cardholder benefits.

Debt Protection

Debt Protection could help your family's financial situation against a variety of covered life events such as, involuntary unemployment, disability and death. For additional protections, ask about the options that could extend your protection to address a wide range of circumstances, giving you the reassurance of knowing you've taken steps to help secure your finances. Ask about Debt Protection when you apply for a loan. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Electronic Services

Manage your accounts at your convenience with Ascends electronic services, including our website, mobile app, and telephone access.

Joining the credit union, adding an account and applying for a loan is as easy as visiting ascend.org. Our website is also the gateway to online banking and bill payment.

Download the Ascend app and pay bills electronically or manage your credit union accounts at the touch of a button. You can even use the Ascend app to deposit checks.⁹

No Internet? No problem. All it takes is a telephone and STAR (931-455-8663 or toll-free 800-342-8663) to keep track of your accounts.

Free Notary Service

Provided to all credit union members free of charge.

Debit Cards

This is a flexible spending tool that's safer than cash and faster than writing checks. Use to make purchases wherever Visa debit cards are accepted. Funds are deducted from your checking account, and transactions are easy to track on your monthly statements. Use your debit card for fee-free transactions at more than 55,000 ATMs worldwide, with hundreds of those in Tennessee.²² And the best feature: Our debit card is free with your checking account!

Some limitations may apply.

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)

GAP is a non-insurance product that covers the "gap" between a vehicle's value and the amount owed. Ascend provides you the option to purchase this service because most insurance policies only cover the value of the vehicle - something that rapidly declines during the first few years of ownership. If your vehicle is stolen or involved in a major accident, your loan balance could be higher than the value of the vehicle. GAP protects you and your investment from substantial loss.

Health Savings Account

Members with a Health Savings Account-qualified health plan may use Ascends HSA to cover a variety of medical costs from doctor visits and prescriptions to dental, vision and lab expenses. Ascends HSA is a checking account, and the credit union offers special checks and a HSA debit card to access the account. There is no minimum balance to establish a HSA, and the account earns dividends based on the balance. For more information, call 800-342-3086.

Indirect Lending Program

This convenient program allows you to have your Ascend auto loan completed right at the dealership where you're buying your next vehicle. All participating dealers have credit union auto loan rates and application forms ready for you at their office. Visit https://ascend.org/consumer-loans/auto-loans for a complete list of participating dealerships.

IRAs

These are long-term savings accounts for planning your secure retirement. Choose between Traditional, Roth, SEP, Rollover, and other IRA account options. Let an Ascend Member Service Representative help identify the right retirement option for you.

Mechanical Repair Coverage

This service pays for the cost of covered vehicle repairs less any deductible.

Member Newsletter

You will regularly receive our newsletter which keeps you up-to-date on promotions and important credit union issues.

Ascend Retirement and Investment Services

This program is offered through LPL Financial, a broker/dealer focused on serving credit union members. For more information about LPL Financial, please visit lpl.com.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Ascend Federal Credit Union and Ascend Retirement and Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Ascend Retirement and Investment Services, and may also be employees of Ascend Federal Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Ascend Federal Credit Union or Ascend Retirement and Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency
Not Credit Union Guaranteed
Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations
May Lose Value

The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.

Money Market Account

Want to keep your funds accessible and get a great rate? Consider our Money Market account. It just takes $2,500 to open an Ascend Money Market account. The account is tiered to earn a higher Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for balances maintained over $2,500, and the rate you earn grows the more you save. Plus, you can make six free withdrawals per month. If you need to make more, its just $10 per transaction. This account is a great saving option for large purchases or if you're looking for a safe, accessible place to park your emergency fund.

Direct Deposit and Automatic Transfer Options

Direct deposit is a voluntary program which allows you to have your net check deposited directly to your savings or checking account. With direct deposit, you can have immediate access to your check via your checking account, ATM card, debit card or online banking.

To sign up for this free service, complete a direct deposit authorization form. Your employer must participate in the direct deposit program for you to use this service.

Mortgage and Home Equity Loans

Ascend offers a wide variety of mortgage and home equity products with competitive rates and reasonable terms. Mortgages include fixed rate, adjustable rate, vacant land, mobile home, and more. If you already own a home and want to make renovations or a major purchase, you can take advantage of your homes value with an equity loan or line of credit from Ascend.

Safe Deposit Boxes

Several sizes of low-cost safe deposit boxes are available to members at many of our branches.

Checking Accounts

With three different accounts to choose from, there is something for everyone. Earn higher dividends with our Interest Earning Checking account, get 10¢ cash back on qualifying debit card purchases with a Rewards Checking, or for a checking account with no dividends or perks, we offer a Free Checking account.

Share Certificate Accounts

A variety of accelerated savings accounts that offers increased growth potential for your money. Earn higher, guaranteed interest rates when you leave your money on deposit for a fixed period of time.

Savings Account

This is a basic savings account that establishes your Ascend membership and offers access to our other financial products and services. Convenient deposit options include direct deposit, automatic transfer, by mail, via online banking, or at any Ascend branch. Interest is earned on your daily balance and credited to your account each month. Certain terms and conditions apply. Please see Rate and Fee Addendum for applicable fees.

STAR (Simple Touchtone Audio Response)

STAR is a free service that allows you to use any touchtone telephone to conduct numerous account inquiries and transactions any time of the day or night. Dial STAR toll free at 800-342-8663 to request a withdrawal, check a balance, make a loan payment, transfer money, and much more.

Toll-Free Line

A nationwide toll-free number is available to all credit union members: 800-342-3086.

U.S. Savings Bonds

Bonds may be redeemed at any of our offices.

Visa Gift Cards

Visa gift cards are available in a variety of denominations from $10 to $500. The lucky recipient of your gift can use the card virtually anywhere Visa is accepted! See the fee schedule on the Rate and Fee Addendum: Deposits to confirm the service fee.

Visa TravelMoney Card

Visa TravelMoney combines some features of a traveler's check with the convenience of plastic. Use this reloadable card to make purchases at all Visa locations domestically and internationally. Simply deposit funds from your Ascend checking or savings account via a secure website, present your card at the time of purchase, and the amount will be deducted from the card balance. You can also use the card to withdraw cash at ATMs. You can cancel the Visa TravelMoney card if it's lost or stolen, and you can easily transfer use of the card to your spouse and children. For complete details, terms and conditions about Visa TravelMoney, call 800-342-3086 or visit your nearest Ascend financial center.

Last Updated: 09/23/2023