THE CURRENT: Q1 2026
Digital Banking Tips You'll ACTUALLY Use in 2026
As we settle into a new year, it's the perfect time to tidy up your digital financial life. Whether you're trying to stay organized, boost account security, or make everyday banking easier, these small steps make a big difference.
Refresh Your Password
If it's been a while since you updated your passwords, now is an ideal time to start! Try using a passphrase instead of a simple generic password. Including easy-to-remember phrases (i.e. WeL0v3CWCU!) with special characters and numbers makes your account harder to access for hackers.
Set Up Balance & Transaction Alerts
Alerts can help you stay informed without constantly checking your account. You can customize notifications for:
- Low balance
- Large withdrawal
- Deposits
- Card transactions
Turn on Card Controls
Going on vacation? Want peace of mind? Card controls let you:
- Temporarily turn your card on/off
- Set alerts for transactions over a certain threshold
- Set alerts for purchase type (online, in-person, etc.)
Use eStatements to Stay Organized
Paper mailings stack up fast, especially during tax season. Switching to eStatements gives you secure, easy access to your financial records anytime, anywhere. Plus, you can receive your statement sooner compared to paper mailings while saving some extra cash each month.
Make Mobile Check Deposit Your Go-To
If winter weather makes errands difficult, mobile check deposit is your answer! Just snap a couple of photos, review, and submit right from your phone. Most deposits clear quickly, saving you a trip battling the elements.
Review Automatic Payments & Subscription
The new year is when many subscription prices change. Take a moment to review:
- Streaming services
- Subscriptions
- Gym/fitness memberships
- "Free trials" that auto-renew
Keep Your Contact and Information Up to Date
Current email, phone number, and address help ensure we can reach you quickly if we notice suspicious activity or need to verify transactions. If you've recently had any big life changes, make sure to let us know!
Tax Season 2026: What to Expect
Tax season is officially upon us, and we're here to help make it as smooth as possible. Whether you're expecting a refund, filing early, or simply want to stay ahead of potential scams, a little preparation now can save a lot of stress later. Need help with filing? Our partners at SBC are offering in-branch tax filing at all CWCU branches again this year!
Direct Deposit = Your Fastest Refund
If you're hoping for a quicker refund, direct deposit is still the fastest and most secure way. If you will be e-filing and direct depositing a tax refund for the 2025 tax year, you will need to fill in the ROUTING (272480995) number for Community West and your ACCOUNT number. For your account number, please review a recent account statement or visit your nearest branch for assistance.
NOTE: Your debit card number is not your CWCU account number and will delay your refund significantly.
Common Questions Our Team Sees Every Year
Our staff gets a handful of frequent questions during tax season. Here are just a handful of the most helpful ones:
- "Can I deposit my refund into someone else's account?"
- The IRS requires the account to be in your name or joint name
- "Where is my refund?"
- Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool. Updates occur once per day
- "Why is my refund delayed?"
- Most delays are due to incomplete information, manual IRS reviews, or filing errors
Beware of IRS Imposter Scams
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government agency that collects federal taxes. Scammers pretend to be IRS officials to get you to send them money and other sensitive information. Be on the lookout for warning signs- the IRS will never contact you by phone call or email, and will not require a specific payment method. When in doubt, hand up and call the IRS directly at 800.829.1040.
Don't Fall for Romance Scams
Did you know fraudsters often pose as someone special looking for love on dating websites and apps? Soon, they want to email, call, or message you to get off the platform. They will tug at your heartstrings by saying it's true love. Then, they start asking for money, Maybe it's for a plane ticket to visit you, to cover an emergency surgery or car problems. There will always be a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting immediately, but it's a SCAM!
Keep in mind, if it seems too good to be true - it likely is.
Protect Your Account
- IDProtect: Protect your money and your identity with IDProtect.
- Fraud Alerts: Automated alerts to notify of potentially fraudulent transactions.
- Card Alerts: Free service for custom notifications for transactions.
- eStatements: Keep documents safe and secure in online banking.
Community Involvement
Community is in our name and part of our DNA
At CWCU, we are dedicated to supporting the local communities where we live, work, and play through volunteerism, sponsorships, and donations. Many of our team members make regular contributions of their time, talent, and treasure to worthy causes. Take a look at some of our highlights within the community over the last year:
- Participated in CU Kind Day and donated:
- Hygiene kits and Mother + Baby bags to Pine Rest
- Fleece tie blankets and Play-Doh Monster kits for Helen Devos Children's Hospital
- Cat adoption bags to Crash's Landing
- T-shirt dog toys to Barry County Animal Shelter
- Birthday Party bags to West Michigan Partnership for Children
- Upped the ante with our Learning Legends giveaway by gifting 10 $500 Amazon Gift Cards to Michigan educators to help them and students out in the classroom
- Donated nearly $900 to Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan through our Rock Your Socks fundraiser
- Made a substantial donation of drink and snack items to our local Veterans' Home before Independence Day
- Raised over $2,000 for our team total in the Walk to End Alzheimer's for Grand Rapids
- Hosted 3 reality fairs in local schools to give students a practice run of the real world after school
Upcoming Events & Holiday Hours
New Year's Day
Thursday, January 1
ALL BRANCHES CLOSED
MLK Jr. Day:
Monday, January 19
ALL BRANCHES CLOSED
President's Day
Monday, February 16
ALL BRANCHES CLOSED
Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 28
2 Seats Open | Petitions Due by February 2, 2026