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Automatic Bill Payments: What You Need to Know

Why fill your to-do list with bills to pay when there’s that new microbrewery to try or the latest hot yoga class to sweat through instead? If you know how to pay bills automatically, there’s no need to set time aside for online bill pay when you could be online gaming. 

However, before you fill that bill-paying time bingeing a true-crime podcast, know that setting your finances on autopilot isn’t the right choice for everybody or every bill. Read on to learn the advantages and disadvantages of using automatic withdrawal to pay bills, and how you can take advantage of automatic bill payment with your local credit union

What is Automatic Bill Pay?

Automatic bill pay is a money transfer from your financial institution account to the bill issuer, scheduled on a recurring date and frequency of your choosing. You can set up autopay on a variety of platforms, including banks, credit unions, credit cards, and directly with vendors. 

Autopay works for nearly any type of bill. However, it’s best utilized for consistent monthly payments with little fluctuation. Most people use autopay for the following types of statements: 

  • Mortgages 
  • Utilities 
  • Car loans 
  • Student loans

How Does Automatic Bill Pay Work?

The automatic bill payment process is relatively simple. Once you’ve set up your autopay preferences through a vendor, bank, credit union, or credit card, your payments are automatically completed as scheduled through an ACH payment or credit charge. 

ACH payments

ACH stands for the Automated Clearing House — an electronic funds transfer system that you likely already use. For example, if your job uses direct deposit to pay you digitally rather than with a paper check, that’s an ACH payment. Once you provide a payment source and schedule, ACH takes care of the rest through automatic money transfers. 

Credit charges

A credit charge is run for autopay when set up through a credit card processing company. Instead of manually entering your information or swiping your card, your credit card information is stored and runs automatically on a set date. 


How to Set Up Automatic Bill Payments

You can easily set up automatic bill payments in person, over the phone, or online through the bill’s vendor, your financial institution, or your credit card by providing the necessary information and agreeing to a payment schedule. For example, common payment options include paying the full bill amount (statement balance in credit card speak), interest-saving balance, or a minimum or fixed amount. 

Here are three ways to pay your bills automatically: 

1. Set up autopay with vendors

You can set up autopay directly with a vendor, like your utility company or auto lease provider, by entering your financial account and routing numbers and selecting your recurring payment date. 

2. Set up autopay with a bank or credit union

Many banks and credit unions have the power to manage your bill payments straight from your checking account. You can set this up by logging in to your online account and indicating who to pay, how much, and when. Some credit unions even offer automatic payment discounts when you set up automatic payments for certain bills, such as credit union loans.

3. Set up autopay with a credit card

Using your credit card for autopay is similar to a direct set up with a vendor. However, you will enter your credit card information rather than your bank account information. Then, the vendor will automatically run a charge on your card. From there, you will pay your credit card bill when it’s due (a bill you could also set to autopay through your bank account. Double autopay!). 


Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Automatic Withdrawal to Pay Bills

While autopay is an easy way to save time, it’s important to understand that there are advantages and disadvantages of using automatic withdrawal to pay bills. For example, you’ll need to keep in mind that setting up autopay empowers these institutions to make payments on your behalf, whether you took the time to look at the bill or not. 

Here are some further factors to consider: 

Advantages of automatic bill payments

Automatic bill payments come with many advantages to help you save time and stay on track with your financial goals. They include:

  • Avoid late payments. We can all be forgetful, but when that forgetfulness applies to paying your bills on time, it can result in some hefty late payment fees. Autopay makes sure you’re always on time and don’t incur any fees or other penalties.
  • Improve credit score. Consistently missed or late payments can take a toll on your credit score. Setting up autopay can help you continue to improve your credit score — an important metric in determining loan interest rates, monthly payment options, and more. 
  • Achieve peace of mind. Setting up consistent automatic online bill pay can be a great way to reduce your mental load and not have to think about the task each month. 
  • Earn perks. Companies like loyal customers, and some will reward your commitment to autopay with product discounts, bonus points, and other rewards.

Disadvantages of automatic bill payments

While autopay has many great features, it’s not always the right choice for everyone’s financial needs. Here are a few reasons why you may want to take a close look at whether or not you’d like to pay your bills automatically:

  • Lose track of scheduling. Double booking a lunch-hour appointment is one thing, but misaligning funds is another. It could create financial stress if you don’t correctly schedule autopay dates around your paydays. 
  • Incur an overdraft. An overdraft is a negative account balance that occurs when you spend more than you have. Autopay schedules don’t look at your available funds, so an improperly timed payment could result in late or returned payment fees. 
  • Overlook fraud. With autopay, you don’t have to check into your account to pay bills. However, that convenience could cause you to fail to identify account errors or fraud. You may miss an accidental double charge or even early clues that your credit card is compromised.

When to Set Up Automatic Bill Pay and When Not To

As we’ve learned, just because you can pay your bills automatically doesn’t mean you always should. Here are some examples of when the service can be helpful and when it’s best to shift into manual gear: 

When automatic payments are beneficial

Under these scenarios, autopay will likely be beneficial to your financial goals:

  • Same monthly payment amount. Autopay is best used for consistent monthly payments with little-to-no fluctuation, like a mortgage or car loan, where the bill is the same amount every month. 
  • Cushioned checking or savings account. You may be a good candidate for autopay if you have enough cash in your checking account to cover those rainy-day expenses. The ample funds will help prevent overdrafts when payments are higher than expected. 
  • Consistent flow of money. Autopay is a great asset for individuals who can rely on regular deposits into their accounts, like those with a set salary with scheduled direct deposit payments.

When automatic payments aren’t beneficial

Here are some scenarios when autopay may not be beneficial to your financial goals:

  • Varied monthly payment amounts. Things like credit cards and utility bills can change month to month. If you don’t have a good idea how much the bill will be, you could run into overdraft fees. 
  • Inconsistent flow of money. Entrepreneurs and gig workers may experience income fluctuations from time to time and need to plan payments accordingly. If your money intake is irregular, autopay may not be the best option.
  • Temporary services. Autopay is excellent for consistent payments like rent. However, autopay set up for inconsistent services like meal delivery, streaming, and clothing subscriptions could lead you to pay for something you don’t even use or forgot you signed up for in the first place. 

Further Resources on Automatic Bill Payments

If you still have questions about how to pay bills automatically or how autopay can impact your financial planning, check out these websites for more autopay tips and tricks. 

  • Make a plan. Consumer.gov provides budget worksheets to plan your monthly expenses. 
  • Know your score. AnnualCreditReport.com gives you a free annual credit check so you can work to improve your score. 
  • Get the latest tips. MakingSenseOfCents.com offers money-saving tips and tricks. 

As you can see, there are a lot of advantages and disadvantages of using automatic withdrawal to pay bills, depending on your financial goals and needs. If you decide it’s the right option for you, automatic bill payment with a credit union can be an excellent way to declutter your financial to-do list. Use our Credit Union Locator to find a branch near you and get started.  


 

Light Bulb for Did You Know YMF

Did you know? 

Setting up automatic bill pay through your local credit union is as simple as a few clicks online or a quick visit to your branch. Unlike big banks, member-driven credit unions have a reputation for member-friendly perks — including discounts for certain types of automatic payments. 

Automatic Bill Payments What You Need to Know. (n.d.). Default. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.yourmoneyfurther.com/personal-money-solutions/banking/automatic-bill-payments-what-you-need-to-know

SETUP AUTOMATIC BILL PAY

Be prepared this Christmas!

Apply for a Christmas Loan Today!

$1,500 as low as *8.25% APR for 12 months – Now until December 24th.  

The Christmas Loan may be used for loan amounts up to $1,500.00 (loan amount may be less than $1500).

A member can have only one Christmas Loan Special open at a time. 

Apply here. (Signature Loan)

APR = Annual Percentage Rate, APR based on members’ credit score.

Membership eligibility requirements apply. Other terms and conditions may apply. *All loans are subject to our normal underwriting policies and guidelines.
Institution NMLS # 418484

What is the Difference Between a Checking and Savings Account?

Key Summary
Although both checking and savings accounts are essential for achieving your financial goals, they serve different purposes. The biggest difference between a checking account and a savings account is that checking accounts are typically used for everyday spending. In contrast, savings accounts are generally used for saving for long-term goals and growing your money.

Whether you’re new to banking, working on repairing your finances, or somewhere in between, you may be curious about what type of account is right for you. If you’re trying to decide between a checking account or a savings account, it’s best to understand your goal for opening a new account in the first place. And you may find that having both a checking and savings account is the best move for you.

What is the Difference Between a Checking and Savings Account?

Checking accounts are better for your everyday needs, including making purchases, paying bills, and visiting ATMs. They allow you access to your money when and where you need it. Since checking accounts are designed to give you easy access to your money, they often come with debit cards, paper checks, and even offer digital payment options like Apple Pay. While checking accounts are a convenient way to access your cash, a word of caution: many banks require you to be 18 to open a checking account without a parent or legal guardian as a co-signer of the account.

Savings accounts are ideal for setting aside money for your long-term needs and goals. They are designed to hold money over a long period of time and generally accrue interest. No matter what your financial goals are, it’s ideal to have at least one savings account. When searching for a savings account, finding an account with high-interest rates should be a top priority. According to the FDIC, the average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.21% annual percentage yield. However, be on the lookout for credit union savings accounts that can boast rates above 2% APY.

Checking Accounts vs Savings Accounts

Features to Look for in a Checking Account

When searching for a checking account, look for an account that doesn’t charge monthly fees and has free access to nationwide ATMs. Some top accounts can earn interest, but if they do, the rates are generally lower than what top savings accounts offer. Here are a few additional features to look for when choosing a checking account:

  • No monthly fees or an easy way to waive them.
  • Easy access to nationwide ATMs.
  • Free debit card and access to digital payment options like Apple Pay.
  • An option to order paper checks.
  • Easy transfers to pay bills online.

Features to Look for in a Savings Account

When searching for a savings account, it’s best to choose one that has high-interest rates, no monthly fees and offers easy online bank transactions and transfers. Here are the features to look for when choosing a savings account:

  • No monthly fees or an easy way to waive them.
  • Higher interest rates than checking accounts.
  • Easy online bank transactions and transfers.

Should I have both my checking account and savings account at the same financial institution?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether you should have your checking and savings accounts at the same financial institution. However, there are certainly some benefits to having both at the same bank or credit union. One benefit of having both accounts at the same financial institution is that it makes it easier to manage your money. You can also make instant transfers between the two accounts. Your bank or credit union may even waive monthly fees if you have both accounts at their institution.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to having both your checking account and savings account at the same financial institution. One downside is that you may not be maximizing the best features of both accounts. For example, some banks with the highest interest rates on savings accounts may not offer good options for a checking account.

Many credit unions offer great options for checking accounts and savings accounts. Find a credit union near you to open a new checking account or savings account (or both!).

What is the Difference Between a Checking and Savings Account? (n.d.). Default. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.yourmoneyfurther.com/blog/post/ymf/2022/10/19/what-is-the-difference-between-a-checking-and-savings-account

Skip-A-Payment!

Need to skip a loan payment?

We know that the end of the year can make more demands on your finances, between holidays, taxes, travel, etc. Our Skip A Payment program allows you to skip one loan payment yearly after 12 months of payments have been made. If the loan is paid twice a month, those two payments may be skipped during the month you choose. Only one skipped payment (month) is allowed per year. Skipping a payment may extend the term of the loan and is not available if you have had a loan extension in the last 12 months.

Mortgages, credit cards, SBA Loans, and credit lines are excluded from this offer. To apply for a skipped payment, CLICK HERE for the application form. Please complete the form and submit it at least five days before your payment is due.

Please submit a separate form for each loan.

Jason Foundation Reflection Garden Fundraiser

Last week, Enbright CU attended the Jason Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Open House and Reflection Garden fundraiser.

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is an organization dedicated to the prevention of the ‘Silent Epidemic’ of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers, and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. Enbright purchased an engraved brick in support and to express the importance of awareness and prevention.

The Reflection Garden serves as a place of peace and reflection for community members, those who have lost a loved one, and advocates of suicide prevention. For the good times and the challenging times, we keep our community members’ health and well-being at heart because it’s our community too! Check out the highlights from our visit and the Jason Foundation:

 

Interestest in supporting the Jason Foundation? Go to: https://jasonfoundation.com/ to learn more. Not yet a member of Enbright, go to https://enbrightcu.com/become-a-member to join today!

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