Understanding Your Credit Journey
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. Whether you're buying your first home, getting a car loan, or applying for a credit card, your credit history tells lenders how reliably you've managed debt in the past.
At Sunmark Credit Union, we believe financial empowerment starts with understanding credit. A strong credit score can save you thousands of dollars in interest over your lifetime, while poor credit can limit your options and cost you more money.
What affects your credit score?
- Payment history (35% of your score) - Pay bills on time, every time
- Credit utilization (30% of your score) - Keep balances low on credit cards
- Length of credit history (15% of your score) - Keep older accounts open
- Credit mix (10% of your score) - Mix of credit cards, loans, and mortgages
- New credit inquiries (10% of your score) - Limit hard inquiries
Building good credit takes time, but the benefits last a lifetime. Start with small steps like paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low. Even if you've made mistakes in the past, you can rebuild your credit with consistent, responsible habits.
Credit Questions Answered
Get answers to common credit questions from Sunmark's financial experts.Check Your Credit Report
Get expert help understanding your credit. Our staff will explain each item and discusses improvement options.Build Payment History
Set up automatic payments for all your bills. Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score.Manage Credit Utilization
Keep credit card balances below 30% of your limit. Lower utilization shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly.Choose Smart Credit Products
Select credit cards and loans that fit your needs. Sunmark offers competitive rates and terms for members.Start Your Credit Journey Today
Card Controls: Managing and Protecting Your Debit Card Anytime, Anywhere
2/19/25
In today’s digital age, managing your money safely and easily is important. Debit card controls let you keep track of how and when your card is used, adding extra protection against unauthorized charges. By setting your own limits, you can stay on track with your budget and guard against fraud.
Sunmark Credit Union offers a suite of enhanced card control features designed to empower members with comprehensive management of their debit cards with powerful features like:
- Travel Notifications: Easily set your travel status to ensure uninterrupted card usage while you’re away.
- Card Management: Lock and unlock your debit card instantly if it’s not in use or misplaced, providing an extra layer of security.
- Customized Alerts: Set up real-time notifications to monitor transactions and stay informed about your account activity.
- Merchant and Transaction Controls: Define specific merchant categories and set transaction limits to manage spending according to your preferences.
Additionally, Card Controls provides spending insights, allowing you to view a clear picture of when and where your purchases were made. You can quickly add your card to your mobile device’s digital wallet and receive transaction alerts to help fight fraud.
Want to set up card controls but not sure how? Members can log into Sunmark online banking or mobile banking app and follow 6 easy steps:
- If accessing within online banking, select the “Manage My Account” tab. If you’re in your mobile app, click “Card Controls” located at the bottom.
- Click the + button to add a card
- Enter your card number (either manually or scan to allow camera access for scanning your card), then click Continue at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your CVV, address, zip, and expiration date, then click continue at the bottom of the screen.
- A verification code will be sent to the email on file. Enter the verification code and click “Continue” on the bottom of your screen.
- Once you receive a pop-up message that your card was added, click the “Home” button to refresh your page and then you’ll be ready to go!
By actively managing debit card settings, you can prevent unauthorized transactions, reduce the risk of fraud, and maintain better oversight of your spending habits. Features such as setting spending limits and receiving transaction alerts can empower you to act swiftly in case of suspicious activity.
Have questions or need assistance with card controls in your online banking or mobile banking app? Call 866.SUNMARK or visit your nearest Sunmark Financial Center.
