Frequently Asked Questions
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Checking Accounts
You can order or reorder checks through the Harland Clarke website. Please have your account number and routing number handy.
You may request check copies by calling our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446 or visiting your local branch. Please note there is a fee for printed check copies.
You can stop a payment on a check by signing in to MONEYLINKSM Online Banking and send a secure message. You may also call our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446 or visit your local branch. Please note there is a fee associated with stopping payment.
This is an optional service you can add to your checking account by linking eligible accounts (share(s) or an overdraft line of credit). If you don’t have enough money in your checking account, we will use available funds in your linked account(s) to authorize or pay your transactions. An Overdraft Transfer from Share Account Fee, as disclosed in the fee schedule, will be assessed per transaction whenever funds are transferred from an eligible share account.
Courtesy Pay is a service that allows Spero Financial to pay items such as a check written on a member’s checking account even if it causes the account to become overdrawn. Courtesy Pay may provide eligible account holders in good standing with the ability to overdraw their checking account up to $500. A Courtesy Pay Fee, as disclosed on our fee schedule, will be assessed per transaction whenever Courtesy Pay is used to pay an item. You may opt-out of Courtesy Pay coverage by contacting our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446.
Debit Card Overdraft Service allows Spero Financial to approve your ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions when you do not have enough money in your checking account or in accounts linked for Overdraft Protection at the time of the transaction. An Overdraft Fee, as disclosed on your fee schedule, will be assessed per transaction whenever the Debit Card Overdraft Service is used to pay an item. You may opt-out of this service by contacting our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446.
Debit Card & ATMs
If you have forgotten your Debit Card PIN, please call our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446.
For your security and protection, account access will be locked after three unsuccessful PIN entry attempts. If you are unsure of your PIN, it’s always best to contact a Spero member representative before attempting to log in to your account.
Yes! We have a process in place to automatically reissue you a new debt card before your current card expires. We ship out new cards in the middle of each month, so you will receive your new card a day or two before the old one expires.
If you cannot remember your PIN or your debit card is blocked, you can choose a new PIN by contacting the Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446.
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your debit card, please call (800) 264-5578 immediately.
You can use your debit card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted.
Your debit card will work in most foreign countries. However, there are a few countries where we block transactions due to specific circumstances and agreements.
To verify whether your card will work once you reach your destination, please contact the Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446 at least two business days before your departure. This will also allow us to unblock your card for the time period of your travels, avoiding any interruptions in your usage while you are away.
To activate your debit card, please call the phone number on the sticker that is attached to your card (800.992.3808). Please note: when calling to activate the card, you will be asked to enter your phone number listed on the account for an added-layer of security. You can use this same number to reset your PIN as well.
Spero Financial ATMs are surcharge-free for our members, so we recommend using these as often as possible. You can find a complete list of Spero ATMs and branches on our locations page.
You can also avoid surcharges by using ATMs within the CO-OP Network. For a complete list of CO-OP ATMs and shared branch locations, click here for locations.
There are several reasons your card may not work properly. Here are a few suggestions:
- If you are trying to make a credit-based transaction and the transaction fails, try using your card as a debit card. Credit and debit transactions process via different networks, so this option can help avoid network-related issues.
- Your card’s magnetic strip may be damaged. If you experience this problem at multiple locations, you can request a replacement card by contacting your local branch, sending a secure message via MONEYLINKSM online banking, or calling our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446.
- Your card may have been blocked for suspected fraud. If that is the case, we will notify you by phone. If you haven’t spoken with us by phone about this issue, please check your voicemail messages.
Loans
For most loans, you will need to submit a valid photo ID (i.e., driver's license or state-issued ID), insurance verification, and financial verification in the form of current pay stubs or your most recent tax returns.
If you have specific questions about your paperwork, you can visit a Spero Financial branch or speak with a member representative by calling (800) 922-0446.
View the current rates here.
Spero Financial offers many convenient options for making your loan payment.
- Online Loan Pay: Make same-day payments via our online loan payment center from accounts at a different financial institution.
- Internal Transfers: Transfer funds in MONEYLINKSM Online Banking from a Spero Financial account and apply it to the loan payment.
- Inbound External Transfers: Transfer funds in MONEYLINKSM Online Banking from an account at another financial institution and apply it to the loan payment.
- Recurring Payments: Set up recurring payments by giving us permission to pull funds from another account the same day each month.
- By Check: Pay by check at any Spero Financial location or mail payment to PO Box 10708, Greenville, SC 29603.
Yes! Click here to learn more.
Yes! To get pre-approved, please complete our online mortgage application. Once submitted, a lending specialist will be in touch. Learn More about mortgages
Members
Joining the credit union is probably much simpler than you think! Click here to become a member to explore all the benefits of joining the Spero Financial flock and the items needed to open your membership.
Yes, we do. Like traditional banks, we offer financial solutions that include savings accounts, checking accounts, and a variety of loan programs. However, since Spero is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, we reinvest our earnings into programs that offer higher rates on savings, lower rates on loans, and low- or no-fee services.
As a federally insured financial institution, we are subject to government regulations, one of which requires us to verify each member’s physical residence when they open an account.
If the address on your ID is not up to date, you may provide another piece of documentation to verify your current address, such as a current utility bill, current vehicle registration, recently issued pay stub, property tax bill, lease agreement, or homeowners/renter insurance policy. Contact us to discuss other acceptable items.
You can access your member number by signing into MONEYLINKSM Online. Your member number is the series of digits preceding the dash in the account number. For example, if your account number is 123456-01, your member number is 123456.
You may also contact our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446 or visit your local branch.
Spero Financial’s routing number is 253279277.
Also known as the ABA Routing Transit Number (ABA RTN), this nine-digit code, which is assigned to US financial institutions by The American Bankers Association, can also be found on the bottom left corner of your Spero Financial checks.
If you utilize MONEYLINKSM Online, sign in and select the “Welcome” tab at the top. Select “All Services & Settings” and click “Change phone, email or address” under the Security Settings section.
You may also call our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446.
Log into MONEYLINKSM Online to access up to five years of statement history. Sign in and select the “Welcome” tab at the top. Select “All Services & Settings” and click “View Statements” under the Preferences section.
If you would like printed statement copies, you may request them by mail or by calling our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446. Please note there is a fee for mailing copies of printed statements.
We observe all major federal holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Holiday closure reminders will be posted on all location entrances, as well as Spero Financial social media pages.
You can also find each branch’s regular hours of operation by clicking here.
Shared branching is a convenient perk that gives credit union members the ability to use ATMs and in-branch services at other participating credit unions. Spero Financial is a proud member of the Co-Op Shared Branching Network. With more than 5,600 locations throughout the country, there’s a good chance you can find a shared branching location no matter where your travels take you.
Click here for shared branching locations to check out a complete list of Co-Op shared branching locations.
Yes, please notify us at least two business days before your departure. This will allow us to unblock your card for the time period of your travels, avoiding any interruptions in your usage while you are away. To do so, please contact our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446 or send a secured message via MONEYLINKSM Online.
Mobile Deposit
After enrolling in MONEYLINK℠ Online Banking and downloading the Spero Mobile Banking app, log in to the Spero Mobile Banking app. Choose Check Deposit from the Menu and follow the prompts—the app will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Our mobile banking app is available across multiple platforms and devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Kindle, and Blackberry. Whatever web-enabled phone or tablet you have will likely work with our mobile banking app.
Before you are able to deposit your check through our mobile banking app, you will be shown a disclosure. Please read this disclosure thoroughly as it explains the endorsement process. Members must sign their name, write their account number, and write “For Mobile Deposit Only to Spero Financial” on the back of their check.
Your privacy and security are very important to us. We fully encrypt all wireless communication with our members, including our mobile apps. We also never store personal or financial information on your phone, and all mobile deposits are fully insured by the NCUA, the same as in-branch transactions.
You will receive two email messages to track the status of your deposit. The first email will confirm that your deposit has been Received. The second email will inform you whether your deposit has been Accepted or Cannot Be Accepted.
There are a number of reasons that a check may not be accepted through MONEYLINK℠ Mobile Deposit. The most common reasons include improper endorsement of the check, a bad or blurry image of the check, or an incomplete check (no signature, no date, amount not fully filled in, etc.).
Checks deposited before 5:00 PM EST will typically be available in your account the following business day.
All checks deposited must be retained for 7 business days after the funds have posted to your account. After 7 business days, the check must be prominently marked with VOID and shredded.
Mobile Banking App
If you have enrolled in MONEYLINKSM Online:
Download the Spero Mobile Banking app from the App Store on your mobile device. Enter the same User ID and passcode you use to sign in to online banking.
If you have not enrolled in MONEYLINKSM Online:
Download the Spero Financial Mobile Banking app from the App Store on your mobile device. Select “Enroll Now – Retail” and follow the prompts. The credentials you create can also be used by accessing MONEYLINKSM Online on your computer.
New Name
We are now Spero Financial, formerly SC Telco Federal Credit Union. To select our new name, we begin the process by conducting a market survey to determine how our name was perceived in the marketplace. Based on these findings, we worked with a national branding agency to determine our brand pillars – the characteristics that the new name should encompass. These included: Our Unchanging Mission and Core Values, History and Stability, Growth and Forward Thinking, and Community Impact. The name Spero Financial was selected as it perfectly aligns with these characteristics. Spero, a word derived from the Great Seal of South Carolina, means ‘hope’ reflecting our mission and core values. Pronounced ‘sparrow’, the name is a physical representation of the unique characteristics of the bird, which finds power in cooperation and strength in community. The bird is agile, adaptable, and a productive planner – qualities that reflect our commitment to providing innovative and dynamic financial solutions to our members.
Technically, it is! Our legal name is Spero Financial Federal Credit Union, but for ease, we will shorten it to Spero Financial for public usage. You will continue to see “credit union” used throughout our marketing materials, communications, and website. Being a credit union is at the core of our identity – it’s who we’ve been, who we are, and who we will continue to be!
SC Telco Federal Credit Union officially became Spero Financial on November 9, 2020. While many updates have already taken place, the full transition to the new name will take some time. Branch signage, online/mobile banking, credit and debit cards, and some communications will take a bit longer to transition - as long as a year.
No, your accounts, funds, and digital banking access are not affected. Routing, checking, member, and account numbers remain the same.
Yes! You can continue to use your SC Telco checks, deposit slips, and debit/credit card as you do today. New Spero Financial checks will be issued when checks are ordered after November 9, 2020. New Spero Financial debit/credit cards will be issued on or before your SC Telco card(s) expiration date.
Online Banking
Signing up is simple! Visit the Spero Financial homepage, select the “Login” button, and click the "Enroll Now" button. Follow the instructions to complete your registration.
You will need your Social Security Number, Member Account Number, Birth Date, and a valid email address.
Log into MONEYLINKSM Online. Go to the “Welcome” tab at the top. Choose “All Services and Settings”. Click “View Statements”.
Please contact our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446 so that we can reset your account.
Online Loan Pay
Visa® and Mastercard® debit cards are accepted. Please note that Spero debit cards are not accepted – instead, members are encouraged to make an internal funds transfer within MONEYLINKSM Online to easily make your loan payment at no cost.
If payments are made by 5:00PM EST, they will be processed same-day.
Yes! Up to (3) three loans can be paid in a single transaction.
If you need to cancel a payment, please contact our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446.
Yes! However, please contact our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446 or your local branch to confirm payoff amount – as the amount may differ from what is displayed in the Online Loan Pay platform. Once confirmed, log into Online Loan Pay to make the payment. Note: The platform allows a payment up to $2,500.
You can make a loan payment up $2,500. There is no minimum amount.
When making a payment with an ACH transaction, you can schedule a payment to process at a future date or set up recurring payments. This feature is not currently available for payments made by debit card.
Spero Financial loans that can be paid within Online Loan Pay include share or certificate secured loans, auto/boat/RV/motorcycle loans, personal loans, second mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and overdraft lines of credit.
Business loans, mortgages, or credit card payments cannot be made through Online Loan Pay. Please continue to make payments for these loan types by following instructions received at loan closing. If you should have any questions, contact us at 800.922.0446.
Once logged in, eligible loans associated with your Spero account will display for you to make a loan payment. You will be able to select the loan based on a brief descriptor and the last two digits of your member number + two-digit loan number. For example, "PERSONAL LOAN ending in 1201."
| Descriptor | Loan Types | ||
| SECURED | New/Use Auto, New/Used RV, New/Used Boat | Motorcycle, Share/Certificate Secured, Secured Personal | Other Collateral |
| R. ESTATE LOAN | Lot Loans, Home Equity, HELOC | 2-7 Yr ARM, Construction Loan, 7-10 Yr Balloon | Other Real Estate Loans (not 1st Mortgage) |
| PERSONAL | Personal Loan | ||
| OVERDRAFT LOC | Overdraft Lines of Credit | ||
To register, you will need to have a valid email address and the following information as the primary account holder: Spero Financial member number, last four digits of your social security number, and your date of birth. Once registered, you can login using your established username and password.
With Express Pay, you do not have to create a username nor password. It is designed for a one-time payment, so your Online Loan Pay history will not be stored. By registering, setting up a username and password, Online Loan Pay will store your payment history and allow you to set up recurring ACH payments.
To make an ACH transaction, you will need your full account number and routing number of the financial institution from which the funds are being pulled. Please note that Online Loan Pay will not accept an ACH payment from a Spero account - instead, members are encouraged to make an internal funds transfer within MONEYLINKSM Online to easily make your loan payment at no cost.
Save to Win
Save to Win is a prize-linked savings share certificate account that offers the chance to win prizes in addition to earning regular dividends. It requires a small opening deposit of $25 and allows unlimited number of deposits during the 12-month term.
The goal of the Save to Win account is to foster a regular habit of saving among accountholders. The more one saves (up to $250 per month); the more opportunity one has to win. For every $25 deposit, an accountholder earns one entry into the monthly and quarterly prize drawings. There is no minimum number of deposits required, but there is a maximum of 10 entries per month/30 entries per quarter per member.
Account holders must be a member of Spero Financial and open the account with one of our branch member representatives.
In order to participate in the raffle and be eligible to win prizes, your account must be open through the drawing period and all participants must be at least of sufficient age to enter into a binding contract (18 in most states), a resident of a state in which the principal place of business of one or more participating credit unions is located and be a member with a regular share account (the account which qualifies the individual for membership), in good standing in the participating credit union.
No. The rules state that the account is available only to members age 18 or older. Children may not be primary or joint accountholders on a Save to Win account.
Credit union employees and board members are not eligible to receive central drawing prizes (this includes joint ownership).
No. A member is limited to one account per person per participating credit union. If a member opened an account at more than one participating credit union, the account that was opened first will be the only one that they receive drawing entries for. Members of the same household can each have one Save to Win account each, as long as they meet other eligibility requirements.
There is a $25 minimum balance requirement to keep the account open.
No, there are no monthly service fees for this account.
Yes. The Save to Win account needs to be kept open for 12 months. There are penalties for early withdrawal, including account closure.
Yes. Account holders are permitted to make one withdrawal during the 12-month certificate term for a $25 fee and must leave at least $25 in the account to keep it open. If a second withdrawal occurs, the account will be closed.
No. A participating member may make a maximum of one (1) withdrawal from the Save to Win account during any twelve (12) month period, with an early withdrawal penalty fee of $25. More than one (1) withdrawal within any twelve (12) month period will result in the disqualification of the participating member’s Save to Win account from consideration for subsequent prizes, the forfeiture by participating member of all entries for prizes, and the closure of the Save to Win account.
Accounts must be kept open through the drawing period in order for account holders to be eligible for prizes. For example, the drawings are performed on the 14th day of each month for the previous month's transactions. In order to be eligible for the current drawing, your account must be open through the last day of the previous month.
No. Save to Win is only available for personal accounts.
The Save to Win share certificate offers account holders the opportunity to win monthly and quarterly cash prizes from the central drawing. Click here for a complete list of prizes for a complete list of prizes. Spero Financial also offers quarterly drawings totaling $1,300 annually, including two (2) $100 cash prize, two ($50) cash prize, and one (1) $25 cash prize. Each prize is deposited into the winner's primary share account.
A member is limited to winning one central prize and one Spero Financial quarterly prize per drawing period. A participating member is eligible to win both a central prize and a quarterly prize in the same drawing period. A participating member can win in multiple months/quarters and even in consecutive months/quarters.
Prize winnings will be deposited into the member regular share account. Spero Financial will notify the winner via USPS mail within 14 days of month-end.
Yes, each winner is responsible for reporting and paying applicable state and federal taxes for monthly and quarterly prizes. Spero Financial will provide participating members winning prizes equal to or more than $600 for the given tax year with an IRS 1099 MISC form.
Members will receive one entry in the monthly drawing for every $25 increase in month over month balance, up to a maximum of 10 entries per month. Each monthly entry is also entered into the quarterly prize drawing, up to a maximum of 30 entries per quarter.
No. The number of entries is based on the increase in a member’s month-over-month balance. If a member deposits $100 in a given month then withdraws that amount in the same month, the member will not receive any entries for that drawing period.
Since there is no rounding up, the member would receive one entry for that month’s drawing.
Yes, accounts should be set up by your credit union to automatically renew after 12 months.
Members can withdrawal money from their Save to Win share certificate at maturity during their grace period without being assessed a penalty, as long as they leave at least $25 in the account to keep it open. Members also have the option to withdraw all of their money and close the account at this time without being assessed a penalty fee.
If a member withdraws more money than they deposit at maturity or anytime during the 12 month term, they will not earn entries for that drawing period. Entries are only earned when the month-over-month balance increases.
Actual odds of winning are based upon the number of eligible entries received. For each eligible entry the chance of winning monthly prizes is equal to that of all other entries in the raffle. Spero Financial also performs a quarterly drawing of five prizes: two (2) $100 prizes, two (2) $50 prizes, and one (1) $25 prize that each eligible entry has a chance at winning each quarter and is equal to that of all entries in the raffle.
The more deposits you make, the more entries you will earn toward the monthly and quarterly drawings.
You can pick it up at your nearby Spero Financial branch or download a PDF by visiting the Save to Win account page and selecting "Account Terms and Conditions".
Security
Yes. We use advanced security measures and tools to help keep our website secure. We also use encryption technology for communications that contain your confidential information.
We will never send you an e-mail asking you to provide personal or account information such as your account passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, credit or debit numbers, or other confidential information. If you receive an email posing to be from us that asks for this type of information, please contact us immediately at (800) 922-0446.
If you think the information Spero Financial has provided to credit reporting agencies for your account(s) is inaccurate, please mail your signed dispute to: Spero Financial, Attn: Credit Dispute, PO Box 10708, Greenville, SC 29603.
To ensure your dispute is processed in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, your dispute must include the following:
- Sufficient information to identify the account that is in dispute, such as an account number and your name, address, and telephone number
- The specific information you are disputing and an explanation of the basis of your dispute; and
- All supporting documentation such as a copy of the relevant portion of the consumer report that contains the allegedly inaccurate information, receipts for proof of payment, a police report, a fraud or identity theft affidavit, a court order, or account statements.
During business hours, please contact us via a MONEYLINKSM Online Banking secure message or call our Member Service Center at (800) 922-0446. You may also report debit card fraud by contacting (833) 462-0798.
For credit cards, please call 1 (800) 449-7728. For debit cards, please call 1 (800) 264-5578. These services are available 24/7.
Welcoming AFCU
While formally a merger, this partnership better positions us to embrace the ever-changing regulatory environment, while providing efficiency of operations to achieve economies of scale. In turn, our members will have access to an expanded suite of financial products and services (including Business Loans), enhanced digital and mobile banking services, and seven additional branches throughout the Upstate and Midlands.
We will be transitioning AFCU member accounts on to the Spero Financial systems over the weekend of January 29, 2021. On Monday, February 1, AFCU will open as Spero Financial. You’ll receive a mailing about specific changes to your account(s), online and mobile banking access, debit cards, and more information.
You will continue to receive the same great service at all three branches and from the same familiar faces. All AFCU locations would remain open and all active AFCU staff retained.
No. Please continue to only bank at AFCU locations until the partnership is complete. On Monday, February 1, you will be able to begin using any Spero Financial (formerly SC Telco) location.
Your NCUA coverage will not change unless you have accounts at both AFCU and Spero Financial that combined exceed the $250,000 coverage. If you have deposits at both credit unions, please contact your local AFCU branch.
Please contact your local AFCU branch. AFCU staff will continue to service your accounts until the partnership is completed. If you are contacted about your account by any individual referencing an affiliation with Spero Financial (or SC Telco), please contact your AFCU branch immediately.
Not at this time. In the coming weeks, you’ll receive a mailing about specific changes to your account(s), online and mobile banking access, debit cards, and more information.