FAQs
- Quick access to answers
- A perfect first step to take
- Contact us if you need more help
Auto Loans
Yes. BHFCU offers financing for qualifying new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs. Members can log in to online banking, check their credit score for free and see offers based on their credit score.
Yes. A preapproval can help you understand how much you may be able to borrow and shop with a clearer budget.
You can make payments through BHFCU Online Banking, Mobile Banking, or Phone Banking. Payments can also be made from eligible accounts at another financial institution.
Certificates
A certificate allows you to earn a guaranteed rate by keeping your money deposited for a specific term. BHFCU offers certificate terms ranging from three months to five years.
You may be able to withdraw funds early, but an early-withdrawal penalty may apply. Review the applicable account disclosures before opening or withdrawing from a certificate.
At maturity, you have a 10-day grace period to add funds, withdraw funds, or make changes to the certificate.
Checking Accounts
No. FREEdom Checking has no monthly service fee and no minimum balance requirement.
Ultimate Checking has a $7.50 monthly service fee, which is waived when you maintain the required $1,500 minimum daily balance.
Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 to earn dividends. Dividends are earned daily and paid and compounded monthly.
Yes. Deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. government agency.
Ultimate Checking includes a free debit card, money orders, cashier’s checks, your first order of custom checks, and access to Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Phone Banking, and Direct Deposit.
FREEdom Checking includes a free debit card, Direct Deposit, and access to BHFCU’s Online and Mobile Banking services.
Credit Cards
The card does not charge balance-transfer or cash-advance fees. Interest and other terms may still apply, so review the current credit-card rates and disclosures.
The card has no annual fee, no maintenance fee, no setup fee and no balance-transfer or cash-advance fees. Review the current rates and terms for complete details.
No. BHFCU’s Visa Traditional Credit Card has no annual fee.
Accumulated cash back can be redeemed in $25 increments.
You can earn 1.5% cash back on qualifying everyday purchases made with your BHFCU Visa Cash Back Credit Card.
BHFCU provides 24/7 card support for lost or stolen cards, denied transactions, and transaction verification. Call us at 605.718.1818 and listen to the prompts, especially after hours.
Home Construction Loans
Yes. Construction financing may be available for qualifying renovations, such as adding a garage or finishing a basement before you move in.
Funds are advanced incrementally as construction progresses. During the construction period, you make interest-only payments on the amount that has been advanced.
Your construction loan automatically converts to long-term conventional financing, so you can finance the construction and permanent mortgage with one loan.
ITMs
An ITM is an Interactive Teller Machine that allows you to interact with a live, BHFCU teller through video directly on the screen. You get the same, personalized service from our tellers in a fast, more secure way.
All you do is Tap for a Teller! Touch the screen, and a BHFCU teller appears. Your transaction works the same.
Typically, your transaction will take less time.
BHFCU ITM Tellers are based out of Rapid City and Sioux Falls, SD. You will get to know these tellers just like you do other BHFCU tellers.
Interactive tellers allow us to serve members more efficiently and provide expanded hours. You can access drive-up tellers 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm! In-branch, you can quickly take care of everyday transactions with ease.
Yes! There are always BHFCU team members available during lobby hours to assist with ITMs, opening an account, applying for a loan or providing member service.
ITM transactions are very secure. They utilize advanced encryption technology to protect your sensitive information.
No. ITMs can complete transactions that require a teller. ATMs are used for simpler transactions like withdrawing cash.
Most teller transactions can be done with an ITM. ITMs cannot process cashier’s checks, cash advances, money orders, shared branching transactions or IRA/HSA Rollovers.
You can deposit checks, make loan payments, transfer funds, withdraw cash and view balances 24/7 through a drive-up ITM.
No! When you use a BHFCU ITM you are served by a BHFCU team member. ITMs require the addition of ITM tellers and additional member experience associates who can assist with ITMs and other branch services. ITMs allow us to focus on providing personalized service and devoting more time to assist members with loans, account questions and financial education.
You do not need these items! A BHFCU teller will ask questions to confirm your identity. You can use a debit or credit card or scan your ID. This is one of the ways an ITM will save you time!
ITMs are not able to process or dispense coins. When you cash a check, the ITM will treat the transaction as a deposit and a withdrawal. You will be asked which account to utilize for the transaction and the change will be deposited to that account.
You may not always get the same teller. Instead, the next available BHFCU teller will assist you. This helps shorten wait times so you can complete your transactions and get on with your day!
For added privacy, you can pick up a built-in handset at an in-branch ITM or choose to use the touch-screen chat feature at any ITM.
BHFCU tellers can handle 40 bills or 30 checks per transaction. Cash and checks are processed separately. If the number of either bills or checks exceeds the limit, you can process them in increments of 40 or 30 until all items are inserted.
Membership
Log in to Online Banking or the BHFCU mobile app and select “Open a New Account” from the “More” menu. If you haven’t registered for Online Banking, you can use the account-opening link provided on the membership page.
If you’re new to BHFCU or currently listed only as a joint member, select “Open an Account” to begin the membership application online.
Everyone is eligible to apply for BHFCU membership. Once approved and established as a member, you can access BHFCU’s eligible accounts, loans, digital banking tools, and other financial services.
Mobile Payments
The credit or debit card associated with your Apple account or the first card you add to Apple Pay is automatically your default card. To change your default card:
- Go to Settings – Wallet and Apple Pay
- Tap "Default Card"
- Choose your BHFCU card
You can use Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Android Pay at thousands of merchants nationwide.
Mortgage Refinancing
Consider the new rate, monthly payment, closing costs, loan term, and the time it will take to recover your refinancing costs. A BHFCU mortgage lender can help you compare the potential costs and savings.
A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a larger loan and provides you with the difference in cash, subject to available equity and loan approval.
Refinancing may help you lower your interest rate or monthly payment, change your loan term, switch mortgage types, or access some of your available home equity.
Mortgages
Yes. BHFCU offers low and no down payment options for qualifying borrowers. A mortgage lender can help you determine which options may fit your situation.
A 5/1 ARM has a fixed rate for the first five years, while a 7/1 ARM remains fixed for seven years. After that initial period, the rate may adjust once per year.
An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, has a fixed interest rate for an initial period—typically five or seven years—before the rate begins adjusting annually based on market conditions.
BHFCU offers fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages with a variety of terms to fit different homebuying needs.
An adjustable-rate mortgage may be a good option if you expect to move, refinance, or pay off the mortgage before the initial fixed-rate period ends. A BHFCU mortgage lender can help you compare your options.
BHFCU underwrites, processes, originates, and services its portfolio mortgages in-house, giving you a local team throughout the life of your loan.
Motorcycle Loans
Yes. Getting preapproved can help you establish a budget and shop with greater confidence. Current BHFCU members can apply through Online Banking. New members can begin an application using our online application.
Yes. You can set up eligible one-time or recurring payments from an external checking or savings account through BHFCU Online or Mobile Banking.
Yes. Financing options are available for qualifying new and used motorcycles.
Personal Loans
Current BHFCU members can apply through Online Banking. New members can begin an application using our online application.
Your rate and terms are based on factors such as your creditworthiness, requested loan amount, and repayment term.
A personal loan can help cover a wide range of needs, including unexpected expenses, major purchases, home projects, or debt consolidation.
Recreational Vehicle Loans
Yes. BHFCU offers financing options for qualifying new and used recreational vehicles.
Yes. Preapproval can help you determine your potential budget before visiting a dealership or choosing a recreational vehicle. Current BHFCU members can apply through Online Banking. New members can begin an application using our online application.
Financing is available for qualifying recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, boats, snowmobiles, UTVs, and ATVs.
Savings Accounts
Yes. The account is liquid and allows unlimited deposits and withdrawals, giving you access to your savings when needed.
Yes. The account earns dividends based on BHFCU’s current savings rates.
The account earns dividends daily, with the applicable rate varying based on your account balance.
A minimum $5 deposit is required to open the account and establish your BHFCU membership. BHFCU will cover the $5 for you in many cases.
It can be a good option for an emergency fund, excess cash, or a short-term savings goal when you want growth without locking away your money.
Your Regular Savings Account represents your ownership share in BHFCU and gives you access to the credit union’s eligible products and services.
Zelle®
You can only cancel a payment if the person you sent money to hasn’t yet enrolled with Zelle®. To check whether the payment is still pending because the recipient hasn’t yet enrolled, you can go to your activity page, choose the payment you want to cancel, and then select “Cancel This Payment.” If you do not see this option available, please chat with us through Online Banking or call us at 605-718-1818 for assistance with canceling the pending payment.
If the person you sent money to has already enrolled with Zelle®, the money is sent directly to their bank account and cannot be canceled. This is why it’s important to only send money to people you trust, and always ensure you’ve used the correct email address or U.S. mobile number when sending money.
If you sent money to the wrong person, please call us immediately at 605-718-1818.
Some small businesses are able to receive payments with Zelle®. Ask your favorite small business if they accept payments with Zelle®. If they do, you can pay them directly from your Black Hills Federal Credit Union mobile app using just their email address or U.S. mobile number.
Neither Black Hills Federal Credit Union nor Zelle® offers a protection program for any authorized payments made with Zelle®, so you should only send money to people (and small businesses) you trust. Also, always ensure you’ve used the correct email address or U.S. mobile number when sending money.
In order to use Zelle®, the sender and recipient’s bank or credit union accounts must be based in the U.S.
It’s easy — Zelle® is already available within the Black Hills Federal Credit Union mobile app and in online banking! Check our app and follow a few simple steps to enroll with Zelle® today.
You can send, request, or receive money with Zelle®. To get started, log into Black Hills Federal Credit Union's online banking or mobile app and select “Send Money with Zelle®”. Following the prompts, enter the information requested, accept the terms and conditions, and you’re ready to start sending and receiving with Zelle®.
To send money using Zelle®, simply select someone from your mobile device’s contacts (or add a trusted recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile phone number), add the amount you’d like to send and an optional note, review, then hit “Send.” In most cases, the money is available to your recipient in minutes1.
To request money using Zelle®, choose “Request,” select the individual from whom you’d like to request money, enter the amount you’d like to request, include an optional note, review and hit “Request”2. If the person you are requesting money from is not yet enrolled with Zelle®, you must use their email address to request money. If the person has enrolled their U.S. mobile number, then you can send the request using their mobile phone number.
To receive money, just share your enrolled email address or U.S. mobile phone number with a friend and ask them to send you money with Zelle®. If you have already enrolled with Zelle®, you do not need to take any further action. The money will be sent directly into your Black Hills Federal Credit Union account, typically within minutes1.
When you enroll with Zelle® through your Black Hills Federal Credit Union app, your name, the name of your bank/credit union, and the email address or U.S. mobile number you enrolled is shared with Zelle® (no sensitive account details are shared – those stay with Black Hills Federal Credit Union). When someone sends money to your enrolled email address or U.S. mobile phone number, Zelle® looks up the email address or mobile number in its “directory” and notifies Black Hills Federal Credit Union of the incoming payment. Black Hills Federal Credit Union then directs the payment into your Black Hills Federal Credit Union account, all while keeping your sensitive account details private.
Money sent with Zelle® is typically available to an enrolled recipient within minutes.
If you send money to someone who isn’t enrolled with Zelle®, they will receive a notification prompting them to enroll. After enrollment, the money will be sent directly to your recipient’s account, typically within minutes.
If your payment is pending, we recommend confirming that the person you sent money to has enrolled with Zelle® and that you entered the correct email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
If you’re waiting to receive money, you should check to see if you’ve received a payment notification via email or text message. If you haven’t received a payment notification, we recommend following up with the sender to confirm they entered the correct email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
Still having trouble? Please chat with us through Online Banking or call us at 605-718-1818.
If you don’t know the person, or aren’t sure you will get what you paid for (for example, items bought from an online bidding or sales site), you should not use Zelle®.
These transactions are potentially high risk (just like sending cash to a person you don’t know is high risk). Neither Black Hills Federal Credit Union nor Zelle® offers a protection program for any authorized payments made with Zelle® – for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected.
Keeping your money and information safe is a top priority for Black Hills Federal Credit Union. When you use Zelle® within our mobile app, your information is protected with the same technology we use to keep your Black Hills Federal Credit Union account safe.
If you have already enrolled with Zelle®, you do not need to take any further action. The money will be sent directly into your Black Hills Federal Credit Union account, typically within minutes1.
If you have not yet enrolled with Zelle®, follow these steps:
- Click on the link provided in the payment notification you received via email or text message.
- Select Black Hills Federal Credit Union.
- Follow the instructions provided on the page to enroll and receive your payment. Pay attention to the email address or U.S. mobile phone number where you received the payment notification - you should enroll with Zelle® using that email address or U.S. mobile phone number to ensure you receive your money.
Your email address or U.S. mobile phone number may already be enrolled with Zelle® at another bank or credit union. Call our customer support team and ask them to move your email address or U.S. mobile phone number to Black Hills Federal Credit Union so you can use it for Zelle®.
Once customer support moves your email address or U.S. mobile phone number, it will be connected to your Black Hills Federal Credit Union account so you can start sending and receiving money with Zelle® through the Black Hills Federal Credit Union mobile app. Please chat with us through online banking or call us at 605-718-1818 for help.
Zelle® is a fast, safe, and easy way to send money directly between almost any bank or credit union account in the U.S., typically within minutes1. With just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, you can send money to people you trust, regardless of where they bank1.
Zelle® is a great way to send money to friends, family and people you are familiar with such as your personal trainer, babysitter, or neighbor1.
Since money is sent directly from your Black Hills Federal Credit Union account to another person’s bank account within minutes1, Zelle® should only be used to send money to friends, family, and others you trust.
Neither Black Hills Federal Credit Union nor Zelle® offers a protection program for any authorized payments made with Zelle® – for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected.
You can send money to friends, family, and others you trust even if they have a different bank or credit union1.
Since money is sent directly from your Black Hills Federal Credit Union account to another person’s bank account within minutes1, it’s important to only send money to people you trust, and always ensure you’ve used the correct email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
Yes! They will receive an email or text message notification via the email or U.S. mobile number they used to enroll with Zelle®.
