We are committed to higher education and young adults. The AGCU scholarship program is our way of thanking our youth account members who have chosen Assemblies of God Credit Union as their financial institution.
This year, Assemblies of God Credit Union (AGCU) will award five (5) scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to graduating high school seniors who are members of AGCU and will attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school in the fall. Additionally, the Merrell Cooper & Michael Cooper Scholarship for $2,000 will be awarded. All scholarships are non-renewable.
The deadline for applications is 5:00 pm (CST) on April 10, 2026.
Do you have questions about the scholarship application or the process? Please email Janelle Carlton at jcarlton@agcu.org
Banking With A Purpose
Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose
Stay safe, stay joyful, and keep your money where it belongs!
‘Tis the season for festive lights, warm gatherings… and unfortunately, for scammers hoping to cash in on the holiday rush. Before you finish your shopping list, take a moment to protect yourself from the most common holiday scams making the rounds this year.
1. Phishing Emails & Texts
Scammers love the holidays almost as much as we do—because it gives them an excuse to send fake delivery notices, order confirmations, or even “letters from Santa” designed to steal your personal information.
What to do:
Never click unfamiliar links
Don’t download attachments from unknown senders
When in doubt, sign into the retailer’s or shipper’s website directly instead of using links
2. Fake Charities
This is the time of year when generosity shines… and sadly, when fake charities try to take advantage of it.
How to stay safe:
Verify organizations on CharityNavigator.org
Give through the charity’s official website—never through a link sent via message
Be cautious of high-pressure “donate now” tactics
3. Porch Pirates & Package Theft
With millions of packages delivered in December, thieves take advantage of boxes left unattended on porches and doorsteps.
Prevention tips:
Request a signature for high-value packages
Track your deliveries and bring them inside quickly
Consider Amazon Locker locations when sending a gift
4. Bogus Shopping Sites
That too-good-to-be-true price on a popular gift? It probably is too good to be true. Fake online stores pop up every year, collecting money—and sometimes personal data—but delivering nothing.
Think before you click:
Only shop on trusted, known websites
Watch for URL lookalikes (like amaz0n.com vs amazon.com)
Make sure the site uses https://
5. Fake Freebies & Giveaways
“Win a free iPhone!” “Claim your free cruise!” “Holiday gift basket giveaway!” Scammers use social media and text messages to promise outrageous prizes that install malware or harvest your information.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Ignore suspicious messages, and never download unfamiliar apps or files.
6. Defunct or Tampered Gift Cards
Gift cards are a popular present—but scammers often sell empty, expired, or previously used cards.
Before buying:
Inspect the card
Make sure the protective sticker and activation code are intact
When in doubt, buy directly from the retailer’s counter or website
7. Fake Seasonal Job Offers
Scammers post “job openings” on social media that lead to fake application portals designed to steal your personal information.
To avoid job scams:
Apply only through official company websites
Avoid any job that asks for upfront fees or unnecessary personal details
Never click “apply” buttons in social media ads
Stay Alert, Stay Safe, and Don’t Get Grinched!
Enjoy the season, but keep an eye out for anything that seems off. A few extra seconds of caution can protect your money and your identity.
And remember…
AGCU will never ask for your personal information by text, email, or unsolicited phone call. If you’re ever unsure, call us directly.
Contact AGCU Member Care: 📞 866-508-AGCU (2428) | Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT 📧 info@agcu.org 💻 Video Banking
The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and connection — but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for scammers. As shopping and online activity surge, so do attempts to trick consumers into sharing personal information, sending money, or clicking malicious links.
At AGCU, we want to help protect you and your family from holiday scams. Most holiday frauds are simply variations of everyday scams that take advantage of increased spending, shipping, and charitable giving. By staying alert and knowing what to look for, you can keep your information — and your holiday — safe.
🛍️ Common Holiday Scams
1. Fake Shopping Websites and “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals Scammers create websites or social media posts impersonating major brands. These “spoofing” sites advertise incredible discounts on popular gift items — but the products never arrive. Worse, they’re designed to steal your payment and personal information.
2. Phony Order Confirmations and Coupon Emails Fraudsters send realistic-looking “order confirmation” or “delivery update” emails containing malware links or fake tracking forms. Clicking these links can expose your account details to criminals.
3. Gift Card Fraud Gift cards remain a top holiday scam target. Thieves sometimes tamper with cards in stores or trick people into paying for purchases or donations with gift cards.
4. Fake Charity Appeals Scammers exploit the season of giving by impersonating charities or ministries and pressuring you to donate immediately.
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
Huge discounts on “hot” products or limited-time deals from unfamiliar websites
Spelling or formatting errors in emails or online stores
Unsolicited messages asking you to click a link, download an app, or confirm an order
High-pressure tactics urging instant donations or purchases
Any request for payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card
🧠 How to Protect Yourself
Shop safely. Type the store’s web address directly into your browser instead of clicking email or text links. Use trusted retailers and check for “https://” in the URL.
Pay smart. Use a credit card — not a debit card — when shopping online. Credit cards offer stronger protection and make it easier to dispute fraudulent charges.
Buy gift cards wisely. Purchase directly from the issuing business rather than from retail racks. Register cards when possible and use them promptly.
Stay secure online. Avoid shopping or accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi unless you use a secure VPN.
Verify before you give. If a charity pressures you to donate immediately, that’s a red flag. Legitimate organizations will let you give when you’re ready.
🔐 Smart Cybersecurity Habits for the Holidays
Use strong, unique passwords for every account, and consider a password manager.
Enable biometrics or PINs on your phone and devices to protect against theft.
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
Watch for suspicious emails or texts — don’t click unknown links or attachments.
Monitor your accounts regularly and set up alerts for new payees or unusual activity.
Keep your software and apps updated — updates often include critical security patches.
By taking small steps now, you can enjoy a safer, stress-free holiday season and protect your financial wellness all year long.
🚨 If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud or your cards are lost or stolen, contact us immediately.
Credit Cards
📞 1-800-558-3424 (24/7 assistance) Missionaries unable to dial 800 numbers may call 1-701-461-0125.
Debit Cards
If your debit card is lost or stolen, don’t wait to report it. Call us right away at 866-508-AGCU (2428)
STEP 1
Click here to file a Dispute Form or Call 833-882-0867 Use this number to call in and open a new fraud case on a closed card Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. CST Voicemail after hours and calls are returned by the next business day.
STEP 2:
ALWAYS call AGCU 866-508-2428 for a replacement card after reporting a lost or stolen card and speak with a Member Care Representative. Do not depend on email; speak to a person!
📧 Email & Text Message Safety
AGCU will never solicit you for information relating to your account in an email or over the phone.
The NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) does not have any personal information on our membership. Email posing to be from the NCUA is false and an attempt to obtain your personal financial information.
If you have moved, we may contact you to verify your current address.
If you are suspicious of an email appearing to be from AGCU, please call us to verify its validity.
Remember: The holidays should be filled with joy, not worry. Stay cautious, stay informed, and together we’ll keep “Banking with a Purpose” safe and secure.
Banking With A Purpose
Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose
Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and gratitude — but it’s also the #1 day of the year for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While you’re preparing the turkey and all the trimmings, keep your loved ones (and your home) safe with these simple precautions.
🍳 Cooking and Oven Safety
The heart of every Thanksgiving celebration is the kitchen — but it’s also where most holiday fires start.
Stay in the kitchen: Never leave food unattended when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you need to step away, turn off the stove.
Use timers: Set reminders so you don’t forget what’s cooking.
Keep flammables clear: Move dish towels, food packaging, and oven mitts at least three feet away from the stove.
Turn pot handles inward: Prevent spills and burns by keeping handles turned away from the edge.
Clean before cooking: Remove built-up grease from burners and ovens.
Keep the floor clear: Avoid tripping hazards by removing clutter or stray cords.
Quick action and the right tools can make all the difference.
Smother grease fires: Keep a lid or cookie sheet nearby. Never use water!
Handle oven fires safely: Turn off the oven and keep the door closed.
Have a fire extinguisher ready: A multipurpose (ABC-rated) extinguisher should always be within reach.
Know when to call for help: If a fire gets out of control, get everyone out and call 911.
👨👩👧👦 Keeping Your Family Safe
Small habits help prevent big problems.
Create a kid-free zone: Keep children and pets at least three feet from hot surfaces.
Avoid loose clothing: Roll up sleeves or wear fitted tops while cooking.
Lock away matches and lighters: Store them high and out of reach.
Use battery candles: Flameless candles are a beautiful, safe alternative for your table or windowsills.
🏡 Protect What Matters Most
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. That’s why having the right home insurance coverage matters. AGCU Insurance offers protection for homes, condos, and renters, along with specialized coverage for weddings, valuable items, pets, and more — because peace of mind should always be part of your celebration.
Visit AGCU Insurance or talk with an agent today to review your coverage and make sure you’re fully protected this holiday season.
Building a strong credit history takes time. That’s why it makes sense to adopt good credit habits even if you aren’t planning to apply for new loans in the near future.
To help improve your credit, make sure to pay your bills on time and try to only use a portion of the total credit available to you.
Following a budget, keeping an emergency savings, and avoiding taking on too much debt in the first place can make it easier to care for your credit.
Keeping up a solid credit history and good credit score is a bit like staying in shape—you have to work at it regularly to stay at the top of your game. If you wanted to run a marathon, you wouldn’t wait to start training until it was a month away. Similarly, you don’t want to neglect your credit until you’re about to apply for a major loan.
Understanding payment processing is essential for any modern business. From credit card transactions and debit card payments to mobile wallets, digital wallets, and online payment systems, every transaction flows through a secure network of payment gateways, processors, merchant accounts, and card networks. A strong payment processing solution ensures fast, secure transactions, reduces cart abandonment, improves cash flow, and builds customer trust. At AGCU, we help businesses navigate the complexities of merchant services, PCI DSS compliance, fraud prevention tools, tokenization, and real-time payment trends so they can serve customers with confidence. Whether you run an e-commerce store, small business, ministry, or nonprofit, having the right business payment processing solutions empowers you to accept more payments, protect sensitive data, and keep up with evolving consumer expectations.
Managing debt doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right plan, you can take control of your finances, reduce high-interest balances, and build a path toward financial freedom. Our guide, 13 Steps to Manage Debt, covers everything you need to know—from creating a realistic budget and choosing the best debt payoff strategy (snowball vs. avalanche), to consolidating loans, monitoring your credit, and building an emergency fund. Whether you’re juggling credit cards, student loans, or auto loans, these practical debt management tips will help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track. Learn how to pay down debt faster, improve your credit score, and protect your financial future with AGCU’s friendly, step-by-step advice.
Scammers are impersonating credit unions and sending fake “AGCU Alerts” text messages to trick members into giving away personal information. Learn how to spot fraudulent texts, avoid phishing links, and protect your AGCU account from identity theft. If you ever receive a suspicious message, never click links or call unknown numbers—contact AGCU directly at 866-508-AGCU or visit agcu.org
for secure account help.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. The good news? There isn’t just one type of mortgage. Understanding your options can help you find a loan that fits your budget, goals, and future plans.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, refinancing an existing mortgage, or tapping into your home’s equity, here’s a guide to some of the most common mortgage types available today. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate and principal-and-interest payment for the life of the loan.
Best For:
Homebuyers who plan to stay in their home long-term
Borrowers who prefer predictable monthly payments
Anyone wanting protection from future interest-rate increases
Because the rate stays the same, fixed-rate mortgages offer stability and make budgeting easier. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
An adjustable-rate mortgage typically starts with a lower introductory rate before adjusting periodically based on market conditions.
Best For:
Borrowers planning to move within a few years
Those expecting future income growth
Buyers comfortable with some payment variability
ARMs often provide lower initial payments, but rates may rise or fall after the introductory period ends. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Conventional Loans
Conventional mortgages are among the most common home loans and are not backed by a government agency.
These loans typically offer competitive rates and flexible property options for qualified borrowers with strong credit and stable income. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Best For:
Borrowers with good credit
Buyers with stable income
Those looking for competitive loan terms
FHA Loans
FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed to make homeownership more accessible.
These loans often allow lower down payments and more flexible credit requirements than conventional loans. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Best For:
First-time homebuyers
Borrowers with limited savings
Buyers rebuilding credit
VA Loans
VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses.
Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these loans often feature no down payment requirement and competitive interest rates. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Best For:
Eligible military members and veterans
Borrowers seeking low upfront costs
Those wanting to avoid private mortgage insurance
USDA Loans
USDA loans are designed to help eligible borrowers purchase homes in qualifying rural communities.
Depending on eligibility, these loans may offer low or no down payment options. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Refinancing
Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new loan.
Homeowners refinance for many reasons, including:
Lowering their interest rate
Reducing monthly payments
Changing loan terms
Accessing home equity
Refinancing can be a valuable tool when market conditions or financial goals change. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Home Equity Loans and HELOCs
If you’ve built equity in your home, you may be able to use it to fund major expenses such as home improvements, education costs, or debt consolidation.
Home Equity Loan
Provides a lump sum with fixed payments over a set period.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Provides a revolving line of credit that you can draw from as needed, similar to a credit card. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
How Do You Choose the Right Mortgage?
The best mortgage depends on your financial situation, goals, and how long you expect to stay in the home.
Want predictable payments? Consider a fixed-rate mortgage.
Need a lower down payment? FHA, VA, or USDA loans may help.
Planning a shorter stay? An ARM could be worth exploring.
Already own a home? Refinancing or a HELOC may provide additional flexibility.
Every borrower is different, which is why talking with an experienced mortgage professional can help you understand your options and make a confident decision. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Let’s Talk About Your Mortgage Options
Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or using your home’s equity, AGCU is here to help you find the mortgage that fits your needs.
