Your Alternatives Visa® Debit Card gives you direct access to your money — when and where you need it.

Here’s everything you need to get started, stay protected, and get help fast if something goes wrong.

Getting Started

Your card will arrive by mail within 7 – 10 business days.

Once it arrives, you’ll need to set a PIN (Personal Identification Number) — a 4-digit code you’ll use to make purchases and access ATMs.

To set your PIN, call us: 📞 877.273.2328

How Your Card Works

Your debit card draws directly from your checking account — it is not a credit card or a line of credit. Here are a few things that will help you use it with confidence:

Check your transaction history, not just your balance. ATM and online balances may not show recent or pending transactions. To know what’s truly available, review your full transaction history in Digital Banking.

Watch your account balance before you spend. If you spend more than what’s available in your account, you may be charged an overdraft fee. Funds in your savings account will not automatically move to cover the difference unless you have a line of credit set up to do this.

Deposits aren’t always instant. Money you deposit may not be available to your debit card right away. If you’re counting on a recent deposit, allow time for it to fully process before making purchases.

Stop payments don’t apply to debit card transactions. Unlike a check, we cannot stop a debit card transaction once it has been processed.

Before You Travel

Planning a trip? Let us know before you go — whether you’re heading across the state or out of the country. A quick heads-up helps us make sure your card keeps working without interruption.

📞 Call us at 877.273.2328 or send a message through Online Banking.

Protect Your Card

A few simple habits go a long way:

• Keep your card and PIN in a safe place — never share your PIN with anyone
• Turn on account alerts in Online Banking so you know when your card is used
• Review your transactions regularly
• Let us know before you travel
• Contact us right away if your card is lost, stolen, or misplaced

Get Help When You Need It

We’re here — during business hours and after.

Set Your PIN

Call: 877.273.2328

General Support & Card Activation

Lost/Stolen Card:

Call right away — any time of day or night.

The sooner you report it, the sooner we can protect your account.

Fraud Detection

If you receive an alert about suspicious activity or think your card may have been used without your permission, call right away.

Dispute a Transaction

If you see a charge you don’t recognize, follow these two steps:

Step 1 — Cancel or reorder your card:

Step 2 — Start your claim: After your card has been canceled or reordered, call the claim initiation line: 📞 866.279.1399

Both steps are required to complete a dispute.

Questions? We’re always glad to help. 📞 877.273.2328 | info@alternative.org | message us in Online Banking