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Security is Our Priority

 
 

How to Keep Your Account Safe

Online banking makes managing your finances convenient, but your safety starts with you. We are committed to protecting your privacy and best interests. That’s why we’ve implemented a range of safeguards to help keep your information and account secure. We also encourage our members to stay vigilant and reach out to us with any questions or concerns about potential scams.

We've made a commitment to keep your online transactions as safe as possible. The safeguards we've put in place to protect the security, privacy, and integrity of your information during transactions include:

  • Secure firewalls to help prevent unauthorized access
  • Data encryption to help ensure your information is safe and secure
  • Around-the-clock monitoring to proactively help identify unusual member account activity and to maintain the quality of our systems.
Your accounts can only be accessed online by providing the correct login credentials and Personal Access Code (also called PAC or Access Code/Password). Keep your PAC private and do not share. Our employees never know these details and will never ask you to provide them with this information.

Tips for creating a strong password:
  • Choose a unique password which differs from other passwords you use to access other online services, such as your social media accounts or email.
  • Avoid including names, dates, or numbers which are related to your identity (ex. birthdays, family names, pets or addresses).
  • Try to use a sequence of words, numbers and symbols that you will remember, but which will be difficult for others to guess.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances the security of your online banking by requiring more than just your username and password (PAC) to login. This extra step helps protect your account from unauthorized access, even if someone has your login information.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

When you log in, MFA will prompt you to confirm your identity using a second method. This could be:

  • A code sent to your phone: You’ll receive a text or email with a code that you need to enter.
  • A fingerprint or facial recognition: Some apps allow you to use your device’s biometric features.

Why Use Multi-Factor Authentication?

  1. Increased Security: It adds an extra layer of protection, making it harder for someone to access your account.
  2. Peace of Mind: Knowing your account is safer can help you feel more secure while banking online.
  3. Protection Against Phishing: Even if you accidentally give out your password, the second step keeps your account secure.

First-Time Setup

If this is your first time logging into online banking, you’ll need to register for MFA. Just login with your username and password, and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

While it may seem inconvenient at first, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a simple way to keep your financial information safe.

Turn on your banking alerts to receive text or email notifications of important activity on your accounts. Alerts ensure you are the first to know of any suspicious activity or transactions. To turn on, log into your online banking, navigate to "Alerts" and follow the on-screen steps.

The following alerts are available:
  • Personal Access Code (PAC) or Password Changed
  • New Bill Payee Added
  • Online Banking Account Locked Out - Incorrect Personal Access Code
  • Online banking login
  • Interac e-Transfer Recipient Added
  • New Message
If your Valley Credit Union Debit Card is lost or stolen, you can immediately prevent any unauthorized transactions by using Lock’N’Block; a self-serve card lock feature which allows you to lock your Debit Card or block certain types of transactions using the Valley Credit Union Mobile App or Online Banking. When locked, all transactions are automatically declined, making fraudulent attempts to use the card online, by phone, at ATMs, or at retailers virtually impossible.

How it works:
  • Login to your online banking on a desktop/laptop, using the mobile banking app, or using your mobile device's browser
  • Select "Lock’N’Block" under "Account Services" 
  • Select the card and features you want to disable or enable
  • Be sure to save your changes
If your card is lost or stolen, after using Lock 'N' Block to block transactions, you will still need to report your card as lost and stolen by phoning 1-888-277-1043 or contacting your branch, during business hours.
In instances where we have declined a highly suspicious attempted debit card transaction, a text message alert is sent to your mobile phone number on file to notify you.

To confirm the transaction is legitimate, reply to the text message with a Y and we will respond that you are safe to continue to use your debit card. To confirm the transaction is fraud, reply to the message with an N and we will secure your account and respond with instructions to contact your branch.

Fraud alert text messages will contain details about the transaction which was flagged, including the last 4 digits of the card, dollar amount and merchant name; however, we will never request for you to reply with account or other personal information or with instructions to click on a link.

If you do not wish to receive fraud alert text messages, you can opt out of alert notifications by replying to the next message as per the included opt-out instructions. Once you opt-out, you will no longer receive text message alerts; however, we will continue to monitor, and will contact you using your preferred contact method if we suspect fraudulent activity.
International Country Blocking is a preventive security measure and added layer of fraud protection applied to your credit union debit card. Fraud incidents are monitored globally and in individual US states in real-time, with blocks being applied to countries to states considered to be high risk. Once applied, your credit union debit card cannot be used to process transactions when used in blocked countries or states.

Travel Exclusion Service
To prevent interruptions in accessing funds when travelling outside of Canada, be sure to contact us with the dates and locations of your trip.  If you're unable to contact us by visiting us in-branch or by phone, send us an email and we will contact you to verify your travel details and confirm the travel exclusion has been applied.
 

Online Security Guarantee

In the unlikely event you experience a loss resulting from an online banking transaction which you did not authorize, we offer an Online Banking Security Guarantee, provided you have met your online security responsibilities. Read more below on how we protect you and about your security responsibilities.

Encryption protects your information while it is in transit between your computer and our systems. Encryption ensures that data cannot be read or altered because the information is scrambled. Our online banking website uses a 128-SSL, which encrypts both request and response transactions through a secure connection.  To establish a secure connection, verify that the prefix of our website address in your browser reads "https" (and not simply "http"). All of the browsers we support meet this requirement. If yours doesn't, please download the appropriate encryption support from your browser's supplier.

You are automatically covered by the Online Banking Security Guarantee provided you meet your security responsibilities outlined in the member agreements you have with us.

The following documents address your responsibilities, and procedures for addressing unauthorized transactions:

  • Standard Terms and Conditions - Personal Direct Services Agreement
  • Standard Terms and Conditions - Small Business Direct Services Agreement
You play a vital role in protecting your security when using online banking on a computer, mobile device or tablet. While we implement safeguards to protect the security, privacy, and integrity of your information, there are important precautions you should take to help protect your  information and prevent loss:

  • You must maintain the care, control and confidentiality of your username(s) and passwords which you use to access your accounts. Usernames include your account number, personal image etc. Passwords include the passwords created to access your online banking, or any security questions set up as part of online banking access.
  • Ensure your browser and operating systems are up-to-date. Software updates often include fixes to keep your device more secure.
  • Avoid providing personal information online while using public WiFi, as these connections may not be secure.
  • Use anti-virus and anti-malware programs
Valley Credit Union is not responsible for losses resulting due to your failure to meet your security responsibilities. Examples of failing to meet your responsibilities include situations where you:

  • Voluntarily disclose your account number or Personal Access Code (PAC) or password.
  • Carelessly or improperly handling, storing or disclosing your account number of PAC.
  • Failing to notify us immediately in the event of the following:
    • loss, theft, misuse or compromise of your account number, personal access code, mobile device or tablet
    • if you suspect unauthorized activity has occurred in your account(s)
Be sure to check your account(s) on a regular basis to verify that you have authorized the transactions which are shown. This can be done using statements you receive online, by email or by mail. Checking your transaction information through online or mobile banking and setting up alerts are some of the best ways to help protect your account from fraud.

For more information

If you notice any suspicious activity in your account, contact your local branch right away. We’ll work with you to investigate. If you email us, please only include your contact information and a short description of the issue—do not share your account numbers or personal details. Remember, Valley Credit Union will never ask for your personal information, like passwords or card numbers. If you're unsure about any message, please reach out to your branch for help.

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Main Telephone Number: 902-538-4510 or Toll Free 1-866-990-4044
Valley Credit Union Limited 5682 Hwy 1, Waterville Nova Scotia B0P 1V0

Valley Credit Union Limited (Valley CU) is a member of the Nova Scotia Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (CUDIC), which at $250,000, provides the highest deposit insurance protection in Nova Scotia, Canada. Mortgage License #3000173

© Copyright 2025 Valley Credit Union Ltd. All rights reserved. Serving members in the Nova Scotia Western Zone or Annapolis Valley Region, including but not limited to Annapolis County, Kings County, and Hantsport in West Hants County.

® / ™ Trademarks are owned by, or use is authorized by, the Canadian Credit Union Association and Atlantic Central.

 
Transit/Branch #12633
Institution #839 
Routing #083912633 
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