Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is your Routing Number?

 Our Routing Number: 296076262

If you are setting up a Direct Deposit to your Ideal CU account, you will need our Routing Number.

Download the Direct Deposit Form

Does Ideal CU have safe deposit boxes?

Yes, Ideal CU has safe deposit boxes available for rent at our Eagan, Hugo, North St. Paul and Woodbury locations. Safe deposit box sizes and prices are as follows:

2 x 5 x 21" = $30
3 x 5 x 21" = $36
3 x 10 x 21" = $66
5 x 10 x 21" = $85
10 x 10 x 21" = $127
Drilling of lock = $220
Lost key = $38

Sizes and availability of boxes may vary by location. Call 651-770-7000 or 800-247-0857 for more information.

Why should I use Ideal Credit Union?

If you’re looking for exceptional service, quality financial solutions and people who go beyond the ordinary to meet your needs, you’ve come to the right place.  At Ideal CU we put members first and look for ways to say “yes.”

Who can join Ideal CU?

Anyone who lives, works, worships, attends schools or volunteers in Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey or Washington counties is eligible.  Those outside the six-county area are eligible by making a $5 donation to the John Miller Scholarship program.  Additional eligibility information can be found on the Membership Eligibility page.

What does Ideal CU offer?

Ideal CU offers a full line of quality financial products and services. What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service above and beyond your expectations. Ideal CU strives to make every experience a positive one and values the trust you place in us to be your financial partner.

Digital Banking & Mobile App Questions

What do I do if I forgot my password?

Go to Ideal Credit Union's Homepage and click the “Forgot Password” on the login box under where you put your credentials. On the next page you will need to agree to a brief disclosure. Click agree to continue and answer a few validation questions. You will then be asked how you would prefer your temporary password to be delivered (select either text or email). Once you receive your temporary password, continue through the process to reset your password.

What do I do if I forgot my username?

Go to Ideal Credit Union's Homepage and click the “Forgot Username” on the login box under where you put your credentials. On the next page you will need to answer a few validation questions. After you validate your credentials, continue to follow the on-screen instructions.

My account is disabled. What do I do?

If your account becomes disabled due to too many incorrect login attempts, go to Ideal Credit Union's Homepage and click the “Forgot Username” on the login box under where you put your credentials. Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your account.

Business Digital Banking Questions

Who should I contact with questions regarding enrollment and set up?

A representative will need to assist you with setting up your business digital banking account. Contact Business Services at 651-747-8900, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit any Ideal branch. Should you choose to e-mail, please do not include any sensitive account information.

Mobile Check Deposit Questions

What is Mobile Check Deposit (MCD)?

MCD is a free service that allows you to deposit checks into your eligible Ideal CU deposit account(s) electronically using the camera on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

What if I don't have Mobile Banking?

It's simple to get started. Download the app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Search for “Ideal CU Mobile Banking.” Follw the on-screen instructions to gain access to your Ideal account using the mobile app.

What devices are compatible with MCD?

Only iPhone, iPad and Android devices are compatible with MCD.

Is MCD a free service?

MCD is a free service provided you by Ideal CU. However, usage rates from your mobile carrier may apply when using Mobile Banking. Make sure you understand the terms of your mobile agreement before using the app.

How do I access MCD?

Access MCD within the Ideal Mobile Banking App.

Who can use MCD?

To be eligible to use Mobile Check Deposit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Ideal Mobile Banking App and:

1. Have an iPhone, iPad or Android device.
2. Download the most recent version of the Ideal CU Mobile Banking App.
3. Have an active Ideal CU eligible deposit account.
4. Be enrolled in Ideal CU Digital Banking.
5. List your current email address within Digital Banking.
6. Be in good standing with Ideal CU.

If you attempt to use MCD and receive a message instructing you to contact the credit union, you may be ineligible. Please call 651-770-7000 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will assist you in determining your eligibility. You can also view full eligibility requirements from within the Ideal CU Mobile Banking App.

Can Business accounts use MCD?

Yes, MCD is available for eligible Ideal Business accounts.

How do I endorse a check submitted using MCD?

Checks must be properly endorsed by all payees, noting “MCD” on the front of the check and "For MCD Only" below the endorsement(s) on the back of the check (see example below).



NOTE: Checks made payable to multiple payees!
Checks made payable to multiple payees will only be accepted if all payees are joint on the eligible deposit account. If the check is payable to both you and a joint owner, either party can endorse.

What types of checks does MCD accept?

Acceptable check types made payable to you and/or joint owners include personal checks, business checks, or cashiers checks drawn on a financial institution located within the U.S.

What types of checks does MCD NOT accept?

1. Foreign Checks/Foreign Currency 
2. Savings Bonds 
3. Altered checks 
4. Second party checks 
5. Stale-dated checks (date issued extends six or more months prior to the date of deposit)
6. Post-dated checks (date issued is a future date from the date of deposit)
7. Checks made out incompletely or incorrectly
8. Non-negotiable items
9. Damaged checks
10. Non-legible checks 

How do I take a picture of the check?

To take a picture of your check, place it on a flat, non-shiny surface. Make sure your environment is brightly lit and your check is not under direct sunlight. Hold the camera directly over the check and use the borders to properly zoom and scale until the check is in full view.

NOTE: The picture should only include the image of the check. (Make sure other checks, books, keys, change or shiny items are not in the picture. Reflections, glare and blurring may also result in your deposit being rejected).

Is there a limit on how much I can deposit?

You can deposit up to $2,500 daily into eligible Ideal CU deposit accounts. You can apply to increase your daily limits by contacting the credit union at 651-770-7000 or 800-247-0857.

Can I deposit more than one check at a time?

Yes, multiple check items can be deposited in one session as long as they do not exceed the daily deposit limit.

How do I verify that a check has been accepted?

You will receive an on-screen confirmation immediately after submitting your check deposit. This only confirms that you have submitted a deposit and does not guarantee availability of funds in your account. All MCD deposits are subject to physical review and deposits may be adjusted or rejected based on the check’s content and accuracy. All deposits must meet our deposit criteria.

What do I do if I get an image error message?

Retake the picture as directed.

Will my check deposit be available immediately for use?

Deposited funds will typically be available by the following times:

• Deposits made before 3:30 p.m. (CST) Mon - Fri will be posted to your account by 6:00 p.m. that same day.
• Deposits made after 3:30 p.m. (CST) Mon- Fri will be posted to your account the next business day.
• Deposits made on weekends or holidays will be posted to your account the next business day.

If I entered an incorrect amount for a deposited check, should I re-deposit the check?

No. A check can only be deposited into MCD once. Entries with an incorrect check amount will be reviewed, adjusted and credited for the correct amount of the check. However, if you see a discrepancy in the deposit posted, please contact Ideal CU at 651-770-7000 or 800-247-0857.

Why is a deposit I made still not showing in my available funds?

Your deposit may be subject to a hold. Some checks may be subject to a hold (see our Funds Availability Policy).
Your deposit may have been rejected. Deposits may be rejected for several reasons. Review the following common reasons deposits are rejected:

1. Incorrect endorsement (see MCD Endorsement Guidelines).
2. Payee or payees not present on deposit account: All payees listed on your check must be an owner or joint owner of the deposit account.
3. Check is stale/post-dated: Make sure the check you are depositing includes the date the check was issued. Your check is stale-dated and will be rejected if the date issued extends six or more months prior to the date of deposit. If this occurs you will need to request a new check be issued to you. Your check is post-dated and will be rejected if the date issued is a future date from the date of deposit.

An Ideal Representative will email you if your deposit is rejected.

Your deposit may still be pending. Deposited funds will typically be available by the following times:

• Deposits made before 3:30 p.m. (CST) Mon - Fri will be posted to your account by 6:00 p.m. that same day.
• Deposits made after 3:30 p.m. (CST) Mon- Fri will be posted to your account the next business day.
• Deposits made on weekends or holidays will be posted to your account the next business day.

Please retain your deposited check for 14 days before securely disposing it.

What should I do with my check after using MCD?

Retain your check for 14 days after it has cleared your account. After 14 days, it is a best practice to shred the check. DO NOT mail the check to Ideal CU. (We suggest after depositing a check, put a note on the front corner of the check with the date and MCD, to prevent accidentally trying to deposit the check more than once.)

How long can I view my transaction history?

Uploaded deposit information can be viewed the Mobile Banking app for 90 days, and all approved deposits will in Online and Mobile Banking transactions history.

VIP+ Program Questions

How will I know if I am getting a Special Dividend?

All members who will receive a Special Dividend/s will be notified through email (if we have a current address on file) and in monthly statements.

When will I receive my Special Dividends?

VIP Patronage Dividend, Loan Rebates and Deposit Bonuses will be paid to qualifying members in mid to late January of each year.

How will I receive my Special Dividends?

Special Dividends will be deposited directly into the member’s Share Savings account (S1).

Why are dividends being paid into Share Savings?

Share Savings is the one account type that all members have in common.

How can I calculate my Special Dividends?

Review the VIP+ Member Program page to help get an idea of what dividends you qualify for and the respective amounts. See qualification guide and VIP+ payout information.

Is a Loan Rebate Dividend or Deposit Bonus Dividend reportable on my taxes?

Yes. Loan Rebate Dividends and Deposit Bonus Dividends are reportable on IRS Form 1099 INT for the year the dividends are awarded.

I have more than one membership account. Will Ideal CU count all of the loans and deposits I have?

Yes.

I’m a VIP; why didn’t I receive a dividend?

To be eligible for either the deposit dividend or loan rebate, you are required to meet the criteria for each. See eligibility.

When is VIP+ status determined?

VIP+ status is determined at the beginning of January. Once a member is determined to be VIP+, they will remain VIP+ for the remainder of the year.

Why are VIP+ members only determined annually?

We want members to be able to enjoy the benefits of being VIP+ for a sustained period of time, while ensuring that it is easy to explain and understand. Shortening the time period would mean that members could fall in and out of the program. Likewise, the behind-the-scenes complexity of the program makes an annual program much more favorable.

Is the dividend paid at the same time every year?

While annual member Special Dividends are not guaranteed, it is our objective to reward members annually in January.

How can I ensure that I get a dividend again?

Dividends aren’t actually guaranteed each year and will be determined by the overall financial performance of the credit union at the end of each year. However, we would like to continue offering our members a dividend each year. In order for Ideal CU to continue a patronage dividend, a member must maintain two or more loan types or two or more deposit types, to help increase your chances of receiving a dividend in the future.

Once VIP+, will I always be VIP+?

Once you have been determined to be VIP+, you will remain a VIP+ for the rest of the calendar year. Each January, we will recalculate VIP+ status based on the number of withdrawals done from your checking account over the course of the year.

Do I have to do at least 12 withdrawals every month to remain a VIP?

No, once you have been qualify as a VIP by completing 144 checking withdrawal transactions, you remain a VIP for the entire year.

Which withdrawals count? Is it only debit card purchases?

Most withdrawal transactions count, including debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, checks, automatic payments (ACH) and transfers based on our transaction code data.

Where is the dividend money coming from? Who is paying for it?

The Special Dividends come from a portion of our net earnings. Net earnings are the money left over after we’ve covered our operating expenses, regular member dividends, deposit interest and reserve requirements.

Does my signature loan count toward the Loan Rebate Dividend?

Your Signature Loan does not count as a loan type toward your eligibility for the Loan Rate Dividend. However, it does factor into the total interest paid when determining how much your Loan Rebate Dividend will be if you qualify. Do

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) count towards the Deposit Bonus Dividend?

CDs do not count as a deposit account toward your eligibility for the Deposit Bonus Dividend. However, it does factor into the average balance when determining how much your Deposit Bonus Dividend will be if you qualify.

I co-signed on a loan. Which one of us gets the credit toward a Loan Rebate Dividend?

The primary borrower will be credited toward the Loan Rebate Dividend if they meet all of the criteria for earning the dividend.

My spouse and I each have a checking account and are VIP+. We also have a mortgage and an auto loan, but we didn’t receive a dividend. Why not?

Dividends are determined by each individual account, not by household. Two of the qualifying loan types per individual account are required to be eligible for a Loan Rebate Dividend.

Do my business accounts qualify?

No. Business Accounts, Custodial Accounts, and Trust Accounts are not eligible. Business checking is not factored into VIP eligibility. Likewise, business deposits and loans are not considered as part of either dividend qualification or Special Dividends.

Does my Health Savings Account (HSA) count toward the Deposit Bonus Dividend?

Your Health Savings Account counts toward your eligibility for the dividend and factors into determining how much your Deposit Bonus Dividend will be.

How is average balance is calculated?

Deposit Bonus Dividends are based upon a member’s year-end average daily balance. This is calculated as the average of the month-end average daily balances of all deposit accounts (non-business) listed under a single membership number for the calendar year. This may vary slightly –although insignificantly – from a true average daily balance because not every month has the same number of days. Any variance between the two is neutralized by our tiered Special Dividend model.

What is a member in good standing?

A member in good standing is any member who has at least $1.00 deposited in their Share Savings account; it is your ownership share in our financial cooperative. In addition to being a member in good standing, in order to receive a dividend a member must also not have any loan charge offs or delinquencies.

As a result of the $500,000 Special Dividend, are there going to be any increases to loan rates or decreases to deposit rates?

No. Ideal CU planned for this Special Dividend as part of the annual budget, so it will not affect the pricing of other products.

Will a HELOC count as one of the two loan types if there is no outstanding balance on the account?

Yes. HELOCs and Visa Credit cards count whether they have a balance or not. Because they are lines of credit that you keep open and use as needed, simply having the product is important to us.

Will a Visa count as one of the two loan types if there is no outstanding balance on the account?

Yes. Visa Credit cards and HELOCs count whether they have a balance or not. Because they are lines of credit that you keep open and use as needed, simply having the product is important to us.