Biometrics at Credit Unions

If you’ve walked into a credit union that isn’t in your home state recently, you may have noticed a new hurdle: before the teller will let you deposit cash, withdraw funds, or even update account information, you’re asked to sign up for IDCheck which requires you to scan your faceprint.

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IDCheck is already active at 5,600 credit union branches nationwide—where any transaction that takes place out of state will require enrolling in IDCheck.

Credit unions don’t own a nationwide ATM network the way big banks do. Instead, they rely on a shared‑services provider. The biggest in the United States is Velera (formerly PSCU)—they coordinate with branches and give members access to other credit unions’ machines and branches. The cooperative’s “Co‑Op” network includes over 30,000 ATMs and 5,600 shared branches across the country.

Velera and its partner credit unions want to cut down on fraud—but instead they financially geo-lock their members. If you want to conduct a teller transaction while traveling, you must submit your biometric data to a distant institution.

ATMs are still safe—for now

Automated teller machines have not yet been upgraded with fingerprint scanners, but our community reports suggest that ATMs are already outfitted with ID readers and cameras. Biometric verification could quietly be rolled out at any time. Until then, you can still use the 30,000‑plus ATMs without handing over a fingerprint.

What can you do?

If you prefer to keep your financial life free from mandatory biometric checks, consider one of the following steps:

• Stock up on cash—Having enough cash around prevents you from being forced into biometrics.
• Open an account at a local credit union—Opening a new in-state account will give you access.
• Choose a credit union on a competing network—Not all institutions belong to the Velera/Co‑Op system. Ask if your next credit union is part of Co-Op.

By diversifying where you keep your money, you retain the ability to transact anywhere without surrendering a piece of your biometric identity.

This is a segment from #TBOT Show Episode 20. Watch the full episode here.

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