Find the Answers You Need, Fast and Easy
Whether you’re an investor, loan customer or considering joining us, we know questions come up from time to time. We’ve gathered the most common questions here to help you get the answers you need quickly. We believe getting the information you need should be fast and easy, so you can feel confident and make informed decisions.
If you don’t see your question listed, we’re always here to help — contact us today.
MyAccount
What is MyAccount?
MyAccount is a secure online service, allowing investors and borrowers quick access to their LCEF investment and loan information. Besides viewing balances, account history and accessing eStatements, users may:
• Make internal and external transfers
• Reorder checks
• View check images
• Make one-time and recurring payments through the Bill Payment option. (personal users only; must have an All Access Account or Church Worker StewardAccount)
• Inform us of address changes (personal users only)
• Contact us via secure email
• View balance of IRA and HSA investments in MyAccount
Why am I having trouble logging on to MyAccount?
Your password is case-sensitive, so please check your Caps Lock key. Occasionally, the MyAccount system is being updated and will be unavailable; however, these periods are brief. Try to log in again in a little while.
Personal users: Have you enrolled in MyAccount? If not, enroll today. If you have already enrolled and are still experiencing issues, please call Customer Relations at 800-843-5233 for assistance.
Organization/Business users: Have you completed a MyAccount application and received a MyAccount username and password? If not, complete the Organization Application (PDF) to apply for access.
Why aren’t all of my accounts listed?
Personal users: Every effort is made to add new accounts. However, if you are missing an account, contact us at 800-843-5233, and we will update your access.
Business/Organization users: We require a MyAccount application (PDF) to be completed for each account that is added to MyAccount. The application must be signed by an elected officer or partner of your business or organization, approving the account’s placement on MyAccount. New loan accounts will be added automatically for each existing user of your organization.
What are the acceptable browsers to access MyAccount?
How do I enroll in Bill Payment?
Bill payment is not available to churches, schools or organizations
Who is eligible to use Bill Payment?
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Minor/Custodian Accounts
• StewardAccounts with a multiple-signer restriction
Is there a limit to how many payments can be made through Bill Payment?
Who qualifies as an officer for the purpose of completing LCEF documents?
Documents requiring an officer’s authorization may be completed by any officer who was duly elected by the organization or business they represent. If requested, they can provide proof of their election through meeting minutes or other legally binding paperwork.
Investments
How do I get more information regarding the beneficiary designation on my investment?
You may complete a Beneficiary Designation Form (PDF) at any time to add or change a beneficiary. For jointly held investments, we require the signature of all owners to process the request.
Important: To ensure the accuracy of our records, a newly executed Beneficiary Designation Form replaces, in its entirety, all prior beneficiary forms. The beneficiaries named on the most current form will be the only beneficiaries recognized by LCEF.
How do I change the ownership of my investment?
Please fill out the Investment Amendment Form or contact us at 800-843-5233 to discuss your request and obtain the necessary forms to complete the modification.
How do I make a partial or full redemption from my LCEF investment?
All Access Account, Young Investors StewardAccount® and Church Worker StewardAccount holders have the ability to write checks or may have access to their funds via the debit card.
Term Notes: Redemption of a term note prior to the maturity date may be subject to an early withdrawal penalty, which could result in the loss of principal.
How can I add to an investment?
How do I report a lost or stolen Visa debit card?
If your Visa debit card is lost or stolen, please call the UMB Card Center at 800-449-9176.
Opening an Investment Account
How do I set up an automatic deposit to my account?
For accounts that accept deposits, recurring automatic deposits are available by completing an Investment ACH Authorization Form. Instructions are included on the form.
MyAccount users may establish one-time and recurring transfers between eligible accounts by using the “Money Movement” feature.
How do I fund my new account when I apply for an account online?
Mail a Check: On the final page, you will receive mailing instructions for sending your check to LCEF to fund your new investment account. The mailing instructions are also included in the new account confirmation email.
ACH or Wire: On the final page, you will be given instructions for transferring funds by ACH or wire transfer to your new LCEF account. Please contact your financial institution to initiate the transfer option you selected.
Existing LCEF Account: If you have an eligible LCEF account and would like to transfer funds to open your new account, call us at 800-843-5233 after you complete your online session.
What is FATCA?
What is a U.S. person?
A U.S. person means any United States citizen or immigrant admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
Young Investors
Can I get a debit card for my child?
The custodian on a Y.I. StewardAccount may grant permission for a minor 16 years and older to receive a debit card in their name. Please fill out the Debit Card Form for Minors form and email or mail back to LCEF.
Where can I find the form to submit my Young Investor’s grades and service hour extra credit?
Please submit your grades and service hours through our online form. The form accepts submissions from May 1 to August 31 each year.
How old does my Young Investor need to be to receive grade and service hour extra credit?
Young investors who are 7-18 years old may receive extra credit.
Can my Young Investor receive extra credit if they are homeschooled?
Yes, LCEF is proud to recognize the accomplishments of all our student investors. Please submit a report card or equivalent document that reflects the academic performance of your Young Investor over the course of the school year.
How much extra credit can my Young Investor earn?
Young Investors may earn a maximum of $25 per year for good grades – $1 per A per quarter, trimester or semester. Additionally, Young Investors may also earn $25 per year for completing 10+ hours of service. When Young Investors take full advantage of the extra credit opportunities, they have the potential to earn up to $50.
Can I submit grade and service hour credits for past academic years?
LCEF can only award your Young Investor for grades and service completed in the most recent academic year/summer. We do not accept submissions for missed years.
What is the Take Heart Scholarship? When can I apply?
The Take Heart Scholarship was developed for high school seniors who will soon advance to the next level of higher education. Applications typically open in February of each year. Applicants must be YI StewardAccount holders.
Church Worker Loan Pool Investors
I have an investment with LCEF. Can I transfer those funds to the Church Worker Loan Pool?
Will there be a penalty if I transfer funds from another LCEF account to my Church Worker Loan Pool account?
Will there be a penalty for taking money out of this investment early?
5-year: 180 days of interest
8-year: 365 days of interest
10-year: 365 days of interest
Can I make a gift contribution instead of investing?
Yes, you may give online or mail a check to LCEF. Please address your envelope with Attn: Gift Development and on the Memo line on your check, please note Church Worker Loan Pool. Your contribution to the pool will help to provide a source of funding for church worker loans. Since LCEF is a Section 501(c)3 organization under the Internal Revenue Code, your contribution may be tax deductible depending on your circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the taxability of your donation.
Will I be required to pay taxes on the interest earned?
What happens to my investment if LCEF stops the RCW loan program?
If LCEF discontinues the type of loan for which a Special-Purpose Note has been issued, then from and after the date of such discontinuance, such Note will no longer be treated as a Special-Purpose Note, and the interest rate on such Note will convert to the then-current interest rate that would otherwise be applicable to such Note if it had not been issued as a Special-Purpose Note.
Church Worker Loan Pool Rostered Church Workers
When will you start making loans from the Church Worker Loan Pool?
We aim to raise $50 million to start, which would be impactful.
What loan products will be available through this loan pool?
• Residential mortgage loans
• Home equity loans
• Debt consolidation loans
• Education consolidation loans
What will the loan interest rate be?
Interest rates are determined by several factors including credit score, down payment and loan type. Visit the RCW Mortgage webpage for current rates and product types.
How long will the loans have a fixed rate?
LCEF offers fixed-rate terms for up to 30 years.
Can I refinance my current home mortgage with this loan product?
If your loan is with another lender, LCEF gladly accepts your refinance request. LCEF is only able to offer mortgage loans to LCMS Rostered Church Workers. View our map for details about your state for the Rostered Church Worker mortgage loan program in which you are looking to purchase or refinance in.
Will the Lutheran Federal Credit Union offer the same low-interest rate?
Yes. The Lutheran Federal Credit Union offers the same church worker mortgage loan program terms and rates. See this map for loans available in your state.
Note: While together LCEF and LutheranFCU support the mission and ministry of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod, they are independent organizations and not affiliated with each other.
Lutheran Federal Credit Union: 10733 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 406, St. Louis, MO 63127-1020.
Phone number: 314-394-2790. Website: Lutheranfcu.org. (NMLS# 1301052)
Banking System Update
Can I make a loan payment or principal payment from my external account?
Yes, you can make either a regular loan payment or principal only payment using your external
bank account. Please note that an external transfer may take up to three days to reflect on your
loan.
What are the new options for closing my account?
Funds can be wired (please see our fee schedule for fee), you can receive a check or you may
transfer the funds into another LCEF investment if it accepts deposits.
Why do my documents look different?
Due to format changes, receipts, maturity notices, checks, statements and loan notices have
changed.
You may notice that your monthly billing notice no longer includes a green return envelope.
Please remit payment through the mail to the address on the notice (LCEF, PO Box 870991,
Kansas City MO 64187-0991).
Will I receive receipts for my deposits?
In an effort to be good stewards with the funds we have invested, LCEF will discontinue mailing
receipts on deposits. Monthly statements are provided for All Access Accounts and accounts that
receive an electronic deposit. To see a daily transaction history on your investment, please login or enroll in MyAccount, LCEF’s online banking platform.
Congregation/School/Organization Loan Interest
How do I set up my loan for automatic ACH payments?
How can I view the split between interest and principal for my loan?
You may view this on MyAccount one business day after you’ve made a payment or on your next printed billing notice
How do I sign up for MyAccount to view my loan information online?
Download and complete the organization application for MyAccount access. Then, scan and email it to our Customer Relations team at request@lcef.org or mail it in to LCEF:
Lutheran Church Extension Fund
PO Box 229009
St. Louis, MO 63122-9009