Yes, you can make payments directly from your Chartway checking account

Chartway Federal Credit Union lets you pay bills and send money to people using your checking account through several methods. You can pay online through their website or mobile app, set up automatic payments to companies you pay regularly, write checks, use your debit card, or transfer money to another person's account. The method you choose depends on who you're paying and how quickly the payment needs to arrive.

The most common way is through Chartway's online banking portal or mobile app, where you can see your account balance in real time and schedule payments for a future date if you want. This is useful if you get paid on a certain day and want the payment to go out after your paycheck arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Chartway's online banking and mobile app let you pay bills and transfer money to other people directly from your checking account.
  • You can schedule payments in advance, which is helpful if you want the money to leave your account on a specific date.
  • Automatic payments work for bills you pay the same amount to every month, like rent or insurance.
  • Checks, debit cards, and transfers to other Chartway members are also payment options tied to your checking account.
  • Chartway's customer service can walk you through setting up any payment method if you're unsure which one to use.

Paying bills online through Chartway's website or app

Log into your Chartway account on their website or open the Chartway mobile app on your phone. Look for a section labeled "Pay Bills," "Payments," or "Transfer Money" — the exact name varies depending on which platform you're using. You'll enter the company or person you want to pay, the amount, and the date you want the payment to leave your account.

Chartway will then send the payment on your behalf. For bills to large companies (utilities, credit card companies, insurance), the payment usually arrives within one to three business days. For payments to individuals or smaller businesses, it may take longer depending on how that business receives payments. You can check the status of any payment you've sent by looking at your recent transactions in the app or on the website.

Setting up automatic payments for bills you pay every month

If you pay the same bill every month — rent, a car loan, an insurance premium — you can set up an automatic payment so the money leaves your checking account on the same day each month without you having to do anything. This reduces the chance you'll forget and miss a payment date.

To set this up, go to the payments section of your Chartway account and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." You'll provide the company's name, your account number with them, the amount, and the day of the month you want it to go out. Once it's set up, the payment happens automatically every month. You can change or cancel it anytime by logging back in, though you should do this before the payment date if you want to stop that month's payment.

Transferring money to another person's Chartway account

If you want to send money to someone else who also banks at Chartway, you can transfer it directly from your checking account to theirs. This is usually the fastest way to move money between people at the same credit union — it often happens within minutes or a few hours.

In your online banking or app, look for "Transfer Funds" or "Send Money to Another Member." You'll enter the other person's name or member number, the amount, and confirm. The money moves from your checking account to theirs. This method works only if both people bank at Chartway; if you need to send money to someone at a different bank, you'll use the bill pay feature instead.

Using your debit card or checks to spend from your checking account

Your Chartway checking account comes with a debit card and a checkbook. Both are tied directly to your checking account balance. When you swipe your debit card at a store or online, the money comes out of your checking account right away (or within a day or two, depending on the merchant). When you write a check and give it to someone, they deposit it at their bank, and the money leaves your account a few days later.

Debit cards are faster and more convenient for everyday purchases. Checks are useful for payments where the other person prefers a check — landlords, some utilities, and contractors often ask for checks. You can order more checks from Chartway if you run out, though there may be a small fee.

What happens if you don't have enough money in your account when a payment is due

If a payment is scheduled to leave your checking account but you don't have enough money, Chartway may decline the payment and charge you a fee. This is called an overdraft or a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee. The payment won't go through, so the company or person you were trying to pay won't receive it, and you may face a late fee from them as well.

To avoid this, check your balance before scheduling a payment, or set up a transfer from savings to checking a day or two before a large payment is due. Some Chartway accounts include overdraft protection, which automatically transfers money from your savings account if your checking account runs short — ask your branch whether your account has this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a payment to reach a company after I send it from Chartway?

Payments to large companies usually arrive within one to three business days. Payments to individuals or smaller businesses may take longer. When you schedule a payment, Chartway will show you an estimated delivery date. You can also check the status in your transaction history.

Can I cancel a payment after I've sent it?

It depends on when you cancel. If the payment hasn't been processed yet, you can usually cancel it through your online banking or app. Once it's been sent, you cannot cancel it — you would need to contact the company or person who received it and ask for a refund. For automatic payments, you can cancel before the next scheduled date.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer or pay in one day?

Chartway may have daily or monthly limits on transfers and payments, depending on your account type and how long you've been a member. Log into your account or call Chartway to find out what your limits are. You can often request a higher limit if you need one.

What's the difference between a debit card payment and an online bill payment?

A debit card payment happens at a store or website in real time — the money leaves your account right away. An online bill payment is sent through Chartway's system and takes a few days to arrive. Use your debit card for everyday purchases and bill pay for monthly bills where you have a few days before the due date.

Do I need a separate app to make payments, or can I do it through regular online banking?

You can make payments through either Chartway's website or their mobile app — both have the same payment features. Choose whichever is easier for you. The mobile app is convenient if you're on your phone; the website works well if you're at a computer.