About Your Card
Accepted at millions of locations worldwide, Debit Mastercard is the safe, easy way to pay in stores, online, and by phone. It provides the same zero liability protection on unauthorized purchases as credit cards. And because it accesses the funds in your share draft account in real time, you won’t affect your credit score, incur interest, or accumulate debt. It also doubles as your ATM card.
A host of free features makes your Bulldog Debit Mastercard the most powerful card in your wallet, including: free alerts, free cell phone insurance, free ID theft protection, and access to the nation’s largest credit union-owned surcharge-free ATM network. To learn more about each of these features, click the tabs above.
Important Numbers
NEW Daily limits: $2500 point-of-sale (purchases) + $500 ATM withdrawals ($3000 combined)
Limits are per card and reset daily at 3:00 pm Eastern.
Report a lost/stolen card: 1-866-559-4805 (after hours)
Activate a new card & choose/change a PIN: 1-866-985-2273
Guidelines for new cards
- Activate it AND set a PIN. Cardholders must call the toll-free number on the sticker from the phone we have on record for you. Press 1 when the system prompts you to select or change a PIN. You may choose the same PIN you have on your current debit card.
- Sign your new card and destroy your old card.
- If you have automatic or recurring payments on your debit card, update those merchants with your new card information to ensure continuous service. If either your card number or your expiration date are different, you MUST update those merchants ASAP.
Instant Issue Cards
In a hurry for a new card? Request one weekdays before 3:00 p.m. and pick it up at any branch the next business day (in most cases). Then call from your home phone to activate it and select a PIN. You can change your PIN at any time by calling the activation number. If your card has a new number and you had recurring or automatic payments set up on your old debit card, contact those merchants with your new card number and expiration date to ensure continuous service. Apply for your new card now!
Breaches/Compromised Cards
If we’re notified that your card may have been compromised as part of security breach at a U.S. merchant network, we will notify you by letter and immediately order a new Debit Mastercard to replace your compromised card. Your new card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, activate it and select a new PIN immediately. To ensure the safety of the funds in your account, we will shut down your compromised card. Refer to the letter you receive for the date your old card will be deactivated. If you have automatic debits set up on your old card, be sure to contact those merchants and provide them with your new card information to ensure continuous service. Review your debit card transactions closely and report any unusual or unauthorized activity immediately by calling (301)797-6318 extensions 3117 or 3125. Get more information regarding compromised debit cards. (PDF-new window/tab)
Free Alerts
Help to protect your account from fraud by signing up for free debit card alerts. Choose the alerts you want to receive and how you want to receive them (e-mail or text message). Set alerts based on:
- International transactions
- Spending limits
- Transaction types: in store, online, mail/phone, autopay/recurring, ATM, and other
Select one or set them all for greater peace of mind. You can change your preferences at any time. Register your debit card for free consumer alerts. Use the “Register Now” button the first time you access the site after January 25, 2023 (previous users will need to reregister after 1/25/23). View FAQs (PDF-new window/tab).
Free Cell Insurance
Get free cell phone insurance* when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Debit Mastercard. If your cell phone is stolen or damaged, you’re covered up to $300 per claim, $500 per year† (subject to a $50 deductible per claim) when you pay your cell phone bill with your Debit Mastercard. It covers theft and damage from drops and spills for all the lines listed on your monthly billing statement. Coverage starts on the first day of the month following the payment of your cell phone bill with your Debit Mastercard.
*The insurance offered is not a deposit and is not federally insured by NCUA. The insurance is not guaranteed by the credit union nor an obligation of the credit union. The insurance may lose value.
†Subject to $50 deductible per claim. Max. benefit: $300 per claim, $500 per 12-month period, 2 claims per 12-month period. Available only when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your BFCU Debit MasterCard. You will receive no more than the value of the original phone or a replacement phone with similar features and functionality, less a $50 deductible. Protection covers all lines listed on your provider’s monthly statement. Cellular phones that are stolen or damaged are protected. Does not cover cellular phones that are lost or phones that are received as part of a pre-paid plan. Coverage begins the first day of the calendar month following your first cellular telephone billing on your BFCU Debit MasterCard, and ends the first day of the calendar month following nonpayment of your monthly cellular telephone bill on your BFCU Debit MasterCard. Items excluded from coverage include: accessories other than the standard battery and/or antenna provided by the manufacturer; cell phones that are lost or mysteriously disappear; cell phones that are stolen from a construction site; cosmetic damage that does not impact the phone’s ability to make or receive calls; damage or theft resulting from abuse, intentional acts, fraud, and normal wear and tear. Coverage is excess of any other applicable insurance or indemnity you have. For a complete list of coverage and exclusions, and for information on filing a claim, review the Mastercard Debit Card Cellular Telephone Insurance Terms and Conditions (PDF-new window/tab).
Free ID Theft Protection
Enjoy powerful, 24/7 enhanced identity theft protection at no extra charge. Mastercard® ID Theft Protection™ proactively monitors millions of data points and scours the deepest corners of the Internet searching for compromised credentials and fraud. You’ll receive alerts if they detect high risk transactions, compromised credentials, or Black Market activity related to your personal information.
In addition, Mastercard uses VantageScore® 3.0 to monitor your credit profile at TransUnion® to look for changes that could indicate potential fraud such as new credit inquiries, an address change, or a new credit account opened in your name. Developed by the three major credit bureaus, VantageScore® 3.0 scores up to 35 million more adults than other scoring models, providing you with a numerical score that’s a good reference point for your current credit standing.
You can monitor your identity risk level, track your credit profile and respond to alerts all from an easy-to-use online dashboard. Plus, you’ll receive a monthly identity risk status email that gives you a quick and convenient snapshot of your current risk level. Should an incident occur, certified, white-glove resolution specialists are available 24/7 to help you report your incident to law enforcement and forward the report to creditors. And they’ll notify the appropriate bank or agency to cancel or replace stolen or missing items such as a credit/debit card, driver’s license, Social Security card, or passport.
Enjoy peace of mind. Activate your free ID theft protection benefits on your Bulldog Debit Mastercard now.
Co-Op ATM Network
Access the nation’s largest credit union-owned, surcharge-free* ATM network with nearly 30,000 ATMs conveniently located where you live, work and travel…in all 50 states and 10 countries. Larger than any bank network in the country, the CO-OP network includes ATMs in popular retail locations such as Sheetz, 7-Eleven, Costco and Publix, as well as ATMs in 2000 other credit unions in the network. Surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs accept both ATM and debit cards, and more than 7500 accept deposits.
CO-OP ATMs are easy to find:
- WEB: Online at co-opatm.org.
- APP: Free for iPhone and Android devices. ATMs pop up automatically near you or any address you choose.
- TEXT: Text a zip code to 91989.
- PHONE: Call 1-888-748-3266.
Whether you’re on the road or just running around town, look for a CO-OP surcharge-free ATM near you and save.
*While participating credit unions do not charge for using their networked ATMs, you will still be charged a $1.50 foreign ATM fee.
Dispute FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Dispute?
We must receive your signed dispute form and all supporting documentation within 120 calendar days of the transaction date. This is a rule of our card issuer. After we submit your dispute to our card processor, it could take several months for your dispute to be resolved.
How Can I Get a Dispute Form?
Stop by any BFCU branch to complete a dispute form, or call (301)797-6318 to receive a secure electronic document.
Fraudulent vs. Non-Fraudulent Transactions: What’s The Difference?
A transaction is non-fraudulent when you provide your card information to a merchant, but you believe there is an error, or you have a concern about the goods or services you purchased. Examples include being charged after you cancel a service, not receiving the items you ordered, or being charged twice for one purchase.
A transaction is fraudulent when you did not authorize a transaction on your account, you did not provide your card information to the merchant, and you did not receive any goods or services from the merchant.
What Happens to my Account When I File a Dispute?
If the dispute is for a fraudulent transaction, we will close your debit card as soon as possible to prevent further fraud. We will issue you a new debit card with a new card number.
If you receive a refund from the merchant for the disputed transaction or your dispute is denied by Mastercard, we may reverse any provisional credit we provided to you.
What Do I Need to Know Before I File a Dispute for a Non-Fraudulent Transaction?
For ALL non-fraudulent transaction disputes, you must contact the merchant first to see if they can resolve your concern before you can file a dispute. This is a requirement of our card issuer. If you need to file a dispute, we need copies of all documentation you have to support your claim (receipts, emails, tracking numbers, online chat screenshots, etc.).
- If the merchant is unable to assist you, you can dispute the transaction with us. Be ready to provide copies of all documentation you have.
- If the merchant offers a refund, they have 30 days to process the refund. You can file a dispute if it has been more than 30 days and you still do not have your refund. Keep any confirmation of the promised refund and be ready to provide a copy to us.
- If you receive merchandise and would like your money back, you must follow the merchant’s return policy. Once they receive your return, the merchant has 30 calendar days to refund your money. You can file a dispute if it has been more than 30 calendar days since the merchant received your return and you don’t have your refund. Keep a copy of your return package’s tracking number and the address you sent it to and be ready to provide a copy to us.
- If you used PayPal for a purchase at an online merchant, log into your PayPal account and dispute the transaction with PayPal first. If PayPal is unable to assist you, then contact us to see if your transaction is eligible for dispute with us. Keep any documentation from PayPal and be ready to provide a copy to us.
What Do I Need to Know Before I File a Dispute for a Fraudulent Transaction?
A transaction is fraudulent if you did not authorize it, you did not provide your card information for it, and you did not receive any goods or services. You are not required to contact the merchant before filing a dispute for a fraudulent transaction. But it is recommended to contact the merchant, if possible, because the merchant may be able to refund your money.
What About Money Transfer Service Transactions?
Money Transfer services include (but are not limited to) Cash App, Meta Pay (formerly Facebook Pay), Venmo, Zelle, PayPal (when sending money to an individual), and Western Union. When you send money using these services, usually there is no way to recover that money because the transfer happens immediately. Money Transfer services are only responsible for transferring money. They are not responsible for resolving issues between the sender and receiver. You are not able to dispute a Money Transfer transaction if you unknowingly send money to a scammer or you did not receive goods or services you were expecting.
Card Controls
Flip the switch. Protect your card.
Now, protecting your account is as easy as flipping a switch. Debit card controls in online banking and the mobile app let you manage your Debit Mastercard on the fly, so you’re always protected.
Did you misplace your card? Simply toggle it off to temporarily disable it, then toggle it back on when you find it. You’re in control.
Was your card stolen? When you choose “My card is lost/stolen,” your card will be permanently deactivated and removed from your card list. You must call us to order a new card* (with a new card number); a new card will not be ordered automatically.
Is your card worn or broken? Enjoy click-to-call convenience in the mobile app to order a replacement card* (with the same card number). Your current card will remain active until you activate your new card.
Are you taking a trip? Automated fraud detection systems may flag transactions outside your normal territory as fraudulent, so it’s a good idea to let us know before you go to prevent declined transactions. Use the “Schedule travel” option in the mobile app to set your start/end dates and destinations. You can schedule only one travel event at a time. Travel events will take effect by the next business day.
Scheduled/automatic payments may still process while your card is disabled (turned off) depending on the merchant, but they will not process on cards marked as lost/stolen. Pending transactions will still process and post to your account while your card is disabled or marked as lost/stolen.
*There is a $5.00 fee for new or replacement cards.