Trusted Contact

Keep your money and account safe with a Trusted Contact

A Trusted Contact is someone you designate that Patelco can communicate with when you go offline and can’t be reached — whether it’s due to a health matter, natural disaster or traveling with limited cell reception. A Trusted Contact is also someone Patelco can reach out to if we suspect you might have fallen victim to a scam — or if we suspect financial exploitation or have other concerns about your welfare. Think of a Trusted Contact as an account enhancement that helps Patelco keep your account safe.

What is a Trusted Contact?

A Trusted Contact is a trusted friend or family member who can:

Confirm your current contact information
Confirm your health status
Confirm the contact information for other authorized parties
Discuss urgent, unusual account activity or other possible red flags

While you are not required to have a Trusted Contact, establishing one may help us move decisively if we ever need to address suspected fraudulent activity. You may already have a power of attorney¹ or spouse listed on your account, but a Trusted Contact provides an additional resource to reach out to if an issue arises.

It’s important to note that Trusted Contacts are unable to act on your behalf, conduct transactions, or engage in account activity (unless they’re already an authorized party on your account such as a joint owner or Trustee).

How do I add a Trusted Contact to my account?

In branch, virtual or phone

You can visit a local branch, make an appointment online or call us at 800.358.8228 and we can set it up for you

By mail

Fill out this form and mail it to:

Patelco Credit Union
PO Box 2227
Merced, CA 95344

Online or Mobile App

Within online banking or the Mobile App, go to Accounts, select Joints, Beneficiaries & Contacts, and then Trusted Contacts

A Trusted Contact can help protect your account by

Knowing you

Likely to be in the best position to know your current personal and family situation

Helping you avoid scams

Help protect assets, and respond to suspected financial exploitation

Confirming your support system

Identify your legal guardian, trustee or power of attorney

Knowing your health status

If concerns arise, they can confirm your health status

Helping us reach you

Help Patelco connect with you if we are unable to reach you

Advocating for you

Providing you with support and resources when you need it the most

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Trusted Contact have access to my account?  

No. A Trusted Contact cannot authorize transactions on your behalf, make decisions on your behalf or be given detailed account information, such as balances or transaction history

Who can be a Trusted Contact?  

In most cases, anybody who’s at least 18 years old can be a Trusted Contact, but we suggest designating a person who isn’t already authorized to conduct business or receive information on your behalf. Trusted Contacts are usually family members or close friends — people you trust and who are likely to be in the best position to know your current situation — as opposed to your investment advisor, trustee, or someone with power of attorney.

How many Trusted Contacts can I have? 

At Patelco, you can designate up to two. Trusted Contacts are often applied to your entire relationship with your financial institution, so you don’t have to worry about naming individual contacts for each account.

What information does Patelco need from a Trusted Contact?

Full Name, Address, Phone Number, Date of Birth, Email Address and Relationship to Member(s).

Can a Trusted Contact call Patelco to obtain information on a member’s account?

No. Patelco will not discuss any matters pertaining to a member unless we have specific concerns and initiate contact with a Trusted Contact.

What’s my role if I’ve been designated as a Trusted Contact for a member?

The role of a Trusted Contact can include responsibilities such as acting as an emergency contact if a health issue arises, helping Patelco connect with a member we’re unable to reach, and to be a resource if suspected fraud or unauthorized account activity is suspected by Patelco.

Under what circumstances will Patelco contact me if I’m listed as a Trusted Contact on a members account?

If an emergency, such as a health crisis or suspected incapacity of the member arises, Patelco may contact you for guidance. If we need to connect with a member, but can’t reach them, we may contact you for assistance in reaching them. We may also contact you if we have any suspicions of unauthorized activity on the account.

What if I have concerns about my role as a Trusted Contact?

If you have concerns about your role as a Trusted Contact, it’s best to consult with the member about your concerns.