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  4. What Is This New Alliant Online Membership Application About?

What Is This New Alliant Online Membership Application About?

me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010

Is anyone else getting a page during login to their Alliant CU online account that you must sign by Dec. 31, headlined as Electronic Signature and Consent to Conduct Business Electronically?

What is this about? Is this suggesting that we no longer will be able to conduct any sort of business with Alliant other than online? Does that mean the new CEO is turning it into an online-only CU? The document says:

By selecting "I agree" below and continuing with this online membership application, you consent to conduct business electronically regarding membership in Alliant Credit Union and the opening of various accounts within that membership.

And then it goes into technicical requirements, and they are all about a cell phone. Are they suggesting we will have to access via their cell phone app only, no longer can access via browser on my computer?

Obviously, I'm not applying for a new account, I already have one – I already signed whatever agreement was neded to open that. And with that, I already get my monthly statement and my 1099 tax forms electronically, to get those in print costs a fee and will under this agreement. I'm not sure if I get disclosures for new accounts electronically, I haven't opened a new account, but I probably do. I'm not applying for anything, I'm simply logging into my online account.

I also would not want to lose access via phone, have no chioice but to use online messenging instead, if that is what this is suggesting. In fact, I already have sent Alliant a query via my online account about this notice to sign, seeking an explanation, but they have not responded in most of the week since I sent it. I would hate to not have the option to phone instead.

Why does it seem to be requiring me to apply for a new account? I have one already, adn well used.

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3


Answers
Sylvia
  |     |   389 posts since 2012
I don't recall getting that either. It could be a glitch with your computer. Clear all Alliant data (e.g., cookies) from your browser. See if that makes a difference.
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Reader1
  |     |   51 posts since 2018
I just logged in and got the "Electronic Signature and Consent to Conduct Business Electronically" page. I clicked on "skip for now" but they do require me to accept the terms by December 31. Last time I logged in was in August and I did not get this message. Perhaps they have changed some of the language and this is their way of getting the customers to accept the new terms.
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Sylvia
  |     |   389 posts since 2012
Have any of you opted for two-factor authentication (2FA)? Alliant gives you two ways to avoid it: registering your device-browser as a "trusted device" or enabling mobile app biometrics (facial recognition or fingerprint authentication). I use two browsers on my computer and registered both. Maybe I'm not getting the prompt because of that.  It goes without saying that to register device/browser, you'd have to allow tracking.

On Alliant's site, I did a search on "electronic signature and consent ..." and found that the document was last revised in August of this year. Maybe this prompt is going out to all who've not selected either 2FA or one of the two alternatives I mentioned above. Just another guess.
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
I don't recall any option to have "two-factor authentication." Well, now that you say it, I might have some very vague thought something was offered quite some time back, and I was satisfied with the secret questions rather than dealing with getting a code by e-mail or text. (Actually, "two factor" includes doing it by secret question, but you are meaning to do it by a code they send). Nobody can anawer my secret questions but me, not even those who know me best, but they can hack my e-mail, so I think the secret questions are actually more secure.

But I don't see the document referring in any way to two-factor authentication. It does have reference to opening an account, as if it thinks I'm asking to open an account, but I already have an account. It says I won't be able to open it if I don't give consent. But it's already open. Does this suggest they will close my account on Jan. 1 if I don't sign?
Non-Acceptance
If you do not provide your electronic signature and consent to conduct business electronically, your account will be unable to be opened.
It also have me agreeing to get a number of things electronically rather than mailed. I know I have agreed to get statements and tax forms electronically, not sure that included anything else, and if not, I would rather get anything else by mail -- I don't want to sign this and in doing so grant something I don't want to grant.
Applicability
By electronic signature, you consent to the electronic delivery of all disclosures, agreements, change notices, tax forms, terms and conditions and any other document required during the course of your relationship with Alliant.
It's good to see another post that they, too, are now getting this. It's not only me. But the paln to see what happens after Dec. 31 could be troublesome, if they shut down our accounts.
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Reader1
  |     |   51 posts since 2018
Sylvia, I don't use Alliant's site regularly (maybe once every couple of months) and any Alliant cookies may expire after 30 days or so. I have not opted for two-factor authentication. I registered my computer and browser again yesterday when I logged in. I logged in again earlier today and was immediately taken to the same "Electronic Signature and Consent to Conduct Business Electronically" page. I clicked on "skip" and was taken to my account information page. It appears my computer was registered this time because, unlike yesterday, I was not asked to register my device or any security questions.
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Sylvia
  |     |   389 posts since 2012
Thanks for the report, Reader1. My guess about 2FA was wrong then. I'm now wondering if I got the prompt earlier, agreed to it, and lost all memory of occurrence. I use the site at least once a week, most recently, just minutes before this post. Still prompt-free.
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
Hmm. I just got an e-mail from Alliant, kind of odd, just the new CEO giving the milestones in the history of Alliant. Last one was:

"In 2020, Alliant surpassed 500,000 members nationwide, made the transition to 100% digital banking and will turn 85 on October 26.:

Now that sure sounds like what we're talking about here. I'm not even sure what that is referring to, since Alliant has long been primarly digital for lack of much of any branches. Even the one they used to have not far from me was closed a couple or few years ago (I had actually never been to it). Did they finally close their last branch? Going all digital, which I take to mean online only, is generally a cost-cutting measure, and cost-cutting is normally what new CEOs do.

I have to think this timing is noting Alliant this year, maybe just a month or two ago when this messege started coming up, is now 100% digital and us getting this page to sign a digital agreement in our "application" has something to do with that. And so yes, even if I had only electronic statements and tax forms, now I will get nothing by mail, digital only.

I must say, with this new CEO, the communication from Alliant is abysmal. If you're making a milestone change, as he seems to be touting, tell us about it, don't sneak it in and try to force us to sign without even having any idea what it's all about or that anything has been changed. Don't think you are telling us by slipping it into a list of Alliant milestones over the years, buried in that -- that seems like he is trying to hide it while later having something to point to to say he told us. Don't just shove this thing out there every time we log in with no explanation, just a threat to close our account if we don't sign by Dec. 31. And I still note, it's presented as an application, not merely as a change in terms. It seems we are actually applying for a membership in the new online-only Allliant. I have to wonder, is there some signficant change in the company going on, maybe it will legally be a new company so we need an application?

In the end, it might not really amount to much, but I don't like them sneaking it in and slipping it through without telling us what's going on.
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
Well, for lack of Alliant responding to my three written messages asking about this agreement, I just got some time to make a call to them, had a long talk with a CSR.

She said everyone is getting this message when they log into their accounts, it is not actually for a membership application, as it says it is. No clear answer of why everyone is getting it, but she said it would not change anything about delivery of statements, disclosures, tax 1099s, or anything else. Re that, I asked to rewrite that clause to say so rather than say we consent to have it all delivered electronically. I asked that they add the word "if" into the section that reads:
Applicability
By electronic signature, you consent to the electronic delivery of all disclosures, agreements, change notices, tax forms, terms and conditions and any other document required during the course of your relationship with Alliant.
To have it read as:
Applicability
By electronic signature, IF you consent to the electronic delivery of all disclosures, agreements, change notices, tax forms, terms and conditions and any other document required during the course of your relationship with Alliant.
She got to talking about it applying in a large part to access via cell phone app, but that it applies to all contacts with Alliant by any electronic means.

I pointed out that other than the method of delivery of documents, I was sure I already agreed to the rest when I first opened the online account. I have agreed to electronic delivery of statements and 1099s, but not sure I agreed about the rest delivered electronically and would prefer them by postal mail. She says nothing of our choices will be changed -- even those that clause above seems to say we consent to receiving them electronically.

Re the additional mention of Alliant now being 100% digital in the e-mail sent this morning, she says that was simply because they have finally closed their last branch, yesterday in Chicago. So they now have no public face other than digital, but there is no reorganization.

The CSR seemed knowledgeable. She said she did see the clause above was not clear. She said she would bring it to the attention of the proper people at Alliant, and with my suggestion of adding the "if," to make it say more like she explained was intended. So, maybe that will get rewritten before Dec. 31. Lawyers do those vague clauses on purpose, I've worked many years with them, I've read plenty of legal documents and court decisions. If it's vague, it almost certainly was intended to be so. As I pointed out, we can't go on the basis of what they say, only on the basis of what they write.

If that clause bothers you, you have a couple months to wait to see if it gets changed.

So, it's not an application, despite saying it is. Other than maybe that one clause, it doesn't appear to be anything we with an account online did not already agree to when we opened it.

I also told her the big issue was with how this was presented. It left us all wondering, we didn't know what to make of it, or whether we were signing away something we might not want to sign away, or even if it suggested there was something bigger going on at Alliant now that it has a new CEO. They should have topped the page with a blurb to explain why this was being presented, and then follow up with a summary of anything changed from the previous agreement. If they did a proper presentation, this thread never would have gotten started.
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marcal
  |     |   52 posts since 2011
Just logged in and didn't get the page you referred to. After login was taken to the account page.
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
Interesting. I have gotten it every time I logged in for about two weeks now. Since it keeps referring to applying for a new account, I was wondering if there might be some computer glitch throwing it up. However, it does clearly give a deadline to sign it of Dec. 31, 2020, which suggests it is at least relatively new.

It doesn't require too much on it's face, but some of the language makes me wonder about how far reaching it might be, as I noted in my questions above. It doesn't help that Alliant has not responded to my query.

Since you and maybe others don't get it, I'll post it below:
Electronic Signature and Consent to Conduct Business Electronically

By selecting "I agree" below and continuing with this online membership application, you consent to conduct business electronically regarding membership in Alliant Credit Union and the opening of various accounts within that membership.

Technical Requirements
To use this process to open your account(s) and to access and retain electronic records via the Alliant Mobile Banking App, you will need:
- The latest version of the Alliant Mobile Banking App.
- The latest version of the iOS or Android operating system is recommended; only operating systems and devices which are still receiving security updates are supported.
- Due to the wide range of Android devices, please see our FAQ's for a list of supported devices.
- Access to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store with your region set to the United States.
- Software that can accurately read and display PDF files (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader).
To use this process to open your account(s) and to access and retain electronic records via any other electronic device, you will need:
- The latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome. In general, we support the latest version of these browsers. For older versions, the experience may not be optimized.
- If you wish to print or keep copies of the records, you must also have access to a printer and/or the ability to download and store the documents provided.
- Software that accurately reads and displays PDF files (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Paper Copies of Electronic Records
If at any time you wish to obtain a free copy of your electronic signature and consent to open account(s) and enrollment agreement, you may print or email the agreements using the options provided, or contact Alliant by calling 800-328-1935.

Non-Acceptance
If you do not provide your electronic signature and consent to conduct business electronically, your account will be unable to be opened.

Communication
In order to communicate with you regarding your account, you must provide your email address. It is your responsibility to update Alliant regarding any changes to your email address.

Applicability
By electronic signature, you consent to the electronic delivery of all disclosures, agreements, change notices, tax forms, terms and conditions and any other document required during the course of your relationship with Alliant.

Withdrawing Consent
You have the right to withdraw your consent to conduct business electronically. If you select this option, your access to electronic banking will be terminated. You may withdraw your consent by contacting Alliant at 800-328-1935.

Electronic Account Statements
As part of your membership, you will automatically receive free electronic account statements. You may, however, elect to switch to paper statements within your Online Banking preferences. Refer to Alliant's Fee schedule for applicable paper statement fee.
You further acknowledge that by accepting this agreement, you will have access to your authorized Alliant accounts through all electronic means offered by Alliant. You understand and agree that Alliant may restrict and/or terminate your access to any electronic services at any time where we reasonably deem it necessary to prevent a loss to us; if you do not pay any fee when required; you do not comply with the agreement governing your deposit or loan accounts; or your account(s) are not maintained in good standing. By consenting to this agreement, you understand that you are applying for current and future electronic services that may be offered by Alliant. You agree and understand that if approved for membership, you are contractually liable according to the applicable terms of the Alliant Account Agreement and Disclosures, the Fee Schedule, and all terms and amendments Alliant makes from time to time that are incorporated herein.
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111
  |     |   672 posts since 2019
I'm a heavy user of Alliant accounts and log in often, and I've never seen that page.
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
Interesting. And odd. I wonder why I'm getting it every time. It's starting to seem like a glitch they have attached to my account.
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blazer9
  |     |   228 posts since 2019
Could this be about Alliant wanting us to have Phone verification
codes sent to login instead of Security Questions.
They been prompting me for that but I just click on the
continue with question verify.
Like some others I still Only use landline.
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
Well, if it about phone verification, they ought to say that. You can see the text above, it does not mention that at all.

Sylvia, I  tested it in a private window, which means no cookies or anything else, and I still get the page.

It woud be nice if Alliant would bother to respond about it.
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Sylvia
  |     |   389 posts since 2012
me1004, I've logged in a few times since last writing. Nada.

The message you're getting is pretty standard when using online/mobile banking for the first time with a financial institution.  They don't give you access until you agree.  Since you're a longstanding member, I'm assuming those circumstances don't apply here, leading me to think it's either your browser or computer.

Some other ideas: (1) Just to be sure that it's not your browser, try an entirely different one that's current on updates. (2) If problem persists, scan your computer for malware. (3) Follow up with Alliant, including screenshot of message when it occurs.  They will probably want to know browser (and version #) that you're using.
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Sylvia
  |     |   389 posts since 2012
blazer9, if memory serves, the codes are sent only once, when you register your browser/device. If you access account with multiple browsers on same device, you'll have to go through process for each.  Usually, you get choice of how code is sent -- phone, text and/or email.  I'm pretty sure the choices depend on what's already in your profile.  For example, if they have no mobile # on file for you, then no offer of text.
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blazer9
  |     |   228 posts since 2019
I also find that when using my computer and the F I decides to upgrade
for cell phone app access on its website it causes glitches.

Like you said.
"The message you're getting is pretty standard when using online/mobile banking for the first time with a financial institution."
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blazer9
  |     |   228 posts since 2019
OK I just got off phone to Alliant . hopefully CSR explained to me that if I wasn't going to use Alliant Phone App for electronic check deposit, remote,or however you cell users do it, I need not worry about Dec 31st
As is the case with CSRs info, will wait and see.
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
Sylvia, I just tested using a different browser. I normally use Firefox, I just tried it in Safari. Same thing, the page comes up. Both browsers are fully updated.

Also, your are right, those conditions to not apply, I have been using my online account for many years.

And I’m talking of this happening from my computer, not from a phone app. I do not access from a cellphone ever.

I’m using Mac. And my antivirus scans constantly, and Firefox also swatches for anything suspicious at a Website. And I have no other such thing going on at any Website, or other online account.

Re 3, I have followed up with Alliant, sent the query again, and still no response. That’s unusual, but maybe there have been some changes under the new CEO.

Re codes, Alliant doesn’t them (or maybe that is optional and I opted not to), they do questions instead.

blaxer9, if they told you that, then did they tell you why they put that up when not accessing from the phone app, instead via a browns on a computer? Yes, as I noted above, it does have a significant focus specifically on phone, but there is plenty in that could be taken generally too. But they are referring to an application to use the service — I’m not applying, I did that years ago, signed whatever as necessary. And like I said, I have never accessed from a cellphone, so I haven’t sparked this.

It would be so nice if Alliant just responded to my query.

Oh, if I didn’t make it clear, I can skip and continue to y account.
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Sylvia
  |     |   389 posts since 2012
Very strange all the way around, me1004, especially nonresponse from Alliant. They used to be excellent at getting back to members. A few years ago, I received a detailed and personal response to a semi-complaint I made in a survey they gave. I was very surprised and impressed.

Your situation is a head-scratcher. It has all the signs of a computer glitch, on your end, not Alliant's, since message, while recurring, is not preventing you from accessing account, and no one here has reported getting it. When I've encountered similar situations, they usually go away when I clear browser of tracking from that particular site. On Safari, you do that by going into Preferences and Manage Site Data.

By the way, I think you and blazer9 may be referring to two different prompts. Yours is agreement to terms of online/mobile banking, blazer9's is about two-factor authentication.
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blazer9
  |     |   228 posts since 2019
Actually I meant the two factor as a possible.
which does proceed the Dec 31 prompt
I get same as me1004 but FireFox and MS Edge
Again, csr did not know why I get The prompt.
guessing about it like us
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me1004
  |     |   1,379 posts since 2010
Sylvia, my Firefox browser blocks all that tracks (and you find out that nearly all ads track), unless I turn tracking off for that particular Website. And I have it set so that all data but cookies are erased every time I close the browser. And I've tested after deleting the cookies from Alliant, my browser can single out all cookies from that Website, and I can choose to delete those, so I should not have missed any.

Yes about the non-response and pust experience, same here. New CEO must be changing some things. Or, I suppose it might be the issues of the pandemic and working from home.

The two factor is that I log in, and then I get a security question to answer. It is after that that this page comes up. Blaszer, wehn you say the Dec. 31 prompt comes up, are yos aying the full page I get, or soemthignelse? I have thgoht you were saying the same page I get, so I would onotbe the only one getting it.

I have a lot of stuff that was bogging me down taken care of now. I suppose I will now have to call Alliant and waste a LOT of time trying to get through to their tech people and trying to address this. And they will be all over what we already have talked about about browser, and other such details. I have never contacted tech support anywhere that doesn't blame it on me, and to date, not once that I called them was it me, I arleady had checked all those things. They get so insistent that they can do no wrong, it's irritating. And they will waste hours of your time rather than check their own side. That's why I approached it via message. But they won't answer.
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blazer9
  |     |   228 posts since 2019
I get the full page.
For now I will disregard the whole thing
and deal with the Dec 31 deadline when it happens.
Then at least it maybe so evident that csr has a script to follow.
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