How it Works

Who We Are

Community Financial Resources is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to connect people with consumer-friendly and low-cost financial services. We created the CFR Prepaid Debit Card program because we wanted to offer a Better Way to Bank.

Managing Money with a Prepaid Debit Card

You can Load your own money onto the card by setting up Free direct deposit of your paycheck, benefits like Social Security, or even tax refunds.

With Direct Deposit, your money is immediately available; no holds, no fees, no waiting in line to cash a check. For a small fee, you can also load cash into your card account at retail stores. (Go to www.visa.com/readylink to find nearby locations.)

Your money is safe on the card---it’s like putting it into a bank account!

Why is this prepaid debit card program a better banking alternative?

• CFR has partnered with U.S. Bank to offer special access to the Focus Card.
• Open a card account with a valid Social Security Number, name, date-of-birth, address and phone and receive your personalized card within 7 to 10 business days.
• Unlike a personal check, the card is universally accepted – wherever a Visa debit card can be used. You can book travel arrangements, pay bills, make purchases on-line, mail-order, or over the phone.
• No monthly fee* - no special transaction requirements; better than most checking accounts.
• Unlike a traditional bank account, there is no minimum balance required and it is very difficult to overdraft.
• The card comes with a savings account! Open the savings account with $10 and set-up automatic savings features to build your savings.
• *If an account with a balance has no activity, after 90 days a monthly fee of $2 is charged – if there is no balance, there is no charge.

Convenient and cost effective:

• Once you get your card, order a free 'joint-account' card to share money with a family member or close friend.
• You can transfer money between separate independent Focus Cards either on-line or calling Customer Service.
• Get 'cash back' with your purchase or use the Allpoint, US Bank or 'MoneyPass' ATM network for FREE;
• Keep track of your card balance with free automatic balance alerts to your mobile phone or email, or call the automated phone system, or check on-line; or use two way texting explained online at www.usbankfocus.com
• Budget your income and expenses by reviewing 12 months of card transaction history on-line.

Direct Deposit is free and easy

• Your money is available to you faster, Payroll direct deposits are usually authorized in a day in advance of payday, and frequently your money is available to you earlier than waiting for a check;
• Stretch your dollars: No waiting for a check to clear. Your money is available to you immediately;
• Save money and time: No travel time, save your gas/bus money. No waiting in line. No check cashing fees;
• Fast, reliable, convenient and safe: The average person can spend between 8 - 24 hours a year cashing or depositing checks. If you’re sick, on vacation or travelling, you will get your paycheck automatically. Your paycheck can’t get lost or stolen.

Click here to learn about direct deposit.