FAQs

HomeLink Login Help

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Questions
MFA - Single Computer User Guide
MFA - Multiple Computer User Guide
MFA - How to Manage Your Email Addresses
MFA - Token by Phone Feature
MFA - Adding to Favorites in AOL
Overview of MFA Features

HomeLink FAQs

1. What security measures does HomeLink use?

HomeLink uses several different methods to protect your information:

All information within HomeLink uses the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol for transferring data. SSL is encryption that creates a secure environment for the information being transferred between your browser and First Commonwealth.

At a high level, SSL uses public key cryptography to secure transmissions over the Internet. In practice, your browser will send a message via SSL to the Credit Union's server. The Credit Union responds by sending a certificate which contains the Credit Union's public key. Your browser authenticates the certificate (agrees that the server is in fact HomeLink) and then generates a random session key which is used to encrypt data traveling between your browser and the Credit Union's server. This session key is encrypted using the Credit Union's public key and sent back to the server. The Credit Union decrypts this message using its private key and then uses the session key for the remainder of the communication.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protects data in three key ways:

  • Authentication ensures that you are communicating with the correct server. This prevents another computer from impersonating First Commonwealth.
  • Encryption scrambles transferred data.
  • Data integrity verifies that the information sent by you to First Commonwealth wasn't altered during the transfer. The system detects if data was added or deleted after you sent the message. If any tampering has occurred, the connection is dropped.
2. What does encryption mean?
Encryption is the scrambling of information for transmission back and forth between two points. A key is required to decode the information. When you request information about your accounts, the request is sent encrypted to First Commonwealth. We then decode your request for information and send it back to you in an encrypted format. When you receive it, your information is decoded so that you can read it. Because your account information is being transmitted between you and First Commonwealth, encryption protects your account information so it can't be intercepted and read by a third party.

3. When do transactions post to my accounts?
Just like ATMs and TellerPhone, your transactions will post in real-time.

4. What kind of computer equipment and software do I need for Online Banking?
You need a computer with Internet access and a supported web browser. You can use either a Macintosh or a Windows computer.

5. Are there any fees for HomeLink?
No, HomeLink remains a free service! And so is our online bill pay service e-Payer!

6. Can I change my HomeLink password?
Yes, you can change your password on-line any time you wish.

7. How do I sign up for e-Payer?
It's easy! If you are already a HomeLink user, click on the e-Payer button then click Enroll in BillPayer. After you click on the button, an e-Payer Disclosure with important user information will appear. You will be required to read and agree to the e-Payer Disclosure Agreement before you can continue with the enrollment process.

8. Will I need HomeLink to have e-Payer?
Yes, to have the e-Payer feature you will need to have HomeLink and a checking account with First Commonwealth.

9. What if I have questions or problems?
For any account related questions please contact Member Response Line Representative at 610.821.2403. If you believe the trouble you are experiencing is due to a connection problem, please contact your Internet Service Provider.

10. Can I use HomeLink outside of the United States?
Yes, you can use HomeLink from anywhere in the world as long as you have a connection to the Internet and a supported Internet browser.

e-Payer FAQs

1. How does e-Payer work?

e-Payer allows HomeLink users to access their First Commonwealth share draft (checking) accounts to make payments directly to merchants or individuals. Payments can be made in an electronic format or by dispatching a paper check to the intended payee if the merchant or individual cannot support the electronic transaction. The progress of your payment can be tracked by using e-Payer.

2. How much does e-Payer cost?
e-Payer is FREE! Take advantage of this service today and you could save money on stamps and time by letting First Commonwealth automatically pay your bills for you.

3. Once I enroll, how soon can I use e-Payer?
Once you are enrolled you will notice an e-Payer button on the left side of your screen. You may start paying bills immediately.

4. Is there a maximum or a minimum amount I can pay?
The maximum dollar amount you can pay to any one merchant is $9,999.99, the minimum is $1.

5. I cannot find my merchant on the Master Payee List. What can I do?
Before you click on "Add Payee" to create a new merchant, give the following a try:
  • If you are looking for a name, such as JOHN DOE, you should search for the entire name, not simply the last name. Try variations on the name, such as JOHN J. DOE, or J. J. DOE, or JOHN JOSEPH DOE.
  • If you are searching for a corporation, try the full name and the abbreviation. For example, PPL vs. Pennsylvania Power & Light.
  • Some places may or may not be listed with a "the" in front of the name. For example BOMBAY COMPANY vs. THE BOMBAY COMPANY.
If all options have been exhausted, then setup a new Payee under "Add Payee".

6. What if a merchant on the Master Payee List has a different billing address than the one I usually use when sending my payment?
Verify that the selected merchant from the Master Payee List has the same billing address as the address on your statement. Otherwise, the merchant on this national list could be an entirely different company, or a different office/department that has no ability to apply your payment to your account. If the merchant name and address do not match, contact the merchant to inquire if your payment may be accepted at that location. If it will not, add the vendor and the information on your statement under "Add Payee."

7. What is the cut-off time for scheduling payments?
Payments for a specific date must be set up before 8:45 AM Eastern Time on that business day. A business day is defined by any day that First Commonwealth is open for business (excluding weekends and holidays observed by the Federal Reserve Bank).

8. I made a payment to a merchant through e-Payer and it has not been credited to my account. What can I do?
Use the following steps to verify the status of a transaction:
  • Check your records to ensure that no errors have been made during the payment setup process, including the account
  • number, payment date, billing address, etc.
  • Make sure you have waited five (5) business days.
  • Contact the merchant directly to inquire if your payment has been received.
If this does not resolve the issue, you may contact First Commonwealth via e-mail at memserv@firstcomcu.org or by telephone at 610-821-2403. Please be aware that if an inquiry must be submitted to our Bill Payment Processor, there may be an $18 fee deducted from your account.

9. What if I need to modify or delete a scheduled payment?
You may modify or delete a payment up until 8:45 AM of the business day for which the payment date is scheduled. Simply click on the "Pending Payments" button, choose the payment in question from the list, then select either the "Modify Payment" or "Delete Payment" button.

10. How do I cancel e-Payer service if I change my mind?
Simply click on the Cancel BillPayer button in the e-Payer section. However, please be aware that doing this will cancel all of your Payees and Pending Payments. If you would like to re-enroll in e-Payer at a later time, you will need to reselect your Payee List and reschedule your payments.





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