Shared Branching

Shares and Certificates Shares/Certificates Shared Branching

Shared Branching is an optional module within the FLEX system that enables credit unions to post transactions for members belonging to other credit unions within the Shared Branching Network.

Accessing Shared Branching

  • The Shared Branching module is located under the Teller section in the FLEX Main Menu.
    • Navigation Path: FLEX Main Menu > Teller > Shared Branching

Shared Branching Transaction Entry

Posting transactions via Shared Branching is similar to using the standard Transaction Entry/Inquiry for your credit union’s own members, with some key differences due to network limitations (e.g., transaction types, reversals, holds).

The Shared Branching transaction screen is divided into three main panels:

  • Top Panel: Displays guest member information.
  • Middle Panel: Contains the transaction entry line.
  • Bottom Panel: Displays various information based on the transaction or request.

Transaction Entry Fields and Actions

  • Institution:
    • Enter the credit union the guest member belongs to.
    • Search Options:
      • Type the name directly.
      • Right-click for an advanced search by ID or state.
      • Entering a partial name will display a list of matching financial institutions. Highlight or double-click to select.
    • The selected guest credit union will appear in the top panel.
  • Account:
    • Enter the guest member’s account number at the selected credit union.
    • If the account number is unknown, it can be found by entering the member’s Social Security Number (SSN).
    • SSN Search: Right-click for advanced search or enter S:XXX-XX-XXXX.
    • Once the account number is entered, the guest member’s information will display in the top panel, showing suffixes, types, and balances as they exist at the foreign credit union.
  • Suffix:
    • Enter the suffix number for the transaction.
  • Type:
    • This field automatically displays the type of account once the suffix is entered. It is not maintainable.
  • TC (Transaction Code):
    • Select or enter the transaction code.
    • Transaction codes are identical to those used in standard Transaction Entry/Inquiry.
  • Amount:
    • Enter the dollar amount for the transaction.
  • Suffix (Second Field):
    • Used only for transfers between suffixes within the same account number.
    • Leave blank if not performing a transfer.
  • Type (Second Field):
    • Displays the type of account for the second suffix field (if applicable).
  • Special (Checkbox):
    • Check this box if the transaction’s purpose is for a special purchase (e.g., movie tickets, theme park tickets).
  • Prior (Checkbox):
    • Check this box if the current transaction is linked to a previous shared branching transaction.
    • Note: Cash back from a deposited check is not permitted directly through Shared Branching. Two transactions are required:
      1. Deposit the check.
      2. Perform a separate cash withdrawal, checking the Prior box to link it to the deposit.
  • Post:
    • After all information is entered in the transaction entry line, press Enter to drop/post the transaction.
    • Click Print to print the receipt.
    • Important: Unlike standard FLEX transactions, only one transaction can be entered and posted at a time in Shared Branching. Repeat the process for additional transactions on the same account.

Drawer Functionality

The Drawer screen is used for transactions involving cash and/or checks, triggered by the transaction code used. It can also be accessed at any time by clicking Drawer.

  • Deposit Section:
    • Cash In: Enter the total amount of cash/coin received.
    • Checks Totaling: Displays the total amount of checks entered.
    • Total Received: Calculates the sum of Cash In and Checks Totaling.
  • Checks Section:
    • Scan Checks: Initiates the check scanning process (if Check 21 Processing is used).
    • Manually Enter: Allows manual entry of check details.
      • Amount: Enter the dollar amount of the check.
      • Check #: Enter the check number.
      • Routing and Transit (Prefix/Routing #): Enter the prefix (first 2 numbers) and routing number (last 7 numbers) of the MICR.
      • Account: Enter the account number the check was written from.
      • Local (Checkbox): Check if the check is from a local bank or credit union. Hold days are determined by the foreign financial institution.
      • Immediate (Checkbox): Check if funds are certified and should be immediately available (no hold).
      • Paycheck (Checkbox): Check if the check is a payroll check. Funds availability for payroll checks is determined by the foreign financial institution.
      • Add: Adds the manually entered check to the list.
  • Cash Denominations:
    • If the teller is configured to use cash denominations and the transaction includes cash, the teller will be prompted to enter cash denominations.

Printing and Balancing Details

  • This screen displays Posted Transactions to be printed on the receipt.
  • Click Print to complete the transaction process and print a receipt.

Printing Options

  • Prompts the teller to:
    • Print a receipt (Yes/No).
    • Indicate if the balance should display on the receipt (Yes/No).
    • Enter an optional memo.

Endorse Check

  • If Check 21 Processing is not used, a prompt to endorse checks will appear.
  • If the receipt printer is an endorsement printer, place the check in the endorsement area and click Endorse.
  • If endorsements are not used, click Done.

Reversing Transactions

Transactions can only be reversed on the same day they were posted.

  1. Click the drop-down next to Transactions and select Posted Transactions.
  2. The Shared Branching Transactions Posted Today screen will display a list of transactions.
  3. Right-click on the transaction to be reversed.
  4. Select Reverse from the context menu.
  5. Other options available via right-click include:
    • Help
    • Copy To Clipboard
    • Print
    • Endorse (if check needs endorsement)
    • View Receipt (to view an image of the receipt)

Institution to Institution Transfers

Institution to Institution transfers are available if configured, allowing transfers between different credit unions for shared branching members.

  • Unique Transaction Codes: Transaction codes for these transfers are unique and only appear in the TC drop-down if configured. Contact FLEX Transmission Support for assistance.
  • Valid Transaction Codes:
    • 22 = Institution Transfer Share Credit (Increase Balance)
    • 23 = Institution Transfer Share Debit (Decrease Balance)
    • 26 = Institution Transfer Loan Credit (Decrease Balance)
    • 29 = Institution Transfer Loan Debit (Increase Balance)
  • Posting Process: Each side of the transfer must be posted separately. Post one side, then change institutions and post the other side.

Transfers Between Member Account at Host Credit Union and Foreign Institution

Transfers can be performed between a member’s account at your credit union and an account at a different institution (or vice versa).

  • Prerequisites: An OP code must be configured for use when posting the transaction for the member account at your credit union. Refer to OP Code Configuration in FLEX Academy for details.
  • Process:
    • The credit union side of the transfer is performed in FLEX Transaction Entry/Inquiry.
    • The foreign institution side is performed in Shared Branching Transaction Entry.
  • Example Transaction Codes (Shared Branching side): 22, 23, 26, or 29.

Viewing History

To view the transaction history for a guest member:

  1. With the account information displayed in the top panel of the Shared Branching screen.
  2. Right-click on the desired suffix.
  3. Select History from the context menu.
  4. On the Shared Branching Transaction History screen, select one of the following filter options to display the desired history:
    • # Of Days Back
    • # Of Transactions
    • Date To/From
    • Note: Only one of these search types may be used at a time.