October 2026 News

Two Holidays Worth Celebrating: Smarter Credit and Stronger Communities

October 15 marks both Get Smart About Credit Day, a national observance dedicated to financial education, and International Credit Union Day, a global celebration of the credit union movement now in its 78th year. Together, these two observances make it the perfect time to brush up on your credit knowledge and reflect on why banking with a credit union makes a real difference. 

How Is a Credit Score Actually Calculated? 

You have several credit scores depending on who’s calculating it (e.g., FICO®) and what versions/models they’re using (e.g., Score 2).  Your credit score might feel like a mystery, but it typically comes down to a handful of key factors, such as: payment history, amount owed, length of credit history, new credit inquiries, and credit mix (the variety of credit types you use, like credit cards, auto loans, or mortgages). Each of these factors helps shape the three-digit number lenders and other companies (e.g., landlords) use to evaluate you. 

Check Your Credit Report for Free 

You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to review yours.  Make sure to check for inaccuracies, and catch any early signs of fraud before they become bigger problems. If you discover any errors or inaccuracies, make sure to let the credit bureaus know.  This could improve your credit score.

Simple Habits That Improve Your Score Over Time 

Improving your credit score doesn’t require drastic changes. A few consistent habits go a long way: 

  • Pay bills on time, every time. Payment history carries significant weight in your score. 
  • Keep credit card balances low relative to your limits. 
  • Avoid opening several new credit accounts in a short period. 
  • Leave older accounts open to preserve the length of your credit history. 
  • Review your credit report regularly to catch errors early. 

Why Banking with a Credit Union Makes a Difference 

As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Bellco exists to serve its members. That means lower fees, competitive rates, and a genuine focus on financial well-being rather than profit margins. Credit unions have spent decades building a reputation of trust, community, and putting people ahead of profit; values that remain just as relevant today. 

Take a Step Toward Financial Confidence 

Whether you’re checking your credit report for the first time or simply want a refresher on healthy financial habits, October 15 is a great reminder that financial confidence is always within reach.

Spooky Scams to Look Out For

October brings two kinds of jump scares. One entails fake cobwebs and ghosts, and the other is about real threats to your banking security. Both have one thing in common. Appearances aren’t always what they seem. This year, scammers are conjuring up some genuinely frightening tricks to take our members’ hard-earned money. Here are some of the scariest scams we’ve seen and how Bellco will help to protect your account. Remember: Bellco will never ask for your Online Banking credentials or call or text you asking for personal or account information.

Trick or Treat? 

  1. The Phantom Package 
    “Your package couldn’t be delivered, click here to reschedule.” Except you didn’t order anything, or the link doesn’t actually go to an official UPS, FedEx, or USPS page at all. That doesn’t add up. These “smishing” (SMS phishing) messages are designed to steal personal information or plant malware the moment you click. Never tap links in unexpected delivery texts. Go directly to the carrier’s official site or app to check tracking instead.
  2. Phishing Emails 
    Scammers are excellent at dressing up their emails to look almost identical to messages from your bank, credit union, or even coworkers. They’ll often create urgency to get you to click a link or hand over login credentials by threatening account suspension. Bellco will never call, email, or text asking for your card number, Social Security number, online banking username, password, PIN, one-time passcode or security challenge answers. If you receive a message like this claiming to be from Bellco, it’s a scam.
  3. Fake Charities
    Fraudsters love posing as charities, especially after natural disasters or during giving seasons like holidays. They’ll pressure you to donate immediately, often only accepting gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto. This is a major red flag. To be safe, do your own research before donating. Legitimate charities are registered and can be verified through resources like Charity Navigator or the IRS’s tax-exempt organization search. The Colorado Secretary of State also keeps a list of charities and fundraisers that are permitted to request donations in Colorado. You can find their website here.
  4. Prize Calls 
    Sometimes scammers will call and convince you that you’ve won something. “Congratulations! You’ve won a prize, just confirm your account number to claim it.” These scam calls have been around for years, and they’re still shockingly effective. Legitimate prizes never require you to pay a fee or share account details to receive them. 
  5. The P2P Payment
    Fraud through peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle® or Venmo® has spiked, especially scams where someone poses as a buyer, seller, or even a “bank representative” urging you to send money quickly to “protect” your account. Once sent, that money is gone, because P2P transfers are nearly impossible to reverse. Bellco recommends only using P2P services with people you know and trust. 

How Bellco Helps Keep the Monsters Away 

The good news: you don’t have to face these threats alone. Bellco offers several tools and resources built specifically to help members stay a step ahead of fraudsters.

  • Fraud Department Hotline: If you suspect your account has been compromised or you’ve received a suspicious call, email, or text, contact Bellco’s Fraud Department directly at 303-689-7548.
  • Report Fraudulent Activity Form: Spotted a phishing email or suspicious message claiming to be from Bellco? Submit it through Bellco’s online Report Fraudulent Activity form so the team can investigate.
  • Account Alerts: Set up transaction and account alerts through Bellco’s online and mobile banking, so you’re notified immediately of withdrawals, deposits, card usage, or other account activity.
  • Identity Theft & Credit Fraud Resources: Bellco’s Fraud Prevention hub includes dedicated guidance on identity theft recovery steps, credit fraud protection, and how to spot phishing websites, all in one place.
  • Debit/ Credit Card Dispute Support: If a card transaction looks unfamiliar, members can dispute it by calling Member Services at 1-800-BELLCO-1, visiting a branch, or submitting a Debit Card Dispute Form, which can be found at Bellco’s Forms page here.

Zelle® is a registered trademark of Early Warning Services, LLC. Venmo® is a registered trademark of PayPal, Inc.

The Card That Pays You Back for Living Your Colorado Life

Most people think of a credit card as simply a way to pay for things. The right card can quietly work in the background, earning you real value on purchases you’re already making, from groceries and gas to gear for your next hike or your monthly streaming subscriptions. If your current card isn’t doing that, it might be time to upgrade. 

What to Look for in a Credit Card 

Before comparing cards, it helps to know what can make a difference:

  • No annual fee. Rewards shouldn’t come with a cost just to carry the card.
  • Uncapped earning potential. Some cards cut you off after you earn a certain amount of cash back or points each year. Look for one that doesn’t.
  • Bonus categories that match your real life. A card that rewards you on categories you rarely use isn’t much of a reward at all.
  • Flexible redemption options. The best rewards programs let you choose how you want to use your points, whether that’s a statement credit, gift cards, travel, or experiences.

Bellco’s Colorado Rewards Visa® Card 

Bellco’s Colorado Rewards Visa® Card was built around these exact priorities. Members like you can enjoy no annual fee* and no cap on the amount of points you can earn, allowing rewards to grow as fast as you spend.  

The card offers up to 3X Points1 in lifestyle categories that matter most to life in Colorado, including groceries and wholesale clubs (think King Soopers®, Whole Foods®, and Costco®), gas stations, and sporting goods and outdoor retailers (think REI®, Dick’s Sporting Goods®, and Scheels®). Members can also earn up to 10X additional Points on eligible Purchases through the rewards program portal when shopping with popular participating Shop and Earn merchants online.  

New cardholders can currently earn 15,000 Bonus Points with $500 in Purchases2 within 90 days of account opening1, giving them a strong head start on meaningful rewards. When it’s time to cash in, members can redeem points for statement credit, gift cards, travel, entertainment, and more through the rewards program portal.  

Why It Matters 

A credit card should function as a tool that integrates smoothly into your life and offers benefits in return. With no annual fee and rewards built around the lifestyle categories you already spend on, the Colorado Rewards Visa® Card turns everyday Purchases into real value over time. 

Ready to Start Earning? 

If your current credit card charges fees without giving much back, now is a great time to make the switch. Learn more about the Colorado Rewards Visa® Card and apply today. 

Colorado Rewards Visa® Card rates and disclosures can be found by clicking here.

Visa is a registered trademark of Visa Inc. King Soopers is a registered trademark of Dillon Companies LLC.  Whole Foods is a registered trademark of Amazon Technologies, Inc. Costco is a registered trademark of Costco Wholesale Membership, Inc. REI is a registered trademark of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Dick’s Sporting Goods is a registered trademark of American Sports Licensing, LLC. Scheels is a registered trademark of Scheels All Sports, Inc.

Navigating the Fall Colorado Housing Market

Article by: Bellco Home Loans

As of September 2026, Colorado’s Housing Market is defined by three things: elevated inventory, motivated sellers, and mortgage rates above 7%. Things may seem “frozen” but navigating the market is manageable if you approach it with the proper strategy.

Colorado statewide had nearly 35,000 active listings in July, while the Denver metro area carried more than 13,000 active listings in August.  Buyers having more choices, more time, and more negotiating power than they’ve had in years is causing sellers to be a bit anxious and willing to negotiate. The results are sellers with proper expectations and pricing are still selling their home in a timely fashion while others pursuing top end dollars find their list times increase.

Seller concessions have now become more common than not with nearly two-thirds of Denver area sales including a concession in July, with the typical amount approaching $10,000. This is money that can potentially help cover closing costs or be used to reduce the buyer’s interest rate and monthly payment. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.

The biggest challenge most buyers have faced is financing and ever-rising interest rates. Freddie Mac reported a 6.76% average 30-year fixed rate as of September 10, while Mortgage News Daily’s daily index exceeded 7% on September 14. That’s why a financing strategy matters. It offers a real time solution to the affordability challenges so many people are facing.

For qualified borrowers, our 7-year adjustable rate mortgage continues to offer initial rates below 6%, providing seven years of payment stability at a potentially meaningful discount to today’s 30-year fixed options.  It isn’t the right choice for everyone but automatically choosing a 30-year fixed mortgage because it’s familiar isn’t a sound strategy either.

Colorado buyers currently have inventory, seller cooperation, and financing alternatives in their favor. The opportunity isn’t gone. It simply belongs to those willing to structure the right deal. Want to discuss your situation and craft a custom strategy for your own home purchase? The Bellco Home Loans team is happy to chat.

Bellco Home Loans is a joint venture between Bellco Credit Union and Guild Mortgage Company, LLC, an independent mortgage lender that has helped families attain home ownership since 1960. Bellco Home Loans, LLC, NMLS #2085298, is an affiliate of Guild Mortgage Company LLC, NMLS #3274; Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. All loans subject to approval.