Banking Services - Other Services
For your convenience: Our offices offer several specialized services; including but not limited to: E-statements, Notary Services, Overdraft Privilege and Overdraft Protection. Stop by one of our offices and let us customize an account and services package to meet all your banking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are E-Statements?
E-Statements are just like your regular paper statements except they come to you in electronic form inside First Online instead of in the mail. When your statement has been created at the bank you are sent an automatic email letting you know the statement has been posted to First Online. This method provides you immediate access to your statements instead of waiting on them to come through the mail.
How do I get signed up for E-Statements?
There are two ways to get signed up for E-Statements; call one of our bank representatives and they will be happy to sign you up or you can sign up inside First Online. Here's how:
· Log into First Online
· In the marketing area located at the bottom of your screen you will see a link allowing you to sign up for E-Statements
· Click on that link
· Fill out the whole form
· Submit the form
· You will no longer receive paper statements and you will receive a notification via email when your E-Statement is ready to view on First Online.
How do I look at my E-Statements?
· Log into First Online
· Click on the Accounts Tab
· Choose Statements from the drop down tab
· Choose the account number you wish to view the statement for under the first drop down box
· Choose the year you wish to view the statement for
· Choose the statement date. *Note: the statement date represents the closing date of that statement
Why is my Current Balance and Available Balance different?
Current Balance is the balance at the end of the last business day. Overdraft Privilege, Pending Items and Memo items are not included in this balance.
Available Balance is your Current Balance with pending and memo posted items, including debits, credits and overdraft privilege, if you have overdraft privilege on your account.
What is an Overdraft?
An overdraft occurs when money is withdrawn from a bank account and the available balance goes below zero. In this situation the account is said to be "overdrawn".
What does it mean to Opt-In vs Opt-Out?
When you choose to Opt-In your debit card/POS transactions will be allowed to post through the Overdraft Privilege Limit including any fees.
When you choose to Opt-Out any debit/POS transactions, over the available balance in your account, will be rejected by the merchant.
Whether you are opted in or out, checks can still be posted to your account and a fee assessed for the overdraft items. Opting In or Out only affects your debit card/POS transactions.
Unless a consumer (customer) chooses to opt-in for overdraft protection, their ATM and debit purchases will be declined if an account has insufficient funds. There are many other ways to manage your finances. Suggested alternatives to overdraft protection:
· Keep your check register current, recording all withdrawals and balancing often. Be sure to notate all ATM and debit card transactions along with any paper checks written on your account.
· Link your checking account to your savings account. In case of an overdraft, the money will be automatically taken from your savings.
· Most people spend a similar amount each month. If possible, keep an extra $100 in your checking account to cover unplanned expenses.
· Utilize technology. Sign up for email or text alerts through First Online that notify you when your balance is low.
What is Overdraft Protection?
Overdraft Protection occurs when funds from one account or source automatically transfer to another account preventing the receiving account from becoming overdrawn.
Some examples of overdraft protection are: HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit), Checking or Savings accounts tied to checking accounts with minimum balance transfers.
Minimum Balance Transfer: A transfer from one account to another when a minimum threshold, established by the customer is reached. A checking account can be linked to another account, such as a savings account or line of credit. Once the link is established, when an item or items are presented to the checking account and the resulting balance falls below a designated minimum, funds are transferred. A monthly fee is charged to maintain the minimum balance transfer service. If the linked account is a line of credit, the consumer may be required to pay interest under the terms of that account.
What is Overdraft Privilege?
Overdraft Privilege is a benefit offered to eligible checking accounts. The service will provide up to $600.00 in Overdraft Privileges on qualified checking accounts maintained in good standing. Most Personal checking accounts will be considered for eligibility, business accounts will be considered on an account-by-account basis. Some limits may apply.
For account Overdraft Privilege, we will pay your non-sufficient funds (NSF) debits, including fees, up to a pre-approved limit. This feature will save you time, embarrassment and the additional fees charged by merchants for returned items.
You will be charged the normal per item overdraft handling fee as set forth in our Fee Schedule. Overdraft Privilege can be applied to checks, ACH, POS and ATM items only if the account is opted-in.
Is there a charge for Overdraft Privilege?
The standard overdraft fee, which is described in our Fee Schedule, applies to checks or other debits paid through Overdraft Privilege. There are not additional fees for Overdraft Privilege.
How will Overdraft Privilege benefit me?
Overdraft Privilege will save you the embarrassment and expense of returned checks with a merchant when you make an honest mistake in your checkbook, have unplanned expenses, or run short on cash between paydays. Instead of returning checks unpaid, we will automatically pay them for you up to the accounts overdraft privilege limit.
How does Overdraft Privilege work?
When we receive an item for payment that causes the balance in your account to go below zero, we will pay the check or debit up to the accounts overdraft privilege limit including overdraft fee. Your checking account is worry free knowing that Overdraft Privilege will cover you. Please, always manage your finances responsibly, but when you need it, Overdraft Privilege is there.
Is Overdraft Privilege a loan?
No. It is a service provided by the bank to help you manage your money. The bank can withdraw this service at any time.
Do I have to apply for this service?
Yes. Overdraft Privilege is available to be added to your account as long as it meets the requirements of our Overdraft Privilege Policy. Limits apply.
