Providing certainty and strength in your financial life
Welcome to CertusBank, N.A.
CertusBank, N.A., known as CertusBank™, recently acquired your bank through a purchase and assumption agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). CertusBank™ is a financially strong customer-focused bank, so your money and your existing accounts are in sound, responsible hands. We will see to it that little will change in how you do your banking. We are very pleased to have an opportunity to put our prudent, reliable banking practices and solid financial strength to work for customers, teammates and communities.
You can be certain about CertusBank™.
Certus is Latin for “certain.” We put certainty in our name because we understand our strength comes from the certainty you have that we’ll be here for you with dependable, responsible and innovative solutions. CertusBank™ will work to earn your loyalty by delivering unparalleled customer service in ways that benefit you and your communities. We’re more than your average bank. You can be certain about that.
ANSWERS TO IMPORTANT CUSTOMER QUESTIONS
We know that when it comes to your money, you want honest and immediate answers. We’ll provide you with both. The following are answers to many questions that are important to you. If by chance we haven’t addressed all of your concerns, call us at 1-800-596-7100 or visit your local branch. We’re convinced that, once you experience the level of service and peace of mind that CertusBank™ offers, you’ll like where you do your banking even more.
Client Services
Will there be a change in my banker?
No, you can continue to contact your current banker or relationship manager.
General Questions
What happened to my bank?
Your bank was recently closed by your state’s Board of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named Receiver. Simultaneously with the closure, CertusBank™ assumed substantially all deposits and purchased substantially all assets with the assistance of the FDIC. This is a common method of protecting deposits held by failed institutions. Insured depositors of the failed bank immediately become depositors of the healthy bank and have immediate access to their insured funds.
Are depositors’ funds safe?
Now that your bank has been acquired by CertusBank™, your deposits (checking, savings, money market, CDs and Retirement accounts) are safe, secure and accessible. During the transition, there will be no interruption in banking services provided to customers. Your bank’s branches will be open during normal business hours, and customers will have full access to their deposits. All deposits are still insured by the FDIC. The current insurance covers interest bearing deposits from up to $250,000 all deposits in non-interest bearing transaction accounts are insured in full by the FDIC through December 31, 2012. This is in addition to and separate from the $250,000 coverage available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules.
Who is CertusBank, N.A.?
CertusBank™ and its parent company, Blue Ridge Holdings, Inc., are dedicated to creating a strong, sustainable, best-in-class banking franchise in the southeastern United States. Our goal is to help our customers, teammates and communities succeed and prosper. The company has the management know-how and long-term capital support to be a leader in providing financial products and services. Additionally CertusBank™ seeks to drive economic growth and stability in the markets served by the company. Learn more about CertusBank™ by going to www.certusbank.com.
How will this affect the way customers conduct their banking transactions?
This transition will not have an immediate effect on the way you conduct your banking transactions. Now that your bank is part of CertusBank™, you can expect to have even more convenience, in addition to the same great level of service you have come to expect with your bank. We will communicate well in advance specific information about any changes or added features to customers’ accounts.
Branches & ATMs
Can I still bank at my branch bank?
You may continue to do your banking at your favorite branch location.
Will branch hours remain the same?
Our hours of operation will remain the same. We will notify you well in advance should we change the hours.
Can I continue to use my former bank’s ATM network?
There will be no changes to how you access your former bank’s ATM network.
Will ATM fees change?
You may continue to use any of your former bank’s ATMs as usual.
Will any branches be closed?
Customers may continue to do their banking at any of their previous bank’s locations. While we do not anticipate any closures in the near future, customers will be notified well in advance of any branch changes should they occur.
What will happen to my former bank’s personnel?
We plan to retain as many teammates as possible. Our goal is to have a seamless transition focused on exceptional customer service.
Will you honor my former bank’s community sponsorships and commitments?
CertusBank™ is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. We will be reaching out to various community partners as we begin to review your former bank’s community engagement programs to ensure that we are supporting the economic development and vitality of our communities.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions, feel free to stop by one of the bank’s branch locations or contact a representative at 1-800-596-7100. A bank representative will be happy to answer your questions. In addition, the FDIC has set up at toll-free number, 1-877-ASK-FDIC, to assist customers with any questions regarding insurance coverage for their accounts. You may also access the FDIC website at www.fdic.gov, which contains deposit insurance information and other information about your former bank.
Deposit / Savings Accounts
Will my account numbers change?
All account numbers will remain the same at this time. We will communicate with you well in advance with specific information about any changes or added features to your accounts.
Will my products remain the same?
Your current products and services will remain the same for the time being. As we integrate our systems, some changes may occur to your accounts. You will be notified in advance of any changes and, at that time, we will be happy to walk you through any changes that may occur.
Are there any specific actions I must take to claim my deposits?
You will soon receive in the mail a “Notice to Depositors,” which will include procedures you must follow within the next 18 months for claiming your deposits. The process can be accomplished by simply as using your ATM/Debit card, writing a check, making a deposit or withdrawal (electronic or in person), or using your online bill pay. If you have multiple accounts, you will only need to “claim” one account belonging to you or your organization. After 18 months, all unclaimed deposits are required to be turned over to the FDIC which, in turn, is required to turn them over to the State of South Carolina unclaimed property office.
Can I continue to write checks?
Your checks will be processed in the usual manner. We will contact you in advance regarding any changes in the terms of your account. Please contact a customer service representative should you have questions or visit your branch office.
What will happen to my direct deposits?
Your current arrangement for direct deposit, including Social Security checks, will continue as normal without interruption. If you need to change anything in the future, you can make arrangements by contacting or visiting your local branch location or by using our online banking capability.
Can I withdraw my deposits?
You can withdraw some or all of your funds from your deposit accounts without penalty until you enter a new agreement with CertusBank™, provided you are not using your deposits to secure a loan.
What does it mean to claim my deposits?
Claiming deposits means that you are verifying, through use, or by completing forms, that you own your accounts. There are several ways that you can claim your account(s). As a deposit customer you will receive a letter via U.S. Mail within 7 days of the acquisition by CertusBank™ which will include procedures for how to claim your deposits in a separate enclosure titled, “Notice to Depositors.” Please read the documents carefully. For your convenience we have Claim Forms at your branch office you can complete to claim all of your deposits.
Can I continue to use my debit card?
You can continue to use your current ATM/debit card as you currently do, and your PIN will remain the same. We will notify you of any changes or enhancements to your account.
Will I incur an early withdrawal penalty if I close my CD before maturity?
Until you enter into a new deposit agreement with the CertusBank™, you may withdraw funds without paying an early withdrawal penalty. Entering into a new deposit agreement can be done by either renewing your CD or making a deposit to, or a withdrawal from, your account.
Will there be changes to my CD?
You will continue to receive interest as you have in the past. If your rates change as a result of this acquisition you will receive a letter via U.S. Mail within 7 days of the acquisition by CertusBank™ with an enclosure titled “Notice of Rate Changes to your Interest Bearing Deposits”. Please read the document carefully.
What will happen to my IRA?
Your IRA remains as is and is now part of CertusBank™, and we will communicate any account changes well in advance should any conversion activities take place. IRA funds are insured separately from other types of accounts up to $250,000. You may want to refer to a tax advisor for questions about distributions from IRAs.
Loan / Credit Accounts
What will happen to my loans/mortgage?
All of your former bank’s loans have been assumed by CertusBank™. Your payment amount and due date remain the same. Please continue to mail/send payments in the same manner as you have in the past. If your payments are deducted from your account, it will continue to be deducted as it has in the past. Checks should be made payable as usual and sent to the same address until further notice. If you have further questions regarding an existing loan, please contact your loan officer or bank representative.
What will happen to my credit card?
The current terms and conditions on your credit card remain the same at this time. You should continue to send payments to the same address unless otherwise notified. Any changes in the terms and conditions will be communicated in advance.
What if I have a loan/mortgage in process that has not closed?
If your mortgage or other loan application is in process and you have yet to receive a decision, we will evaluate your application accordingly. We will contact you as quickly as possible with a decision or a request for additional information. You do not need to reapply. For additional information, please contact your banker.
What if I have a loan modification in process but not completed?
If your mortgage or other loan application is in process and you have yet to receive a decision, we will evaluate your application accordingly. We will contact you as quickly as possible with a decision or a request for additional information. You do not need to reapply. For additional information, please contact your banker.
Online / Electronic Transactions
Can I continue to pay bills online?
You can continue to access your online banking and bill-paying service through your former bank’s website, with no interruption. All payees and payments will continue as currently set up. As we consolidate our banking systems, we will provide assistance and advance notice of any changes to these services.
Will my ACH transactions still occur on their assigned date?
Yes, your ACH transactions will continue without interruption. However, for your protection, we may implement additional security controls that include reviewing available account balances and calling customers to verify transactions.
Can I continue to send wire transactions?
Yes. Your account number and bank routing number are not changing at this time. However, for your protection, we may implement additional security controls that include reviewing available account balances and calling customers to verify transactions.
Will there be any changes in wire transfer fees?
At this time, there is no change in the fee schedule for wire transfers. We will be reviewing fee schedules and will notify you in advance of any changes.
Business / Corporate Accounts
Can I continue to use my Remote Deposit Capture service?
Yes, you can use your scanner as you normally would. Your deposits will be accepted and processed in the same manner as before.
Do I need to change the pickup and delivery instructions for my courier?
Your pickup and delivery schedule will remain the same.
Will I continue my remote deposits?
Yes, this process will remain the same.
What will happen to my construction loan or line of credit?
Existing construction loans and credit lines will be evaluated on a case by case basis and customers will be given timely notification of any changes. If you have an application in process and have not yet received a credit decision, it will be evaluated accordingly. Please contact a banker for additional questions.
Safe Deposit Boxes
Will my safe deposit box fees change?
Your safe deposit box, fees and annual renewal date will remain the same. You may still go to your local branch and access your safe deposit box.
How can I claim the contents of my safe deposit box?
No action is required as a result of this transaction. You may still access your safe deposit box during regular banking hours. Your safe deposit box agreement may change when your contract is up for renewal, but for now this service will continue without interruption.
Brokerage Accounts
What will happen to my investment accounts?
CertusBank™ will offer a wide variety of products and services. At this time, no changes are being made in your investment account, or the products and services that are offered. As the integration proceeds, we will notify you of any changes that may be made in the investment brokerage platform.
Will I continue to have online access to my investment account?
At this time, no changes are being made to your online investment account. You may continue to conduct your transactions in the same manner you currently do.
Will my financial advisor change?
You should continue to engage your financial advisor as you have in the past. You will be notified by your financial advisor if any changes are made during the integration.
What you need to know now.
You have important questions.
We have the answers.