Fraud & Identity Protection

Explore More Courses

Illustration of charts and account notes.

Financial Basics Get off on the right foot with the right financial tools. 13 Topics

Smart Savings Create a plan for reaching your financial goals. 4 Topics

You may be interested in...

Fraud Protection Best Practices: When to use a Credit Card vs. a Debit Card Key Fraud-Related Differences Between Credit Cards and Debit Cards A credit card allows you to borrow money from a lender up to a set limit, with the expectation of paying it back later, often with interest if not paid in full. A debit card, on the other hand, directly withdraws funds from your bank account when you make a purchase, limiting spending to the amount in your account. Balancing credit and debit card use can enhance both security and financial stability. If someone steals your credit card information, they are effectively stealing the credit card issuer’s money, not directly accessing your bank account. This separation provides a crucial security buffer, giving you time to dispute charges without risking essential funds like rent or grocery money. In contrast, debit card fraud affects your checking account immediately, which can cause financial disruptions until the issue is resolved. First Bank Cardholders: Did you know that First Bank credit and debit cards offer Mastercard’s zero-liability protection? Whether you are using your First Bank credit or debit card, you’ll only pay for purchases that you have authorized on your Mastercard® card. Unauthorized purchases are not your responsibility. Instances Where a Credit Card can Offer Increased Fraud Protection Online Purchases Credit cards are generally safer for online transactions. They offer robust fraud protection, and most credit card companies monitor for suspicious activity, often reimbursing fraudulent charges quickly. Travel and International Transactions When traveling, especially abroad, use a credit card. Credit cards typically offer better fraud monitoring and reduced liability if your card information is compromised. Big-Ticket Purchases Use a credit card for expensive items like electronics or home appliances. Many credit cards come with purchase protection, extended warranties, and easier dispute resolution if something goes wrong. Recurring Payments or Subscriptions Credit cards provide better protection if you need to dispute unauthorized subscription charges, helping avoid interruptions to your service while the issue is resolved. Best Practices for Card Security Monitor Transactions: Regularly check both credit and debit accounts for unauthorized activity. Use Secure Websites: Look for “https://” in website URLs when shopping online. Enable Alerts: Sign up for transaction alerts for immediate fraud detection. Report Issues Promptly: The sooner you report suspicious activity, the better your chances of minimizing loss. Responsible Credit Card Use To maximize fraud protection while maintaining financial health, use credit cards responsibly by: Paying the Balance in Full: Avoid interest charges by clearing the balance each month. Staying Within Limits: Use only a portion of your credit limit to maintain a healthy credit score. Making Timely Payments: Pay on time to avoid late fees and credit score damage. 3 min read

Infographic header financial wellness journey

It’s Never Too Late to Start Your Financial Journey A little financial education can go a long way to help your employees manage their money and plan for the future. This infographic below, lays out some startling facts about why now is the time to boost financial savvy. 1 min read

Find the Best Checking Accounts in South Carolina at First Bank For residents in South Carolina, finding the best checking account can be crucial to managing your finances. But with so many banks in the area, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right option. At First Bank, we are confident that our checking account options can best fit your banking needs. Shop for the Best Checking Accounts at First Bank First Bank offers five different types of checking accounts that can suit whatever lifestyle you lead. Each of them come with no monthly maintenance fee when you meet our minimum requirements. Here are some key features for each type of checking account we offer: Everywhere Checking Free online and mobile banking Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements Cash rewards with a qualifying First Bank credit card Everywhere Plus The benefits of Everywhere Checking Interest at the minimum balance requirement Everywhere Premium The benefits of Everywhere Plus Free member checks or 50% discount on alternate check designs Four free official checks per statement cycle Campus Checking For students under the age of 25, Campus Checking can best suit your needs. It offers most of the benefits of an Everywhere Checking account, in addition to having no First Bank transaction fees on eight out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month. Senior Checking Customers aged 55 years and older are eligible to apply for Senior Checking. It offers all the benefits of an Everywhere Checking account, in addition to having free basic checks or 50% off other designs. Visit Your Local First Bank Today Whether you’re a student, senior, or just looking for a checking account that works the way you want it to, First Bank has it all. With six convenient branches in South Carolina, we’re available to help you find the best checking account that fits your needs. ——— Sources: Go Banking Rates: https://www.gobankingrates.com/checking-accounts/benefits-checking-account/ 2 min read

Savings Account Interest Rates in South Carolina Whether you’re searching for savings account interest rates in South Carolina, looking for an account with a higher rate of return, in the market for a long-term savings strategy with tax advantages, or looking to open your very first savings account, First Bank in South Carolina can help. With First Bank’s savings accounts, you can grow your money the smart way. We offer various levels of interest rates on a number of both personal and business savings accounts, some of which accrue interest on any amount of money. Save conservatively in a basic savings account or water your money more aggressively in a Money Market account. The choice is up to you. First Bank offers a number of savings account options: Everywhere Savings MyFirst Savings Money Market CDs IRAs Health Savings Accounts Interested in More Than Just Rates? Our savings account interest rates aren’t the only benefit of trusting First Bank with your money. Our savings accounts also offer perks, such as: Withdrawal capabilities* Online and mobile banking so you can watch your money grow from home or on the go* Monthly statements that provide a detailed history of growth and transactions Account activity alerts to notify you of any action in your account Opportunities to avoid First Bank monthly maintenance fees* Reach out to First Bank or visit a local First Bank branch to learn more about savings account interest rates in South Carolina. We’re happy to answer all of your financial questions and help you find the best type of savings account for you. Plant your money at one of South Carolina’s First Bank locations and use our savings account interest rates. While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. Account holders may avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee by meeting any of the requirements listed in the Keep if Fee Free™ section of the account summary table for their account type. Other account service fees may apply as described in the Account Services Fee Schedule, which is also available at your local branch. 2 min read

Get In Touch

At First Bank we offer the perfect financial tools for you or your business. With over 90 years of local experience we’re here for you.