Top Questions We Get From You, Our Customers

Pictured above: First Bank team members Shane English, Kay Howery, Pam Whitney and Hannah Jackson from the Aberdeen branch

We love seeing our customers in person, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions our customers bring to our experienced tellers and customer service representatives.

With these questions answered, you’ll be on your way to a quick and easy banking experience.

How can I set up automatic transfers between First Bank accounts?

There are 2 different ways. You can fill out a form in person at your local branch or log into online banking and set them up with just a few clicks.

What is the best way to prevent account fraud on my debit card?

Never lend out your card or give information to anyone you don’t know and trust. If you loan out your debit card, then there is no way to prove fraud, and therefore disputing any charges you didn’t make becomes much more difficult.

Always swipe your debit card as “credit” whenever possible to prevent people from seeing you enter your PIN. Also, swiping your card as credit actually offers more protection than swiping it as debit, as those losses can be easier to recover.

Also see these helpful tips for managing your finances online.

If I have a joint account, can I withdraw funds by myself or do I need another signature?

You may withdraw funds on your signature alone.

What’s the difference between “current” and “available” balance?

The “current” or “collected” balance is your balance from the close of business on the previous day. For example, if today is Tuesday, the current balance would reflect the final balance of your account at midnight on Monday the day before.

The “available” balance reflects the most up-to-date information available on your account. Any difference between your current and available balance is the result of pending items that have been authorized but not yet posted such as incoming deposits or withdrawals.

My payroll or federal benefits arrives by direct deposit today, but it hasn’t posted to my current balance yet. However, it is included in my account’s available funds. Can I spend that money?

Of course. Even though the electronic deposit isn’t showing as posted to your account’s current balance, as long as it says that funds are available, then you are free to use them.

What happens if I overdraft?

At the present moment, you will receive an overdraft fee of up to $36 depending on the dollar amount of the overdraft transaction. If your account does become overdrawn, it’s important to bring your account to a positive balance as soon as possible to avoid paying additional fees.

If the account stays negative for 7 calendar days, a $36 negative balance fee will be assessed.

In addition to Overdraft Privilege, First Bank also offers other forms of overdraft protection that may be less costly, including linking to another First Bank deposit account to transfer money to cover overdrawn transactions. Alternately, linking your account to a line of credit may be an option for those who qualify.

What if I need to transfer money between my accounts after business hours?

The best and fastest way is to transfer funds between your accounts using our online banking system. Same-day transfers are available until 7 pm—any transfers made after that time will go through the following morning.

You can elect to do it over the phone via our Customer Service Center. To do this, you will need to complete and submit a Telephone Transfer Authorization form (available in your local branch). Like online banking, those same-day transfers have a 7 pm cut off time. Those made after hours will appear the next day.

I’m concerned about my accounts hitting below a certain balance. Is there anything I can do?

Of course! First Bank is always concerned with your financial stability and can answer any questions or concerns you may have.

The manual or traditional way to keep track your balance is to keep a check register by hand in your checkbook. This can be time consuming but can ensure accuracy of your accounts.

Another option we offer is account alerts through our online banking. You can set up various alerts that can be sent to you in an email, by a phone call, or a text for almost anything you would like to know about your account.

You can adjust setting to alert you when your account balance reaches a certain level or be alerted when withdrawals or deposits of a specific dollar amount post to your account.

Call, click, or come into a local First Bank today if you would like more information on these great tools for your financial life.