FAQs – Banking Services You Can Rely On
- Home
- /
- FAQs
Mobile Device Security
Configure your device to require a passcode to gain access if this feature is supported in your device.
Avoid storing sensitive information. Mobile devices have a high likelihood of being lost or stolen so you should avoid using them to store sensitive information (e.g. passwords, bank account numbers, etc.). If sensitive data is stored then encryption should be used to secure it.
Keep your mobile device’s software up-to-date. These devices are small computers running software that needs to be updated just as you would update your PC. Use the automatic update option if one is available.
Review the privacy policy and data access of any applications (apps) before installing them.
Disable features not actively in use such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and infrared. Set Bluetooth-enabled devices to non-discoverable when Bluetooth is enabled.
Delete all information stored on a device before the device changes ownership. Use a “hard factory reset” to permanently erase all content and settings stored on the device.
“Sign out” or “Log off” when finished with an app rather than just closing it.
Online Security
Never click on suspicious links in emails, tweets, posts, nor online advertising. Links can take you to a different website than their labels indicate. Typing an address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an email is a safer alternative.
Only give sensitive information to websites using encryption so your information is protected as it travels across the Internet. Verify the web address begins with “https://” (the “s” is for secure) rather than just “http://”. Some browsers also display a closed padlock.
Do not trust sites with certificate warnings or errors. These messages could be caused by your connection being intercepted or the web server misrepresenting its identity.
Avoid using public computers or public wireless access points for online banking and other activities involving sensitive information when possible.
Always “sign out” or “log off” of password protected websites when finished to prevent unauthorized access. Simply closing the browser window may not actually end your session.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts directing you to a website or requesting information.
General PC Security
Maintain active and up-to-date antivirus protection provided by a reputable vendor. Schedule regular scans of your computer in addition to real-time scanning.
Update your software frequently to ensure you have the latest security patches. This includes your computer’s operating system and other installed software (e.g. Web Browsers, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java, Microsoft Office, etc.).
Automate software updates, when the software supports it, to ensure it’s not overlooked.
If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, discontinue using it for banking, shopping, or other activities involving sensitive information. Use security software and/or professional help to find and remove malware.
Use firewalls on your local network to add another layer of protection for all the devices that connect through the firewall (e.g. PCs, smart phones, and tablets).
Require a password to gain access. Log off or lock your computer when not in use.
Use a cable lock to physically secure laptops, when the device is stored in an untrusted location.
Passwords
Create a unique password for all the different systems you use. If you don’t then one breach leaves all your accounts vulnerable.
Never share your password over the phone, in texts, by email, or in person. If you are asked for your password it’s probably a scam.
Use unpredictable passwords with a combination of lowercase letters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters.
The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use a password with at least 8 characters. Every additional character exponentially strengthens a password.
Avoid using obvious passwords such as:
- your name
- your business name
- family member names
- your user name
- birthdates
- dictionary words
Choose a password you can remember without writing it down. If you do choose to write it down, store it in a secure location.
Additional Resources
To learn more about information security visit any of the following websites:
OnGuardOnline.gov
StaySafeOnline.org
BBB.org/Data-Security
US-CERT.gov
Q: What is Online Banking?
A: Online Banking is a tool that allows you to use a personal computer with an Internet connection to conduct your banking online.
Q: What can I do with Online Banking?
A: You can view account balances and transaction history, transfer money, and download transactions to a personal financial manager and much more.
Q: Is any of my personal information stored in the Online Banking product?
A: Yes, the Online Banking product stores your User ID, password and user preferences.
Q: How current is my banking information?
A: Your account information shows up-to-the-minute balance information.
Q: What accounts will I be able to access through Online Banking?
A:You can access your checking, savings, investment and loan accounts from the Online banking service. Our Online Banking Product is intended to give you as much access, security, and versatility as possible.
Q: How much account information can I view at once?
A: The system allows you to choose monthly dates, 10 or 30 day increments or custom dates.
Q: Can I view my account details in more than one way?
A: Yes, you can view your accounts by date, description, deposits, withdrawals, all in ascending or descending order.
Q: What formats can I download my transaction history in?
A: Online Banking supports downloads to QuickenTM, QuickbooksTM or as a comma-delimited text file.
Q: Can I schedule future transfers?
A: Yes, you are able to schedule open, future and recurring transfers.
Q: When can I use Online Banking services?
A: With Online Banking, you have access to your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Q: What is required to use the Online Banking service?
A: All you need to use Online Banking is a secure browser that supports 128 bit encryption, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari. You can use any computer that has Internet access.
Q: How do I access Online Banking?
A: You must first complete the Online Banking registration form and submit it to us. Once your registration is received we will process your request. You will need the password you created during the registration process to access the service for the first time. You must have an existing checking, savings or loan account before banking online.
Q: Can I create my own password that is easy for me to remember?
A: Yes, you can go to My Settings and change your password.
Q: What happens if I forget or lose my password?
A: You could click on the link for Forgotten Password and the system will take you through the steps needed to get back into the system immediately!
Q: Is it possible to schedule recurring payments?
A: Yes. You can schedule weekly, semi-monthly and monthly recurring payments. The final payment of a recurring payment scheme is designated by a ‘Final Payment Date.’
Q: How do I register for electronic bill payment?
A: Bill Payment registration is easy!
The first time you attempt to access the bill payment section of Online Banking, you will be prompted to begin online registration. You are first requested to read and accept the authorization disclosure. Failure to accept the disclosure terms prevents the registration process from proceeding.
Once the disclosure is agreed to, you complete the online registration form. The registration form is then transmitted to Metavante for their approval process. When approved you will have access to bill payment within Online Banking. It does not require a separate logon.
Q: When I add a new payee to my bill payment account, or change my account number, how quickly will the change take place?
A: When you update the information for the bill payment account, the changes are implemented virtually instantaneously.
Q: Can I use electronic bill payment with all my accounts?
A: No, only checking accounts can be used for bill payment purposes.
Q: When can I start using electronic bill payment?
A: You can begin using bill payment once you have been approved.
Q: When is bill payment available?
A: You can schedule payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Q: Are my bill payment transactions reflected as Online Banking transactions?
A: All bill payment transactions become part of the Online Banking transaction history and show up in personal financial management applications when the transaction history is downloaded.
Q: How do I add new payees?
A: You can add payees by simply typing the name of the person or company in the “Need to pay someone new?” field and clicking Add. New payees will be added to the payee list immediately.
Q: Can bill payment be used when I am out of the country?
A: Bill payment provides you with peace of mind when you are traveling for an extended period of time. All you need is access to the Internet with a secure browser and you can pay your bills while out of the country. Payees must be located within the 50 United States and Territories.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of bill payment accounts I can set-up?
A: Yes, you are limited to one bill payment account.
Q: Who can be paid using the bill payment system?
A: Anyone in the 50 United States and territories who can accept a check can be paid using the bill payment system. You can pay practically anyone- charge accounts, utilities, auto loans, professionals, even a lawn service or a relative. However, tax payments (such as federal, state and local) and court directed payments (such as alimony and child support) cannot be processed through our online bill payment system.
Q: Can I pay my bills on the weekend?
A: Use our calendar widget when scheduling payments to assist in understanding when a payment can be delivered. Available dates will be displayed in black. Unavailable dates including weekends, holiday, or a date that would not allow us to deliver the payment in time are grayed out and not selectable. Tell us the day you need your payment delivered to your payee and we will take care of the rest. We will need about 2 business days to make your payment if we can make it electronically and about 5 business days if we are making your payment by check.
Q: If I schedule multiple bill payments for a single day, how will my account be debited- as a lump sum or separately?
A: Each bill payment is debited separately.
Q: What if I do not have sufficient funds on the day Metavante, our bill payment providers, debits my account?
A: Following is a summary of Data Service’s Insufficient Funds procedure:
- A block will automatically be placed on all accounts that have an ACH debit returned to bill payment services. No additional bill payments will be processed until the account is properly funded and the return(s) cleared. If a payment request is received while the account is blocked, a letter will be sent notifying you that the payment(s) will not be processed. A copy will also be sent to the Financial Institution.
- Upon the first return, Metavante will automatically re-send all ACH returns under $100.00. Exception: debits for payments in which the credit portion was sent electronically will be resent regardless of the dollar amount without financial institution verification.
- Metavante will contact the financial institution to verify all returns exceeding $100.00. If funds are available, they will re-send the return(s). If funds are unavailable and if the payment was made by check, a stop payment will be placed.
Q: Are all debits and credits sent out at the same time?
A: Yes, they are all sent out at the same time.
Q: How is my account debited?
A: This actually depends on a few factors:
Electronic payments: If we make your payment electronically, we normally debit your account on the due date you selected for your payment. However, depending on several processing factors, your account could be debited up to 2 (two) days prior to the due date you selected.
Check payments: When we issue a payment by check, the check behaves just as it would if you wrote the check right out of your checkbook. The funds will be debited from your account when the payee receives and negotiates the check. We send out the check up to 5 business days before your due date, so please make sure you have available funds in your account at least 4 business days prior to your selected due date as the funds can clear as soon as your payee receives the check.
Q: What is ACH?
A: Automated Clearing House is a funds transfer system which provides for the interbank clearing of electronic entries for participating financial institutions.
Q: If I make an error in selecting an electronic payee and it results in a late fee, am I responsible for the charges?
A: If you select an electronic payee with an address that is different from that indicated on the payment coupon, then you are responsible for the late fee. You always have the option to manually enter a different address for a payee. If you select an electronic payee with the address that matches that indicated on the payment coupon, and routes the payment incorrectly, then Metavante will take responsibility for the late fee.
Q: How do I place a ‘stop payment’ on a bill payment?
A: A payment may be edited or deleted anytime before the “process date.” Payments that have been remitted electronically cannot be stopped.
Q: Are my deposit accounts FDIC insured?
A: Yes! We are a Member of the FDIC.
Q: How do I set up Direct Deposit of my payroll check?
A: If your employer participates in a direct deposit program, simply provide this information to the human resources or payroll department at your company.
Q: How do I set up Direct Deposit of my Social Security check?
A: If you are already receiving benefits, you can create a my Social Security account, call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, or you can sign up at any of our offices. Contact us for more information.
Q: Can I get information about my account by phone?
A: Yes! Account information is available with our Customer Service Representatives during business hours at any of our offices or ask about our Voice Response System for automated account information 24 hours a day.
Q: What products can I apply for online?
A: We have a variety of business and personal accounts. For online deposit accounts you can Apply Here. For online loan accounts you can Apply Here.
Q: Is interest paid on my checking account?
A: Yes! If you want a checking account that pays a market rate of interest, check out our Money Market account.
Q: Can I open an account if I don’t live in the United States? What if I live in the United States but am not a citizen yet?
A: At this time, we only accept applications from persons residing within the United States with valid U.S. tax identification numbers (Social Security Numbers). If you have questions, contact us. We’d like to hear from you.
Q: Can I do all of my banking with you?
A: Yes! Thanks to the convenience of Direct Deposit and ATMs, everyday banking activities can be performed on your own time. Contact us with questions about your banking needs.
Q: Can I look at all of my transactions at any time?
A: Yes! With Online Banking, you have access to your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Q: How frequently is my information updated?
A: Your account information is updated every business day with new transactions that posted to your account the previous day.
Q: Are wire transfers possible to and from my checking account?
A: Yes! Funds can be transferred to and from accounts by wire transfer or via ACH (Automated Clearing House) debits or credits. Contact us for details.
Q: How do I make a deposit to my account from a remote location?
A: You can do most of your banking by using direct deposit, ATMs, Mobile Banking, or ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions. We also offer a bank-by-mail service, which allows you to mail non-recurring deposits. Contact us for details on a method that’s best for you.
Q: When do I have access to use Online Banking?
A: With Online Banking, you have access to your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
2024 Holiday Schedule
Patterson State Bank will be closed on the following holidays
New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1
Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 15
Mardi Gras, Tuesday, February 13
President’s Day, Monday, February 19
Good Friday, Friday, March 29
Memorial Day, Monday, May 27
Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19
Independence Day, Thursday, July 4
Labor Day, Monday, September 2
Columbus Day, Monday, October 14
Veterans Day, Friday, November 11
Thanksgiving, Thursday & Friday, November 28 & November 29
Christmas, Wednesday & Thursday, December 25 & 26