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New Online Banking Actions and Dates

Table of Contents

Key Dates

Bill Pay

Anytime Telephone Banking

Online and Mobile Banking

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QUICKBOOKS AND QUICKEN USERS

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Action Items

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Online Banking Instructions for New and Existing Users

Online Banking Video Resources

Key Dates

  • Sunday, April 18:
    • Billpay services will pause on April 18 and resume on April 26.
    • Any payments scheduled prior to April 18 will be sent out or converted and sent through our new system.
  • Thursday, April 22:
    • Online Banking and Mobile Banking will be offline beginning at 1:00 pm EST. They will resume on April 26.
    • The Anytime Telephone Banking system will be offline beginning at 1:00 pm EST. It will resume on April 26.
    • Branches will close at 3:00 pm EST.
  • Friday, April 23
    • Branches will reopen for normal business hours on Friday, April 23.
  • Monday, April 26
    • You will be able to log into our new Online Banking System and Mobile App.

NOTE: ATMs will remain open and debit cards will remain functional throughout the transition.

If you have questions, please contact us.

Bill Pay

  • Our Billpay service will be available until April 18.
  • Any payments scheduled prior to April 18 will be sent out or converted and sent through our new system.
  • On April 26, you will be able to access our new Billpay system through Online Banking.
  • Any payments scheduled prior to April 18 will be sent out or converted and sent through our new system.
  • All active payees and scheduled payments will be converted to the new Billpay system.
  • eBills will not be converted, and you will be required to set those up after you’ve logged in to the new system.
  • eBills will require login credentials for the vendor you are paying.
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Action Item

Before April 18, schedule any Billpay transactions that need to process between April 18 and April 26.

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Action Item

After April 26, set up eBills in the new Online Banking system.

Explore demo accounts of the new Billpay services:

Anytime Telephone Banking

  • The Anytime Telephone Banking system will be offline from 1:00 pm on April 22 to April 26.
  • On April 26, you will be able to access our new Telephone Banking system using the same number you’ve always used (877-226-5246).
  • When you call for the first time, you will be required to enter the following information: your account number, your whole Social Security number, and a new 6-digit PIN.
  • After that, when you call you’ll be asked to enter your account number and your PIN.
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Action Item

On or after April 26, call the new Telephone Banking system to set up your account and PIN.

Online and Mobile Banking

  • Online Banking and Mobile Banking will be offline from 1:00 pm on April 22 to April 26.
  • On April 26, you will be able to login to our new Online Banking system and Mobile App.
  • Online Banking should be accessed on Google Chrome or the latest version of Microsoft Edge.
  • You will need to download our new mobile app from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
  • Scheduled transfers will be converted to the new system.
  • Account alerts will not convert to the new system. You will be able to set your new alerts up in the new system under the Messages tab.
  • Mobile Deposits users will be required to enroll for Mobile Deposit. Enrollment instructions are outlined in the First Time Login Steps. We will approve your enrollment quickly so you’ll be able to make deposits right away.
  • eStatements will only be available via our new Online Banking system.
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    Action Item

    Download the new mobile app: Android or iOS

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    Action Item

    Enroll in Mobile Deposit. Mobile Deposit users will be required to enroll for Mobile Deposit. Enrollment instructions are outlined in the First Time Login Steps. We will approve your enrollment quickly so you’ll be able to make deposits right away.

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    Action Item

    Set up account alerts. Account alerts will not convert to the new system. You will be able to set your alerts up in the new system under the Messages tab.

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    Action Item

    Enroll in online eStatements. Since statements will no longer be emailed, if you do not enroll into Online Banking and enroll into eStatements prior to July 1, 2021, we will be required to resume mailing your statements and your account will be subject to additional service charge fees. We must have your online authorization before we can begin Online Banking delivery.

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    QUICKBOOKS AND QUICKEN USERS

    • Users of QuickBooks or Quicken software will need to take two actions to ensure a smooth transition. The first action is prior to April 21 and the second is after April 26. Please reference the appropriate conversion instructions based on your software.
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    Action Item

    Review the appropriate conversion instructions.

    • Before April 21:
      • Users of QuickBooks or Quicken must complete a data file backup and a final transaction download prior to April 21.
      • Please make sure to complete the final download before this date because transaction history might not be available after the upgrade.
    • After April 26
      • Users of QuickBooks or Quicken must complete the deactivate/reactivate of your online banking connection to ensure that you get your current Quicken or QuickBooks accounts set up with the new connection.
      • Please carefully review your downloaded transactions after completing the migration instructions to ensure no transactions were duplicated or missed on the register.
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    Action Items

    • Before April 18:
      • Schedule any Billpay transactions that need to process between April 18 and April 26.
    • Before April 21:
      • Users of QuickBooks or Quicken must complete a data file backup and a final transaction download prior to April 21.
    • On or after April 26:
      • Set up eBills in the new Online Banking system.
      • Call the new Telephone Banking system (877-226-5246) to set up your account and PIN.
      • Download the new mobile app:
      • Enroll in Mobile Deposit. Mobile Deposits users will be required to enroll for Mobile Deposit. Enrollment instructions are outlined in the First Time Login Steps. We will approve your enrollment quickly so you’ll be able to make deposits right away.
      • Set up online account alerts. Account alerts will not convert to the new system. You will be able to set your alerts up in the new system under the Messages tab.
      • Enroll in online eStatements. Since statements will no longer be emailed, if you do not enroll into Online Banking and enroll into eStatements prior to July 1, 2021, we will be required to resume mailing your statements and your account will be subject to additional service charge fees. We must have your online authorization before we can begin Online Banking delivery.
      • Users of QuickBooks or Quicken must complete the deactivate/reactivate of your online banking connection to ensure that you get your current quicken or QuickBooks accounts set up with the new connection.

      See Our New Online Banking Platform in Action

      Online Banking Videos
      Arthur State Bank graphic
      Man doing his banking online

      AnnualCreditReport.com is the only source for free credit reports authorized by the federal government. Every 12 months, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each agency.

      Your credit report has your credit history for all of your credit accounts as well as any credit inquiries and public record court information such as collections. In addition, the report provides personally identifiable information such as your name, address, and employment.

      Be sure to carefully review all three reports to identify any problem areas that you may need to clean up prior to applying for a mortgage. If there is any incorrect information, follow the reporting agency’s rules to correct it or add a notation to the report to explain the situation.

      Your FICO Score is a score combines data from several areas include payment history, the amount owed, length of credit history, new accounts. Many lenders use this score as a guide. This score is not provided as part of the free annual credit report.

      Learn more about how your credit score impacts your ability to secure a loan.

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      Couple looking over finances

      Primary considerations for setting your housing budget require an assessment of your income, debt and current savings for the down payment on the home. The following are generally recommended guidelines; however, you should meet with an Arthur State Bank lender to get personalized mortgage information.

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      Couple meeting with lender

      The pre-qualification/pre-approval letter is included with any offer you make on a house to inform the seller that you have met with a mortgage lender and you are prepared to make an offer. The letter states that based on certain assumptions, the bank is prepared to lend you up to a specified amount of money for a home mortgage.

      When choosing a loan officer, we recommend going local to work with someone who understands your community’s real estate market. This blog on first-time home purchases includes questions to ask your lender that may be helpful when preparing for your meeting.

      Helpful Resources:

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      Realtor shaking hands with a client

      When a house is sold, the seller typically pays real estate commission to both the listing agent and the selling agent. It is extremely beneficial for the buyer to use their own real estate agent. Loan officers can often recommend selling agents in the area; ask your officer about realtor referrals when discussing your loan.

      A good realtor will know the local market and can help you find an ideal home based on your budget, location and desired features. During your search, understand that you will most likely need to compromise on some items, so it’s important to identify your critical needs versus your wants.

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      Couple searching online for a home

      Additionally, when you start with the house search and work backwards, homes can often go off the market while you’re completing steps 1-4. While browsing homes immediately can be tempting, we recommend following these steps in order so that, once you find your dream home, you’ll be well-positioned to take action immediately.

      When you find the home you want and you think you are ready to put an offer on it, you will want to make sure you have all the information you need to make a solid offer.

      • Evaluate the neighborhood.
      • Drive by the house at different times of the day.
      • Examine how other houses in the neighborhood are maintained.
      • Consider any potential traffic or other disruptive noise.
      • Is there ample parking for you and visitors?
      • Read the details in any Homeowner Association agreements (HOA fees and rules).

      Make sure to do a preliminary check of house details:

      • Check the water:
      • Does it have good pressure?
      • How long does it take to get the water hot?
      • Is it well water or city water?
      • Turn light switches on and off.
      • Open and close doors and windows to make sure they work properly.
      • Review previous utility bill expenses.
      • Consider the property tax bill.

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      Family meeting with realtor at new house

      When writing an offer contract, be sure to pay attention to all of the details.

      Offer Price:

      Your agent should do a market analysis that pulls data on recently sold comparable houses. The best comparisons will come from the same neighborhood.

      If you are asking for the seller to pay some of the closing costs, remember that this cost plus the sales commission determines the net amount you are offering the seller for the house.

      Work with your agent on your negotiation strategy. There are many things to consider, such as how badly you want this particular house, whether it is a buyer’s or seller’s market and an assessment of the seller’s motivation to get the property sold.

      There isn’t one best strategy.

      Be sure to document in writing everything you want included with the house, such as appliances, etc. Your agent should guide you through the contract step-by-step.

      Contingencies:

      • Home inspection.
      • Mortgage.
      • Final walk through (24 hours prior to closing).

      Proposed closing date. Typically, this is 30-45 days from an accepted offer.

      A good-faith deposit is required for the offer. This is typically between 1-10% of the purchase price of the house. The deposit is kept in escrow until closing and the money is applied to the purchase price of the house at closing. If the house does not close due to one of the contingency clauses, the buyer receives their money back. However, if the buyer decides not to close on the property, the seller may get the deposit money.

      Attach your pre-approval letter to the offer.

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      Two people in professional meeting

      The clock starts ticking for everything documented in the contract, including mortgage application, inspections and closing date.

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      Woman advising other woman on mortgage application

      You will need to decide which mortgage to select prior to the application.

      Plan for the following potential fees:

      • Application fee (many banks and mortgage companies charge an application fee; however, there is not an application fee at Arthur State Bank).
      • Credit check.
      • Appraisal (may be paid at closing).
      • Loan origination fee (paid at closing).

      Once you have approval for your loan, make sure you don’t change anything that will impact the status of your mortgage. Banks do a final check on credit and jobs just prior to closing, so now is not the time to change jobs or make another purchase on credit such as a car or furniture.

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      Home inspector going over findings with home owner

      Depending on the size of the house, an inspection can cost on average between $300 to $1000.

      Many real estate contracts specify how problems uncovered in the inspection will be resolved, up to a certain dollar amount. Should necessary repairs exceed that amount, the buyer has the option to cancel the contract without penalty and receive their deposit money back. Another option is for the buyer and seller to renegotiate who will pay for additional repairs.

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      Woman happily holding keys to her new home
      • Homeowner’s insurance is required by the lender prior to closing on the loan.
      • Turn on utilities in your name, effective the closing date.
      • Change your address with the U.S. Postal Service.
        • Make moving arrangements.

      Three days prior to closing:

      • You should receive your final Closing Disclosure from the closing agency. The final Closing Disclosure shows a column for the seller and a column for the buyer. All closing charges and credits for both the seller and the buyer are documented in the closing statement.
      • Review the closing statement for accuracy prior to coming to closing.
      • The final amount in the buyer’s column shows you the amount of money you need to pay at closing.

      The closing office will provide specific payment instructions. Closing funds have become recent targets for cybercriminals. If you are asked to use a wire transfer, call the office and ask to speak to someone you have been working with to double-check the instructions.

      Closing day:

      In South Carolina, the closing will usually take place at the attorney’s office. Everyone signing for the mortgage must be present to sign the closing paperwork. Make sure you bring the following:

      • Cashier’s check or proof of payment for wire transfer.
      • Driver’s license.
      • Checkbook, just in case there are any additional items that were not on the closing statement.

      Be sure to understand this information:

      • How and when you will pay:
      • Your mortgage.
      • Your property taxes.
      • Your homeowner’s insurance.
      • Any HOA dues.
      • Who to call with any questions.

      The best practice is to go through the homebuyer’s roadmap in this sequence. However, if you jumped ahead early in your journey, just circle back to address the steps you missed.

      Arthur State Bank’s loan officers are closely tapped into local real estate markets and experts at helping clients get what they need on terms that work for them. We also offer mortgage specials for first-time homebuyers.

      To start planning your journey to your dream home, try out our mortgage calculator. If you’re ready to talk to a loan officer, contact Arthur State Bank to request personalized mortgage information today. Don’t forget to ask about our first-time homebuyer offer.

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