Merchants Bank of Alabama Privacy Statement

Merchants Bank of Alabama respects your privacy. Ensuring data security and protecting a customer's privacy is of the utmost importance to Merchants Bank of Alabama. We know you are concerned about privacy and our use of the information you give us. We hope that the following statements will assist customers in understanding how we collect, use and protect the personal information provided to us. We have adopted the following privacy policy, continuing in our commitment to provide quality service to you, our valued customer. If you have any questions or complaints concerning this privacy policy, please call us at (256) 734-8110 or (800) 840-4458 or send us e-mail at www.merchantsbankal.com

1. Recognition of Your Expectation of Privacy

We recognize that you expect privacy and security for your personal and financial affairs. We understand the need to safeguard our sensitive information about you that you have entrusted to us. We maintain standards and procedures designed to prevent misuse of this information.  

2. Our Collection, Retention, and Use of Information about You

We collect, retain, and use information about you only where we reasonably believe that it will help administer our business or provide products, services, and other opportunities to you. We collect and retain information about you only for specific business purposes -- and we will tell you why we are collecting and retaining it upon your request. We use information to protect and administer your records, accounts, and funds; to comply with certain laws and regulations; to help us design or improve our products and services; and to understand your financial needs and provide you with quality products and superior service. 

We collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following services:

Ø      Information we receive from you on applications or other forms,

Ø      Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others and

Ø      Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency.

3. Our Maintenance of Accurate Information

We have procedures to help assure that your financial information is accurate, current, and complete in accordance with commercial standards. We also have procedures to respond to your requests to correct inaccurate information in a timely manner. While some of these procedures are required by federal or state law, we have implemented additional procedures to maintain accurate, current, and complete financial information, including processes to update information and remove old information. If you discover any information about yourself that is incorrect, please contact us at (256) 734-8110 or (800) 840-4458.

4. Limiting Employee Access to Information

We have procedures and security levels that limit employee access to personally identifiable information to those employees with a business reason to know such information about you. We educate our employees about the importance of confidentiality and customer privacy through standard operating procedures, special training programs, and the Merchants Bank of Alabama Code of Ethics. We take appropriate disciplinary measures to enforce employee privacy responsibilities.

5. Security Procedures to Protect Information

We maintain security standards and procedures to help prevent unauthorized access to confidential information about you. We update and test our technology to improve the protection of our information about you and to assure the integrity of our information.

6. Restrictions on Disclosing Information to Parties Outside the Financial Institution

We do not reveal specific information about your accounts or other personally identifiable data to parties outside our organization for their independent use unless:

• you request or authorize it
• the information is provided to help complete a transaction initiated by you
• the information is provided to a reputable credit bureau or similar information reporting agency; or
• the disclosure otherwise is lawfully permitted or required

7. Maintaining Your Privacy in Business Relationships with Outside Third Parties

Sometimes it is necessary to provide personally identifiable information about you to a third party, such as to a vendor or service company that we hire to prepare your account statements or to provide support or services for one or more of our products. These vendors and service companies agree to safeguard our confidential information about you and your products and services with us and must abide by applicable law.

8. Internet Banking

If customers access accounts using Merchants Bank of Alabama's Internet Banking, the customer will be required to enter a "secure session" by establishing SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption technology. Customers accessing account information for the first time must enter their User ID and then will be prompted to choose PassMark. After choosing a PassMark, customers will enter their password.  The User ID and password must be entered at each visit. Your user ID, password, and PassMark should always be kept confidential so that only you can access your account information. Merchants Bank of Alabama will not be responsible for unauthorized transactions. Additional information regarding security and privacy when using our secure Internet Banking can be found at www.rsa.com.
For additional information regarding PassMark, please visit our website at www.merchantsbankal.com.

 These Customer Privacy Principles apply to individuals, and we reserve the right to change them, along with related provisions, at any time.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the country. Our ability to feel safe is becoming more difficult with terrorism and crime on a steady increase. 

But there is hope...

The USA Patriot has paved the way for financial institutions to help prevent fraud, identify theft, and the spread of terrorism. It requires financial institutions to obtain more information from an individual or legal entity to help establish identity.

Your cooperation is needed when you open a new account or request a loan. You may be asked more questions to establish and confirm your identity. It may also be required for you to provide one or more of the following types of identification:

• Driver's license 
• Passport and country of issuance 
• U.S. taxpayer identification (ID) number 
• Alien ID card
• Any other government-issued document evidencing nationally or residence 

To learn more about Identity Theft Protection, visit http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft or www.ic3.gov.

Be Aware!

Tips to protect you against fraudulent activity 

At Merchants Bank of Alabama, our priority is to take care of our customers. Many people fall victim to theft and fraudulent activity and as your financial caretakers, we want to equip you with helpful advice on how to protect yourself and your family. 

·      When you reorder your checks, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name printed on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but the bank will know how you sign your checks. 

·      Sign your new check or debit cards as soon as they arrive in the mail or note "Check Identification" on the signature line. 

·      Treat your cards like money. Store them in a secure place. 

·      Limit the number of credit cards you carry on a regular basis. Only carry the cards you will use. 

·      Do NOT write your personal identification number (PIN) on the back of your bank or credit cards. Keep all PIN numbers in a secure place, not written on papers in your wallet. 

·      Select a PIN not associated with your birthday, social security number or phone number.

·      Do NOT print your Social Security number on checks or any other bank related documents for retail use.

·      Shred anything with your account number before throwing it away, including pre approved credit card offers. 

·      Do NOT give your card number over the phone unless you initiate the call. Always ask why your information is needed before providing it. 

·      Do NOT write any bank or credit card number or your Social Security number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope. 

·      Remember to get your card and receipt after a transaction and double-check to be sure they are yours.

·      Notify card issuers immediately if your billing statement is incorrect or your credit cards are lost or stolen.

·      If you do not receive your monthly billing statement, notify the company immediately. 

·      Request a copy of your credit report every few years. Reviewing your report will tell you if anyone has applied for credit in your name and if any accounts are being used without your knowledge with the billing address being sent to a different address. 

·      Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel if they are stolen. Keep the photocopies in a safe place and keep the file current. 

·      If you have your purse or wallet stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent and is the first step toward an investigation should there be one. 

·      PROTECT YOUR CREDIT RATING. Call the three national credit reporting organizations IMMEDIATELY to place fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This alerts creditors to contact you by phone to authorize new credit

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

www.eqifax.com

P O Box 740241     Atlanta GA 30374-0241

 
Experian: 1-888-397-3742 

www.experian.com

P O Box 9532      Allen TX 75013

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

www.transunion.com

Fraud Victim Assistance Division

P O Box 6790      Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 

Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271 

·      If your MERCHANTS BANK OF ALABAMA credit or check/debit/ATM card is lost or stolen, report it immediately by calling the following toll free number:

 
Merchants Bank of Alabama MasterCard CHECK (Debit) cards: 1-800-500-1044 
Merchants Bank of Alabama VISA/MC CREDIT cards: 1-800-854-7642 

·      Or for MasterCard Assist Services 1-800-MC-ASSIST Or collect (314) 542-7111 Internationally

Call us at (256) 734-8110 or (800) 840-4458 with your comments or questions. 
We are here to help you!  www.merchantsbankal.com 

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Internet Banking Q & A

Below are the most frequently asked questions about Internet Banking from Merchants Bank. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can e-mail us at internetbanking@merchantsbankal.com or call us at 256-734-8110.

GENERAL PRODUCT QUESTIONS

• What is Internet Banking?
• How much does Internet Banking cost?
• What are the software and hardware requirements?
• What Internet browsers can I use with Internet Banking?
• How do I sign up for Internet Banking?
• How do I log on to Internet Banking for the first time?
• How do I get a new Internet Banking password?
• How do I change my password?
• How do account transfers work?
• I use Quicken now, but I am very interested in Internet Banking. What can I do?

• What is Internet banking?

Internet Banking lets you use a personal computer and telephone line (modem) to perform your banking through the Internet, including checking balances, transferring money, paying bills and more.

• How much does Internet Banking cost?

Internet Banking is FREE when you use it to access account information, balance your register and conduct transactions, such as account transfers, etc.

Optional online Bill Payer is available for unlimited bill pays and is FREE. 

This service allows you to pay virtually anyone - companies or individuals - at any time. You can even schedule to pay recurring bills, such as car, mortgage and insurance payments.

• What are the software and hardware requirements?

All you need to use Internet Banking is a secure browser. This product is best viewed using the following browsers:
Windows: I.E. 5.0 and 6.0, Netscape Navigator 4.08, and Netscape Communicator 7.01. You can use any computer that accesses the Internet. 

• What Internet browsers can I use with Internet Banking?

You may use Microsoft Internet Explorer® (version 5.0 or higher), Netscape NavigatorT (version 4.08 or higher) or America Online® (4.0 or higher). If you use UNIX or Macintosh, you must use Netscape NavigatorT version 1.12 or higher. These browsers support secure transactions over the Internet using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol.

• How do I sign up for Internet Banking?

Merchants Bank customers: Click on INTERNET BANKING On-line APPLICATION and complete the information. You choose your sign-on information and password. You will be notified when your application has been enrolled. 

Non-Merchants Bank customers: Just visit one of our local offices to open your FREE checking account. A customer service representative will be glad to sign you up for FREE Internet Banking.

For more information, please call us at 256-734-8110 or e-mail us at internetbanking@merchantsbankal.com.

• How do I log on to Internet Banking for the first time?

To log on, enter your Login ID and the password that you have chosen at the time you enrolled on-line. You will be prompted to accept or decline the Internet Banking Agreement. We strongly recommend that you use passwords that are 6 to 8 characters long and preferably be composed of alpha numeric construction. While we don't enforce password changes, we encourage that you change your password every 60 to 90 days. This will help to protect your account from unauthorized use. You can change your password by selecting the CHANGE PIN tab under INTERNET BANKING.

• How do I get a new Internet Banking password?

Send an e-mail to internetbanking@merchantsbankal.com or call an Electronic Banking Customer Service Representative at 256-734-8110 to have your current password reset. 

• How do I change my password?

To change your password at anytime, select User Info, Change Password and enter a new password then submit..

• How do account transfers work?

You can transfer funds to and from your checking, savings and money market accounts. Transfers conducted at the following times on a business day will be processed and completed accordingly:

• Before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time: same evening
• After 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time: next business day

• I use Quicken now, but I am very interested in Internet Banking. What can I do?
  

You can export select transaction information from Internet Banking to your Quicken, Microsoft Money or Quickbooks program using the Quicken Import File (QIF) format.

• How do I start Bill Payer Service?

The first thing you'll need to do is organize all of the information about any individual, family member, friend, business, merchant or professional who generates an invoice for products or services that you want to pay with the service. Gather together the names, billing addresses, your account numbers with the payee and the payee's phone number. Next complete an online Bill Payer Application. 

Once your application has been processed you will receive confirmation in the mail. Your welcome letter will contain the information you need to begin making payments. Please allow 7-14 days.

• Which of my Merchants Bank accounts can I use to pay my bills?

You may use any consumer checking account to pay your bills.

• How do I schedule payments, and what should I do to ensure my payee receives my payment on the due date?

To ensure your payments are received in a timely manner, schedule all your payments at least five (5) business days before your bill's due date. You can always adjust the lead-time as you observe how quickly payees post your payment. Remember to allow for Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, payments will not be made on these days and are not considered as part of the five day lead time.

You may schedule a payment up to 60 days in advance. 

• Who can I pay?

You can make payments to virtually any business or individual located within the United States. Merchants Bank's Bill Payer service is no different than writing a check from your checkbook, except that it's much more convenient. Plus, you don't need envelopes or stamps. 

The Bill Payer service cannot be used to make payments to settle securities purchases, payments to interest-bearing accounts, tax payments or court-ordered payments. Payments for these payees will be your sole responsibility if delayed or improperly processed or credited.

• How are my bills paid?

Payments are sent electronically to all payees who will accept them. For those payees who cannot receive electronic payments, we will send your payment through the U.S. Mail to the address you specify.

• How does the payment process work and when is my account debited?

Bill payments entered at the following times on a business day will be processed accordingly:

• Before 3:00 p.m. Central Time: same evening
• After 3:00 p.m. Central Time: following business day evening

Your account will be debited the same evening your payment is processed for any merchants receiving ACH payments. Those merchants who receive checks only will be mailed a check from your checking account. It should clear in the amount of time, just as if you had written the check yourself. Your check will appear on your monthly statement

• Can I schedule recurring payments?

Yes! Click on Merchants Bank Bill Payer, then click Recurring Bills. Enter the first date to transmit the payment, payment amount, frequency of payment, and number of payments to be made. Merchants Bank's Bill Payer service will continue to send your recurring payments automatically per your instructions unless you cancel the recurring payment option.
Choose from the following recurring payment options: 

• Weekly (occurring on the same day of the week)
• Bi-weekly (occurring on the same day of the week every other week)
• Monthly (occurring on the same date every month)
• Quarterly (occurring every three months on the same day of the month)
• Semi-annually (occurring on the same date once every six months)
• Annually (occurring on the same date once every 12 months)

Note: Payments scheduled on a bank holiday or weekend are processed the next business day.

• How can I cancel a bill payment or recurring payment?

You can stop any bill payment by deleting the payment from the View Pending Bills list up until 2:00 p.m. Central Time on the day of the Transmit Date. To stop a recurring payment, you must select Recurring Bills, then select Change/Stop recurring payment. Delete the recurring payment information from the Payment screen. 

• How do I order a stop payment?

You can place a stop payment on any check that has not cleared your account. To check the status, refer to your history in Internet Banking. To order a stop payment, call our Bookkeeping Department at (256) 734-8110, just as if you would if you had written the check yourself. If you need further assistance you may contact Merchants Bank Electronic Banking Department. 

• What are pending payments?

Pending payments are payments you have scheduled which have not been processed and sent to the payee. 

• What is the cut-off time to change or delete pending payments?

The cut-off time is 2:00 p.m. Central Time on the date the payment is scheduled.

• What should I do if my payment has not posted or I've received a late bill notice?

First, be sure to allow enough time for a payee to receive your payment. If a payee does not post your payment within five (5) business days of the date you requested the payment to be processed, contact the payee to verify that the payment has not posted since the last statement date. IF the payee verifies that the payment has not posted, and it has cleared your account, you will want to supply the payee with a check copy. If your payment has not cleared your account you may choose to wait a few more days to allow the payee to post the payment, or you can order a stop payment and resubmit your payment to the payee.

• How will I be notified if a bill payment is canceled due to insufficient funds?

If your bill payment is canceled, Merchants Bank will send you an e-mail and you will see your canceled payment displayed as a declined payment in your Transaction Register. Typically, the bank will cancel bill payments if there are insufficient funds in the checking account to cover the payment. If you have a line of credit attached to your account, the funds will be transferred to cover your payment. 

• How do I order a check copy?
  First verify that the check has cleared your account by checking your history in Internet Banking. Images are provided for your convenience on the Internet FREE. If you can not obtain a photo from the Internet, please feel free to call our Bookkeeping Department and ask for a copy of your check, (256) 734-8110. (Remember the debits will appear on your monthly bank statement.)

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• How safe is my account information? 
  Merchants Bank uses the latest security technology and state-of-the-industry security software and hardware to ensure your account information remains safe. With proven encryption, firewalls and trusted operating systems incorporated into our overall banking architecture, we have made it possible for secure and authentic transactions to take place over the Internet. 
• Where can I find more information about security? 
  Please refer to our online Security section for more detailed information on how we keep your banking information safe with Internet Banking. 

How to Reach Us

• How do I contact the bank if I have a question or comment about Internet Banking or Bill Payer? 
  If you have any questions, comments or concerns you can call us at 256-734-8110 or e-mail us at internetbanking@merchantsbankal.com  from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
  
  We will respond to e-mail messages with an answer or confirmation notice within 24 hours of receiving the message. Please include your name, mailing address, phone number and a general description of your question so we can promptly review your account activity and respond either by e-mail, telephone or U.S. Mail. Please note that e-mail is not a secure environment like Internet Banking. Please do not include any sensitive information in your e-mail, such as account numbers, passwords or social security numbers. 

• Can Merchants Bank answer questions about my Internet Service connection or my computer? 
  Your best source of information regarding any issues you have with your Internet connection is your Internet Service Provider (such as HIWAAY, MINDSPRING, POWERNET, LINKFAST, AOL, MCI, AT&T, etc.). Their customer service personnel are trained to answer all your Internet connection questions. The same holds true for any questions about your computer. Contact the hardware manufacturer or software company for best results. 

• Can I use Internet Banking from outside the United States? 
  Yes! Just use a secure browser such as Netscape NavigatorT, Microsoft Explorer® or America Online®.