Banking Services

With a better understanding of what you need from a bank, finding the right one for you should be easy. Below are some important tips to help you decide what your needs are. • ATM Safety Tips • Understanding ATM fees • Choosing a Bank to Fit Your Needs

ATM Safety Tips

ATMs have revolutionized banking. You now have access to your account 24 hours a day! In minutes you can deposit or withdraw funds from a checking or savings account as well as check the balance of those accounts. It is also possible to transfer funds from one account to another via an ATM.

ATMs are available for your use throughout the country and worldwide. Following are some tips on how to use your ATM card and an ATM safely:

• Protect your ATM card and keep it in a safe place. Immediately notify your bank if it is lost or stolen.
• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never write in on the back of your card.
• When completing a transaction be aware of your surroundings. Banks are careful to place ATMs in safe areas. If at any time you feel uneasy or observe suspicious activity do not use the machine at that time.

For nighttime transactions:

1. Park in a well-lighted area close to the ATM.
2. Keep your headlights on.
3. Take a friend with you to the machine.
4. Make sure the ATM has proper lighting and the shrubbery is not overgrow

• At a drive-up ATM, keep your passenger windows rolled up and doors locked. If you leave your car, lock your doors.
• Have your materials ready before you approach the machine. Have your ATM card in hand, know your PIN number and have your deposit slip filled out.
• Shield the screen with your body when you enter your PIN number at the ATM.
• Always take your receipts or transactions records to keep your account information confidential. Don't display your money while at the machine; immediately place the cash in your purse or pocket and count it later.

Avoiding ATM Fees
The explosion in the number of ATMs has allowed consumers to conduct their financial business from almost anywhere at anytime of the day or night. Bank customers have shown that ATMs are a valuable service and are willing to pay a fair price for the added convenience. Following are tips on how to keep fees low at ATMs:

• Use your own bank's ATM. Ninety percent of banks offer free use for their own customers.
• Shop around for ATMs in your area that do not charge. You are notified before the transaction is complete if you will be charged a fee for using the machine.
• Make larger withdrawals and budget its use.
• Consider other options: cash a check, use travelers checks, use your credit card or debit card, or go to a bank teller.
• Remember, ATMs are priced for convenience. They offer convenient, safe banking 24-hours a day, seven days a week. With careful planning and budgeting, you can keep ATM fees to a minimum.

Choosing a Bank to Fit Your Needs
For nearly 200 years, banks across the state have provided Californians with the means to fulfill their dreams. Banks today continue to safeguard your savings and provide assistance in managing your finances.

With the advances in technology and the continued commitment by California bankers, Californians have seen their banking relationship evolve into a convenient and satisfying relationship. Banks have responded to the changing marketplace by offering a wide variety of programs and services to its customers. Whether you are searching for a new bank or evaluating your current banking relationship, considering product, price and service needs can help to identify your "banking personality" and provide a guide when choosing a bank. Following are a few questions that may make your search easier.

1. What services are looking for in your banking relationship? Answers may include checking account, savings account, loans, or a variety of services.
2. How much will you deposit each month and how many checks will you write each month? Determining these things will help you decide the type of account will best suit your needs.
3. Will you be buying a home or making another large purchase in the near future? Check into the different loan products offered.
4. Are you saving for your future? In addition to the traditional insured savings products, many banks now offer unconventional savings methods. Check to see if products such as annuities and mutual funds could work for you.
5. What time is the most convenient for you to complete your banking transactions? Whether you prefer to visit the bank during the working hours or weekend hours, banks offer a variety of times and means for completing your banking business.
6. Would you rather conduct your banking business on a personal level with a teller or do you prefer the convenience of automated teller machines and other types of electronic services. Banks today offer convenient locations and hours. Whether it is at a teller window or at an ATM, customers have access to banks at most any time.
   After evaluating your needs, call or visit several banks near your home or office. Discuss with them what type of products and services you need. Also, talk with friends, neighbors or coworkers about their experiences.
   

A change in lifestyle may call for a change in services. If you are looking for more in your current banking relationship, talk with your banker. More and more options are being introduced to customers, your bank may have new products and services of which you are unaware. Let the bank know your needs and ask them to design a relationship that better suits your current needs

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Compare fees and prices on services offered at the banks you are considering, as well as how comfortable you feel at each institution. All banks in California are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which means your deposits are protected up to $100,000.

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