What makes Smart Rewards Checking so "rewarding"?
Simply put, it gives you everything you want in a checking account:
- A high interest rate (upon meeting "reward requirements")
- No Minimum Balance
- Refund - up to $10 per statement period - for ATM Usage fees (upon meeting "reward requirements")
- Free Online Banking and Bill Pay
- Free Debit Card
- Free e-Statements
- No Monthly Account Maintenance Fees (upon meeting account balance, relationship balance or automatic loan payment requirement)
THE RATE
Is this just a teaser rate? How soon will my rate change?
We currently have no plans to change the rates; however, we reserve the right to change the interest rate on your account at any time.
What if I put in more than $20,000?
The portion of your balance up to $20,000 earns the highest yield, while the portion greater than $20,000 earns a somewhat lesser amount*; upon meeting "reward requirements" of course.
ATM FEES
Are all ATMs free?
Meet the qualifications each cycle (see below, under Miscellaneous for definition of "cycle") and you can use any ATM in the nation and any transaction fees up to $10 per statement cycle will be refunded. Your maximum refund for all transactions in a qualifying cycle is $10.
REWARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
How do I qualify?
It's easy... just use the services that come free with your Checking Account! Specifically:
- Use your debit card at least fifteen (15) times per cycle. Transactions must post and settle during the statement Sorry, ATM transactions do not count toward debit card usage qualifications.
- Establish at least one (1) direct deposit during the statement cycle.
- Receive secure Online Statements, instead of traditional paper statements.
- Make at least two (2) Online Bill Payment transactions that post and settle during the statement cycle.
How will I know that I have qualified for my rewards?
You can log into online banking at any time to review your account activity and confirm that you have met the minimum account requirements.
If I meet the requirements, when will I receive my rewards?
You'll receive your rewards on the last business day of your statement cycle. ATM refunds will be credited the following business day after qualifying transactions are posted.
What if I don't qualify in any given month?
If you don't qualify in a particular cycle, you still get great benefits: interest on your balance, free e-statements, free debit card, etc. You simply won't be reimbursed for ATM fees you might have incurred that period. Each new cycle is a chance to earn rewards.
DEBIT CARD USAGE
What if my new debit card doesn't arrive until late in my first cycle and I don't have time to earn my rewards. Or what if my automatic debit or direct deposit does not occur during my first cycle: will I still get rewards?
Service charges are waived for the first statement cycle regardless of whether or not qualifications are met.
Does a debit card reversal count AGAINST my requirements?
Yes it will affect the total number of transactions.
What if I use my debit card 20 times one month and only ten times the next? May I roll over debit card transactions to the next cycle?
Sorry, no. Each qualifying cycle starts new.
Upon switching from my old account to the Smart Rewards Checking, will transactions from my old account count towards the required transactions?
They don't need to since you will get your rewards for your first cycle whether you qualify or not.
What if I don't have time to qualify for the service charge waiver the first month my account is opened?
Service charges are waived the first month, regardless of whether or not you meet the service charge waiver qualifications.
E-STATEMENTS AND ELECTRONIC ACCESS
Do I have to access my Online Statement in order to qualify for the rewards?
No, but you must enroll and maintain eStatements for this to count as a qualifier for rewards.
Do I receive images of checks back with my Checking Account?
Yes, they are available through your Online Banking account.
Can I open an account even if I don't own a computer?
Yes, of course! You may utilize free computers at libraries, etc. to access your account monthly.
ACCOUNT LIMITS AND FEES
Is there a limit on the amount of money I can keep in my Checking Account?
There is no limit to the amount you may put into your account. Feel free to consolidate savings, CDs, and accounts from other institutions.
Is there an annual fee or a per-usage fee for the debit card, online banking or online bill pay?
No. These services are free to you, year round, regardless of how often you use them.
OPENING/CONVERTING ACCOUNTS
How much do I need to deposit in order to open my Checking Account?
There is a $25 minimum opening balance.
Can I open an account on-line?
Yes, see the 'Open a New Account' link on our homepage.
Do I get Overdraft Protection with my account?
Overdraft Protection is available. Fees may apply.
I'm already a customer. Can I use my existing debit card, checks, and account number and just start earning rewards?
Yes, inform us of your new checking account selection and we will make the necessary changes.
Can I open multiple Checking Accounts for the same address?
Yes. You can open as many accounts as you need; however, only one Smart Rewards account per primary owner, although you may also be a joint owner on additional Smart Rewards Checking accounts. There is no limit on our other checking account products (Cash Rewards, Classic Rewards, or Flex Checking). Each account must meet the reward requirements independently.
Can multiple people use the same Checking Account?
Yes.
Can a DBA use this account or can it be used as a business account?
Sorry, no.
Is there a limit on the number or kind of transactions you can do on the account?
There are no limits.
How many checks do I get when I open an account?
As this is a paperless account complete with a free debit card and free Online Bill Pay, there is no need for an abundance of paper checks. As with any new account, you will receive a sample pack of checks upon account opening and you will be provided the opportunity to order additional checks if needed.
MISCELLANEOUS
How long is a statement or qualifying cycle?
The period of time from the beginning of one statement to the beginning of another; basically a calendar month minus the last business day, which is used for processing the "reward requirements".
The interest earned: is it taxable?
Yes. You will receive a 1099 showing your total interest earned for one year at the beginning of the next year.
What if I need a printed copy of my statement and/or a check image?
You can call us and request it (fees may apply). Or simply print the e-Statement, or the check contained within it, directly from your Online account.
What is an automatic debit?
Often referred to as an ACH transaction, an automatic debit is an electronic transfer of funds that is initiated by the payees' financial institution. For example, if you give your mortgage or insurance company (payee) permission to withdraw your monthly payment automatically from your (payor) account, that is an automatic debit. Online Bill Pay does not count towards the automatic debit requirement.
Do regularly scheduled transfers from one account to another count as automatic debits?
Account transfers (such as savings-to-checking), even made on a regular basis DO NOT count as automatic debits for the purpose of earning account rewards.
What is APY?
APY stands for Annual Percentage Yield. It is the actual amount of interest an account will earn, or yield, for you over the course of a year. With Smart Rewards Checking , interest is compounded monthly and paid monthly on your daily ledger balance.
What are the specifics of this APY?
The Checking Account's Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 01/06/14. The interest rate is variable and may change after the account is open. APY of .15% paid on daily balances up to $20,000, and .09% to .15% APY paid on daily balances above $20,000 and up to $50,000 each qualifying cycle (Cycle) that all reward requirements are met. Account balance above $50,000 earns an APY of .07% to .09%. Offer good on personal accounts only.
Need Assistance?
If you have additional questions, contact State Bank for assistance.
$25.00 minimum to open each account. Must meet minimum requirements each statement cycle.
*Relationship Account includes savings, money market, certificate of deposit and loan accounts
+Relationship Balance includes checking, savings, money market, certificate of deposit and loan accounts. Automatic Loan Payment must be to State Bank loan set up by bank.
**Interest is compounded and credited monthly.
***If balance drops below required minimum anytime within the statement cycle, the service charge (if applicable) applies, unless qualifications to waive service charges are met.