The phones at our locations have been very busy over the last week or so. Many people just like you are calling our staff with banking related questions. We are thankful for your phone calls and are happy to be a resource for you and your loved ones during this uncertain time.
There are some questions that we are getting over and over again. We thought it would be helpful to share these questions with you along with the answers. We are hopeful that our guidance will help settle any anxious feelings that you might be having.
Q: All of the American Bank & Trust lobbies are now closed to walk-in traffic. What is the best way to communicate with bank staff?
A: As you likely are aware, the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines recently lowered social interaction to groups of ten or fewer. Therefore, we put restrictions around in-bank transactions. But all of our staff can still be reached via phone call or email. Click here for our branch phone numbers. If you need to talk with a banker face to face, please schedule an appointment ahead or time and we’d be happy to meet you at the front door and let you into the bank. Just a reminder, many of our locations have a fully staffed drive up and ATMs that will serve customers as usual.
Q: With your lobbies closed, how can I access my safety deposit box?
A: We will allow customers to make an appointment to access their safe deposit box. Please call ahead to schedule this.
Q: How can I make a deposit without visiting American Bank & Trust?
Making a deposit is a snap (literally!) with Mobile Check Deposit. Before you can use this time-saving tool, you will need to download our app to your smart phone. Once you are logged into the app, simply select “Deposit Check”. Next, follow these steps:
- Choose the AB&T account to make your deposit into
- Enter the dollar amount of the check
- Now, take a photo of the front of the check. Make sure it’s in focus and it’s clear.
- Repeat the process for the back of the check and click ‘continue’.
- Review your deposit and if it’s correct, confirm it.
To learn more about this secure and streamlined way of depositing money, click here. Other ways to deposit a check – use our drive-thru or night deposit box.
Q: Besides Mobile Deposit, what other mobile banking tools can American Bank & Trust provide me?
A: If you are trying your best to keep a safe distance from other people, our mobile banking products will help you stay close to home and stay healthy. Click on the following links to learn more about mobile banking products for personal or business use.
Personal Banking
Online Banking – Enjoy a simple, convenient and easy way to manage your money from a laptop or desktop computer.
AB&T mobile app – Download our app to your smart phone and access your account when it’s convenient for you, 24/7, wherever you are.
ATM Machines – Enjoy thousands of surcharge-free ATMs from just about anywhere — whether it’s in South Dakota or out-of-state.
Business Banking
Online Banking +PLUS – For our business customers. Save time, improve your cash flow, and streamline your cash management procedures all in a fully secure environment
Merchant Source Capture – Make deposits anytime, make your funds available faster and save time preparing deposits.
Bill Pay +PLUS – Conveniently pay anyone online that you pay today by check.
Q: Is my money safe at American Bank & Trust? What is FDIC Insurance and why should it be important to me?
A: The COVID-19 pandemic is a health crisis, not a financial crisis. But, some people are still very concerned about their hard-earned dollars and we respect that. The bottom line is yes; your money is very safe at our bank. If you have a checking account, savings account, money market deposit account or a certificate of deposit (CD) at American Bank & trust, it’s FDIC Insured. The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor. If you’d like to learn more about FDIC Insurance, please visit this website – https://www.fdic.gov/deposit/deposits/.
Q: If my personal finances are being impacted, will American Bank & Trust provide any financial assistance for me?
A: As we have done in the past, we will work individually with customers experiencing financial hardships. Any requests/situations can be directed to their Personal Banker or Loan Officer. Many local, state and federal programs are also being established, and we encourage looking into the options as well.
Q: I am a small business owner. What options do I have if my business closes temporarily or if my revenue decreases to the point it becomes difficult to cash-flow expenses and loan payments?
A: The Small Business Administration website is a great resource and has a wealth of information. We encourage you to visit their website.
President Trump has also signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It allocates $350 billion to help small businesses during this economic downturn. The US Chamber of Commerce created a guide and checklist to help business owners understand what is available and how to take advantage of this program. Access the guide by clicking here.
All businesses should get prepared now by documenting how the COVID-19 outbreak is directly or indirectly impacting them. This information will be vital and important when the business owner is talking with their local banker. The document will help when it comes to putting a contingency plan into place of how the owner plans to get through this next year.
Q: How do I open an account if your lobbies are closed?
A: If you’d like to open a personal checking account, savings account, money market account or CD, you can apply online. Click here to open your account today! For all other account types, please call your local American Bank & Trust.
Our thoughts are with you and your family members during this uneasy time. Please know that our staff is only a phone call or email away if you have any questions or concerns.
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