| Consumer Information |
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Welcome to our Consumer Information page. On this page you will find information from Credit Cards to protecting yourself from Identity Theft. We hope that you find this information helpful. If there is something you would like to see added to this page, please contact us online or by calling us at 602.258.1200.
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| Bank Customers |
| Want help with a question or concern about a National Bank? Get Answers & Solutions from the Comptroller of the Currency. |
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| CHARM: Customer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgage |
| Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are loans with interest rates that change. ARMs may start with lower monthly payments than fixed-rate mortgages. |
| Click here to connect to the Federal Reserve's CHARM Section - Now available in both English and Spanish. |
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| Consumer Guide to Credit Cards |
| Credit cards are a valuable and convenient payment tool. They allow you to make purchases 24/7, around town, around the world, or from the comfort of your home. They are also very useful for unexpected expenses or emergencies. However, it is important to use credit cards wisely. This Guide will help you understand how credit cards work and the terms and conditions that typically apply to them. |
| Click here to view/print the ABA Consumer Guide to Credit Cards |
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| FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - NEW! |
Wondering about Deposit Insurance and what that means for you?
View the FDIC Summary here | View the FDIC's FAQs here! |
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| Flood Control - Pima County, AZ |
| The Pima County Regional Flood Control District (District) provides a number of services to the community that supply potential property owners, real estate agents, insurance agents, and lending institutions with information on flood and erosion hazards for property located within flood prone areas of unincorporated Pima County and the Town of Sahuarita |
| For more information, please click here. |
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| Identity Theft |
| ID theft is a crime. If you become a victim, take the following steps: |
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Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. |
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Notify all three credit bureaus and ask them to “flag” your accounts, which tells creditors you are the victim of identity fraud. |
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Trans Union: 800-680-7289 |
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Equifax: 800-525-6285 |
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Experian: 888-397-3742 | |
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Notify your banks and other financial service providers. |
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Call the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Hotline (1-877-IDTHEFT) or visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft. | |
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| Mortgage |
| If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment, you are not alone and there are things you can do to avoid foreclosure or becoming a victim of mortgage fraud. |
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Contact your Lender - they want to help you! |
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Call 1-877-448-1211, the Arizona Foreclosure Help Line, created by Governor Napolitano |
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Call 1-888-995-HOPE the national homeowner hotline or visit www.995hope.org |
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Contact a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency | |
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| New Overdraft Rules for Debit and ATM Cards |
On July 1, 2010 the new Federal Reserve Board Regulation E rule will go into effect. This rule requires consumers to opt-in, or affirmatively consent, to their financial institution's overdraft service for ATM and one-time debit card transactions before overdraft fees may be assessed on the account. As a consumer, you may have certain questions.
What are my options?
If your bank has a practice of paying overdrafts for ATM and everyday debit card transactions, then you will likely have the option to opt-in to their overdraft program. You will receive an opt-in notice with directions on how to do so, with the ability to opt-in via the Internet, by phone or in writing. You can also inquire at your bank to better understand the process.
What if I don't want to opt-in?
If you don't want to opt-in to an overdraft program you don't have to. However, if you do not opt-in, your ATM or debit transactions may be denied if there are not adequate funds in your account. If you do want overdraft protection, there are often a number of other choices available to consumers. Many banks provide the option to link your checking account to a savings or another account type. If eligible, you might also have the option of linking your checking account to an overdraft line of credit or a credit card account. Call or visit your bank to inquire about your overdraft protection options.
How can I avoid overdrafts?
The best and easiest way to avoid overdraft fees is to keep track of your transactions and account balance. If you keep extra money in your account--a cushion--you will be less likely to overdraw. Some banks offer to send you an alert by phone, email or text message if your balance falls below a designated amount. Check with your bank to find out your options. |
| In February 2010, the Federal Reserve issued an online publication -- "What You Need to Know: New Overdraft Rules for Debit and ATM Cards" -- that explains to consumers how the agency's overdraft rules that take effect July 1 will affect existing and new account-holders. View the publication here. |
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| Other Helpful Links |
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