Kansas City’s Cornerstone Bank in Overland Park makes switching banks easy. Contact us for advice, and to see what we offer when you’re looking for a new banking home. Or do it online at your convenience.
Either way, we’re part of the Kansas City community and are ready to help you.
As you prepare for the banking change, we suggest you keep an eye on these 5 things to watch for when switching banks.
1. Cyber Security
Online banking transactions transmitted between you and our online banking vendor use a 128-bit secure server by VeriSign encrypted with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol and a router loaded with a firewall to regulate the inflow and outflow of server traffic. Using this high level of technology, your online banking transactions are secure.
Also, your bank should not reveal specific information about your accounts or other personally identifiable data to parties outside the bank’s affiliated companies.
The only exceptions should be:
- You requested or authorized it.
- The information is provided to complete a transaction initiated by you.
- The information is provided to a reputable credit bureau or similar information reporting agency.
- Disclosure is lawfully permitted or required.
Otherwise, your bank should never provide account or personal information to non-affiliated companies for the purpose of independent telemarketing or direct mail marketing.
As a perk, ask if they offer CardValet.
This service helps you protect your debit card by sending you transaction alerts and giving you the ability to define when and how your cards are used. You can download the CardValet app in GooglePlay for Android users and the Apple App Store for iPhone users.
2. Do I get refunds on some of my ATM fees?
Coming in at number 3 of the 5 things to watch for when switching banks, are ATM fees.
No bank can have ATM’s everywhere. So if you use another bank’s ATM to access your cash, does your new bank refund some of those ATM fees? It’s an extra service/bonus that should be offered.
At Cornerstone Bank, we do offer ATM refunds—up to 15 dollars per statement cycle! Just another way we show our appreciation, and go that extra mile for your satisfaction.
3. How is my money insured?
Most banks are FDIC insured. But that may not mean your deposits are completely covered. Be sure to ask your prospective bank what the account value limits are for their insurance. If they can’t cover you, do use them.
4. What are my digital options?
Your new bank should be able to create new accounts for you either in person or online. In person meetings are great for more complex personal or business needs. Online account setup works well for banking that is more straightforward and streamlined.
5. Do you have to do a credit score inquiry?
The answer your prospective bank should say is “no.” However, most banks make a soft inquiry into your credit score when you apply to open an account. This doesn’t affect your credit score. A hard inquiry knocks your credit score down a few points. Read more in our blog about whether switching banks will hurt your credit score.
At Cornerstone Bank, we don’t need your credit score to open a savings or checking account, and won’t do an inquiry.
Switching accounts means watching the details
These are just 5 things to watch for when switching accounts. There are more details you should consider. Check out our blog answering the question “should I switch banks in Kansas City?” It provides a number of points for pondering about both business and personal accounts.
Help is here at Cornerstone Bank
Your banking professionals at Cornerstone Bank in Overland Park are here to help. Personal accounts, business accounts, or hybrid accounts, contact us to learn more. We’ll help you choose and open the accounts you need for your banking success.
You may also apply online at your convenience. Explore our services wherever you are, whenever you want. We will always do our best to make your experience at Cornerstone Bank 100% to your satisfaction.