Browse the list below of frequently asked questions for your answer. If you don't find the answer to your question, please contact us by e-mail or by phone at (800) 253-0362.
Q: Are there any fees or service charges associated with Free Checking?
A: No, BankWest's Free Checking account has no minimum monthly balance requirement to avoid a service fee. Free Checking also offers unlimited check writing, and all BankWest checking accounts come with free convenience services including a free ATM/Checkcard (subject to application approval), free On-Call Banking and free Web Banking.
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Q: Can I do most of my banking by computer?
A: BankWest offers a variety of free online banking services. BankWest Web Banking (BWWB) provides you with online access to your BankWest accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With BWWB you can view balances, transfer funds between accounts, view transactions, view your e-Statement, pay bills, re-order checks, and more.
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Q: What is the BankWest Performance Guarantee?
A: The BankWest Performance Guarantee is BankWest's promise to do more than any other financial institution to deliver consistently superior accuracy and service. If an error occurs or a customer indicates that BankWest's performance has been substandard, the bank will pay the customer $5.00 for bringing the matter to its attention.
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Q: How much coverage does FDIC insurance provide on my deposit accounts?
A: The basic insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor per insured bank. If you or your family has deposits at one insured bank totaling more than $250,000, you should know that different ownership categories of accounts are separately insured. You may qualify for more than $250,000 in coverage at one insured bank if you own deposit accounts in different ownership categories. Common Bank Deposit Ownership Categories include single accounts, self-directed retirement accounts, joint accounts, and revocable trust accounts. The FDIC does not insure the money you invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities, or municipal securities, even if you purchased these products from an insured bank. For more information, go to www.fdic.gov/deposit/.
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Q: Are there any fees to use my Advantage ATM/Checkcard?
A: When you use your Advantage ATM/Checkcard to make a cash withdrawal at an ATM within the Advantage network, to make a point of sale purchase, or to get cash back with a point of sale purchase, there is no service fee associated with the transaction. If you use your card at an ATM outside of the Advantage network, you may be charged a service fee for the transaction. If you're unsure if the ATM is a member of the Advantage network, read the on-screen instructions regarding service charges. If it's not an Advantage ATM, you'll be asked whether you wish to accept the charges prior to completing your transaction. For a complete list of Advantage ATMs go to www.advantage-network.com. Note: BankWest ePlus account holders will not be charged a service fee at any ATM.
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Q: What is the difference between a signature-based transaction and a PIN-based transaction?
A: A signature-based transaction requires your signature to authorize the transaction. When you conduct a signature-based transaction, you select the "credit" option at the processing terminal. The merchant will give you a receipt to sign and a copy for your records. A PIN-based /transaction uses your PIN (Personal Identification Number) to authorize the transaction. When making a PIN-based transaction, select the "debit" option at the processing terminal. You will not be asked to sign a receipt for the PIN-based transaction. Most merchants accept both signature-based and PIN-based transactions.
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Q: When I use my Checkcard, when is the money deducted from my checking account?
A: Typically, you can expect the deduction from your checking account to take place the day of your purchase.
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Q: Is there a maximum daily withdrawal limit or purchase limit on my Checkcard?
A: Yes. If you have not requested an adjustment, the standard limits are $500 daily for cash withdrawals from an ATM machine and $1,000 daily for point of sale purchases. If you are making a cash withdrawal at the point of sale, your withdrawal and the amount of your purchase may total up to $1,000. Most merchants set their own limits for the amount of money a customer may withdraw when making a PIN debit purchase. If you wish to adjust the limits available on your Checkcard, please visit with your personal banker.
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Q: Can I overdraw my checking account when making a Checkcard purchase?
A: Depending on the processing system used by the merchant from whom you are making a purchase, you may be able to overdraw your account. Typically, a transaction which would cause your account to be overdrawn would be rejected at the point of purchase due to lack of available funds. However, some merchants' technology would allow the transaction to occur, which would result in an overdraft. Any overdrafts caused by use of your Checkcard would be subject to the bank's standard overdraft fees.
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Q: What if my Checkcard is lost or stolen?
A: Report your lost or stolen card to BankWest immediately by calling 1-800-253-0362. Your card will be "hot carded," a process which nullifies the card preventing any further transactions from occurring.
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Q: What is the best way to access my account information after regular business hours?
A: BankWest offers two free services, On-call Banking and BankWest Web Banking, that provide you with access to your accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On-Call Banking delivers convenience via touch-tone telephone, while BankWest Web Banking allows you to access your accounts from any computer with Internet access.
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Q: What has BankWest done to ensure its Web Banking system is secure?
A: BankWest has implemented encryption and firewalls, as well as state-of-the-art log in features to protect the privacy and security of your information. When you enroll in BankWest Web Banking (BWWB) you will set up a series of security features including: a password, a PassMark™ image, a phrase (known only to you), and a series of challenge questions.
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Q: When will I establish my PassMark™, phrase, and challenge questions?
A: You will be prompted to do so the first time you enter your Login ID and click the Submit button. You will create your security features prior to entering your password. You will first be asked to establish your PassMark™ and phrase. Then you will be asked to select and answer a series of Challenge Questions and to register your computer for future login recognition.
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Q: What if I forget my Web Banking password?
A: Each time you sign on, you will have three attempts to enter the correct password. After three incorrect tries, you will be locked out of the system for 24 hours. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. After 24 hours have passed, your password will automatically reset. If you still can't remember or find your password, you need to contact BankWest and request a new temporary password. Just as when you initially enrolled in BWWB, your new temporary password will be issued via first-class mail. BankWest will not issue any temporary passwords over the phone or through E-mail. If you find yourself in this situation, please call the BankWest Customer Service Center (224-7391 or 1-800-253-0362) during regular business hours.
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Q: How will I know I am not at a fraudulent look-alike web site?
A: Your PassMark™ and phrase help you identify that you are at the BankWest Web Banking site. Here's how it works: First, you enter your Login ID and click the Submit button. If our system recognizes the computer you are using, your PassMark™ and phrase will be presented to you on the next page. Once you confirm your PassMark™ and phrase, you'll know you are at the BankWest site and can safely enter your password. If you don't recognize your PassMark™ and phrase, don't enter your password. If you're logging in from a computer other than one you've already registered, you will be taken to your challenge questions. Once you've successfully answered the challenge questions, you will be asked to enter your password.
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Q. Who can I contact with questions regarding Web Banking?
A: You may contact our Customer Service Center (224-7391 or 1-800-253-0362) during regular business hours. These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT on Saturdays; and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT on Sundays. You may also e-mail us at ops@bankwest-sd.com.
E-mails will be checked at regular intervals from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
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