Why are Eastside Commercial Bank NA and First Sound Bank merging? On January 16, 2015, it was jointly announced that First Sound Bank and Eastside Commercial Bank NA. signed a definitive agreement to merge. On April 15, 2015, Eastside Commercial Bank and First Sound Bank will merge to create a stronger community bank for you. In addition, the merger of both banks provides added convenience, enhanced products and services, and higher lending limits to customers. What should I know about First Sound Bank? Founded and managed by a team of local banking executives, First Sound Bank is committed to delivering personalized service, convenient access and competitive rates to support the needs of the local business community. First Sound Bank offers customized banking for small-to-medium-sized businesses, organizations, not-for-profits and professionals in the Puget Sound region. In addition to commercial loans, equipment financing and SBA lending First Sound provides online banking including remote deposit capture at www.firstsoundbank.com plus an expansive array of cash management services, as well as ATM banking throughout the country and abroad. Will Eastside Commercial Bank change its name to First Sound Bank? Yes, after the full integration of operations has occurred. This is scheduled to occur the weekend of May 9-10, 2015. You may start to see the First Sound Bank brand before May as we begin to migrate Eastside Commercial Bank to First Sound Bank. How will the bank merger impact me as a customer of Eastside Commercial Bank? We are working toward a seamless transition. Until full conversion of all systems, you will see minimal changes to your day-to-day banking. However, when applying for a new loan, credit card, or merchant services you will be presented with First Sound Bank s products. You can look for updates from us directly, or on our website, www.firstsoundbank.com. How are Eastside Commercial Bank and First Sound Bank alike? This was an excellent opportunity to combine two similar Washington community banks that share a deep commitment to our customers and local communities. We both maintain similar core values of integrity, relationship banking, and value-added service. This merger will allow us to serve you with more resources and proven stability, while preserving the spirit of community banking in the Puget Sound area. What will happen to the Eastside Commercial Bank employees? First Sound Bank will retain as many Eastside Commercial Bank employees as possible. Branch and lending personnel will be retained, as well as others from various departments. Eastside Commercial Bank employees are helping to create a smooth transition during the merger and First Sound Bank is proud to welcome the employees into the family.
After the merger, will everything be centralized at First Sound Bank s headquarters in Seattle? Yes, all operations will be transitioned to the First Sound Bank office at 925 4 th Avenue, Suite 2350, Seattle, WA 98104. Where can I learn more about First Sound Bank s products and services? You can learn more at www.firstsoundbank.com.you can also call us locally at 206.515.2004 or toll-free at 888.515.2006. How can I contact the bank if I have any questions? Please contact Customer Service at 206.515.2004 with any questions or email us at customerservice@firstsoundbank.com. General information, locations, ATMs and hours Can I keep my account number? Yes, all account numbers will remain the same. What will happen to the Eastside Commercial Bank branch? The Eastside Commercial Bank branch in Bellevue will close at the end of business on May 8 th, 2015. All operations will be transitioned to the First Sound Bank office at 925 4 th Avenue, Suite 2350, Seattle, WA 98104. Will the merger affect the branch hours? First Sound Bank maintains the same branch hours as Eastside Commercial; Monday Friday 9:00 5:00. Phone support hours will be extended as First Sound Bank offers customer support from 8:30 5:30 Monday through Friday. Will ATM locations change? What about other surcharge free ATMs? First Sound Bank does not own any ATMs. Surcharge Free ATM access is available through a large correspondent banking network. For the first year after conversion, Eastside Commercial Bank checking customers can have up to $10 in ATM charges reimbursed per month. Come in or call us within 60 days of your ATM cash transactions to receive refunds of up to $10 per month in domestic ATM fees, including those assessed by other ATM providers, and out of network ATM fees charged to your account. Refunds only apply to checking accounts.
What about my courier service that delivers deposits to Eastside Commercial Bank branch? Courier service will continue without interruption. After May 8 th all deposits will be delivered to the First Sound Bank office at 925 4 th Avenue, Suite 2350, Seattle, WA 98104 for processing. Deposit account information Will my bank statement look different than what I have now? Yes. After we complete the systems integration in May, you will begin to receive First Sound Bank formatted statements. When will I receive my final Eastside Commercial Bank account statement? All customers will receive a final statement, dated May 8, 2015. This statement will be mailed the week of May 11, 2015. When will I receive my first, First Sound Bank account statement? Your statement will continue to cut off at month end and will be mailed about the same time of the month you receive your current Eastside Bank statement. We anticipate the first statement cut to be May 31, 2015. First Sound Bank also offers e-statements as an alternative delivery method. How can I obtain copies of my deposit account statements after May 8, 2015? To request a statement copy, please contact Customer Service at 206.515.2004. What if I have deposits at both banks? Should I move some for FDIC purposes? How will that work? Both First Sound Bank and Eastside Commercial Bank are FDIC insured institutions. As a result of the merger, on April 15, 2015, the deposits from Eastside Commercial Bank will be combined with the deposits at First Sound Bank. The combined balances will determine whether a depositor has exceeded the FDIC insurance limit, except that deposits at Eastside Commercial Bank prior to the merger will generally receive separate insurance coverage for six months from the date of the merger. This grace period provides an opportunity to restructure accounts, if necessary, to ensure the accounts do not exceed the insurance threshold. Certificates of Deposit from Eastside Commercial Bank are generally separately insured until the earliest maturity date after the end of the six month grace period. Will I still be able to use my Eastside Commercial Bank checks and deposit slips or will I receive new supplies? You may continue to use your existing Eastside Commercial Bank checks and deposit slips until you are ready to reorder. When you reorder after May 8, 2015, use First Sound Bank s routing number, 125008712, for your new supplies. You can reorder at First Sound Bank or by calling Customer Service at 206.515.2004.
Will my account fees change? Fees for deposit accounts may change. Please refer to the current First Sound Bank Fee Schedules and disclosures included within your Welcome Mailing also available within the Welcome ECB Customers section of our website. Will overdraft protection for my personal checking account continue? Yes, your overdraft protection will continue as normal. Debit cards, credit cards, online banking and electronic services Will I be able to continue using my Eastside Commercial Bank debit card and ATM card? Yes, you can continue to use your Eastside Commercial Bank debit card until May 8, 2015.You will receive your First Sound Bank ATM or debit card in the mail by the week of May 4, 2015.You should activate your First Sound Bank ATM or debit card as soon as you receive it. If you would like to change your PIN please contact Customer Service at 206.515.2004. You will be able to begin using your First Sound Bank ATM or Debit card on Saturday, May 9, 2015. If you have automatic payments set up with your debit card, please remember to notify the merchants of your new card number and expiration date. Can I continue to use my Eastside Commercial Bank credit card? Yes, you can continue to use your Eastside Commercial Bank credit card until you are reissued a new card from the card issuer, TIB, The Independent BankersBank. Will my online banking access change? We will provide you with instructions and your First Sound Bank online banking user ID and password, along with specific details for Sound Internet Banking, including Cash Management and Bill Pay in a separate communication by the beginning of May. You can also visit www.firstsoundbank.com for the latest information about online banking at First Sound Bank, and to view our online banking demo. How will my Online Bill Pay change? Your billers, payments, and recurring payments will be retained. We strongly recommend that you review all previously scheduled payments after conversion and contact Customer Service at 206.515.2004 with any related questions or concerns. What about online banking for my business account? First Sound Bank s Cash Management staff will contact business customers individually in the coming weeks to transition this service.
Will my direct deposit be affected? No. Any direct deposits you currently have through Eastside Commercial Bank will be forwarded directly to your new First Sound Bank account for deposit. Remember, your account number will not change. What about automatic deduction of payments from my Eastside Commercial Bank deposit account? All previously authorized automatic payments will continue as normal. Please use First Sound Bank s routing number (125008712) to set up future automatic payments or transfers after May 8, 2015. I have automatic funds transfer between my deposit accounts. What action must I take? No action is necessary; your automatic transfer between deposit accounts will continue as normal. If you have a scheduled or recurring transfer set up through your online banking, these transactions will be addressed in a separate communication that will be mailed in late-april. Will my Remote Deposit Capture access for my business change? Yes. First Sound Bank s Cash Management staff will contact business customers individually in the coming weeks to transition this service. If you are interested in implementing remote deposit capture at conversion, please contact First Sound Bank s Customer Service at 206.515.2004 Loan account information Will the merger affect my existing Eastside Commercial Bank loan? No changes will be made to the existing payments, loan rates, or maturity. Will I keep my existing loan number? Yes, your loan account number will remain the same. Will my loan statement change? Every loan will convert to a First Sound Bank product and you will receive monthly loan billing statements for your loan. Will I be able to continue to use my loan coupons when I submit my loan payment? You will be able to use your coupons through May 8, 2015 and then you will begin to receive a billing statement from First Sound Bank that contains your current payment amount due.
Where do I mail my loan payments made on or after May 8, 2015? Payments can be made at the branch or mailed to: First Sound Bank Loan Servicing Department 925 4 th Avenue, Suite 2350 Seattle, WA 98104 Will my loan officer change? No, you will continue to work with your current officer. Can I still view my loan and make a loan payment online? Yes. Some loans are eligible for this service. Please contact Customer Service at 206.515.2004 with questions. My loan payment is automatically deducted from my deposit account. Will that service continue? Yes, automatic payments will continue as usual, on the same schedule. Other What about my safe deposit box at Eastside Commercial Bank? You will have the option to move your safe deposit box to the First Sound Bank office in Seattle. When the Eastside Commercial branch closes, all safe deposit boxes will need to be surrendered or transitioned to First Sound Bank by the renter. A separate mailing will be sent directly to affected customers. Boxes are available at First Sound Bank for Eastside Bank customers. What is First Sound Bank s policy on privacy? First Sound Bank maintains physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to ensure your non-public information remains secure. If you decide to close your account(s), we will adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in our privacy policy, which is included within the welcome packet and at www.firstsoundbank.com.