Local Bank Embraces Technology to Protect, Assist Customers

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) is pleased to introduce two new technologies for their customers: instant issuance debit card printers and CardValet. Both tools are enhancements to the bank’s EMV card portfolio that provide customers with greater fraud protection and convenience should a compromise occur.

Instant Issue Debit Cards

FBFC is excited to now offer its customers instant issue EMV debit cards at each of their 13 suburban branch locations.

What does this mean for customers? If you’re a new customer, or a current customer in need of a replacement card due to loss or theft, you can visit any FBFC branch during regular business hours and receive a new EMV debit card on the spot. The instant issue printers are capable of printing both business and consumer debit cards, making the process easier for customers across the board.

“As one of the only financial institutions in the area to offer this service, we hope to demonstrate our commitment to providing distinctive customer service and to improving the customer experience,” said David Sutton, SVP and Director of Retail Banking. “Customers require, and deserve, immediate and uninterrupted access to their funds. This new service allows that to happen.”

In general, debit cards are a fast, convenient way to pay for purchases instead of using cash or checks. Purchases are deducted from your checking account and appear on your monthly statement for easy tracking. The addition of an EMV chip provides added security and greater global usability.

CardValet

CardValet is an app allows FBFC debit card customers to proactively manage their accounts anytime, anywhere from their smart phones.

Specifically, this app allows customers to:

• Establish spending limits to allow transactions up to a certain dollar value and decline transactions when amounts exceed pre-defined thresholds
• Turn their card “on” and “off” so that the card can be disabled quickly in the event it’s lost or stolen
• Restrict transactions to merchants located within a certain range of the cardholder
• Receive real-time alerts when a card is used, when a transaction meets user-specific thresholds, or when a card transaction is attempted but declined

According to Stacy Grafenauer, Deposit Operations and Electronic Solutions Director, “We are thrilled to provide our customers with greater control over their debit cards. CardValet gives them true peace of mind that they can effectively manage their spending, or disable their cards should they need to. It’s a real win.”

Instant Issue Debit Cards and CardValet are just the latest technology advancements made by FBFC in recent months. In 2016 the bank implemented online account opening and issued over 13,000 debit cards with EMV chip technology, further enhancing customer security.

In December, FBFC launched a new website, built with responsive design, so customers and prospects can enjoy an optimal experience across all devices when interacting with the bank through the online channel. The site features many upgrades, including an “About You” tool that allows visitors to receive a product recommendation from the bank by answering a few simple questions.

Photo: Stacy Grafenauer, Deposit Operations and Electronic Solutions Director and Dave Sutton, SVP and Director of Retail Banking with an Instant Issue Debit Card printer.