FAQs

Allpoint is a network of over 55,000 ATMs that German American Bank customers can use fee-free (also known as surcharge-free) to access their accounts. Look for the Allpoint symbol on the ATM at your favorite retail locations.

Commonly referred to as a surcharge, this is the fee that ATM owners assess to all "foreign" cardholders (i.e., anyone not a cardholder of the institution that owns the ATM). Surcharges vary based on location but are typically between $2.00 and $3.50.

Access to the Allpoint ATM network is automatic for our customers. You can use your existing Check Card at any ATM that has the Allpoint network symbol.

Allpoint's 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs are located in local, regional and national retailers across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom. The network includes merchants such as CVS/pharmacy, Kroger, Target, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie and many others. Use the ATM locator to find the Allpoint ATM closest to you.

Simply use our ATM locator. All ATMs listed on our official Allpoint ATM locator are surcharge-free for German American Bank cardholders to use.

It's easy. Simply type in your zip code or city/state and the locator will list the address of all Allpoint ATMs within 10 miles of the desired location (up to a maximum of 30 locations).

The ATM data used in the Allpoint locator is updated every two weeks to reflect any changes to our network locations.

No, you will not be charged. Due to the technical limitations of certain types of ATMs, Allpoint is currently not able to prevent the “surcharge warning message” screen from appearing on some ATMs. The verification of Allpoint participation happens while the transaction is processing rather than before, so the surcharge fee page will show up prior to the transaction being completed. You should continue the transaction by answering “yes” on this screen. 

When you get your receipt, you’ll see that you were not assessed a surcharge (i.e., the withdrawal amount on your receipt will show $20, $40, etc., as opposed to $22.50 or $42.50, which is shown when you pay a surcharge). If you are a German American Bank customer and believe you received a surcharge in error, please contact the German American Bank Customer Care Center at (800)482-1314.

Yes. Your Check Card and/or ATM Card will continue to work at all ATMs. Out of network ATMs (ones that are neither German American Bank nor Allpoint) may assess you a surcharge fee. In addition, you may be assessed a foreign ATM fee from German American Bank.

Homeowners insurance isn't mandated, unlike car insurance; however, depending on your lender, you may be required to have it. Keep in mind, your home is most likely your largest investment, and by insuring your home, you're protecting your investment.

Depending on the exact policy coverage you choose, a homeowners policy covers personal liability, medical payments to others, and accidental direct physical loss to structures and personal property.

There are many factors that determine how much you'll pay for homeowners insurance, including your:

• Coverage limit on your property
• Choice of deductible amounts
• Claims history and risk profile

Coverage Limit on Your Property: The amount of coverage you have on your property will have a direct effect on your premium. You should consider your home, any other structures at your location, personal property, and land or other structures at separate locations. Be sure to keep track of your personal belongings using an inventory checklist.

Deductible: You can select deductible options. If you pick a higher deductible, your premium may be lower. Keep in mind that if you do have a claim, this may mean paying more out of pocket before meeting your deductible. However, a lower deductible may mean you could have a higher premium.

Claim History: The price of homeowners insurance will be affected by your claims history. If you've had more claims, this is considered higher risk, which may mean your premiums could be higher upfront.

Other Factors: Different factors may impact your cost such as the age of your home, whether you have a swimming pool, and your location relative to a fire department and water source.

State laws may dictate how losses are to be calculated, which means the same insurance company may use one method in one state and a different method in another. Common methods are:

Actual Cash Value: The replacement cost of the item minus depreciation. For example, a new television may cost $500, but if your 7-year-old TV is damaged in a fire, it might have depreciated 50% prior to the damage. Therefore, you would be paid $250 for the TV.

Replacement Coverage: The cost of replacing an item without deducting for depreciation, but limited to a maximum dollar amount. Today's cost for a TV with features similar to the 7-year-old TV damaged by the fire would determine the amount of compensation. If it still costs $500 today, that would be the replacement coverage. (It's important to remember there are limits on this policy, and you need to keep up-to-date on your coverage).

Extended Replacement Cost: This common endorsement covers costs up to a certain percentage over the limit, often 20-25%. It's a policy add-on, providing protection should reconstruction costs exceed your home's insurance coverage. If you prefer replacement or extended replacement coverage, you can add it to a policy.

Liability may cover bodily injury and property damage to others but only due to negligence.

Replacement cost value should not be confused with market cost value, which is the figure assigned to your home if you sell it. Replacement cost value is how much it would take to rebuild your home at today's costs. These two figures can be drastically different from each other.

Mobile deposit is a way to electronically deposit checks from your iPhone®, iPad® or Android™ phone using the our Mobile Banking App.

To qualify for mobile deposit, you must have an active checking account with our bank, be in good account standing, and have enrolled in Online Banking.

Depending on your qualifications, most customers are eligible to deposit up to $4,000 per check, up to $4,000 per day, and up to $20,000 in a 30-day timeframe.

Mobile deposit is free to our customers. Just download  our mobile banking app to begin. Your service provider's data access charges may apply.

Yes. Check deposits made through our Mobile Banking App are protected according to the highest financial industry standards. Security features include: 

• Password protection
• Internet firewalls
• 128-bit encryption

Check images and other private information are not stored within the mobile banking app or on your phone or iPad.® A deposit made using mobile deposit is as safe as using Online Banking.

1. Download our Banking App for your iPhone,® iPad® or Android™ phone.
2. Log into your mobile banking app using your Online Banking username and password.
3. Choose "Pay & Manage" from the menu,  then select "Check Deposit."
4. Read and accept the Mobile Deposit Services Agreement.
5. Select the account into which you want to deposit the check.
6. Enter the amount of your check.
7. Endorse the back of your check as it is made payable, as well as adding "For Mobile Deposit Only."
8. Take pictures of the front and back of your check.
9. Submit the check for deposit.

You'll receive a confirmation that your check has been submitted to us for review. Deposits may take up to one business day to appear in your account. Deposits received by 6:00 p.m. ET on business days will be credited to your account during nightly processing the same business day. Deposits received after 6:00 p.m. ET will be credited the next business day. After your deposit has posted, we recommend that you securely store your check for 30 days and then destroy it.

Yes, please sign the back of your check as it is made payable and write “For Mobile Deposit Only.” See below for examples.

______________________________________________________________________________

After submitting the images of the front and back of your check, you'll receive an on-screen confirmation that your deposit has been submitted for review. You'll also have the option to email a confirmation number to yourself. Deposits may take up to one business day to appear in your account. Accepted deposits received by 6:00 p.m. ET on business days will be credited to your account during nightly processing the same business day. Deposits received after 6:00 p.m. ET will be credited by the next business day.

Why am I unable to deposit my check?

There are a few reasons you may not be able to deposit checks:

• Folded or torn corners
• Illegible front image
• Amount entered doesn't match amount read by scanning software
• Routing and account numbers are unclear
• No camera on the device
• Image quality (too dark, blurred, etc.)

Helpful Tips for Mobile Deposit:

1. Use mobile deposit in a well-lit area to prevent shadows or poor image quality when taking pictures of your check.
2. Smooth out any folds on your check.
3. Place the check on a dark background before taking the picture.
4. Keep hands clear of the check while taking pictures to avoid pictures of fingers/hands.

Once your deposit has posted, we recommend that you securely store your check for 30 days and then destroy it.

Double-check the following:

• Your check photos are clear and legible. Be sure that:
  • The check has no shadows on the front or back
  • The check is free of excessive wrinkles
  • The check image is not blurry from "camera shake" 
  • The writing on the check is contained within the relevant spaces
  • The check is positioned against a dark or contrasting background
• MICR line (the bottom portion of the check that includes your account number and routing number) is fully visible (and the corners of the check are not covering this line)
• Contains space between the MICR line and the edge of the image
• Number, payee, endorsement, character (numeric) amount, legal (written) amount and MICR line are all readable

Your check may also be rejected due to these reasons:

• Missing or incomplete endorsements
• Multiple payees that are not on the depositing account. These items are best presented at an office
• Multiple payees with "and" that do not have all payee's endorsements
• The amount entered does not match the amount read by the scanning software
• Folded or torn corners

If the check continues to be rejected, bring it to one of our banking offices for deposit.

Download the agreement here.

Log into Online Banking from a computer and update your email address. After you've changed your email address, open the “Check Deposit” option in the mobile banking app. You don't need to process a deposit for the information to update for mobile deposit.

Images of checks deposited in the app may be viewed by going to the History section of mobile deposit.

All checking accounts from your main account list in Online Banking will populate the “Deposit into” list within your mobile deposit list.

Items considered ineligible for mobile deposit include checks:

• Payable to any person or entity other than you (i.e., payable to another party and then endorsed to you)
• Payable to you and another party who is not a joint owner on the account
• That contain evidence of alteration, or that you know or suspect or should know or suspect, are fraudulent or otherwise not authorized by the owner of the account on which the check is drawn
• That you know or suspect or should know or suspect represent orders to pay money that are subject to defenses by the drawer of the check or other third party
• Previously converted to a substitute check as defined in Regulation CC
• Drawn on a financial institution located outside the United States
• Not payable in United States currency
• Dated more than 6 months prior to the date of deposit

That have previously been submitted through this service or through a remote deposit capture service offered at any other financial institution.

After your deposit has posted, we recommend that you securely store your check for 30 days, and then destroy it. Do not destroy the check immediately, as it may be needed if a deposit issue arises.

We understand that your time is money, so we strive to make opening a business account with us as easy as possible. Please be prepared to provide the following information at the time of opening a business checking or savings account:

• Personal ID for all account signers
• Employment Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)
• Business type supporting documentation
  • Sole Proprietor: Personal ID
  • Single Member LLC: operating agreement, if available
  • LLC: Articles of organization and operating agreement*
  • Corporation: Articles of incorporation/organization and board minutes*
  • Government Entity or Unincorporated Association: Board minutes
  • Partnership: Partnership agreement, if available*

_{*Active business registration with Secretary of State required.}

Opening a personal checking or savings account with us is simple. Just bring the following information to one of our convenient banking offices:

• Government-issued identification (i.e., driver’s license)
• U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number
• U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien Status
• Account information for accounts you'd like to close at other banks and move to our bank

Funding an account using automatic transfer or funds transferred from a non-German American Bank checking or savings account: If the account is successfully opened prior to 5 p.m. ET, funds will be available the next business day. If the account is successfully opened at 5 p.m. ET or after, funds will be available in 2 business days.

Funding an account using a credit card or non-German American Bank debit card: If the account is successfully opened prior to 5 p.m. ET, funds will be available in 2 business days. If the account is successfully opened at 5 p.m. ET or after, funds will be available in 3 business days.

Accounts opened online will be visible in Online Banking and our mobile banking app within one business day from account opening.

Pure Personality Check Card lets you customize your German American Bank Check Card with almost any digital picture to create a one-of-a-kind Check Card. Show off your family, friends, pets or favorite vacation. Your Pure Personality Check Card reflects your unique personality and works just like a regular German American Bank Check Card.

Anyone with a German American Bank checking account. The primary account owner and any authorized users on the account can customize their cards.

A form will appear to initiate your Pure Personality Check Card order. Enter your name to match what's currently on your checking account. You'll also be asked to provide the last 5 digits of your Social Security Number and the last 5 digits of the account number tied to your Pure Personality Check Card. After you upload your artwork, a second form will appear asking you to re-enter your name as it appears in your checking account, your address on file with us for the specified checking account, city, state, zip code, country, phone number, email address and last 4 digits of card number, if you're an existing check card holder.

No, since you need to upload a photo to fit your card, you'll need to create your own Pure Personality Check Card here.

If you don't have a standard Check Card, you can request one by visiting any of our offices.

At account opening, you'll be asked if you want to receive a standard Check Card or order a Pure Personality Check Card. If you choose to order a personalized card, you have 48 hours after account opening to upload your image for your check card order. If an image is not uploaded within 48 hours of account opening, we'll order a standard check card at no charge.

A fee of $10 will be deducted from your checking account linked to your Visa® Check Card each time you order a card with a new image. If your card is damaged or lost and you choose to continue to use the previously uploaded image, the cost for a replacement card is $7.

Please see our Image Guidelines for the criteria for acceptable photo submissions. German American Bank or Heartland Bank, a division of German American Bank reserves the right to reject any image we believe violates our Image Guidelines. If an image is rejected, you'll be notified by email or phone within three business days. Please be sure to provide us with accurate contact information when uploading your artwork in case we need to get in touch with you. You may submit a new image anytime following your rejection.

Please see our Image Guidelines for specific information. Use a high-quality image. The better your image, the better your card will look. You may have to use the photo editing software to properly size your picture prior to uploading it to the creation site.

For security reasons, we recommend that you use the most up-to-date version of any web browser. Earlier versions may work but are not recommended.

At this time, tablets and smartphones cannot load the image upload software. Please use a desktop or laptop computer to upload your picture.

We want you to be happy with your Pure Personality Check Card. Please contact us at (800) 482-1314 to tell us how we can remedy your concerns.

Upon expiration of your card, a new card will be sent with the same image as your most recent card. If you want to upload a new image, please do so the month before your card expires to ensure the image is received in time for the automatic card reissue. Example: For an expiration date of 12/19, you'll need to upload your new artwork during the month of November. Note: A $10 fee will apply when you upload a new image.

Your card will be mailed to you via the U.S. Postal Service.

After your image is uploaded, your Pure Personality Check Card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. If your image is rejected, you will be notified by email or phone within three business days. Please be sure to provide us with accurate contact information when uploading your artwork in case we need to get in touch with you. You may submit a new image anytime following your rejection. If you have a standard Check Card, it will continue to work until you activate your new Pure Personality Check Card.

For security reasons, your new Pure Personality Check Card has a different expiration date and CVV security code than your existing card. If you have items billed directly to your existing Check Card, you'll need to update this information with the biller. Once you activate your Pure Personality Check Card, you should destroy your old card immediately.

SavvyMoney is a comprehensive credit score program offered by German American Bank that helps you stay on top of your credit. You get your latest credit score and report, an understanding of key factors that impact the score, and a window into the most up-to-date offers to reduce your interest costs or lower your monthly payments. With this program, you'll always know where you stand with your credit and how your financial institution can help save you money.

SavvyMoney Credit Report provides all the information you would find on your credit file, including a list of current or previous loans, accounts and credit inquiries. You can also see details on your payment history, credit utilization and public records that show up on your account. Like Credit Score, checking your credit report will not impact your score.

The Score Simulator is an interactive tool that allows you to select various actions you may take to see how your score could be affected. Different actions, like paying off a credit card balance, might make your score move up or down. Just like checking your credit score through SavvyMoney, using the simulator does not affect your actual credit score.

No, SavvyMoney is entirely free, and no credit card information is required to register.

As long as you regularly access digital banking, your credit score will be updated every 7 days and displayed within your online banking screen. You also have the ability to refresh your credit score and obtain a full credit report every 24 hours by clicking “Refresh Score” and navigating to the detailed credit score dashboard from within online and mobile banking.

SavvyMoney pulls your credit profile from TransUnion, one of the three major credit reporting bureaus, and uses VantageScore 3.0, a credit scoring model developed collaboratively by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). This model seeks to make score information more uniform between the three bureaus to provide consumers a better picture of their credit health.

There are three major credit-reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian and Transunion — and two scoring models — FICO and VantageScore — that determine credit scores. Financial institutions use different bureaus, as well as their own scoring models. Over 200 factors of a credit report may be considered when calculating a score and each model may weigh credit factors differently, so no scoring model is completely identical but should be directionally similar.

No, German American Bank uses its own lending criteria when making final loan decisions. However, the SavvyMoney tool can show you estimated savings opportunities on new and existing loans. Final rate, term, monthly payment and other factors will be determined at the time of application.

No, German American Bank does not have access to your credit file unless you choose to share it with us. However, if you'd like to share your credit report with German American Bank or any trusted party, you can easily download your SavvyMoney credit report by navigating to the “Credit Report” tab and clicking “Download Report.” However, SavvyMoney does share your credit report information with German American Bank to allow us to give you the opportunity to apply for certain credit offers based on your credit information. Note: You can opt out of this sharing at any time by contacting SavvyMoney.

SavvyMoney uses bank-level encryption and security measures to keep your data safe and secure. Your personal information is never shared with or sold to a third party.

SavvyMoney Credit Score can help you manage your credit so that when it comes time to borrow for a big-ticket purchase like buying a home, car or paying for college, you'll have a clear picture of your credit health and can qualify for the lowest possible interest rate. You’ll also see offers on how to save money on your new and existing loans with German American Bank.

SavvyMoney makes its best effort to show you the most relevant information from your credit report. If you think some of the information is wrong or inaccurate, we encourage you to take advantage of obtaining free credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com. Each bureau has its own process for correcting inaccurate information, but every user can “File a Dispute” by clicking on the “Dispute” link within their SavvyMoney Credit Report. Note: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website offers step-by-step instructions on how to contact the bureaus and correct errors.

Based on your SavvyMoney Credit Score information, you may receive German American Bank prequalified offers (invitation to apply) on products that may be of interest to you. In most cases, these offers may have lower interest rates than the products you already have or can save you money on your monthly payments. The educational articles, written by the SavvyMoney team, are designed to provide helpful tips on how you can manage credit and debt wisely.

No, checking SavvyMoney Credit Score is always a “soft inquiry,” which does not affect your credit score. Typically, lenders use "hard inquiries" to make decisions about your credit-worthiness when you apply for loans.

Yes. After you've enrolled in Credit Score for the first time, SavvyMoney will monitor and send email alerts when there’s been a change to your credit profile. When applicable, you can also find these monitoring alerts within your online or mobile banking account.

If you access the SavvyMoney program through your online or mobile banking, you're all set and no further action is required from you. Your email address will get updated automatically in SavvyMoney when you update it within online or mobile banking. We always encourage you to inform your financial institution of any contact information updates.

If you signed up with SavvyMoney from the SavvyMoney website, please log into the website and navigate to the “Profile Settings” section under “Resources” within the tool.

Yes, you can easily choose when SavvyMoney contacts you. Just navigate to the “Profile Settings” section under the “Resources” tab, then choose which email notifications you want to receive. SavvyMoney sends out three types of emails: Credit Monitoring Alerts, General Messages and Monthly Notices. You will be automatically enrolled in all email communications and can easily unselect the specific email types you don't want to receive.

Yes, SavvyMoney Credit Score and all other features are available on mobile and tablet devices and integrated within our mobile banking app.