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COVID-19 Updates

Home Blog COVID-19 Updates

Posted On: March 20, 2020 by First Option Bank in: News

INFORMATION UPDATED ON: 05/26/2020 at 9:06AM

As we continue to monitor the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we remain focused on our commitment and responsibility to serve our customers, while also addressing the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities.   

In following the state and CDC recommendations on social distancing, effective Monday, May 11, our management team has decided to re-open our lobbies. We invite you to come see us! We're still using extreme precaution when cleaning and continue to practice social distancing in order to protect you and our staff members. We look forward to seeing you soon!


WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

  • Lobbies
    Our doors are open, and we invite you to come see us! We're still using extreme precaution when cleaning and continue to practice social distancing in order to protect you and our staff members. 
     
  • Drive-Thru
    Our drive-thru locations and ATMs will operate as usual. Deposit and loan inquiries can be handled by phone or email.
     
  • ATMs 
    Our ATMs not only dispense cash, most of our ATMs also take deposits. We are frequently cleaning and sanitizing our ATMs as an added measure of safety. 
     
  • Online & Mobile Banking 
    As a reminder, our digital banking tools allow you to bank with us wherever life takes you and are accessible 24/7. You can make deposits, check balances, pay bills, transfer funds, pay people and more, from the convenience of your phone or home computer. 
    If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your nearest branch for assistance. Or for more information on online and mobile banking, click here. 
     
  • Customer Care 
    Our Customer Care team is also available to you, six days per week during business hours (913)557-0800 from 7:30am (CST) – 6:00pm (CST), Monday through Friday; and 9:00am (CST) – 12:00pm (CST), Saturday. 
     
  • Night Drops 
    The night drops at our branch locations will be checked frequently throughout the day. 
     

WE ARE HERE TO HELP:

We understand that the current situation may cause financial uncertainty and can be very difficult. First Option Bank is here to help you navigate through this unprecedented time. We have several programs in place to help, including waiving fees, and our Financial Relief Program.

For the next 90 days, First Option Bank will waive fees for:

  • Overdrafts
  • Excessive Transactions for Savings Accounts
  • Excessive Transactions for Money Market Accounts
  • No Monthly Maintenance Fee
  • No Balance Minimum Fee

The Financial Relief Program includes:

  • Auto Loan Deferral Program: We are offering a payment deferral to existing customers for up to 90 days and no late fees during that deferral period. To participate in this program, please call (913)557-0800
  • Business Loan Deferral Program: Existing customers whose business is facing difficulties, may be eligible for a payment deferral. During this time, interest will accrue, and there will be no late fees during that period, nor will it adversely impact your credit. To participate in this program, please call your business loan officer.
  • Consumer Loan Deferral Program: We are offering a payment deferral to existing customers for up to 90 days and no late fees during that deferral period. To participate in this program, please call (913)557-0800
  • Credit Card Deferral Program: We are offering a payment deferral to existing customers for up to 90 days and no late fees during that deferral period. To participate in this program, please call (913)557-0800.
  • Foreclosures: Suspension of all foreclosure activity on homes for the next 60 days.
  • Home Equity Deferral Program: Existing customers facing financial hardship due to an interruption in income, may be eligible for a forbearance or deferment of payment. During this time, interest will accrue, and there will be no late fees during that period, nor will it adversely impact your credit. The length of forbearance or deferral will be determined on a case-by-case basis, to find an appropriate solution that meets your specific needs. To participate in this program, please call (913)557-0800
  • Home Loan Deferral Program: Existing customers facing financial hardship due to an interruption in income, may be eligible for a forbearance or deferment of payment. During this time, interest will accrue, and there will be no late fees during that period, nor will it adversely impact your credit. The length of forbearance or deferral will be determined on a case-by-case basis, to find an appropriate solution that meets your specific needs. To participate in this program, please call your loan officer.
  • Vehicle Repossession: Suspension of initiating any new repossession action on vehicles for the next 60 days.

Businesses and consumers who wish to receive loan deferrals must contact First Option Bank to determine eligibility; the Financial Relief Program is not automatic. Valid until May 31, 2020, terms and conditions apply.

Please contact First Option Bank if you are experiencing a hardship regarding a mortgage, home equity line or loan, auto loan or credit card balance, now or in the future. Our customer care line is available at (913)557-0800 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST on Saturday. Due to high demand, call wait times may be longer than normal and First Option Bank thanks you for your patience as we navigate this situation together.

 

STEPS WE ARE TAKING:

  • Our Management Team is monitoring the situation and keeping a close eye on government recommendations as well as the available information on the CDC website and the KDHE website. 
  • We have a plan in place in the event there’s a local outbreak and our branches need to close temporarily. This includes taking steps to ensure you continue to have access to your accounts – via drive-thru, over the phone and online.
  • We are making additional efforts, in our branches, to disinfect work areas and equipment, and help our employees safely handle cash. 
  • To prevent the spread of the virus, we encourage anyone who feels sick to stay home. 
  • We are confirming contingency plans with our key suppliers. 
  • We are restricting business travel where possible in order to avoid exposure of our employees. 
  • We are increasing our use of alternate communication channels (telephone, web and video in place of large meetings.   
  • Our bank is working closely with payment processing networks, such as the Federal Reserve. Our customers should not expect interruptions to the payments systems, including the ability to send and receive payments such as Wires, ACH, or Card Processing. 
  • Please assured your money is FDIC insured and very safe with us. With our sound balance sheet, we are exceptionally well positioned to withstand volatile market conditions. 
     

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR FINANCES:

  • With the ongoing developments related to COVID-19 and its impact on financial markets, we would like to remind investors to be wary of con-artists and cyber criminals seeking to capitalize on fear and uncertainty.
  • While some scammers go for your money, others may go for your personal information. 
  • Remember - if we reach out to you, we won't ask for confidential information - such as your name, full social security number, username, password, PIN or other account information. Visit www.ftc.gov/coronavirus for more information.
  • If you receive a call from anyone asking for sensitive information, as mentioned above, even if it appears to be from our bank, please do not provide it to them. Scammers can spoof phone numbers.
  • Remain vigilant for scams related to COVID-19:
    • Cyber actors have been sending emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites attempting to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.
    • Organizations are encouraged to caution staff and customers in handling any email with a COVID-19 related subject line, attachment or hyperlink.
    • Be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 requires the same precautions as with Influenza (flu). Good hygiene is the best defense for controlling the spread of any illness. Important practices include:

  • Do not panic.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then immediately throw away in a trash can.
  • Please stay home if you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
     

KEEP INFORMED:

In order to keep you informed on changes during this time, it’s important that we have your most up-to-date contact information, including: 

  • Email Address 
  • Phone Number 

You can call our Client Care team at (913)-557-0800 or log in to your online banking account to update your information. 
 

ONGOING UPDATES:

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and evaluate additional measure to support our customers as needs arise.

This page is the best place to find the most current information, including any changes or service interruptions that affect customers. Our Facebook page will also provide timely and ongoing updates.

If you have questions or concerns, please Get In Touch. We’re in this together and here to help!

 

LEARN MORE:

 

We remain fully committed to serving you and meeting all your banking needs. We must all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, mitigating the risk of illness for you and our employees. Thank you for your continued trust and allowing us the privilege to serve you.

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