Customers may experience some temporary periods when Online Banking access may slow. Our Online Banking site is experiencing unusually high traffic as customers check their accounts for their Economic Impact Payments, sometimes referred to as Stimulus Payments or Stimulus Checks.
If you experience a delay in your web page response, wait a few moments and try again.
We apologize for this temporary situation. Contact your American Federal Banker, if you need immediate assistance.
Americans are starting to see Economic Impact Payments deposited directly in their bank accounts. These payments are sometimes referred to as stimulus payments or stimulus checks.
Americans who filed 2018 or 2019 tax returns with direct deposit information or who receive Social Security do not need to take action. They will automatically receive payment in their bank accounts.
If you are enrolled in American Federal Online Banking or Mobile Banking, you can check for your Economic Impact Payment anytime anywhere using any device.
The IRS has launched a separate online application called “Get My Payment.” This free app, which can also be found at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers, who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019, but did not provide their banking information on their return, to submit direct deposit information so they can receive payments by direct deposit, as opposed to getting mailed a check.
“Get My Payment” is an online app that will display on any desktop, phone or tablet. It does not need to be downloaded from an app store. “Get My Payment” will also allow taxpayers to track the status of their payment.
“Get My Payment” cannot update bank account information after an Economic Impact Payment has been scheduled for delivery. To help protect against potential fraud, the tool also does not allow people to change bank account information already on file with the IRS.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.
Non-filers can get their payment by using the IRS ”Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” web portal and entering their bank account information.
Also, eligible Social Security beneficiaries and railroad retirement recipients who did not file a tax return in 2018 and 2019 will be automatically sent their economic impact payments, primarily electronically.
Regardless of how you receive your payment, the IRS will send you a mailed letter to the most current address they have on file approximately 15 days after it sends your payment.
The IRS also reminds retirees who do not normally have a requirement to file a tax return that no action on their part is needed to receive their economic impact payment.
Seniors should be especially careful during this period. The IRS reminds retirees – including recipients of Forms SSA-1099 and RRB-1099 − that no one from the IRS will be reaching out to them by phone, email, mail or in person asking for any kind of information to complete their economic impact payment.
The IRS is sending these Economic Impact Payments automatically to retirees – no additional action or information is needed on a retiree’s part to receive the funds.
The IRS reminds retirees that scammers may:
Taxpayers are urged to be on the lookout for a surge of calls from scammers and email phishing attempts about the Economic Impact Payments and the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.
The IRS will not call taxpayers asking to verify or provide financial information so they can receive an economic impact payment.
This also applies to surprise emails that appear to be coming from the IRS. Remember, never open an email or click on attachments or links you cannot independently verify.
Taxpayers should watch not only for emails but text messages, websites and social media attempts that request money or personal information.
Those who receive unsolicited emails, text messages or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward it to [email protected].
Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone. Learn more about reporting suspected scams by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.
Those who receive unsolicited emails, text messages or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward it to [email protected].
For more information about the Economic Impact Payments and for updates on the launch of the “Get My Payment” app, visit IRS.gov visit and Treasury.gov/CARES.
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau also has published a Frequently Asked Questions guide on the stimulus Economic Impact Payments.
To our Clients,
We are here to help you during the Coronavirus outbreak.
We have taken steps to protect the safety and well-being of our customers and our employees and to continue to provide essential banking services.
We recognize many small business owners have been hit hard by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance loans are designed to help businesses cover expenses with low-interest federal loans. Eligible businesses can get help covering payroll and overhead expenses incurred between February 15 to June 30 through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program.
Contact your American Federal Banker to learn about these programs that may be of help to you.
If COVID-19 has impacted your ability to pay your mortgage and other loan payments, we are here to help. We are offering assistance options that may help you. Call your American Federal Banker to learn more.
Online/Mobile Banking
Check your balances and transactions, transfer or send money, set up alerts and more 24/7 online at americanfederalbank.com or use the American Federal mobile app.
Telephone Banker
Make a quick call to check an account balance or verify a transaction. Call Telephone Banker toll free at 888-805-7828 to access account information 24/7 from anywhere in the United States or Canada. In the Fargo-Moorhead area, customers dial 297-4800.
Online Bill Pay
Pay American Federal accounts and other bills online instead of writing checks.
eStatement
No waiting for your account statement to arrive in the mail. Access and download your account information anytime, anywhere with any device using eStatement.
Mobile Check Deposit
Deposit checks as soon as you receive them without a trip to the bank. Simply take a photo of the front and back of an endorsed check using the camera on your smartphone or tablet to deposit checks 24/7 to an eligible account.
Cash Card Check Card
With “instant issue,” you can get a debit card fast. No need to carry checkblanks or cash. Get immediate access to funds in a qualifying deposit account with an American Federal debit card.
Platinum VISA Credit Card
We’re offering a 0% introductory APR* on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable rate is applied.
Cardmembers, who may experience difficulties due to COVID-19, may be eligible for concessions, including fee waivers to prevent assessment of late fees and over limit fees, requests for statement copies and rush card requests. Contact your American Federal Banker for more information.
To alleviate potential stress on households and provide liquidity during these times of uncertainly, American Federal is temporarily allowing an exception which limited the number of transfers or withdrawals between savings and transaction accounts. For money market or savings accounts, American Federal customers may now make unlimited transfers from their money market/savings accounts to their checking accounts when they use Online or Mobile Banking or Telephone Banker. No fees will be incurred, if a customer exceeds the normal six transactions per month limit.
To help protect the health and safety of our customers and employees, we have temporarily closed our lobbies. We are encouraging customers to use our drive-ups instead.
At our drive-ups, employees are wearing personal protective equipment, disinfecting surfaces and common objects and practicing physical distancing. Call ahead for an appointment, if you have an emergency and must meet with a Banker.
Drive-Ups
In Minnesota
In North Dakota
Night Depositories
In Minnesota
In North Dakota
ATMs
In Minnesota
In North Dakota
You can get cash surcharge-free from your American Federal deposit account at any MoneyPass® ATM nationwide.
The safest place for your money is in a federally insured bank, like American Federal Bank. Your money is safe, secure and insured.
Bank deposit accounts at American Federal are covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) which insures your deposits. FDIC deposit insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Deposit accounts offer flexibility and easy access to your money.
Congress has passed bills aimed at mitigating the economic impact of COVID-19 and putting money into the economy.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Emergency Stimulus (CARES) Act offers relief for retirees. For individuals, it makes retirement funds available for emergency spending needs and delays mandatory distributions.
Both provisions exclude enhanced deductions for contributions to organizations known as sponsoring organizations or donor advised funds.
Cybercriminals may try to take advantage of uncertainly or fear surrounding COVID-19 by offering fake products and medical advice, creating fake charities or enticing you to click a fraudulent link or attachment in an email or text to gain access to your device and personal information. Be cautious, if something looks suspicious.
If you didn’t find what you were looking for, please contact your American Federal Banker or an American Federal Sales Office location in Fargo, Grand Forks, Wahpeton or Northwood in North Dakota or Moorhead, East Grand Forks, Fergus Falls, Crookston, Fosston, Hallock, Ada or Warren in Minnesota.
______
* The 0% introductory APR applies to Purchases and is valid for the first 20 billing cycles. The 0% introductory APR applies to Balance Transfers made within 620 days of account opening and is valid for the first 20 billing cycles. The introductory rate does not apply to Cash Advances. Thereafter, the APR may vary and as of 1/31/2020, the undiscounted variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers is 13.99%-23.99% (based on a cardmember’s creditworthiness). The variable APR for Cash Advances is 25.49%. Cash Advance fee: 4% of each advance amount, $10 minimum. Convenience Check fee: 3% of each check amount, $5 minimum. Cash Equivalent fee: 4% of each cash amount, $20 minimum. Balance Transfer fee: 3% of each transfer amount, $5 minimum. There is a $2 minimum interest charge where interest is due. The annual fee is $0. Foreign Transaction fee: 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars. 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency. We apply your minimum payment to balances with lower APRs first, including promotional APRs. Amounts paid over the minimum payment will be applied in the order of highest to lowest APR balances. We may change APRs, fees and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with Elan Financial Services and its affiliates as provided under the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law. This offer is valid only for new Visa Platinum consumer card accounts with American Federal Bank and the application must be submitted by August 31, 2020.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received reports of fraudulent communications that have the appearance of being from the FDIC.
This is particularly important to know during the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as scammers try to take advantage of consumers in a variety of ways.
Fraudsters know that people trust the FDIC name, so scammers use the FDIC’s name and logo in perpetrating fraudulent schemes.
Some recently reported scams have fraudulently used the names of real FDIC employees, including Martin Henning and Michael Benardo. They have also used fictitious employee names such as Peter Harding, Christine Marshall, and Kate Marshall.
These scams may involve a variety of communication channels, including emails, phone calls, letters, text messages, faxes and social media.
The messages might ask you to “confirm” or “update” confidential personal financial information, such as bank account numbers. In other cases, the communication might be an offer to help victims of current or previous frauds with an investigation or to recover losses.
Some scams have included official looking forms for such things as filing insurance claims or paying taxes on prize winnings. They might tell you that you have an unpaid debt and threaten you with a lawsuit or to arrest you, if you don’t pay. Other recent examples have included check endorsements, bankruptcy claimant verification forms, stock confirmations, and investment purchases.
Additional known scams ask for an upfront payment in the form of gift cards or digital currency before service can be provided. They might include a cashier’s check with instructions to deposit the check and send some portion of the funds back via wire transfer service.
Scammers might ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other valuable details that they can use to commit fraud or sell your identity.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself against government imposters like these:
If in doubt about something you receive, contact the FDIC’s Call Center at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Standard Time.
If you feel you have been the victim of fraud, report this incident to local law enforcement or a local field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Also notify the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), if the crime involved misuse of the U.S. Postal Service.
For more help or information, go to FDIC.gov (insert link) or call the FDIC toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342).
To our Clients,
As we continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation around the Coronavirus (COVID-19), our priority is to protect the safety and well-being of our employees, and to maintain essential banking services for our clients and businesses who are impacted by these difficult circumstances.
Our Drive-Up locations where available are open during their regular drive-up hours to serve your banking needs.
You can apply for a home loan online at the American Federal website at americanfederalbank.com.
Night Depositories and ATMs are available at many of our Drive-Up locations.
You can get cash surcharge-free from your American Federal deposit account at any MoneyPass® ATM nationwide.
We ask that you help us contain the spread of the virus. If you are sick, tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed, please do not come to our bank. Instead, use our Online or Mobile Banking services, or call your local American Federal Banker.
Online and Mobile Banking offer the fastest and most convenient way to access and manage your accounts. Download the American Federal Bank mobile app or use your computer to stay connected and bank anytime, anywhere from any device 24/7.
Using our electronic services is simple, secure and free:
We have done several things to make our environments safe for staff.
We are here to help you however we can. We know that as things progress, there may be financial challenges for some. Consumers and businesses may experience cash shortfalls due to interruptions or unexpected loss of income or business. We are optimistic that this will be a temporary situation.
If American Federal is your primary bank, we may be able to establish or increase loans or lines of credit, help you with a home equity loan or line of credit, defer monthly loan payments, modify payments to interest only or modify the final maturity date, depending on your credit situation.
The Small Business Administration (SBA)is offering some special financing options for businesses impacted by COVID-19. All of North Dakota and Minnesota are declared eligible to participate in the disaster loan program.
The most important step you can take, if you are experiencing a hardship, is to contact your local American Federal Banker. As your trusted financial advisor, we want to help you find the best solution to meet your situation and your goals.
Be on the lookout for suspicious email and text messages that try to get you to share sensitive information, such as your login username and password, or the ones cybercriminals use to impersonate a company, charity or government agency.
American Federal Bank will never ask you for personal information or login credentials in an email or text message.
Keep well and safe.
With gratitude,
AMERICAN FEDERAL BANK
NMLS ID 457211
To our Clients,
Beginning Friday, March 20, American Federal Bank temporarily closed its lobbies.
With the health and safety of our employees and our clients in mind, and to help with the nation-wide effort to reduce spread of the Coronavirus (often called COVID-19), we are serving customers only at our Drive-Up locations where they are available. Our Drive-Ups will continue to be open during their regular drive-up operating hours.
We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our Sales Offices open and supporting you. Our Managers will continue to monitor the situation in their communities. We will re-open our lobbies as soon as possible and it is safe to do so, following recommendations from health authorities and state and federal government.
Customers can access their accounts and conduct transactions electronically anytime, anywhere with any device through Online and Mobile Banking, Online Bill Pay, Mobile Check Deposit, and Telephone Banker.
Electronic payments and purchases can be made using debit or credit cards.
Night Depositories and ATMs are available at many of our Drive-Up locations. Customers can get cash surcharge-free from their American Federal deposit accounts at any MoneyPass® ATM.
Our American Federal Bankers are available by phone and email to answer your questions and help in any way they can. Call-ahead appointments with an American Federal Banker at the Sales Office or at a business or farm are available. However, phone and email meetings are preferred whenever possible to comply with social distancing recommendations from the CDC. Contact your local American Federal Banker to ask about an appointment.
Our Business clients, who have cash needs, can contact their local American Federal Banker to place an order, schedule a pick-up time and make a deposit.
We have procedures in place to be certain your credit needs are not interrupted.
We are taking steps to keep our employees, and you, safe. Expect to see employees wearing personal protection items, using disinfecting wipes and practicing social distancing.
Scammers and cybercriminals are taking advantage of uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus. They may offer fake products, medical advice, create fake charities or compel you to click a fraudulent link to gain access to your device and your personal information. Read cybersecurity tips from the Federal Trade Commission posted on the American Federal Bank website to help keep the scammers at bay.
While we are temporarily changing how we are delivering some of our services, we continue to work hard to help you find the best solutions to reach your goals. American Federal Bankers are available to help you with financial challenges that may come along.
Everyone at American Federal Bank remains deeply committed to serving you the very best we can during these unprecedented times and adapt to our country’s fast-changing needs. We are just a phone call or email message away.
Keep well and safe.
Gratefully,
American Federal Bank
Scammers are taking advantage of uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Fraudsters are setting up websites to sell bogus products and creating fake email, texts and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information. Investment frauds ridiculously claim a company’s products or services will be used to help stop the Coronavirus outbreak.
The emails and posts may even be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about cases in your neighborhood, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They may also be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments.
Here are some tips from the FTC to help you keep the scammers at bay:
The SEC has issued an investor alert to be on the lookout for Coronavirus-related investment scams that use the latest news developments to lure investors into scams.
The promotions often take the form of so-called “research reports” and make predictions of a specific “target price.” The SEC warns investors they may lose significant amounts of money if they invest in a company that makes inaccurate or unreliable claims, and you may not be able to sell your shares, if trading in the company is suspended.
The SEC says that when investing in any company that claims to focus on Coronavirus-related products and services, carefully research the investment and keep in mind that investment scam artists often exploit the latest crisis to line their own pockets.
Contact your local American Federal securities-licensed Banker, if you have a question about an investment product or service. Report any suspicious Coronavirus-related investment scams to the SEC at https://www.sec.gov/tcr.
Criminals are disguising themselves as the World Health Organization (WHO) to steal money and sensitive information. WHO says cybercriminals are preying on people’s fear with phishing emails claiming to have advice on protective safety measures.
WHO will never:
Be aware that criminals use email, websites, phone calls, text messages and fax messages for their scams. You can verify if communication is legitimate by contacting WHO directly.
American Federal offers business owners electronic processing solutions and services, along with expert support, to help them grow their business and run their operation more smoothly.
American Federal has partnered with a new Merchant Services provider to support business customers who have credit card processing and point-of-sale needs.
The new provider, TSYS, is a global payments company and a leading provider of technology-enabled, software-driven payments solutions. TSYS offers innovative products and services and provides exceptional customer service.
Through the program, an American Federal Banker works closely with the business client and a dedicated TSYS representative to determine the best e-payment solution for the business.
Accepting credit and debit cards is a simple fact of doing business today. Most retail sales are being made with an electronic payment, and customers purchase more when they use credit cards, debit cards or other electronic payment methods, such as gift and loyalty cards.
Business owners don’t need to be an expert to accept card payments. American Federal offers hassle-free merchant payment processing solutions and exceptional service to meet your customers’ needs, allowing you to manage the day-to-day operations of your business.
Our Merchant Services benefits include:
Devices Tailored to Fit your Business. Accept payments almost anywhere you do business – on site with PC countertop registers or handheld devices, online, or with mobile card readers for customers on the go.
Customer Friendly. Accept all major payment types, including debit and credit cards, chip card and Apple Pay®, Google Pay® and Samsung Pay®.
Fast Funding. Get access to funds as soon as the next business day with next-day funding available.*
Account Management. Get comprehensive activity reports and see your customer data to better manage your business. Export reports for analysis and import to accounting software. Tailor your own reports based on information you need.
24/7 Live Customer Support. Contact merchant support whenever you have a question or need assistance with processing operations or equipment training.
Peace of Mind. Protect your business with fraud protection and data security tools to help you manage your compliance with PCI-Data Security Standards.
Customized Pricing to fit your business needs.
Let your local American Federal Banker show you how you can manage your electronic payments and keep up with changes in technology and customer preferences with payment processing solutions tailored to the needs of your business – on site, online or on the go.
Ask about our free savings analysis to assess your recent merchant processing statements to see which rates, fees and other costs can be eliminated or lowered by using American Federal Merchant Services to process payments.**
* Merchants on certain processing programs are not eligible for next-day funding. Funding may be delayed by TSYS’ Credit or Risk departments at any time.
** Comparison applies to processing fees for the same or similar services/offerings only, not to include equipment or software fees.
All accounts subject to credit approval. Some restrictions and exclusions apply to offerings. Apply Pay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Google PayTM is a trademark of Google, Inc. Samsung Pay® is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd.
The Fergus Falls Sales Office of American Federal Bank has earned the bank’s highest team recognition honor — the “Annual Team Builder Award” — to cap off a banner year for 2019.
Sales and Marketing Officer Kent Anderson announced the recipient of the annual award at the bank’s ”All Employee Celebration” held at the Avalon in Fargo.
The American Federal Sales Office with the top overall score at the end of the calendar year is named the “Annual Team Builder” and awarded the “Team Builder Traveling Trophy” to display in the bank lobby for a year.
“It is gratifying to be recognized with the top ‘Team Builder Award’ for 2019 for the excellent work our Fergus Falls Sales Team accomplished,” said Mark Eifert, Market President, American Federal Bank, Fergus Falls. “Our Bankers and Associates earned this award for what we have always done and continue to do — take exceptional care of our customers and help them reach their financial goals. We could not be successful without our loyal customers.”
The large traveling gold cup is engraved with the name of the winning Sales Office each year. This is the first time, since the program’s inception in 2008, the Fergus Falls Sales Team has earned the coveted award.
Eighteen Sales Bankers and employees have earned recognition from American Federal Bank for outstanding sales and sales referral performance in 2019.
A “Sales Star” is the highest honor of recognition an employee can earn at American Federal.
American Federal’s 2019 Sales Stars are:
In recognition of their achievement, American Federal “Sales Star” employees and their families attended a weekend Sales Star Retreat, training seminar and awards banquet in their honor at the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Alexandria, MN.
