With your First Federal Debit Card, you can access money from your checking account by using it to make purchases or for ATM cash withdrawals without ever having to write out a check. Your monthly statement will list all transactions made with your debit card, and since it’s not a credit card, you will not pay interest charges or credit card fees.

The Debit Card gives you a faster, more economical, more convenient way to buy the products and services you need. When retailers ask you if you want to pay for your purchase with debit or credit, you have two options.

• Sign for your purchase like a credit card. Press the “Credit” button and sign for your purchases.
• Use your PIN at participating retailers. To get cash back when you make a purchase, if the retailer permits, press the “Debit” or “ATM” button on the retailer’s terminal then enter your PIN.

What is the difference between chip and signature and chip and PIN?

You may be asked to provide your signature or enter your PIN to complete a transaction when you use your card. You will need to use your PIN at ATMs and it may be required at some unattended terminals such as fuel pumps and payment kiosks.

You can use your Debit Card wherever MasterCard is accepted – at merchant locations across the U.S., including restaurants, hotels, and online retailers. If you want to use your Debit Card while traveling, or for cash withdrawals or purchases outside of the United States, please contact us so you may have use of your First Federal Debit Card. Purchases may be denied if fraudulent transactions are suspected. The Debit Card may also be used as an ATM card – get cash, transfer funds between accounts linked to your card and make deposits. Just access your accounts at our First Federal ATM or any Mastercard, Cirrus and PULSE network ATM wherever it is convenient for you.

Enjoy paying bills with convenience

Use your Debit Card to pay bills such as your club membership, utilities, internet, or cell phone service. You’ll save valuable time spent on writing checks and mailing payments. Avoid mail delays and late fees when you use your Debit Card to pay bills. There’s no service fee — just contact your service providers to set it up.

Make one-time payments

Pay your bills each month as they come in, but instead of writing checks and paying for postage, use your Debit Card.

Set up recurring payments

Contact your regular service providers just once, and tell them to use your Debit Card for future bill payments. After that, your recurring bills will be paid on the scheduled date you choose.

Ready for an easier way to manage your debit cards? Our upgraded app puts more control, convenience and safety in your hands. After logging in to your mobile banking app, you will be taken to the Accounts screen. Simply tap “Cards” to get started. You will be brought to your card controls dashboard to see all the new features, enable alerts and manage your existing controls.

With your new and improved mobile experience, you can:

Feel more empowered.

• Set spending limits based on location, amount, merchant type and transaction type.
• Enjoy 24/7 access to your cards via our mobile app.
• Get spending insight analytics for what, when and where transactions are occurring.
• Manage your debit card on-the-go.

Find more clarity.

• Gain total transparency into every transaction with clear merchant names.
• Keep track of spending with a glance.
• View merchant name, logo, exact location on map and contact information.
• Contact merchants directly based on transactions.
• View one-time payments made to a card kept on file in the merchants database.
• View automatic payments that are made from your debit card to merchants on a regular basis, such as a monthly subscription.

Feel more secure.

• Call designated phone numbers displayed to report a lost or stolen card, or set up your pin number.
• Turn your cards on/off at your discretion (except for previously scheduled recurring payments).
• Create travel plan notifications within the Travel plan icon.
• Set up alerts to view suspicious activity and fight fraud with real-time transaction alerts.

Need to Enroll in our First Fed Mobile Banking App?  Download Today

First Federal of Van Wert offers debit cards with chip technology!

A microchip embedded in the card adds a new layer of protection against fraud for purchases made at the point of sale. Information programmed into the chip is personalized for your account and each transaction generates a unique code, adding an extra safeguard against unauthorized use and counterfeiting.

Follow these steps to use your card at a chip-enabled terminal:

1. Insert your card, face up and chip end into the chip-enabled terminal.
2. Leave the card in the terminal during the entire transaction.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen and either sign your name or enter your PIN as needed. Be sure to remove your card and take your receipt when the transaction is complete.

If a merchant isn’t using a chip-enabled terminal

You will ‘swipe’ your card to make your purchase, just as you do today. Our Chip cards have the magnetic stripe on the back.

Online or phone purchases

Provide your card information as you have done in the past. Chip cards does not change the way payments are made online or by telephone.

At an ATM

The process is essentially the same as at a merchant. Insert your card, leave it in the ATM, and follow the prompts on the screen. Depending on the type of ATM, you might be prompted to re-insert your card. Leave the card in the ATM until the transaction is complete and the card is released, and then remove your card. A PIN is needed for ATM transactions.

MasterCard Zero Liability Protection

Whether you use your First Federal Debit Card to shop online, by phone or in a store, every purchase is backed by Zero Liability Protection*. That means you won’t be held responsible in the event that someone makes unauthorized purchases with your card.

*Conditions and exceptions apply. Please see your First Federal Electronic Fund Transfer Disclosure for information on liability and reporting requirements for unauthorized transactions.

Fraud Detection

To help prevent unauthorized use of your Debit Card, First Federal utilizes a fraud detection system. This process tracks the type of transactions that are typically made with your debit card and compares the behavior with each new transaction and characteristics of fraud. If something appears suspicious, you may receive a text**, or be called to verify the transaction.  If we are not able to leave a message, a letter will be mailed to your home and your card may be restricted until you contact us, or the toll free number in this letter.

**Fraud Alert Text Service – For enhanced services, your debit card is auto-enrolled in our Fraud Alert Text Service. Your text-enabled phone number on file will be used as the first option to contact you regarding potential fraud. This text will be from First Fed of Van Wert using short code 37268. If the card transaction is valid, you would reply YES, and if it is fraud, you would reply NO. If you indicate the transaction is fraud, you will receive another message with a number to call for follow-up. If not, you are all set. You may still be contacted by phone from our automated fraud alert line, or by letter if we cannot contact you by text or phone. Please contact us with any questions about this service.

MasterCard Identity Theft Resolution Services

Your MasterCard card has benefits which include Identity Theft Resolution Services. To learn more about this valuable benefit, please call 1-800-MC-ASSIST (1-800-622-7747). To request a printed Guide to Benefits, call 419-238-1463. You can also visit https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/consumers/payment-technologies/id-theft-protection.html for a full description of the new benefits and how to use them.

Just stop in to our office to apply for a card (application subject to approval). All you need is a First Federal Checking account to get started.

When you receive your debit card in the mail, you will need to call 866-661-8548 to activate your card and select your pin number. This Card Self Service number can also be used to change an existing pin. You can also change your existing pin at our First Federal ATM.