Frequently Asked Questions

How much will my checks cost?
The cost of checks varies depending on the style or amount ordered. For updated prices, stop by or call any Berkshire Bank office.

When is the charge for a check order applied to my account?
The charge for new checks is applied to your account when your order is shipped or approximately one week after ordering.

How do I balance my checking account?
The easiest way to balance your checking account is to carefully enter all transactions in your register as they occur. Do not forget to add additional charges such as ATM fees, service charges, etc. When you receive a statement or are reviewing your account online, we recommend the following:

1. Make sure you enter and add all deposits in your checkbook register such as interest, electronic transfer credits, and ATM deposits that appear on your bank statement.

2. Enter and subtract from your checkbook register any charges on your statement not yet deducted from your register, such as a charge for checks, service charge, electronic transfer charge or ATM withdrawals.

3. List the ending balance of your account shown on your statement and add to that balance any deposits made after the date of the statement. List the total of these items and subtract the amount of outstanding checks (checks that you have recorded but do not appear on your statement). This total should agree with your checkbook balance.

How is interest calculated on a NOW interest checking?
We use the daily balance method to calculate interest on your account. This method applies a periodic rate to the principal in your account each day. Interest is compounded and credited monthly. The stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) assumes the funds remain on deposit for one year at the same interest rate.

Is it safe to make a deposit at an ATM?
Yes. Making an ATM deposit is as safe as making a deposit in person. Your ATM deposit will be recorded by bank personnel to ensure it is properly credited to your account.

May I make a loan payment at an ATM?
Not at this time, however, we hope to be adding this feature soon.

May I use my ATM card in other countries?
Yes. Your card can be used any place that displays the Cirrus logo.

What happens if my ATM PIN (Personal Identification Number) is forgotten?
Bring your ATM or MasterCard® Express card to any branch or call 800-220-6956 during normal business hours. A representative will verify your identity and issue you a new PIN, which will be mailed to your primary address.

How much cash can I withdraw using my ATM or MasterCard® Express Card?
The standard daily cash withdrawal limit is $405 per day for both ATM and MasterCard® Express Cards. Funds availability may be limited by factors such as your current available balance or a predetermined authorized daily limit established at your request.

What is the purchase limit on a MasterCard® Express Card?
The standard point-of-sale and purchase limit is $1,000 per day. Funds availability may be limited by factors such as your current available balance or a predetermined authorized daily limit established at your request.

Is a MasterCard® Express Card a credit card?
No. The Express Card will withdraw funds from your checking account. It will not allow you to exceed the balance in your account or to draw on a line of credit.

How does a MasterCard® Express Card work?
In short, it works like a check, only better. The MasterCard® Express Card is still your ATM card, but you can also use it to make purchases from your checking account everywhere you see the MasterCard® symbol. Present the card at the time of payment the same way you would present a credit card. The merchant will give you a receipt to sign and the amount of the purchase will automatically be deducted from your checking account.

What is the difference between a MasterCard® Express Card purchase and a credit card purchase?
While you're at the checkout counter, there is no difference. The only difference is how the money is settled from your account. Express Card purchases are deducted from your checking account, just like a check, by accessing the available funds in your account. Credit card purchases are billed at the end of a cycle and are subject to interest charges if the balance is not paid in full. However, although your MasterCard® Express Card can act like a credit card, the funds will be automatically withdrawn from your checking account.

What happens if an unauthorized debit/charge appears on my account?
Contact Berkshire Bank immediately at 800-220-6956 or stop by any Berkshire Bank office.

What happens if my ATM or MasterCard® Express Card is lost or stolen?
Contact Berkshire Bank immediately at 888-849-6046 during or after banking hours.

What is a check stop payment?
A stop payment is a request to prohibit a payee from cashing a paper check that has been issued in his or her name.

How long is a check stop payment in place and does a stop payment automatically renew at expiration?
A stop payment request is valid for six months if received in writing or 14 calendar days for a verbal request. A stop payment does not renew automatically. To renew a stop payment request, you must submit a new request in writing before the six-month expiration date.

May I add another name to the title of my account?
To add an additional signer to your account, both signers must visit a local branch so that the prospective co-signer can be identified and the signature card can be updated.

How does overdraft protection work on my checking account?
You may sign up for Automatic Transfer Service for overdraft protection from your statement savings to your checking account. Funds will be transferred when there is not enough money in your checking account to cover your checks. The transfer fee is only $3 per day, regardless of the number of checks being covered. We will transfer the exact amount of the overdraft and notify you when a transfer has been made.

Some customers may qualify for Reddi-Cash, a personal line of credit, for use as overdraft protection. Reddi-Cash will automatically transfer enough money to your checking account to cover your checks. There is no transfer fee saving you from costly overdraft fees and returned check charges. Finance charges do apply. To see if you qualify for Reddi-Cash, stop by any Berkshire Bank office.

What is a pre-authorized payment?
This is a payment arrangement that you have made with a third party, authorizing them to automatically debit your account, to pay for goods or services.

What is the SUM ATM Program?
The SUM ATM Program is a selective surcharge free program offered and administered by the NYCE Network. Under the program, cardholders of financial institutions that have chosen to join SUM can make withdrawals at ATMs owned by other SUM Program Member Financial Institutions without paying a surcharge.

Can I use my statement savings account for overdraft protection?
Yes, you may sign up for Automatic Transfer Service for overdraft protection.

Can I order or redeem foreign currency at Berkshire Bank?
Yes, stop by any Berkshire Bank office. All foreign currency orders received by 2:00 p.m. will be shipped the same day by UPS overnight for the next business day delivery. All orders will be received within two business days. To redeem funds just stop by any Berkshire Bank office.

What is an APY?
APY stands for the Annual Percentage Yield. This is a percentage rate reflecting the total amount of interest paid on your account, based on the interest rate and the frequency of compounding for a one-year period. The period depends on the actual number of days in a year.

What is an APR?
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and is the total financing costs associated with a loan on an annualized basis, divided by the amount borrowed.

What is an ACH transaction?
The ACH (Automated Clearing House) network is a nationwide electronic funds transfer system for participating depository financial institutions. The ACH Network is commonly used for direct deposit of payroll and government benefits such as Social Security, direct payment of consumer bills, business-to-business payments, federal tax payments, and e-commerce payments.

When do deposit interest rates change?
Rates are changed weekly or at the bank's discretion.

When is a deposit available for withdrawal?
For determining the availability of your deposits, every day is a business day except Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. If you make a deposit at our teller line or one of our ATMs before 2:00 p.m. on a business day that we our open, we will consider that day to be the day of your deposit. However, if you make a deposit after 2:00 p.m. or on a day we are not open, we will consider your deposit to be made on the next business day. If you make a deposit before 6:00 p.m. on a day using Internet banking or telephone banking, that is the date of your deposit. However, if you make a deposit after 6:00 p.m. or on a day we are not open, the date of deposit will be the next business day. Some longer delays may apply - for more details stop by or contact a Berkshire Bank office.

What is Berkshire Bank's routing number?
Berkshire Bank's routing number is 211871691; this 9-digit number identifies the financial institution.

How do I report a change of address to Berkshire Bank?
To change your address, you may email the bank by using the Contact Us form and in the "I have a specific comment/question" area, note your new address. You can also stop by any Berkshire Bank office to change your address.

For more information contact us, stop into any Berkshire Bank office, or call (413) 443-5601, 1-800-773-5601.

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