Westamerica Bank

Questions and Answers

Is my money safe and insured?

Absolutely. Westamerica Bank has consistently been rated among the top performing banks in California. Your accounts will continue to be insured by the FDIC just as they are now. And, if you have accounts at both County Bank and Westamerica Bank prior to conversion, you’ll enjoy continued protection on your existing Westamerica Bank accounts, and the accounts transferred to Westamerica Bank will be separately insured for at least six months after the merger. This grace period gives you the opportunity to restructure the accounts, if necessary.

If you are a Certificate of Deposit (CD) customer, you may qualify for an even longer period of separate FDIC insurance, up to the first maturity date of your CD after the six-month period. Click here for more information from the FDIC

Can I bank at all Westamerica Bank branches?

Yes, you now have access to an expanded service area.  Click here to find a location near you.

How do I log into Internet Banking?

NetTeller Users can now log into StarConnect Plus.  Here’s how:
•    Go to www.westamerica.com
•    Use the “Select Account” drop down menu to select “StarConnect Plus”, click “go”.
•    To log in:◦    Login ID: Enter your existing County Bank NetTeller ID
◦    Password: Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number or Tax ID. (You will be asked to change this at the first login. After your initial login, you can change your Login ID or Password at any time by choosing the “User Options” link within StarConnect Plus.)
◦    Bill Pay users: No additional password needed to access Bill Pay.Business Online Banking (B.O.B.) Users can now log into Onsite Banker Plus:  Here’s how:
•    Go to www.westamerica.com
•    Use the “Select Account” drop down menu to select “Onsite Banker Plus”, click “go”.
•    To log in:◦    Company ID: Enter your existing NetTeller ID.
◦    Company Password: Enter the last 4 digits of the primary Tax ID plus the word “temp.” Example: 1234temp. (You will be asked to change this on first login.)
◦    User ID: Enter your existing B.O.B. ID
◦    User password: Enter the last 4 digits of the primary Tax ID plus the word “temp.” Example: 6789temp
◦    Security Code: Follow the prompts to add extra security to your computer.

•    You are required to change the “USER” password from the Admin Menu:

◦    ADMIN>Login Credentials>Change USER password

•    To add additional users:

◦    ADMIN Menu>User Maintenance>User Profile Maintenance
◦    Click “New”: Enter User Details: Name, User ID, Password, email address
◦    Select the accounts and functions to grant access, system features and limits
◦    Click “Add”

I do a lot of my banking by telephone. Will I be able to continue this?

Definitely. You may continue to call your branch as you are accustomed to doing. In fact, you can complete even more kinds of transactions over the phone with our Customer Service Representatives. They are available toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to speak with you about almost all of your banking needs. If you prefer, you will also have an automated telephone system available to you to obtain basic information about your deposit and loan accounts.

What will happen to automatic payments from my account?

Any payments that you currently have automatically deducted from your County Bank account will continue to be deducted from your Westamerica Bank account after the conversion.

What will happen to my direct deposit?

Direct Deposits will continue as normal, including Social Security checks.

What about my automatic transfers, payments, and deduction?

Regularly scheduled automatic transfers from your County Bank checking or savings account to another County Bank checking or savings account will continue without interruption.  If you have funds automatically deducted from your account for your mortgage or other regular payments, this service will continue.

Will I still be able to use my County Bank ATM/Debit Card?

If you had an active personal or Business County Bank ATM or PlasticMoney ATM/Debit Card, you should have already received a new Westamerica Bank ATM or ATM Visa Check Card along with information about activating your new card.  Your County Bank card has been deactivated and you may begin using your Westamerica Card.  If you need any assistance with your new card, or if you want to select a new PIN please take your card to your local branch.

Where are Westamerica ATMs located?

With your new Westamerica ATM or ATM Check card, you have access to 153 Westamerica ATMs at no charge.  With Westamerica, you’ll have access to cash through the Star System, Cirrus, or Visa networks.  There is a charge of $2.00 for withdrawals made at non-Westamerica Bank ATMs.

What about my County Bank checks and deposit slips?

You may continue to use your County Bank checks and deposit slips. Once your County Bank checks and deposit slips are depleted, please order new check stock imprinted with your new Westamerica rounting and account numbers. To purchase new checks you may come into a branch or call the 24-hour Westamerica customer service number.

When will I receive my bank statement?

You’ll receive a statement that covers the period between the date your statement is normally issued (the cycle date) and August 14, 2009.  After the systems conversion takes place your statements may be issued on a cycle date that differs from your current one.

How do I make my loan payments?

Depending on the type of loan you have, you will receive a loan payment coupon book, a monthly billing notice, or a monthly billing statement from Westamerica. If your payments are made automatically from your County Bank account, this will continue at Westamerica. If your loan payments are made with a payment coupon book, you will automatically receive a new Westamerica payment coupon book imprinted with your new loan number. Expect to receive your new coupon book approximately two weeks after the conversion. Please destroy any existing payment coupons since your payments will be credited more efficiently if you use your new Westamerica coupons. If you receive a Westamerica Bank billing notice or billing statement, please destroy any existing billing notices, coupons or statements you may have and use the new payment coupon attached to your statement. Your payments will be credited more efficiently if you use the coupon you receive with each notice or statement.

Can Westamerica help me with investments?

Absolutely. Through its relationship with the Bank, LPL Investments offers you the opportunity to invest in mutual funds, annuities, and a full line of securities.  Just call your local branch to schedule an appointment with an LPL Financial Consultant. Please not that mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and other securities are not insured by the FDIC or any governmental entity; are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, Westamerica Bancorporation; and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.