Customer Communication

Yes. The current Freestar Bank routing number, 071103473, will remain until the data processing systems are merged in mid-2012. Therefore, your current supply of Freestar Bank checks can still be used and there is no need to make any changes to direct deposits at this time. If you currently order your checks through the bank (Deluxe), you will receive replacement checks when we merge our systems.

No. If you are ready to order new checks now, return the order form as you normally would or contact your local branch to place an order. All new check orders placed after December 30, 2011 will say, "First Financial."

Yes. You can continue using your current Freestar Bank Debit Card for now. When we begin the system conversion in mid-2012 you will be issued a new debit card. Any new debit cards ordered after December 31, 2011 will say, "First Financial."

No. Customers will be able to use all First Financial ATMs with no charge. In addition, all current Freestar Bank ATM signage will change to First Financial Bank at year end.

Yes. You can cash checks at all Freestar Bank and First Financial Bank branches, however Freestar Bank customers cannot make deposits at First Financial branches until after the systems are merged in mid-2012.

No. Please continue to make your loan payments at your local branch or send them to the mailing address indicated on your monthly statement or coupon. Beginning in January 2012, all loan payments should be made payable to First Financial Bank, N. A.

No. There will be no changes at this time.

You do not have to reapply with First Financial. Your loan application will be processed as usual and approved loans that do not close until after December 31, 2011 will be closed and funded in the name of First Financial Bank. The rate lock you entered into with Freestar Bank prior to December 31, 2011 will continue to be honored through the rate lock expiration date. You do not need to relock your rate.

Yes. Please continue to use www.freestarbank.com to access online banking and web bill pay. When the systems are merged in mid-2012, you will be given notice about accessing online banking and web bill pay. 

Your Freestar Bank deposits are separately insured from any deposits you may have at First Financial for a set period of time. This grace period is intended to give you an opportunity to restructure your accounts so that they do not exceed the insurance limit. At the end of the grace period, FDIC insurance will apply to the combined total of all your accounts with similar ownership.

Non-time deposits (for example, checking, savings and money market accounts) are separately insured for six months after the date of the transfer to First Financial.

Time deposits (for example, certificates of deposit) are separately insured until the earliest maturity date or six months after they are transferred to First Financial, whichever occurs later, subject to the following rules:

• Time deposits that mature within the first six months after the transfer and are renewed for the same dollar amount (with or without accrued interest added to the principal amount) and for the same term as the original deposit are separately insured until the first maturity date after the expiration of the six-month period.

• Time deposits that mature within the first six months after the transfer and are renewed on any other basis, or time deposits that mature within the first six months and are not renewed and thereby become regular savings or demand deposits, are separately insured until the end of the six-month period.

No. Although UChoose Rewards Points will stop accruing on January 31, 2012, you will not lose the points accumulated up to that point. We will send additional information regarding the redemption period soon.

Yes. All end-of-year interest statements and reports will generate from Freestar Bank and will arrive as normal. Until the system conversion in mid-2012, all email messages regarding statement availability and alert notices will continue to come from .

Yes. If you currently carry a Freestar VISA credit card, your account will continue to be valid. Upon expiration of this card, Élan Financial Services will be replacing your card with a "generic" Élan VISA card. Just as before, service on your credit card account can be accessed by calling the 800 number on the back of the card, or by accessing their web site at "myaccountaccess.com".

Unfortunately, since First Financial Bank is not an agent bank for Élan, we are no longer able to accept credit card payments at our branches.

All accounts with Raymond James will continue unchanged post merger.

No. Branch hours will remain the same for now.

Continue to contact your local branch for questions pertaining to your current Freestar Bank accounts. You can also contact us toll free at (888) 876-2638.