As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, balancing the needs of ensuring our families are safe, as well as trying to understand the impacts inside our businesses and communities changes daily. The roller coaster ride we share at present is full of uncertainties and discomfort, but we’re all in this together, and together we will forge a path forward.
Banks play an integral role in local economies across the nation and serve as a community cornerstone by providing loans, financial services and a safe and stable place to keep your money, FDIC insured and accessible. First Merchants is experienced in managing through difficult times, and for over 127 years, have a history of strong performance and capital strength.
Rest assured, we’re open for business and ready to serve your needs. Mike Rechin
Here to Help: Financial Assistance for Your Business or You
If you are experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 impact, we are here to work with you. Regardless of whether you’re a personal banking client or commercial banking client, we have resources and assistance available to you.
If you’re a commercial client, we have made it possible for you to modify your loan, whether it’s a conventional commercial loan or SBA 7(a) or 504 loan. Our COVID-19 commercial resources page has more information available. Additionally, we have more details for you on how small businesses can benefit from the loan assistance provided by the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program.
The CARES Act has also made funds available to individuals. Effective immediately, impacted clients may request to defer payments up to 90 days on installment and auto loans, mortgage loans and home equity loans without impacting their credit report or incurring late fees during the deferral period. The bank is also suspending vehicle repossessions and will not initiate foreclosure actions for residential properties for the next 60 days. If you are experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 impact, please call us at (877) 556-8721 to discuss your options. We are here are ready to work with you.
First Merchants offers qualified personal banking customers a Hardship Bridge Loan, designed to get you the money you need and the flexibility of delayed payments for 90 days, to minimize the impact of the virus or shutdown. Please contact your local banker to discuss the details or call us at 1.800.205.3464.
First Merchants will provide ongoing updates as we continue to navigate this dynamic situation. If you have questions, please contact Customer Service weekdays from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. ET and from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. ET on Saturdays. You can chat with a representative online or call 1.800.205.3464.
As a commercial borrower, you may be facing financial hardships or just need help figuring out how to get your banking done. Either way we are here to help. You may be eligible to apply for a concession on your commercial or SBA loan. Additionally, we are running promotions on some products to help make banking easier for you. Please visit our commercial information and resource page for more detail.
At First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors we stand ready to guide our clients through these difficult times. We will stay vigilant and continue to provide you the best possible advice to assist you in meeting your long term investment goals. We are hard at work talking with clients and here for you.
Read more about our Private Wealth information and resources available to you.
Temporary Banking Center Changes
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, rest assured First Merchants is working hard to balance the availability of physical banking center services while protecting the health and well-being of our clients and employees. Given the federal government's
recommendations to promote social distancing, we are putting measures in place to minimize interactions in our banking centers.
Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, First Merchants will limit lobby services to appointment only. We will continue to provide services through our drive thru for common transactions, including check and cash deposits, change orders, making payments, cash withdrawals, wires and more. For other requests, please call your location banking center and we will do our best to accommodate you. We continue the increased intensity and duration of our cleaning routines as well, with special focus on public surfaces.
Find up-to-date information about a banking center here.
Unfortunately, fraud-related schemes associated with COVID-19 are on the rise, including a text scam. Fraudsters try to take advantage of times like this. Please be extra careful and aware. Here are a few reminders to help keep you safe:
- We will never ask you to repeat a code to us over the phone.
- If something looks suspicious, hang up and call us at our Customer Service phone number.
- Do not call back to a different number given to you by a caller claiming to be your bank.
- Do not click on a link or button in an email unless you are absolutely certain that the sender is legitimate and who they claim they are. Fraudsters can “spoof” a phone number so that a call or message looks like it is coming from First
Merchants.
- Never call a number that is left in a message that is not our number below.
- Monitor your account closely and notify us if you see anything suspicious.
- When you have any doubt or suspicion at all, hang up or exit out of the email and call us at 1-800-205-3464.
Protect Yourself from Fraud.