Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can reorder checks through Deluxe within the Account Service section of Mobile and Online Banking. Just choose Check Reorder and select the appropriate account.
External transfers enable personal banking customers to transfer funds to or from a deposit account at another institution. Before transfers can take place, you will be required to verify the amount of two small deposits to the external account.
If you enter your password incorrectly three times, you will be temporarily locked out of your account. Please call Customer Service at 1-800-205-3464.
From firstmerchants.com, simply select the correct service from the signin box’s dropdown menu. You’ll be taken to that service’s signin page to begin the login process.
No.
There are multiple ways you can access your Home Equity Line of Credit funds. Credit Line Equity Access Checks or Credit Card—access your funds via credit line equity access checks or credit card transaction using the Equity Access checks or card associated with your HELOC.
- Online—Simply log in to your online banking account and easily transfer money from your HELOC directly into your checking or savings account.
- Telephone Request—Call customer service at 1.800.205.3464 to request a credit advance from your Credit Line be applied to your designated account.
- Request by Mail—Mail a request to your local banking center.
- In-Person Request—Visit your local banking center to request a credit advance.
All transfers received after 9 p.m. ET will be processed on the next business day.
'Once, now' transfers between your First Merchants accounts will affect your available balance and appear in account history immediately as a pending item. Settlement of the transfer will occur the next business day if the transfer is after 9 p.m. ET or on a non-business day. Scheduled or recurring transfers will be processed and appear the morning of the date scheduled.
Up to 24 months of transaction history will become available in Mobile and Online Banking. You can access account history and search transactions with the filter function.
Once you're signed into the Mobile App or Online Banking, you can view cleared transactions by clicking on the name of the account you'd like to see details for and click on the filter icon to search by Time Period, Description, Transaction Type, Min to Max Amounts, Check numbers or category.
Yes, once you're signed into the Mobile App or Online Banking, you can change your ID under More > Settings > Update Username. The ID can be changed to any available ID that meets the requirements (8- 32 characters, must include at least 2 letters and 2 numbers, maximum 5 change attempts per day, cannot reuse a user ID, must be different from your password).
You can use Bill Pay to quickly set up and pay your bills easily and securely; just click on “Pay and Transfer” then “Bill Pay” to get started.
To pay your bills online, you simply add the companies and people you want to pay. You can pay anyone in the United States that you would normally pay by check or automatic debit. Even if you do not receive bills from the company or person you want to pay, you can add the information we use to make the payments.
Add a bill. Tell us who you want to pay by entering a person or business name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number and account number (optional), then click “Preview”.
Pay a bill. To pay a bill, find it in your bills list and enter the amount and date for the payment. You can also view your pending and recent payments.
Quick Facts About Paying Your Bills
- You only have to add the companies and people you want to pay once. The company or person remains in your list of bills until you delete the biller.
- You can set up reminders to receive notification when a bill is due, or autopay to pay at regular intervals.
- When you enter a payment amount, Bill Pay automatically displays the earliest date the biller will receive the payment. You can accept this date or change it.
- You can make an expedited payment to some billers by sending a check through an overnight delivery service.
- You can edit or cancel payments (except for expedited payments) until they process.
We recommend you bookmark www.firstmerchants.com to take full advantage of our integrated sign in box and to access the rest of our online content.
Online Banking works best with the latest versions of Internet Edge, Safari, Firefox, or Chrome browsers. Other browsers have not been tested for compatibility and may display some content incorrectly. Please note that JavaScript must be enabled for full functionality. If you experience any issues, please contact Customer Service at 1.800.205.3464.
$5,000 per transfer, per business day.
If you need to send money or make a payment quickly, consider an Expedited Payment/Overnight Check Delivery. This service within Bill Pay supports payments to both businesses and individuals who do not accept electronic payments. Payment instructions received by 2:00 p.m. will be processed for delivery the next business day. Fees apply.
Text banking gives personal Online Banking users access to accounts via text (SMS) messages on your phone. It's a fast, easy way to look up account balances or recent account history by sending a text command to a shortcode.
During text banking enrollment, personal users will receive up to 3 SMS messages. Thereafter, you will receive a message in response to each SMS request you submit. If you have a large number of accounts, you may receive more than one message in order to report all of your account balances.
First Merchants Text Banking is free of charge, however, your wireless provider’s standard text messaging and other rates may still apply.
The short code for First Merchants Text Banking is 226563. Send all text banking requests to this number. Note: First Merchants may send you messages from other numbers for other services, such as login authentication, Helping You Prosper Texts, or alerts.
Text Commands to 226563
- BAL – Provides balances for all accounts that are enrolled in Text Banking
- BAL account nickname – provides the balance for the specified account. Example: BAL acct1
- HIST account nickname – provides account history for the specified account. Example: HIST acct 1
- XFER account nickname1 account nickname 2 amount – transfer the specified amount from account 1 to account 2. Example: XFER acct1 acct2 100.00.
- LIST – sends a list of all Text Banking commands.
- HELP – sends a list of contact points for the bank.
- STOP – stops all further text message communications.
SMS stands for Short Messaging Service. It is also called text messaging.
No. You will only receive messages when you specifically request them with one of the Text Banking commands or if you subscribe to Mobile Alerts.
Typically you should receive a text message within a few minutes after enrolling, however sometimes mobile carriers experience delays which slow down text message delivery. While waiting, make sure your phone has a wireless signal. In addition, be sure you entered the correct phone number on the enrollment site. After waiting a few minutes if you still have not received your text message, try sending the activation code. If you still do not receive a text message, contact your wireless carrier to be sure text messaging is enabled on your phone.
Yes, checks over $3,000 are not eligible for mobile deposit. Additionally, there is a $3,000 daily submission aggregate limit to the mobile deposit service. If you have items to deposit that exceed the daily limit, please deposit the following business day. Any items deposited that exceed a daily submission limit of $3,000 will be rejected.
In order to use First Merchants Mobile Deposit, you must have enrolled in online banking and mobile banking. Mobile Deposit is available to all consumers in addition to business users who are administrators in online banking.
You will receive a notification by e-mail when your deposit has been received.
To complete a mobile deposit, download our mobile banking app and log in using your online banking credentials. Select the “Deposit” icon located on the bottom of the app and follow instructions. Choose which account will receive the funds. Endorse the check, take a photo and send it. The app will walk you through step by step.
No, keep the check until it posts to your statement. Afterwards, you may securely destroy the check after 7 days. Do not VOID the check after submittal in the event the deposit is not approved and needs to be re-submitted.
You may photograph multiple checks in the same mobile banking session; however you may only photograph one check per deposit.
You should sign your check with the following endorsement: For Deposit Only Your Account Number Your Signature
No, there is no additional fee for utilizing mobile deposit.
Occasionally, an eligible item cannot be accepted for mobile deposit due to a lack of image compatibility. This can happen with poor lighting or due to a busy background of the check. If possible, try to deposit again with different lighting conditions. If the item is still not accepted, please utilize other channels to deposit your item.
In most cases, eligible accounts will automatically be signed up for Mobile Deposit. If you have an eligible account that has not been enabled, please call us at 1.800.205.3464 for assistance. Please note that savings accounts are not eligible for use with the Mobile Deposit service.
Yes. During the deposit process, you will be required to photograph the front and back of your check.
If the same deposit is submitted twice, it will be identified and stopped by our process. Should this occur, you will receive a declined deposit notification for the second deposit received through the Mobile Deposit service.
Our Customer Service area is happy to help. You can reach them at 1.800.205.3464.
If your deposit is rejected, we'll notify you via email.
If the item exceeds your daily Mobile Deposit limit, you may be able to deposit it later using the First Merchants Mobile app. If the item is valid but doesn't meet the Mobile Deposit requirements, you'll need to either visit a banking center or mail the item with a deposit slip to a banking center.
Items we receive by 9 p.m. ET
Yes, once your deposit clears, it will be available in your transaction history. You may also view your Mobile Deposit history in the First Merchants Mobile app.
Items not eligible to be deposited via mobile deposit can be taken to a banking center, mailed to a banking center or mailed to a banking center office.
No, you do not need to resubmit your deposit. If you entered the wrong amount for the deposit, our operations center will correct the deposit amount.
When your deposit is processed, you will receive a second e-mail notification on the status of your deposit. This e-mail will indicate if the deposit was approved or declined for processing. If declined, a reason will be provided.
You have the option to retake photographs of the check before submitting or you may cancel the deposit. Also, the system will notify you if the image is unclear for processing. If you are unable to photograph a clear image, please take your deposit to a banking center or deposit-accepting ATM for processing.
In most cases, if you make your mobile deposit before 9 p.m. ET on a business day, 100% of your funds will be available the next day. For deposits made after the cutoff or on a non-banking day, the item will be considered as deposited on the next business day.
However, all mobile deposits are subject to review and thus longer delays may apply. We will notify you if we delay your ability to withdraw funds and we will tell you when the funds will be available.
Personal or business checks made payable to you are eligible for mobile deposit with the following exceptions:
- Canadian and other foreign items
- Substitute checks
- Savings bonds
- Draft items
- Items dated more than 6 months prior to the date of deposit
- Items payable to any person or entity other than yourself
- Items made payable to more than one person or entity
- Items containing an alteration to the front or back of the check
- Items you know or suspect are fraudulent
- Remotely created checks as defined in Reg CC
- Items requiring any restrictive endorsement
- Previously deposited items
No, you don't need a deposit slip when using Mobile Deposit. You'll enter the deposit amount within the Mobile Deposit app.
Checks deposited prior to 9 p.m. ET on a business day will appear in online or mobile banking the next day. Deposits made after 9 p.m. ET will be considered as deposited on the next business day. If your deposit is rejected for any reason, you will be notified by phone. Mobile check deposits are subject to review prior to acceptance.
For instance: Deposits made at 3:00 pm ET on a Tuesday will be displayed in online and mobile banking on Wednesday morning. Deposits made at 10:00 pm ET on a Tuesday will be considered deposited on Wednesday and therefore displayed in online and mobile banking on Thursday morning.
Deposits made on Saturday will be visible on Tuesday morning.
No. Checks or items that are drawn or otherwise issued by the U.S Treasury Department are not accepted through mobile deposit. You will need to go to one of our nearest banking center locations to deposit a U.S. Treasury Check.
First Merchants Mobile Banking is free, however, you may incur text or data charges from your wireless provider. Standard rates apply, so you should check with your carrier to avoid unexpected charges.
To unenroll a device, just log in to Online Banking and select 'Manage mobile banking settings' under the Customer Service/Administration tab. Personal users who have activated text banking may also text 'S' or 'STOP' to 49794 to deactivate text banking for that device.
Activation codes expire after a specific period of time. If you need a new one, return to the Mobile Banking enrollment site (called the Mobile Banking Center) and request a new activation code.
If you're having trouble receiving text messages, check with your wireless carrier or plan administrator to make sure your mobile phone has text functionality enabled. Standard rates apply, so you should check with your carrier to avoid unexpected charges.
Users may enroll for, both, the web/browser-based version of Mobile Banking as well as the downloadable applications, if supported. SMS/Text for Mobile Banking must be enrolled from the Mobile Banking Center using a personal computer. Click on the "Activate Now" link for SMS and follow the instructions presented on the screen.
At the time of activation a "cookie" is stored on your device which allows the Mobile Banking system to remember that you activated. The cookie is only visible by the Mobile Banking system and does not contain personal information. Some devices may require you to enable cookies or periodically erase them, requiring reactivation. If you are experiencing this issue, check your settings to ensure that cookies are enabled. If cookies are enabled and the issue persists, please contact your mobile network carrier or device manufacturer for cookie support information. If you would like to reactivate, text R or RECOVER to 49794.
Mobile banking gives you access to your accounts from your mobile web browser or a downloadable mobile banking application, depending on your preference and your mobile device capabilities. Both options allow you to: view account balances, search recent account activity, transfer funds, pay bills and find nearest ATM or branch locations. Also, on the downloadable mobile banking application, you have the option to deposit checks.
You can make updates to your phone number by logging in to the mobile app or online, and select “Settings” then “2-Factor Authentication” and selecting '2-Factor Authentication”. You can add or delete phone numbers from there.
Access your mobile wallet on your phone and select the add card function. Add your First Merchants Mastercard® Debit Card by entering all necessary card information in the provided fields. If prompted, select a delivery method for receiving a one-time pass code. Enter that code and tap “Submit”. Once your card is added, you will receive an email confirmation. If no valid email is on file, you will receive a postcard in the mail.
Yes, the mobile banking service utilizes state-of-the-art security, such as HTTPS, 128-bit SSL encryption, password access and application time-out when your mobile device is not in use.
On applications that allow saving the User ID, you may save your User ID by selecting "Remember Me" on the login box. For enhanced security, the User ID will then be presented in the future in a masked format, hiding some of the characters. You may also remove the User ID, at a later time, by simply changing the prompt to "Off".
If you have forgotten your User ID or Password, please select the link at the bottom of the login box for “Account Recovery” on the app, or “Forgot Login ID” on the Personal Online Banking on the login located at www.firstmerchant.som. This will allow you to retrieve your username, unlock your account and change your password. If you continue to have issues with your login, please call customer service at 1.800.205.3464.
You can temporarily disable a device from the Mobile Banking service at any time, or permanently remove it. Just log in to Online Banking and select 'Manage mobile banking settings' under the Customer Service/Administration tab.
Our First Merchants Mobile apps are available for Apple or Android phones and tablets. If you can text from your phone, you may use it for Text Banking (personal customers only).
Your Password is the same as the Password you established for Online Banking.
When you use a non-phone device, such as tablets and MP3 players that are Internet-enabled and a phone number is requested, the contact phone number on record given during enrollment.
To Enroll another Mobile Device, log in to Online Banking and select 'Manage mobile banking settings' under the Customer Service/Administration tab.
Yes, in order to use First Merchants digital services, you must agree to the terms and conditions. These terms outline the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties—the bank and the account holder.
You will select your User ID during enrollment, and it will be the same for the mobile app or website browser login box.
Enrollment is easy! Simply download the First Merchants Bank Mobile App and click the Enroll link at the bottom left of the screen. After answering a few questions and authentication you will be all set.
You can enroll for online banking with our mobile app. Just download the First Merchants Bank Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play. Or, enroll online at www.firstmerchants.com/enroll.
Our First Merchants Mobile apps are available in the App Store and Google Play for compatible devices.
You must have text capabilities to use Text Banking (personal customers only). A text messaging and/or data plan is typically needed, as data usage can become expensive without them. Please check with your wireless carrier for more information, as your wireless carrier's standard charges for text and data usage apply.
Yes. You can use our First Merchants Bank Mobile App on multiple devices or access online banking at www.firstmerchants.com with your personal login credentials.
Using our the FMBanking Mobile App or First Merchants Personal Online Banking, you can set up Bill Pay with ease. Simply go to “More” then “Bill Pay”. Easily set up payee’s and payments online.
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To navigate, access the menu and choose an option.
Yes, First Merchants offers tablet-optimized Mobile apps for iPad and Android tablet users that are available from your tablet's mobile browser.
First Merchants Mobile apps for personal and business users are available in the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, Google Play for Android devices, and the Amazon Appstore for Kindle Fire.
Each time you log in to First Merchants Mobile Banking, the most current balances will be displayed.
Users may download our Mobile App from the App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore.
