We're thrilled to share the exciting news that Empire State Bank's Visa® contactless debit cards are making their way to you soon!

Get ready for a seamless, secure, and modernized banking experience plus a new modern look!

As technology evolves, so does our commitment to providing you with an enhanced and secure banking experience. We are thrilled to announce the upcoming arrival of Empire State Bank's contactless debit cards, bringing you convenience and cutting-edge technology so you can make fast and secure payments with contactless chip technology and mobile wallet capabilities.

Key Features of Your New Contactless Debit Card:

• Fast, easy, and secure transactions with contactless chips and mobile wallet capabilities.
• Modern design for added security, featuring your name and card information printed on the back.
• Tap-and-go functionality for quick and hassle-free payments at any contactless-enabled terminal.

When to Expect Your New Card:

We will begin issuing these contactless debit cards starting any day now, ensuring all our customers have the latest technology. Your new contactless debit card will begin to arrive by the end of the month arriving in unmarked envelopes for added security. Your new card will feature a new modern design. It will have your name and card information printed on the back instead of the front for extra security.

How to Use Your Contactless Card:

When you see the contactless symbol that indicates contactless payments are accepted. Your new Empire State Bank Visa® debit card will be equipped with chip technology, and the indicator will be displayed on the front of the card and will work seamlessly for all transactions, whether you tap, insert, or swipe at retailers that accept contactless payment. If the retailer does not accept contactless payments or you prefer to use your chip, you may continue inserting your card as you have been doing.

• Look for the contactless symbol on the card reader.
• Simply tap your card within a few inches of the contactless symbol on the terminal for swift payments.
• Wait for a beep, green light, or check mark to confirm the purchase.
• You may be asked to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or sign for debit card transactions.
• If a contactless terminal isn’t available, you can insert or swipe your card.
• Manage your account effortlessly through the Empire State Bank mobile app, including lock/unlock card features and alerts.

Benefits of Contactless Payments:

• Saves time at checkout.
• Enhanced security for your card information.
• Compatible with Apple Pay®, Google Pay® or Samsung Pay®
• Manage your account features seamlessly from our mobile app.

Important Checklist Instructions:

1) Activate Your New Card:

• Sign the back of your card upon receipt.
• Activate your new card by calling toll-free 1-800-992-3808.
• Your existing card will be deactivated upon activation. Destroy and discard the old card.

Important Card Activation information:

• Please ensure to activate your new card no later than February 13, 2024, to avoid any delays with your contactless debit card services. If you do not active your card within this period, you will need to contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center or contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center Customer Service by calling toll free 1-866-646-0003.
• If you have not received your debit card do not have a debit card by the end of 2023, please contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center or contact Customer Service by calling toll free 1-866-646-0003.

 2) Discontinue Use of Your Current Card:

• Destroy your existing card once your new card has been activated.

3) Update Payment or Billing Information:

• Ensure automatic withdrawals or payments are updated with your new card information.
• Your new contactless Empire State Bank VISA debit card number remains the same but expect a new expiration date and security code.
• Update recurring bills and payment information linked to your old debit card.

4) Digital Wallet Compatibility:

• Add your new card to your Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for added convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: What Are Contactless Card Payments?
A: Contactless payments are transactions made by tapping either a contactless card or payment-enabled mobile or wearable device over a contactless-enabled payment terminal. Cards, phones, watches, and other devices use the same contactless technology. When you tap to pay checkout is secure and convenient.

Q: How to Use Your New Contactless Card?
A: When at a retailer that accepts contactless payments, place your card within a few inches of the terminal. No need to tap; just hover your contactless card, phone, watch or other wearable device until the terminal signals' completion.

Q: What If the Retailer Doesn't Accept Contactless Payment?
A: No worries! Use your new debit card as you normally would by inserting it into the terminal.

Q: Are Contactless Debit Cards Secure?
A: Absolutely! Your security is our priority. Contactless cards generate a unique code for each transaction, enhancing protection against fraud.

Q: How Does a Contactless Debit Card Actually Work?
A: Contactless cards utilize radio frequency identification technology and near-field communication (NFC) to process transactions. Your card communicates with the terminal, ensuring a secure and speedy transaction.

Q: Is My Card Number Changing?
A: No, your card number remains the same, but for added security, expect a new expiration date and security code. If you’ve set up any recurring payments with your previous debit card, these will need to be updated. Contact any payment or billing information connected to your old debit card with your new expiration date and security code. Review recurring bills such as insurance, utilities, streaming services and online merchants you shop with regularly.

Q: Will My Preestablished Payments Be Affected?
A: Yes, if you’ve set up any recurring payments with your previous debit card, these will need to be updated. Contact any payment or billing information connected to your old debit card with your new expiration date and security code. Review recurring bills such as insurance, utilities, streaming services and online merchants you shop with regularly. Payments linked to your checking account remain unaffected.

Q: Will My PIN Number Change?
A: Yes, you can select a new Personal Identification Number (PIN) during activation.

Q: When Will I Receive My New Debit Card?
A: Your new Empire State Bank contactless debit card is arriving any day through December 31, 2023. Upon arrival you can activate it by calling 1-800-992-3808 and you can begin using the new card immediately. Your previous debit card will then be deactivated. At this time, you will need to update any automatic payments with the new card number, expiration date, and security code. This may include your phone, cable, utilities, gym and online merchants you shop with regularly.

Q: Can I Still Use My Current Empire State Bank Debit Card?
A: Use your current card until your new one is activated. Once activated, destroy and discard the old card for security.

Q: I Have Other Users on My Account—Will They Receive New Debit Cards?
A: Yes, all cardholders on your account will receive a new card.

Q: How Can I Add Transaction Alerts?
A: Easily set up customized account alerts in Empire State Bank Online or Mobile* banking.

Q: Is My New Debit Card Part of the ATM Rebate Program?
A: Yes, you can continue to enjoy nationwide ATM access with $18 surcharge rebates monthly when signed up for e-statements.

Q: What if I Don’t Activate My Card by February 13,2024?
A: Please ensure to activate your new card no later than February 13, 2024, to avoid any delays with utilizing your contactless debit card services. If you do not active your card within this period, you will need to contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center or contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center Customer Service by calling toll free 1-866-646-0003.

Q: I Have Not Received My Replacement Contactless Debit Card.
A: If you have not received your debit card or do not have a debit card by December 31, 2023, please contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center or contact Empire State Bank Customer Service by calling toll free 1-866-646-0003.

Q: I currently do not Have a Debit card, How Can I Request a Contactless Debit Card?
A: If you currently do not have a debit card and would like to receive a card, please contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center or contact Customer Service by calling toll free 1-866-646-0003.

We’re Here To Help

As always, our Team is ready to assist you. Please contact your local Empire State Bank community banking center or contact Empire State Bank Customer Service calling toll free 1-866-646-0003.

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