Frequently Asked Questions
What is Online Banking?
Online Banking is one of the fastest, most convenient ways to access your FOCUS Bank accounts, view balances, and transfer funds. Using your unique Access ID and password, you can perform banking transactions online, whenever and wherever you want, from any PC with Internet access. It's easy, convenient, and best of all, it's available to you anytime.
What Do I Need to Start Using Online Banking from FOCUS Bank?
All you need to start banking online is a FOCUS Bank account, a PC with Internet access and a browser that supports a minimum 40-bit encryption. There is no special software needed to access Online Banking. Simply stop by one of our locations and request an Online Banking registration form. Once the form is completed, it will be sent to Bookkeeping for process. Within 48 hours, you will be able to access Online Banking anytime from FOCUS Bank’s homepage www.focusbank.com. Please note that you will be required to change BOTH your Access ID and password upon your initial login to FOCUS Online. This is a Case-Sensitive login so ‘A” is not the same as ‘a’. Your new password must be at least 6 characters in length and contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.
What Instructions are Available for Using Online Banking?
The best way to become familiar with Online Banking is to view our online banking demo.
Does Internet Banking Have Online Help?
- You can preview the Online Banking demo for information.
- You can check the online Help section within Online Banking that provides an alphabetical
Glossary of terms, as well as context-sensitive help available throughout the Internet Banking site.
You can also e-mail or call our Direct Banking Customer Service area at 573-683-3712 and will be happy to answer any questions you have about accessing, using and navigating through Online Banking.
How Safe is Online Banking?
The security of your accounts and the reliability of service to you are of utmost importance to FOCUS Bank. Online Banking uses 40-bit and 128-bit encryption, to help safeguard sensitive online transaction information. Encryption is a process that transforms sensitive information into a string of unrecognizable characters before they are sent over the Internet and helps keep your information private between the bank's computer system and your Internet browser. Your browser should at least support 40-bit encryption to use Online Banking.
How Do I Protect My Computer?
Customers should be aware that not only is FOCUS Bank responsible for securing your confidential information, but that without a firewall and virus protection on your PC you are vulnerable to information theft.
We recommend Norton Internet Security. It can be ordered online at www.symantec.com or purchased from a local department or office supply store.
What If I Forget My Online Banking Password?
If you forget your password, you may request a new password online at the Online Banking "Log In" page, or you can call our Direct Banking Customer Service area at 573-683-3712. A new password will be issued and sent to you by mail and you will use the new password each time you log in. You can also change your password online at any time by choosing "Change Password" from the left navigation. For your protection, be sure to memorize your password and do not write it down. Choose a password that would be difficult to guess by someone unauthorized to access your financial information.
What Banking Transactions Can I Perform with Online Banking?
Online Banking allows you to make transactions online and manage your accounts, balances, and deposits more closely:
- View balances and transactions on your deposits, loans, and mortgage accounts
- Review transaction information for the current statement cycle
- Transfer funds between your accounts
- Issue Stop Payments
- E-mail Direct Banking Customer Service anytime for information on products and services
Online Banking is also a great way to pay your FOCUS Bank loan or mortgage accounts quickly. Simply Transfer Funds from your checking or savings account to the FOCUS Bank accounts you wish to pay. It's easy and gets your accounts paid fast!
Is Online Banking Available to Businesses?
Yes! Online Banking is available to businesses
Are There Fees for Online Banking?
Online Banking is a FREE service to all FOCUS Bank customers.
What Happens if I Stop Using Online Banking?
While Online Banking is a free service, it may be canceled if there has been no activity for a period of 6 consecutive months. If canceled, you would need to re-enroll in the service.
Why Can I Still See Some of My Account Information Even After I have Exited Online Banking?
Browser software often saves or "caches" pages in your computer's temporary memory. This means that even after you have logged off Online Banking, you may be able to view a version of a previously viewed page by clicking your Back button. If you use Online Banking and are uncomfortable leaving these pages in temporary memory, you should always choose the "Log Off" button to logoff your Online Banking session, then close your browser before leaving. Please note that caching in no way affects the security of your confidential Access ID or password.
Please do not attempt to modify your internet settings in any way unless you find that you cannot access FOCUS Online. Most new computers purchased within the last two years will meet or exceed the minimum requirements for FOCUS Online.
Here are the “minimum” requirements necessary as well as a guide to help you change your settings if you are having problems.
What Type of Browser Can I Use To Access Online Banking?
To use Online Banking, you will need one of the following browsers that supports 40-bit encryption:
* Internet Explorer 5.X or higher - You can download the latest version of Internet Explorer directly from Microsoft at the following web address www.microsoft.com/ie. You can determine what version of Internet Explorer you have, as well as your level of encryption, by clicking on the Help menu in Internet Explorer and selecting About Internet Explorer.
Why Do I Need to Accept "Cookies" to Access My Financial Information Online?
A cookie is a text file that resides on your computer. As part of the security of your data, cookies remind FOCUS Bank of your particular browser preferences and security requirements. If your browser prompts you when a cookie is "served," you must accept it or the access to confidential information will be denied. Since cookies are site specific, only FOCUS Bank can access, decode and make use of the information. Cookies must be enabled in order for FOCUS Online to be able to function. The following screen shots show how to make sure cookies are enabled in Internet Explorer 5.5 and the appropriate security level is selected:
- Open Internet Explorer and locate the Tools option on the menu bar at the top.
- Choose the Internet Options… selection from the drop-down menu.
- On the Security Tab, make sure the slider bar is set to “Medium” and then click on the “Custom Level…” button to ensure that cookies are enabled.
- Make sure that both options for cookies are set exactly as they are below.
