Q: How do I contact the bank?
A: Call our main office at (231) 845-3500 or toll-free at (888) 295-4373 or click here for phone numbers, locations and hours for any of our seven full-service offices and “Quick Cash” ATM locations.

Q: Are you affiliated with another bank or independently owned?
A: In today’s era of mergers and acquisitions, West Shore Bank is a rarity —an independent, locally owned and managed, community bank. For over 100 years, we have been a major supporter of the West Shore community and its businesses, investing our time and commitment, as well as financial resources, to make the region a strong, vibrant place to live.

Q: Are accounts at West Shore Bank FDIC insured?
A: Yes. A customer’s accounts are insured up to $100,000 and up to $250,000 for certain retirement accounts.

Q: How do I notify West Shore Bank of a change of address?
A: To change your address, you will need to fill out a Change of Address form. Stop in to any of our offices to fill out this form. If you have access to West Shore Bank OnLine, you may also fill out the Change of Address form found under the “Other Services” icon after signing in to your OnLine account. For your security, we will need to verify your identity and obtain your signature.

Q: Does West Shore Bank consider Saturday a business day?
A: No. Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays that fall on a weekday (Monday to Friday), are not business days. If a bank deposit is received after 5 p.m. of a business day, or on a weekend or holiday, then the next business day is considered the official day of receipt.

Q: How can I make a deposit to my account from a remote location?
A: You can do most of your banking by using direct deposit, ATMs (within the State of Michigan) or ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions. Call (231) 845-3500 or toll-free (888) 295-4373 for details.

Q: Does West Shore Bank offer foreign currency, foreign drafts and can you wire transfer overseas?
A: West Shore Bank is able to purchase actual foreign currency on your behalf with delivery usually in two business days. Foreign Drafts (payable in US dollars or a foreign currency) are available on the spot. Wire transfers, either in US Dollars or a foreign currency to another country are also available.

Q: What information is required to receive a wire transfer?
A: A wire transfer is an electronic transfer of funds between financial institutions. You must provide the following information to the originator of the wire:

• Bank Name: West Shore Bank
• City/Sate: Ludington, MI
• Routing Transit Number: 072408290
• Account Number: Your West Shore Bank account number (including leading zeros)
• Account Title: The name or title of the account as it appears on your bank statement

The fees for outbound or inbound wire transfers vary depending on the financial institution and location you are sending the wire to. If you are sending overseas wires, foreign currency wire transfers are available. For assistance with wire transfers, call 231-845-3500 or 888-295-4373 during business hours.

Q: Which West Shore bank locations have safe deposit boxes?
A: Safe deposit boxes are available at our Fountain, Manistee, Scottville, Walkerville, and both Ludington offices. Please contact the office you are interested in obtaining a safe deposit box at to check for availability and pricing.

Q: Can I open an account if I don't live in the United States? What if I live in the United States but am not a citizen yet?
A: With proper identification we may be able to open an account for you. Call (231) 845-3500 or toll-free (888) 295-4373 for details.

Q: I made a deposit yesterday, but it’s not in my account.
A: Deposits and withdrawals made after 5:00 pm on weekdays, Saturdays or holidays will be processed on the next business day.

Q: How do I set up Direct Deposit of my Social Security or payroll check?
A: Social Security, U.S. Government, and many payroll and pension checks can be deposited automatically into your checking or savings account at West Shore Bank. That means fewer trips to the bank, prompt deposits even if you’re out of town, and no possibility of lost, stolen or forged checks. After you open a West Shore Bank checking or savings account, you receive West Shore Bank's routing and transit number and your account number. If your employer participates in a direct deposit program, simply provide this information to the Human Resources or Payroll department at your company, and your direct deposit will usually begin within thirty days. For direct deposit of your Social Security check, simply call or visit your West Shore Bank office, and have your Social Security Number and account information available.

Q: What is my EE, I, or HH U.S. Government savings bond currently worth?
A: You can find an excellent interest and value calculator for the above bonds at www.savingsbonds.gov.

Q: What is the minimum amount required for opening up a Savings account?
A: You can open a West Shore Bank savings account with only $25. There are NO monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements on a Statement Savings account.

Q: What is the minimum amount required for opening up a CD?
A: You can open a West Shore Bank certificate of deposit with a minimum of $2,500.

Q: Which West Shore bank locations have ATMs?
A: Our Ludington Main, East Ludington, Manistee, Scottville and Hart offices all have QuickCash ATMs. In addition, there are QuickCash ATMs in Hansen Foods in Hart, at Walkerville Kwik Mart, at Memorial Medical Center's North Main Entrance (Ludington), and at West Shore Community College's Administration Building.

Q: What do I do if I lose my card and the bank is closed?
A: Call STAR at 1-800-523-4175 immediately upon learning your card is missing and report the loss. This will immediately block any further transactions on the card. On the next bank business day call West Shore Bank at 231-845-3500 or toll free at 1-888-295-4373 to report the loss and to order a new card.

Q: How long does it take to get a new or replacement debit/ATM card?
A: Card orders are processed twice a week. You should receive your card no later than 10 to 14 days from the date you requested the card. When requesting a new card, please verify that the address we have for you is correct and current. Cards are mailed in plain white envelopes so that anyone with access to your mail cannot tell that it is from the bank. If it has been longer than 2 weeks since you ordered your new card, please contact us immediately.

Q: What do I do if I forget my PIN number for my ATM/Debit card?
A: You can call West Shore Bank at 231-845-3500 or toll free at 888-295-4373 and request that we mail you a new PIN number. Or you can stop by one of our offices (with ATM access) and we will set your card to allow you to choose a PIN number immediately.

Q: What is the ATM cut-off time for deposits?
A: Deposits made at a West Shore Bank QuickCash ATM before 3:00 PM will be credited that business day.

Q: May I make a loan payment at a QuickCash ATM?
A: You may make a payment by depositing a check or cash with your loan payment coupon in any West Shore Bank QuickCash ATM location.

Q: Where can I use my West Shore Bank QuickCheck Debit Card?
A: Your QuickCheck Debit Card works two ways: as an ATM card and as an electronic checkbook. Use it to access your accounts at ATMs or to make purchases at any of the 14 million locations worldwide that accept MasterCard®. But you won’t be charging those purchases. Instead, the money will be deducted automatically from your checking account. You’ll save time by not having to write checks or show identification. And each time you use your QuickCheck Debit Card instead of a check, you can earn Reward points!

Q: When is a debit card purchase deducted from checking?
A: That depends on whether you used your PIN to authorize the transaction. Here's how it works: With PIN-based debit transactions, the amount is deducted immediately from your checking account and the purchase details usually appear in your account the next business day. With signature-based, Internet, and phone transactions, the funds are held immediately (so they're not available for withdrawal) and the transaction details appear online in your account usually within one to three business days. Internet and phone transactions may not appear in your account until after the merchandise ships.

Q: How much cash per day can I withdraw from an ATM?
A: Daily limits vary by card. Check your ATM/Debit card disclosure received at time of application or call Customer Service (231-845-3500 or toll-free 888-295-4373) to verify your daily limit.

Q: Do you have online banking?
A: Yes. West Shore Bank's OnLine Banking transforms your personal computer into a private banking office, letting you complete most routine transactions at your convenience. It’s like having a private online banking office that’s accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whether you’re at home, in the office or on the road. You can pay bills, check your balances, confirm transactions, transfer funds between online accounts, reorder checks, stop payment and more. All you need is a computer connected to the Internet, and best of all -- this service is available for FREE!! Click here to sign up or log on.

Q: Do you offer online bill pay?
A: Yes. OnLine Bill Pay is a service available when you sign up for OnLine Banking. Bill Pay is a secure way to pay your bills online. It is easy, convenient, and saves you the cost of postage stamps. OnLine Bill Pay is FREE for all personal accounts -- all you need is a West Shore Bank checking account. Contact any West Shore Bank office for details.

Q: Do you have telephone banking?
A: Yes. West Shore Bank’s TeleBank lets you access your accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any touch-tone telephone. You can transfer money between accounts, confirm loan and account balances, determine if a check has cleared, make loan payments, confirm recent ATM transactions, stop payment, and more — all from your phone. Best of all, it’s free. Just call 757-4357 or 800-757-0662 if you are already set up or call 231-845-3500 (888-295-4373 if long distance) to get started.

Q: What do I do if I can’t remember my password for OnLine Banking?
A: Call us at 231-845-3500 or toll free at 888-295-4373 during regular business hours. After verifying your identity, we will help you choose a new password.

Q: When do OnLine Banking transfers post to accounts?
A: Transfers submitted before 6:00 pm on a business day will post after nightly processing on the same business day. Transfers submitted after 6:00 pm or on a weekend or holiday will post after nightly processing on the following business day. (See exception for Line of Credit transfers in “Loans” section below.)

Q: How can I avoid a service fee on personal accounts?
A: For account types with minimum balance requirements, service fees are imposed every statement cycle if the balance in the account falls below the minimum account balance on any day of the statement cycle. By maintaining the minimum daily balance every day, you can avoid a service fee.

Q: Do you charge a fee on accounts for not-for-profit organizations?
A: No, fees are waived for all non-profit clubs and organizations on most account types.

Q: How do I reorder checks?
A: Click here to place a Deluxe Check Reorder or drop off your completed reorder form at any West Shore Bank office.

Q: How can I obtain a FREE copy of my credit report?
A: A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months, from www.annualcreditreport.com. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has prepared a brochure, Your Access to Free Credit Reports, explaining your rights and how to order a free annual credit report.

Q: What items do I need to apply for a mortgage loan?
A: Please provide the following documents at time of loan application or fax to our Mortgage Loan Dept. after application (231-845-3500):

1. Your most recent pay stub
2. W2s or 1099s from the past two years
3. Tax returns from the past two years (if self employed)
4. Your most recent statement from the Social Security Administration
5. Your most recent bank statement to verify account balances
6. If cashing in stock for a down payment, your most recent broker statement

Q: How long does it take to close on the purchase of a home?
A: It typically takes 30-45 days from date of application to close on the purchase of your home. The timing is dependent on issues that may occur with the transfer of title or with the appraisal process.

Q: How long do I have to be working to get a mortgage?
A: Normally 2 years on the same job or in the same profession.

Q: How much of a down payment do I need to purchase a home?
A: We can finance up to 100% of the purchase price (with private mortgage insurance) depending on your credit rating, length of time on the job, etc. The purchase and finance of a home with a minimum of 20% down is the best program for the borrower.

Q: Can I have my loan payment debited out of my checking account?
A: Yes. West Shore Bank offers automatic transfers out of checking and savings accounts for your loan payments.

Q: Can I make a transfer through West Shore Bank OnLine from my Line of Credit?
A: Yes. Transfer requests must be submitted before 3 p.m. to be posted on the same business day.