Online Banking Agreement and Disclosure

Online Banking Agreement and Disclosure

Effective July 2025

This Online Banking Agreement and Disclosure ("Agreement") describes your rights and obligations as a user of the Online Banking service or the Bill Payment service ("Services"). It also describes the rights and obligations of Citizens First Bank ("Bank"). Please read this Agreement carefully. By requesting and using one of these Services, you agree to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

I. Definitions

The following definitions apply in this Agreement:

  1. Authorized Representative: A person with authority to act on behalf of the account owner.
  2. Bill Payment: The online service that enables the scheduling of bill payments using an internet-enabled device.
  3. Device: Any internet-enabled device, such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet, that enables you, with an internet browser and ISP, to access your Online Account.
  4. eStatement: An electronic version of your account statement, accessible through the Online Banking service, which replaces paper statements if you opt into the eStatement service.
  5. ISP: Your Internet Service Provider.
  6. Online Banking: The internet-based service providing access to your Bank account(s).
  7. Online Account: The Bank account from which you will be conducting transactions using a Service.
  8. Password: The customer-generated code selected by you for use during the initial sign-on, or the codes you select after the initial sign-on, that establishes your connection to the Service.
  9. Time of day: References are to Eastern Time (ET), which includes Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) as applicable.
  10. User ID: The identification code assigned to you for your connection to the Service.
  11. We, us, or Bank: Citizens First Bank, which offers the Services and holds the accounts accessed by the Services.
  12. You or your: The owner of the account or the authorized representative.

II. Access to Services

The Bank will provide instructions on how to use the Online Banking and Bill Payment Services through the Bank’s website, mobile app, or by contacting the Electronic Banking Department at (352) 753-9515. You will gain access to your Online Accounts through the use of your internet-enabled Device, your ISP, your Password, and your User ID. You may access your Online Accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, availability of the Services may be suspended for brief periods for maintenance, updates, or software revisions.
 
For transaction purposes, the Bank’s business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. All Online Banking transaction requests received after 6:00 p.m. ET on business days, or on weekends or federal holidays, will be processed on the Bank’s next business day, which begins at 9:00 a.m. ET.

III. Banking Transactions with Online Banking

A. Account Access 
You may access your Bank personal accounts online. To use Bill Payment Services, one of these accounts must be a primary checking account, defined as a checking account designated by you and approved by the Bank for use with the Bill Payment Service.
 
B. Transfer of Funds 
You may use Online Banking to conduct fund transfers. You may make one-time transfers or schedule future or recurring transfers, such as transfers to make loan payments. You may transfer funds among your checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Transfers are subject to any limits or restrictions applicable to your accounts, including daily transaction limits or federal regulations governing savings accounts (e.g., Regulation D).
 
C. Additional Services 

The Bank may introduce new services for Online Banking from time to time. You will be notified of these new services via secure messaging, email, or the Bank’s website. By using these services when they become available, you agree to be bound by the rules provided for those services.

IV. Schedule of Fees

The Bank currently offers the Online Banking and Bill Payment Services at no monthly cost. However, certain transactions or additional services may incur fees as outlined in the Bank’s fee schedule, available on our website (www.mycitizensfirst.com) or at any branch.

V. Statements

You will continue to receive your regular account statement monthly. As a registered user of Online Banking, you have the option to receive electronic statements (eStatements) for any eligible statement savings or checking accounts linked to your Online Banking Account. The eStatement service is optional and requires your authorization and acceptance of the Electronic Statement Amendment. To view eStatements, you need a PDF-compatible viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, or a browser capable of displaying PDFs, as well as the ability to print or save the statement for your records. By enrolling in eStatements, you will no longer receive paper statements via U.S. mail for the enrolled accounts.
 
To enroll in eStatements, discontinue paper statements, or request a paper copy, you may do so through your Online Banking account, by calling (352) 753-9515, visiting a Citizens First Bank branch, or sending written authorization to: Citizens First Bank, Attn: Electronic Banking Department, P.O. Box 1927, Lady Lake, FL 32158-1927. You may cancel the eStatement service at any time using the same methods.

VI. Use of Your Security Password

You are responsible for keeping your password and Online Account information confidential. To protect yourself against fraud, follow these guidelines:

  • Do not share your account information, Password, or User ID.
  • Do not leave your Device unattended while logged into the Bank's Online Banking site.
  • Never leave your account information within range of others.
  • Log out of the Online Banking site when finished.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (if available) to enhance account security.
  • Avoid accessing Online Banking on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
  • Do not send privileged account information (e.g. account number, Password, User ID) via public or general email systems, text messages, or other unsecured platforms.

If you believe your Password has been lost or stolen, or if you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact the Bank immediately at (352) 753-9515 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. For after-hours emergencies, use the secure messaging feature within Online Banking or change your Password immediately using the Password change feature in the Online Banking section of the website. Your liability for unauthorized transactions is limited as described in Section XII, provided you notify the Bank promptly.

VII. Electronic Mail (Email)

If you send the Bank an email or secure message, it will be deemed received on the following business day. Do not rely on general email for urgent matters, such as reporting unauthorized transactions or stopping a payment. For urgent issues, contact the Bank by phone at (352) 753-9515 during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday) or use the secure messaging feature within Online Banking.

NOTE: Email transmissions outside the Online Banking site’s secure messaging feature are not secure. Do not send sensitive information (e.g., account numbers, Password, or User ID) via general or public email systems, text messages, or other unsecured platforms. Use the secure messaging feature within our Online Banking site or mobile app to communicate confidential inquiries, such as electronic funds transfer errors, unauthorized transactions, or other sensitive concerns.

VIII. Bill Payment Services

A. Description of Service
The Bill Payment Service permits you to use your internet-enabled Device to direct payments from your designated Online Bill Payment Account to third parties you wish to pay. Payees can be established via the Bank’s website or mobile app. Your Bill Payment Account must be a primary checking account. Through the Bill Payment Service, you can pay bills to businesses or individuals. Examples of acceptable payments include utility bills, credit card payments, and other personal or business expenses payable in U.S. dollars to payees in the continental United States. Payments for securities purchases, interest-bearing accounts, tax payments, or court-ordered obligations are prohibited due to regulatory or processing limitations and are your sole responsibility if delayed or improperly processed.
 
B. Scheduling Payments 
Funds must be available in your Bill Payment Account on the scheduled payment date. If the scheduled payment date falls on a non-business day (Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday), funds must be available the following business day. Payments may be made by electronic transfer (e.g., ACH) or by mailing a check to the payee.
 
You may schedule recurring payments in the same amount at regular weekly, monthly, or semi-monthly intervals. For a new payee, allow two (2) business days to set up the payee. Schedule payments to a new payee at least ten (10) business days before the payment due date (the due date on your invoice or agreement with the payee, excluding any grace period). For subsequent payments, allow at least four (4) to ten (10) business days between the scheduled initiation date and the payment due date. ACH payments may take up to four (4) business days, while check payments may take up to ten (10) business days. If you do not follow these time frames, you are responsible for any late fees, finance charges, or other actions taken by the payee. If a payment is not received by the payee in a timely manner despite following instructions, the Bank will work with the payee to reverse any late fees or charges. Insufficient funds may result in overdraft fees as outlined in the Bank’s fee schedule.
 
C. No Duty to Monitor Payments

The Bank is responsible for exercising ordinary care in processing and sending payments upon your authorization in accordance with this Agreement. The Bank is not liable for damages due to:

  • Insufficient funds in your Bill Payment Account on the processing date.
  • Delays in mail delivery.
  • Changes to the payee's address or account number unless notified in advance.
  • The payee's failure to correctly account for or credit the payment in a timely manner.
  • Circumstances beyond the Bank's control (e.g., natural disasters, technical failures).
The time recorded by the Online Banking Service is the official transaction time. If your Bill Payment Account lacks sufficient funds, the Bill Payment Service will block future payments until funds are available. The Bank will attempt to notify you by secure messaging, email, or U.S. mail, but is not liable if a payment is not completed due to insufficient funds. You are responsible for contacting the Bank at (352) 753-9515 to make alternate arrangements or reschedule the payment. For fixed payments, only the currently scheduled payment is affected; future fixed payments remain unaffected.
 
D. Cancel or Change Payment Instructions 

Payments must be changed or canceled using the Service prior to initiation. If you request to cancel a payment after it is issued and the Bank agrees, a stop payment fee may apply as outlined in the Bank’s fee schedule. Stop payment orders (oral, written, or electronic) are effective for six (6) months. You must confirm oral stop payment orders in writing if requested by the Bank. After six months, stop payment orders terminate unless renewed. The Bank may pay any item presented after a stop payment order lapses.

E. No Signature Required

When any payment or online Service generates items to be charged to your account, the Bank may debit your Bill Payment Account without requiring your signature or prior notice.

F. Multiple Person Bill Payment Accounts 

If multiple persons have access to a Bill Payment Account, each may enroll in the Bill Payment Service with a unique Password but may use the same payee list. Each individual may terminate their enrollment without affecting others. However, any enrolled person may terminate the Bill Payment Service for all users on that account.

IX. Linked Accounts

All accounts you enroll in a Service will be linked based on the tax identification number associated with the account ownership. You may review or manage linked accounts through Online Banking or by contacting the Bank at (352) 753-9515.

X. Business Accounts

If you are a business, any authorized user is permitted to access your accounts through the Service, subject to the terms of this Agreement and any additional agreements required by the Bank. Authorized users may:
 
  •  Enter into this Agreement, as amended from time to time.
  • Access each account in any manner and for any purpose available through the Service, now or in the future.
  • Use any Online Banking service available through the Service, now or in the future.

XI. Term and Termination

A. Term
This Agreement is effective as of July 1, 2025, and remains in effect until terminated in accordance with the following provisions. 
 
B. Termination for Cause
The Bank may immediately terminate your electronic banking privileges (including the Bill Payment Service) without notice if:
 
  1. You do not pay any required fee when due.
  2. You do not comply with the agreements governing your deposit or loan accounts, or your accounts are not maintained in good standing.
The Bank will promptly notify you of termination for any reason.

C. Termination for Convenience 
To terminate this Agreement, notify the Bank and provide your name, address, the Service(s) you are discontinuing, and the termination date. When Bill Payment is terminated, any prescheduled bill payments will also be terminated. Notify the Bank by:
 
  • Sending a secure message through the Online Banking site or emailing CustomerCare@MyCitizensFirst.com from your registered email address.
  • Calling (352) 753-9515. 
  • Writing to: Citizens First Bank, Attention: Electronic Banking Department, P.O. Box 1927, Lady Lake, FL 32158-1927, or delivering it to a Customer Service Representative at any branch.
If you do not sign on to the Service or schedule transactions for any consecutive 240-day period, the Bank may convert your account to inactive status. To reactivate an inactive account, contact the Bank at (352) 753-9515 or visit a branch. 

XII. Liability

A. Our Liability
Unless otherwise disclosed, the Bank is liable only for material losses or damages resulting directly from our gross negligence in performing the Services as outlined in this Agreement. The Bank is not liable for failure to provide access to Online Banking or Bill Payment Services, nor in the following instances:
 
    1. Insufficient funds in your account to make the transfer, through no fault of the Bank.
    2. Circumstances beyond our control (e.g., fire, flood, power outage, equipment failure) despite reasonable precautions.
    3. A hold on your account or blocked access per banking policy.
    4. Funds subject to legal proceedings or other encumbrances restricting the transfer.
    5. Termination of your transfer authorization by operation of law.
    6. Failure to notify the Bank immediately if you believe your account was accessed without permission.
    7. Failure to follow transfer instructions properly.
    8. Receipt of incomplete or inaccurate information from you or a third party.
    9. Reasonable belief that unauthorized use of your Password or account has occurred or may occur, or your default under this Agreement or other agreements with the Bank.

The Bank uses industry-standard encryption to protect your data during Online Banking and Bill Payment transactions. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE BANK BE LIABILE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.

B. Indemnification 

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold the Bank, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents harmless against any third-party claim, demand, suit, action, or proceeding and related expenses involving your Online Banking or Bill Payment account.

C. Third Parties

The Bank is not liable for losses or liabilities resulting from failures of your equipment, software, or internet browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari), or those of an internet access provider or online service provider, nor for direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages from accessing or failing to access an Online Banking or Bill Payment account.

D. Virus/Malware Protection

The Bank is not responsible for electronic viruses or malware you may encounter. We recommend routinely scanning your Device with up-to-date virus and malware protection software.

XIII. General Terms and Conditions

A. Bank Agreements
In addition to this Agreement, you and the Bank agree to comply with the requirements of agreements applicable to each of your Online Accounts. Your use of the Services acknowledges receipt of and intent to be bound by these agreements. Review other disclosures, including fees for electronic funds transfers, in the Bank’s fee schedule.
 
B. Changes and Modifications
The Bank may modify the terms and conditions of the Services from time to time. Notices will be sent via secure messaging within Online Banking, email, or U.S. mail, and are deemed received when sent, unless otherwise required by law. Revised terms are effective at the earliest date allowed by applicable law. The Bank may terminate this Agreement or your use of the Services at any time without prior notice.
 
C. Assignment
The Bank may assign this Agreement to an affiliate or successor in interest in the event of a merger, reorganization, change of control, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets related to this Agreement without your prior written consent.
 
D. Notices
Unless otherwise required by law, notices or communications under this Agreement may be sent electronically.
 
E. Disclosure of Information
The Bank will disclose information about your account or transfers only:
  • When necessary for providing Online Banking or completing transfers.
  • To verify the existence and condition of your account for a third party (e.g., credit bureau, merchant).
  • To comply with government or court orders or other reporting requirements.
  • With your permission.
  • To Bank-affiliated companies.
Your use of the Services is subject to the Bank's Privacy Policy, available at www.MyCitizensFirst.com or upon request.
 
F. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Florida and applicable federal law.

XIV. Mobile Banking

A. Description of Services
Mobile Banking provides the ability to view account balances and transaction history, transfer money between accounts, pay bills for established payees, locate ATMs and branches, and access contact information. These functions are available via downloadable applications for supported Apple (e.g., iPhone, iPad) or Android devices, or through the Bank’s mobile-optimized website, using your Online Banking User ID and Password. The Service is designed for use within the United States; functionality may be limited or unavailable outside the United States.
 
B. Features
Current features include:
  • View account balances and transactions.
  • Pay bills for established payees.
  • Transfer money between accounts at the Bank.
  • Make Mobile Check Deposits.
  • GPS Location Finder – ATM and branch locations.
  • Contact Us Information.
  • Use biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) if supported by your Device.
  • Receive account alerts via push notifications.
Additional features may be added in future releases.
 
C. Cancellation
You may stop using Mobile Banking by deleting the application from your Apple or Android Device. To completely remove the application and all associated account information from the Bank’s systems, contact the Bank at (352) 753-9515 or send a secure message through the Online Banking site. You may also write to: Citizens First Bank, Attn: Electronic Banking Department, P.O. Box 1927, Lady Lake, FL 32158-1927.
 
 D. Prerequisites
  1. You must be a registered Online Banking user.
  2. You must use a supported Apple or Android Device or access the mobile-optimized website.
  3. Your Device must be enabled to receive and transmit data through a mobile carrier data plan or wireless internet connection.
E. Mobile Devices

Mobile access is available through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on your Device. Compatibility depends on your Device’s operating system and capabilities. Check the app stores to ensure compatibility with your Device and telecommunications provider. The Bank is not obligated to provide a compatible version for all Devices or providers. Your access is subject to:

  • Your telecommunications provider’s rates and fees, which are your responsibility.
  • The terms of your agreement with your Device and telecommunications provider. 
Not all Mobile Banking features are available on all Devices or operating systems. 
 
F. Disclaimers
In addition to disclaimers in this Agreement, the Bank makes no warranties or representations regarding the operation, functionality, or availability of telecommunication services, access to Mobile Banking at any time or location, or any loss, damage, viruses, interference, hacking, or other security intrusions of telecommunication services. The Bank is not liable for any disclosure, timeliness, deletion, misdelivery, or failure to transmit data, communications, or settings in connection with Mobile Banking.