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:
- Authorized Representative: A person with authority to act on behalf of the account owner.
- Bill Payment: The online service that enables the scheduling of bill payments using an internet-enabled device.
- 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.
- 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.
- ISP: Your Internet Service Provider.
- Online Banking: The internet-based service providing access to your Bank account(s).
- Online Account: The Bank account from which you will be conducting transactions using a Service.
- 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.
- Time of day: References are to Eastern Time (ET), which includes Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) as applicable.
- User ID: The identification code assigned to you for your connection to the Service.
- We, us, or Bank: Citizens First Bank, which offers the Services and holds the accounts accessed by the Services.
- You or your: The owner of the account or the authorized representative.
II. Access to Services
III. Banking Transactions with Online Banking
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
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
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).
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.
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.
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
- 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
- You do not pay any required fee when due.
- You do not comply with the agreements governing your deposit or loan accounts, or your accounts are not maintained in good standing.
C. Termination for Convenience
- 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.
XII. Liability
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- Insufficient funds in your account to make the transfer, through no fault of the Bank.
- Circumstances beyond our control (e.g., fire, flood, power outage, equipment failure) despite reasonable precautions.
- A hold on your account or blocked access per banking policy.
- Funds subject to legal proceedings or other encumbrances restricting the transfer.
- Termination of your transfer authorization by operation of law.
- Failure to notify the Bank immediately if you believe your account was accessed without permission.
- Failure to follow transfer instructions properly.
- Receipt of incomplete or inaccurate information from you or a third party.
- 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.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
XIV. Mobile Banking
- 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.
- You must be a registered Online Banking user.
- You must use a supported Apple or Android Device or access the mobile-optimized website.
- Your Device must be enabled to receive and transmit data through a mobile carrier data plan or wireless internet connection.
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.