FAQs

Get answers to common questions.

Northern Bank's ABA Routing Transit # is 011303097.

What is Northern Bank's ABA Routing Transit #?

U.S. residents or citizens living in the New England states can open personal accounts online — simply choose the account you are interested in and select the "Open an Account" button.

If you are interested in opening an account in the name of a trust, estate, organization, corporation, etc., please contact one of our Branch Offices or call 1-800-273-6908.

What you'll need

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account.

As part of this process, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and other information that will allow us to identify you, such as your driver's license information.

How can I open an account online?

Moving your mobile banking from one device to another is easy.

  1. Download the Northern Bank app on your new device
  2. Login to your online banking and select "Add a Device" from the "Mobile Banking Center"
  3. Follow the prompts to get mobile banking enabled on your new device
  4. If you won't be using your old device anymore, be sure to select "Change mobile device settings" from the "Mobile Banking Center" in your online banking dashboard and deactivate your old device

Available on iTunes >

Download the iPad app >

Get it on Google Play >

I am changing phones, how do I move my mobile banking?

Please endorse your check on the back of the check with your signature and the signature of other payees. In addition include the words “For mobile deposit only at Northern Bank & Trust Company”.

How should I endorse a check when I am making a mobile deposit?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an interest checking account designed for individuals who participate in a high deductible health care plan and want to save, pre-tax, for future medical and retiree health expenses. You can use your HSA to pay for current qualified medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.

A high deductible health plan (HDHP) is a plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for individual coverage and $2,800 for family coverage for 2020 and may change annually.

Qualified medical expenses are health-care expenses, as defined by Internal Revenue Code 213(d), that are paid by you, your spouse, or your dependents for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. These expenses include lab fees, prescription drugs, dental treatment, ambulance service, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, as well as many other health care expenses. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are not a qualifying expense. HSA funds may also be used to cover health insurance deductibles and co-payments.

Generally, health insurance premiums, including HDHP premiums, are not qualified expenses, except for the following types of health coverage:

  • COBRA health care continuation coverage
  • Qualified long-term care insurance
  • Health care coverage while receiving unemployment compensation
  • Retiree health insurance other than a Medicare supplemental policy (Medigap). This means that if you are age 65 or older, premiums you pay for Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, or a Medicare HMO, or your share of premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance, including retiree health insurance, can be paid from an HSA.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The HSA trustee or employer is not responsible for ensuring that amounts distributed from an HSA are used for qualified medical expenses. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are using your HSA funds to cover or pay for qualified medical expenses.

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

E—Statements are a convenient way to get your bank statements electronically AND go green. E—statements are electronic copies of the paper statements you receive, including check images.

Consumers:

To turn e—statements on or off:

  1. Log in to your online banking (not yet signed up for online banking — sign up here)
  2. Choose the Statements options under the Account tab
  3. Select which accounts you would like paper or e—statements


Businesses:

To turn e—statements on or off:

  1. Log in to your online banking (not yet signed up for online banking — sign up here)
  2. Choose the Reports menu option and select "Statement Options"
  3. Select which accounts you would like paper or e—statements


There is no charge for enabling e—statements.

How do I enroll / unenroll in E-Statements?

If you are opening a new account with us, please click the button below to verify the test transactions that were processed on your funding account. You must have your email address and verification code in order to complete this process.

I am opening a new account, how can I verify the test transactions?

You can access your Northern Bank accounts while you're on the go with Northern Bank's iPhone, iPad and Android phone apps or from any mobile browser.

Available on iTunes >

Download the iPad app >

Get it on Google Play >


Find more information on mobile banking features on Northern Bank's Mobile Banking webpage.


Enrollment in Mobile Banking:

To enable mobile banking on your accounts, login to your online banking and select "Add a Device" from the "Mobile Banking Center".

How do I bank from my phone or tablet?

If you have lost your Northern Bank debit card or think it may have been stolen, call 800-273-6908 during regular banking hours or 800-236-2442 after regular banking hours.

We can have the current card suspended and get you a new card issued. You can get your new card in branch the same day or we can mail you a new one.

What should I do if my debit card is lost or stolen?

If you have been paying multiple overdraft fees, there are ways to avoid overdrawing your account. We offer many services to help. For instance, you can access your accounts 24 hours a day using online banking or telephone banking services. Online banking allows you to setup alerts on your account as well as transfer funds. To enroll in online banking, visit the home page of our web site. Telephone banking also allows you the option to transfer funds and provide information on account transactions. You can access telephone banking by calling 866-226-5270. Lastly, you can also speak to a customer service representative to discuss your account transactions by calling us directly at 800-273-6908.

In addition, we offer the ability for you to transfer funds from a statement savings account that can be linked to your checking account. We also offer an overdraft line of credit called credit reserve as an additional alternative to paying overdraft fees.

To discuss the options available to you in more detail, please contact us at 800-273-6908 or visit your local branch location.

What are tips to avoid paying overdraft fees?

APY stands for annual percentage yield. It is the effective percentage amount earned on your deposit account, on a yearly basis. Depending on the balance in your account, and when you add or remove funds, this value can vary significantly.

According to the FDIC the general formula to be used to calculate the APY is as follows:
APY Earned (In Percentage terms) = 100*[(1 + Interest Earned/Balance)(365/Days in period) – 1]
“Interest Earned” is the actual interest earned on the account for the given time period (i.e. the month).
“Balance” is the average daily balance in the account over the time period.
“Days In period” is the actual days in the period (i.e. if the period is the month of January, this figure will always be 31). 

What is APY?

While the APY is a useful tool for making an “apples to apples” comparison across bank products, the stated APY on a bank product may not always be the exact APY earned for that product month to month.

Why can the APY Fluctuate?

If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments, one of the most important things you can do is be proactive. Review the terms and conditions of your mortgage, learn about the foreclosure process and what may lead up to it, and find out more about the resources on a local, state and national level available to assist you by visiting the following links on the FDIC website:

Foreclosure Prevention Tool Kit >

Where can I learn more about foreclosure prevention?

The North Suburban Consortium (NSC) offers First Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Down Payment Assistance loans to income-eligible applicants purchasing a condominium, townhome or single-family property in one of the eight NSC communities. Down Payment Assistance loan can be used for down payment assistance and customary closing costs. However, it cannot be used for: reimbursement for previously paid earnest money down payment; funding monthly housing payment reserves requirements; prepayment of life insurance premiums; or to bridge the gap between purchase price and appraised value. The applicant cannot receive cash back at closing.

Learn More >

Where can I learn about down payment assistance?

Northern Bank debit/ATM cards can be used to access funds in your account when you travel outside the U.S. Just look for an ATM with the Mastercard® symbol or use your card to pay at any merchant that accepts Mastercard®. We always recommend you bring multiple payment sources as a backup.

Due to an increase in fraudulent transactions, all ATM and Debit Card transactions from the following countries are blocked:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Former Liberian Regime of Charles Taylor, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and Zimbabwe.

If you have any questions or need to discuss the usage of your card for your upcoming travel whether outside the United States or within the country, please contact our Deposit Operations Department at (800) 273-6908, Option 0.

Where can I use my debit/ATM card outside of the US?

What are Mobile Banking Card Controls & Alerts?

Mobile card controls & alerts allows you to control how, when, and where your Northern Bank Debit Mastercard® is used. It is a simple and secure way to manage and monitor your payment transaction activity. It can help keep your debit card safe and provide instant push notifications whenever your card is used.

What is required to use it?

Card controls require you to have an activated Northern Bank Debit Mastercard®. You will also need to download the Northern Bank mobile banking app to an Apple or Android smartphone and have online banking credentials.

Is there a fee to use the service?

No. It is provided to you free, so you have more control over your debit card.

How many debit cards can I manage?

Unlimited, but the card(s) must be your Northern Bank issued debit card(s).

How do I begin managing and monitoring my payment activity?

You can begin using the service immediately. When turning the card off, the card will show a status of ‘Off’ on the Card Controls app page. This means that all transactions (except recurring transactions) will be declined. When ready to make a purchase, you can turn the card back on instantly.

You can also selectively set controls and alerts by channel (in-store, online, mobile, ATM, etc.). You can set transaction spend limits, select geographic locations where your debit card can be used, set specific merchant categories, view recent transaction history, receive real-time alerts and much more.

What is a real-time alert?

It is an immediate push notification sent to your mobile device. You can select to be alerted on all payment transactions including recurring payments, or you can select just preferred transactions. Preferred alerts are available by spend limits, location, transaction type and merchant category.

By turning my card off am I closing my account?

No. Using card controls does not change the status of your checking or money market account.

How long does it take for a control or alert setting to take effect?

It happens immediately after you set and save the option.

If I have my card turned off will my recurring transactions go through?

Yes. Merchant recurring transactions will be approved. Additionally, you can select to receive alerts on recurring transactions.

Under Location Controls, can I use My Regions and Block International at the same time?

My Regions cannot be used in conjunction with International. You must choose one or the other.

I turned my card on and set My Location. I was at the merchant, and my transaction was still declined. Why?

Sign into mobile banking. Click on More. Select Card Controls. Select your debit card. Review the controls that are enabled for your card. My location requires access to the mobile device’s Location Services to work correctly, check your mobile device settings to ensure you have allowed access. The transaction could also be declined because of external factors like insufficient funds or fraud monitoring. If you are unable to determine why your transaction was declined, please call us at 800-273-6908.

What are Alert Preferences?

Alert preferences let you know every time a card transaction is attempted. You can be alerted for all, or individually selected transactions. Preferred alerts are also available by location, transaction type, merchant type, and threshold amount.

My alerts are supposed to notify me of every transaction, but I am not receiving them.

Sign into mobile banking. Click on More. Select Alerts. Review the Alerts that are enabled for your card. If the Alerts are set correctly, please call us at 800-273-6908.

Once I get a new, replacement smartphone how do I begin using the service again?

Just download the mobile banking app to your new smartphone and login with your current online banking user id and password. You can then set your card controls and alert preferences again.

I received a new card number. Will it be automatically updated in the app?

When a card number changes, you will need to enable the new card. This can be done by going to Card Controls in the mobile banking app. Click on Add. A list of your eligible debit cards will be presented. Select the new card to add to Card Control. The new card will then appear in the Card Controls page. Remember to remove the old card. To remove the old card, select the card and click on Remove card on the Details app page.

I only want to manage one of my cards, but they're all being displayed.

To select the card(s) you wish to remove from Card Controls. Click on Remove card. Once a card is removed, controls and alerts cannot be set for that card until it is added back to Card Controls.

How do I get more information about the features and functionality of Card Controls & Alerts?

Sign into mobile banking app. Click on More. Select Help. Establish Card Controls and Setting Card Alerts can be found at the bottom of the page.

Mobile Banking Card Controls and Alerts

Social Media Guidelines

The Bank has established a set of guidelines for social media. The rules are designed to give visitors and the Bank guidelines for proper behavior.

Objective:

At Northern Bank, we are always looking for ways to enhance communication between the Bank and our customers. It is with this goal in mind that we participate in social networks.

As we continue to expand communications through the use of social networking sites we want to advise all visitors to our online presence of the guidelines we utilize when moderating activities on Bank-run groups and/or pages:

• Comments and conversations are accepted and encouraged! We want to hear from our customers and neighbors. Discussion boards and pages will be monitored daily by members of the Bank’s staff who will, when appropriate, contribute to the conversation. Please note, in accordance with federal law, the Bank does not knowingly accept comments from individuals under the age of 13.

• Please watch your language. While we strive for everyone to think only the best of our institution, we understand that some visitors may wish to use the space for complaints or other issues. We ask that you refrain from using profane or off-color language; and that you keep the comments constructive in nature. Comments containing unsavory language, or which are considered inflammatory or off-topic, will be removed immediately.

• Protect yourself. When posting information or questions, or sending a message to Bank staff, please do not include private information (e.g. your account number, Social Security number, etc). Time-sensitive requests, such as lost debit card requests, will not be accepted online. Comments containing non-public personal information about any customer will be removed immediately. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the privacy and security policies of social media websites before participation. Be sure you understand how your information can be displayed and used throughout the site as well as other third-party sites that may be linked to your social media communities. The Bank is not responsible for and does not endorse any content or advertisement posted by Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or by third party sites that may appear on this page.

• Protect our employees. Whether you have a complaint or compliment, we request you refrain from using staff member names in your comments to protect their privacy. Comments containing employee names or other identifying information will be removed. If you want to send a compliment, complaint or comment about a specific employee, please send an e-mail to hr@nbtc.com.

• Don’t be surprised if you hear from us! As stated, members of our staff will be monitoring our social networking pages. When appropriate, we will either respond to your question, issue or comment publicly, or we will contact you directly through the network’s mail system. HOWEVER, please remember that we will never ask you to verify your personal or account information via email, telephone, Facebook or other types of public channels. Do not provide any personal information (including date of birth, credit or debit card number, Social Security number or driver’s license number) to anyone unless you have initiated the contact with the Bank representative (meaning, you called our main number, 800-273-6908, and asked for the staff member by name).

What are our social media guidelines?

Who is eligible for Mobile Remote Deposit Capture (RDC)?

Customers who have a Personal Checking or Savings account(s) are eligible for the Mobile RDC service if they are qualified for the service.


What if an account is not listed in Mobile RDC?

In most cases, eligible accounts will automatically be signed up for Mobile RDC. If you have an eligible account that has not been enabled, please call our Contact Center for assistance at 800 273 6908. Please note that accounts are pre-qualified prior to being authorized for use with the Mobile RDC service.


What types of checks can I deposit with Mobile RDC?

Most domestic checks may be processed through Mobile RDC. We are unable to accept Money Orders, Foreign Items, or Savings Bonds through Mobile RDC.


Are there any limits on the dollar amount of deposits I can submit?

Yes. You may use the service to deposit items according to the limits specified in the Mobile Terms & Conditions. Any items presented in excess of the limits will be returned at our discretion.


Do I photograph both the front and the back of my check?

Yes. During the deposit process, you will be required to photograph the front and back of your check.


How do I endorse my check for Mobile RDC?

You should sign your check with the following endorsement:

  • For Mobile Deposit Only at Northern Bank & Trust
  • Your Signature

How will I know if my deposit was received by the bank?

You will receive a notification by e-mail when your deposit has been received.


How will I know if the bank processed my deposit?

When your deposit is processed, you will receive a second e-mail notification on the status of your deposit. This e-mail will indicate if the deposit was approved or declined for processing. If declined, a reason will be provided.

When will a deposit made through Mobile RDC show in my balance?

Deposits may be made with Mobile RDC at any time. If your deposit is approved before our daily cutoff time, your deposit will post to your account on the next business day. Funds availability may be limited under certain conditions. Please refer to your Mobile Banking Terms and Conditions document for more information.


Can I photograph more than one check at a time?

You may photograph multiple checks in the same mobile banking session; however you may only photograph one check per deposit.


What if the check image I photographed is bad?

You have the option to retake photographs of the check before submitting or you may cancel the deposit. Also, the system will notify you if the image is unclear for processing. If you are unable to photograph a clear image, please visit your closest branch.


Do I destroy my check after I photographed the deposit?

No, keep the check until it posts to your statement. Afterwards, you may securely destroy the check. Do not VOID the check after submittal in the event the deposit is not approved and needs to be re-submitted.


Will my deposited check be viewable in transaction history?

Yes. You may view your transaction history in Mobile Banking.


Can I make my opening account deposit through Mobile RDC?

No, at this time the Mobile RDC functionality cannot be used to initially fund a new account.


How long after opening an account may I start using Mobile RDC?

When your account application processing is completed by our Deposit Operations Department, they will setup your accounts for Mobile RDC. Once the accounts are setup, they will be evaluated to confirm they meet certain criteria prior to being authorized for use with the Mobile RDC service.


What if I submitted a deposit for the wrong amount? Do I need to resubmit the deposit?

No, you do not need to resubmit your deposit. If you entered the wrong amount for the deposit, our Deposit Operations Department will correct the deposit amount.


What if I submit the same deposit twice in error?

If the same deposit is submitted twice, it will be identified and stopped by our banking process. Should this occur, you will receive a declined deposit notification for the second deposit received through the Mobile RDC service.


A check I submitted was returned, can I resubmit it?

If a deposit is returned, please do not re-deposit the check within the Mobile RDC functionality. You will receive written communication from the bank through the US Postal Service if a deposit is returned.


If I need additional information on Mobile RDC, who may I call?

For additional assistance, please call our Contact Center at 800 273 6908. 

How do I deposit a check from my phone or tablet?

Yes, Northern Bank offers HSAs that make it easy and convenient for you to pay for qualified healthcare expenses. For more information, see the additional information below:

What is a HDHP and why do I need one?

A high-deductible health plan (HDHP) is health care coverage where you are responsible for paying for your qualified medical expenses up to the in-network deductible. The deductible on these plans will be higher and HSA funds may be used to pay these expenses. Contact your health care provider for assistance in determining if your HDHP meets the requirements for an HSA.

Who is eligible to open and contribute to an HSA?

Individuals who are covered under a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and can answer “no” to the following questions:

  • Do you have other health coverage (except permitted coverage)?
  • Are you enrolled in Medicare?
  • Are you claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return?

What are the advantages of an HSA?

  • Contributions made through payroll deductions are on a pre-tax basis.
  • After-tax contributions to your HSA are deductible on your federal tax return.
  • It is a means to save for future medical expenses while earning tax-deferred interest.
  • HSAs are flexible and do not have to be used before year-end. They are portable and remain yours even if you change health care plans, or employers.


How can I make contributions to my HSA?

Funds can be transferred from your Northern Bank checking or savings account for current year contributions. Current year contributions can also be made through your employer with payroll deductions.


Can I transfer funds from my IRA to my HSA?

You may make a one-time only (for life) distribution from your traditional or Roth IRA to fund your HSA. This HSA contribution is considered a regular, current-year contribution and cannot exceed your contribution limit for the year.


Which contribution tax year should I choose?

You are eligible to open and contribute to an HSA if you meet the criteria listed under “Who is eligible to open and contribute to an HSA”. Prior year contributions are allowed January 1 – April 15 each year, and should be accompanied by a Contribution Instruction form.


How many beneficiaries should I designate?

You can choose not to designate any beneficiaries, however, we recommend you designate at least one primary beneficiary. Due to potential tax implications, you are encouraged to consult your tax or legal professional.


What is the difference between a primary and contingent beneficiary?

A primary beneficiary receives account assets in the event of your death. A contingent beneficiary only receives assets if the primary beneficiary cannot. It's important to keep your beneficiaries up to date. Beneficiaries typically change after a marriage, birth, divorce or death in the family.


When can I take distributions from my HSA?

You may take a distribution from your HSA at any time, even if you are not currently eligible to make contributions to your HSA. HSA distributions used exclusively for reimbursement of qualified medical expenses are not included in gross income for the year of the distribution. Distributions not used for medical expenses or rolled over, may be subject to an additional 20% tax. Due to potential tax implications, you are encouraged to consult your tax or legal professional.


Can I use my HSA funds to pay for medical expenses of my spouse and dependents?

Yes, funds from your HSA can be used to pay the qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.


Can I pay out-of-pocket for eligible expenses rather than using my HSA funds?

You always have the option to choose when to use your HSA dollars. You may pay for qualified medical expenses using after-tax funds, allowing your HSA balance to grow tax-deferred. If you may also pay out-of-pocket and elect to reimburse yourself with HSA funds.

Can I open a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) with Northern Bank?

On April 24, 2020, the Fed announced a change to Regulation D that permits banks and credit unions to allow their customers to make more than six convenient transfers and withdrawals per month from their savings and money market accounts.

The deletion of the six-per-month limit was made possible by the Fed’s determination that reserves are sufficient to no longer warrant restrictions on the number of monthly transfers and withdrawals. It also is part of the Fed’s strategy to assist consumers who may be struggling financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

What has changed about Regulation D (six transfer limit)?

Need more answers?

We're here to help! Contact our team today.