By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Farmers and Merchants State Bank has never been one to sit idly by as new technology and offerings can enhance the banking experience. After all, while they may be a locally owned and operated community bank, they have some unique offerings that are perhaps more commonly found at large bank chains, as opposed to a bank in the heart of New York Mills. 

After giving the bank a face-lift inside the actual facility last year, Farmers and Merchants State Bank has recently underwent a similar makeover this summer—this time online.

Farmers and Merchants State Bank unveiled a new website last week that ties in a number of new apps and banking technology to make the overall banking experience easier and more user friendly. The new website incorporates a number of the new banking features for things like mobile banking, while also being a more secure website for customer needs.

“Every once in a while you need a refresh when new technology comes out. You want to be able to have people access (the latest technology),” said Vice President at Farmers and Merchants State Bank Amy Wallgren. 

The new website incorporates a number of the popular features at Farmers and Merchants State Bank like internet and mobile banking, while creating a more user-friendly experience. Customers can also sign up for alerts online should a bank account get below a certain level, or if a debit card is used for an international purchase, for example. 

For the local bank, the new website also allows staff members to send out notifications on its home page for important information like a scam alert, new features in banking or even just letting customers know about changes in interest rates. Many of the banking features available on the website have been offered in the past, but Wallgren said the new website allows people to access the information in an easier way.

“It is just trying to make it more secure and user friendly,” she said. 

The new website highlights a number of unique features at Farmers and Merchants State Bank that are aimed at giving customers the information they desire about their accounts, in a quick and user-friendly way. 

The bank offers Credit Sense, which allows individuals to check their credit score with just a click of a button.

Another feature alerts individuals for things like if a balance on an account goes beneath a set dollar amount or if unusual charges are made to an account. The feature is great way for people who do not regularly check their online banking to keep tabs on their bank account.

Farmers and Merchants State Bank also continues to offer mobile deposit so people can deposit a check into their bank account in NY Mills, without having to actually come to town. The goal is to make banking more accessible and easier for residents of all ages.

A community bank, Farmers and Merchants State Bank is invested in the greater NY Mills community. Their customers money stays locally via loans to neighborhood small businesses and sponsorships of community events. Banking with a community bank is essentially shopping locally for banking. 

Another important aspect of community banks is a general focus on relationship banking as the bank officers know their customers and may consider things like family history and discretionary spending in making loans, as opposed to taking a one-size fits all approach like other big institutions.

For more information about the new website and how to get an online account set up, visit www.fmbanknym.com, or give them a call at (218) 385-2300. Or, stop by the bank located in the heart of downtown NY Mills. 

As the saying goes at Farmers and Merchants State Bank “No matter where you’re at along your life’s journey, we’re there with you…every step of the way!”