Isn't That Rich Podcast

Let’s be honest, most of us have the Farmers State Bank app downloaded on our phones. But are we really using it to its fullest? If you’re just logging in to check your balance now and then, you might be missing out on some seriously helpful features.

Jill Franks and Ashley McVicker sat down with Taylor Shanks, Customer Service Representative and online banking expert, to dig into all the ways online banking can make your life easier, safer, and more efficient. And if you’re not fully onboard yet, this might just change your mind.

Why Some People Avoid Online Banking (And Why They Shouldn't)

Taylor hears it all the time: "I’m afraid it’ll get hacked," "It’s just another password to remember," or "I’ve never used it before." These concerns are understandable but often based on outdated assumptions. In fact, online banking at Farmers State Bank is not only secure but designed to be incredibly user-friendly.

Worried about figuring it out on your own? Don’t be. Taylor and the customer service team can actually log into a version of your account view, with your permission, to see exactly what you're seeing. That way, they can guide you step-by-step through any confusion. Whether you're setting up features for the first time or troubleshooting something unusual, they’re just a phone call away.

Getting Started: Downloading and Navigating the App

First things first: the Farmers State Bank mobile app is called "MyFSB" and can be downloaded from either the App Store or Google Play. Look for the green leaf logo. Once you enroll, you can use the same login credentials on both the app and the desktop version.

When you open the app, the main dashboard displays all of your accounts, including checking, savings, loans, and any others you might have. Navigation is simple with a black menu bar at the bottom of the screen. From this menu, you can access features like transfers, bill pay, mobile deposit, card management, and more.

Real-Time Transfers and Loan Payments

Need to move money quickly between accounts? The app's "Move Money" feature lets you do that in real time. Whether it’s transferring funds from checking to savings or paying off a loan, it happens instantly.

You can even schedule recurring transfers. For example, Taylor mentioned she has her loan payment automatically drafted on the first of every month. You can edit scheduled payments, adjust amounts, or change due dates without ever calling the bank. And if you ever want to pay extra on your loan, you can choose to make a "principal-only" payment right within the app.

Mobile Deposit: Your Bank in Your Pocket

Gone are the days of driving to the bank to deposit a check. With mobile deposit, you simply take a picture of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. There are a few important things to remember:

1. On the back of the check, you must sign your name, write "For Mobile Deposit Only," and include "Farmers State Bank."

2. Do not check the mobile deposit box. It won't be accepted.

3. Keep your check for 60 days in case there’s an issue.

Deposits are manually reviewed by the eBanking team during business hours. So while it may not be instant like transfers, it’s still very efficient. You’ll get a confirmation when the deposit is received, and a second notice once it’s approved. If your deposit is rejected, you'll now get both an email and an in-app message explaining why.

The standard mobile deposit limit is $3,000, but exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Manage Your Debit Card From Anywhere

The "Manage Cards" feature is a lifesaver. You can:

• Turn your debit card on or off if it’s lost or stolen

• Change your PIN

• Set travel notifications

• Temporarily raise your spending limit (up to $10,000 for 30 minutes)

• Add your card to Apple Wallet

Apple Pay is especially useful because it masks your 16-digit card number, reducing the chance of fraud. And now you can activate your card in Apple Wallet directly from the app without needing to call the bank.

You can also schedule when a card can be used—great for kids or employees using a company debit card. And for easy tracking, you can rename cards (like "Business Card" or "Vacation Fund") right in the app.

External Transfers and Person-to-Person Payments

Have an account at another bank? You can link external accounts to transfer funds in or out. After a quick 2-3 day verification process (which includes confirming two small test transactions), you'll be set up to move money between institutions as needed.

For smaller, instant payments, use the Person-to-Person (P2P) feature. You can send up to $400 to anyone using just their phone number, email address, or debit card number (Visa only). Recipients get a link, enter their debit card details, and receive the money instantly. Once someone is in your payee list, future payments are even easier.

Statement Access and Transaction History

Need to double-check a charge or print off a statement for your records? The app gives you real-time access to all your transactions. You can even click on cleared checks to view front and back images.

Electronic statements go back at least two years and can be downloaded in multiple formats including PDF, Excel, and CSV. This is especially helpful during tax season or for reconciling your books.

Sub Users and Account Permissions

One of the most underrated features is the ability to add sub users. Business owners can give view-only access to bookkeepers, accountants, or office managers. Sub users get their own login, and you control which accounts they can see.

Even personal account holders can use sub user access. For instance, a parent might add a teenager to monitor their spending or track a shared account.

Bill Pay That Makes Sense

Bill Pay lets you pay utilities, subscriptions, and other recurring bills directly from the app. Most major companies accept electronic payments, but even if a paper check needs to be mailed, your account and routing numbers are hidden for safety.

You set up each bill manually the first time. After that, you can log in each month and just enter the amount due. It’s not connected to your utility account in real time, so you will need to enter the payment amount yourself.

Face ID, PINs, and Security Best Practices

Security is a top priority. You can log in using Face ID or a four-digit PIN, and you only have to go through two-factor authentication once per device. If someone tries to log in from an unknown device, they’ll need your code, which should be a red flag.

There’s also a red banner in the app reminding users never to share login information. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the bank directly. No one from Farmers State Bank will ever ask for your username or password.

Tools Just for Businesses

Farmers State Bank offers specialized tools for business owners, including ACH payments, Positive Pay, and Autobooks.

ACH Payments allow you to send payroll or collect rent and membership dues. You can create and edit payment batches and submit them a day in advance. The eBanking team processes these multiple times per day, so your transactions are timely and accurate.

Positive Pay helps protect against check fraud by comparing checks you issue to checks that attempt to clear your account. Anything suspicious is flagged as an exception for your review. You can also whitelist and block specific ACH transactions. If fraud does occur, Positive Pay allows you to reject the check without closing your account.

Autobooks is a simple invoicing and payment platform built into your online banking. You can send professional invoices, accept payments by card or ACH, and customize everything with your logo. There's a free version for basic invoicing or a $9.99 per month plan for access to profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and reports.

Autobooks even gives you a QR code you can display at events or retail counters, making it easier for customers to pay on the spot. Payments go straight into your bank account—no extra steps or delays.

Final Thoughts: You Have the Tools. Use Them.

Online and mobile banking are full of features designed to make your financial life easier, more secure, and more convenient. But if you’re not using them, you’re missing out.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Taylor, Danielle, Sarah, Pyper, and the entire customer service team are more than happy to walk you through it.

Call your local branch and ask for help. Come in for a 15-minute training session. Or just open the app and start exploring. You might be surprised by how much more your bank can do for you.

Online banking isn’t just a convenience. It’s a better way to bank.