Convenience, control and confidence.

Cards can be activated by calling the automated system at 800-824-2237 or speaking with an agent at 800-321-DIME option 3. Only personal cards can also be activated by logging in to personal online banking and accessing the Cards application. For business cards, we recommend validating the information of the person whose name is embossed on the card when attempting to activate the card.

Details regarding debit card transactions can be viewed through personal online banking or through the Card Valet app for our business debit card holders. Set limits and alerts, track card use and turn your card on and off if needed. Keep in mind that there may be a few days (usually between 1-3 days) where a transaction is reflecting as a preauthorized “pending” hold which gives the merchant time to validate the status and funding of the account. The amount of the initial pending transaction may not reflect the correct amount or may even appear duplicated. This will adjust when the transaction fully settles to the account and the initial pending transaction no longer appears.

Transactions on a card can decline for many reasons, including account status, incorrect card details entered or usage of an expired or closed card. Check the card to confirm the current one is being used and review your account to confirm the status and if there’s sufficient funds. When the activity on your card matches known patterns often associated with potential fraud, then the bank will contact you to verify transactions. Respond promptly if the transaction is authorized by you to continue uninterrupted access to your card. You may also contact the debit card servicing department 800-321-DIME 24 hours/7 days to review any transaction declines. To protect your account, the bank also sets daily and weekly limits on the dollar and velocity of transactions. Please call 800-321-DIME or your local branch to find out more.

• Use tap-to-pay contactless methods to avoid contact of your card at POS terminals

• Check the card reader at ATMs and gas pumps before inserting a card to identify tampering

• Use online banking to temporarily freeze your card and to set limits and alerts.

• Review card transactions online and on monthly statements carefully and regularly. Pending transactions may not end up posting or they may post with a different amount than preauthorized. Monitor your account to confirm if these transactions will need to be disputed.

Cards are compromised through a variety of means, including data breaches, physical theft, card skimming at physical establishments and online phishing scams. The bank will notify you if there’s a high-alert compromise of your card. Promptly report any unauthorized transactions as quickly as possible by calling 800-321-DIME. Our Card Servicing department is open 24 hours/7 days to service you.

Promptly review your card activity regularly. For unauthorized charges, turn off your card through the Cards tab in personal online banking or Card Valet for business customers. Then call the debit card servicing department at 800-321-DIME (select 3 for Debit Cards) to review activity, permanently close the card and initiate a dispute. For service or product disputes, it is recommended that the merchant is contacted immediately so they can assist with remediating the issue by canceling the order or adjusting the price before a dispute is opened. If a transaction is pending, you will need to wait for the transaction to post to the account before disputing since the amount that posts may be different than what was initially preauthorized. Disputes involving a service or product purchase may take time to resolve due to network guidelines providing the merchant time to respond and resolve a claim. Monitor any bank communication requesting additional information to avoid a lengthy delay in resolving the matter on your behalf.