Columbia Bank Online Banking FAQ

• Web-based Mobile Banking provides a look, feel, and use that is very similar to your computer/laptop online banking experience. The look of the web pages and the navigation has been formatted to work smoothly with smaller screens found on most mobile devices.

• The most frequently used online banking and bill pay features have been made mobile! While you may have to use a computer or laptop to perform more sophisticated functions, you'll find that you can do most (if not all) of your regular banking functions right from your wireless device!

• There is a solution for you! If you do not have a smartphone and data access plan, but you can receive text (SMS) messages, you can use our Text Message Banking service. Learn more, or sign up now by logging into Online Banking and clicking "Notifications."

• Our Web-based Mobile Banking service is protected with the same security as your computer/laptop Online Banking experience. All confidential information (primarily account numbers) are masked.

• Immediately contact your wireless provider to follow their normal procedures for lost or compromised devices. Your Web-based Mobile Banking experience uses the exact same credentials as your regular computer/laptop Online Banking session - same ID, password, and "Different Device" security questions.

For extra precaution, please remember to never:

• Save (or pre-fill) your User ID or password. Manually enter it each time you log in.
• Never disclose your ID, password, or security question answer to anyone.
• Ensure that you officially log out at the end of each Mobile Banking session.
• If you ever feel that your security has been compromised, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Just like your computer/laptop Online Banking sessions, if you login using a new computer or device, you will be asked to answer an Extra Security Question to confirm your identity. When you successfully answer this question, you'll have the option to bypass this question for your mobile device for all future questions. If you later change your mind, you can click on "Remove extra security from this phone" so that you will be required to answer your Extra Security Question each time you log in.  

• You must be a registered Online Banking customer. Signing up for and using Online Banking is FREE. Visit columbiabankonline.com and click "Sign Up Today" within the login section.

• You must have a smartphone - a phone with full web access. Most carriers will require that you subscribe to a data access plan in order to access the web.

• Columbia Bank won't charge you, but please check with your mobile phone carrier if you aren't sure what fees apply when you access the web through your mobile device.

• No. You do not need to purchase or download any apps. Simply type our web address (columbiabankonline.com) into your device's browser - that's it!

• There is no activation process necessary. If you are a registered user of Online Banking, you're enrolled! Just visit our website (columbiabankonline.com) using your mobile device, and you'll automatically land on our login page.

• When you visit our website using a mobile device, our system determines that you are using a mobile device and automatically brings you to a mobile-friendly version of our page. If you wish to visit our full website, please visit us using a computer or laptop.

• No. Web-based Mobile Banking uses the same login credentials as your computer-based session.

• Yes. When you visit our mobile home page (login screen), you do not need to enter your ID & Password if you wish to:
• Check our current deposit and loan rates
• Use our Mobile Branch/ATM locator
• Access information about contacting Customer Service

• Yes. Your session will be timed-out after a set time that you can designate while logged into Online Banking using your computer or laptop. Your account will be locked after 5 unsuccessful login attempts.

• We know you'll enjoy the look and feel of our Web-based Mobile Banking service; it's extremely similar to your computer-based experience. If you're comfortable using your mobile device, both new and experienced Online Bankers should find using this service easy to use. View our Mobile Banking Demo.

• Check account balances and recent transactions
• Perform immediate (or "Quick") transfers, or schedule a one-time transfer for another date.
• Pay bills for existing payees (payees you have already set up for your Bill Pay account)
• Select from a list of checking accounts to fund your bill payments
• View pending and previous bill payments
• View current deposit and loan rates
• Use our Mobile Branch/ATM locator
• Access Customer Service information

• All the accounts you have associated with your computer/laptop based sessions will be available within your mobile session.

• To make your mobile experience as easy as possible, we incorporated only the most commonly used features available. You will want to login using a computer or laptop to perform the following types of tasks:
  • Scheduling recurring transfers
  • Create new bill payees
  • Manage your eBills and Payment Rules
  • Manage your categories
  • Access Secure Forms and Stop Payments
  • Manage notifications

• Yes. However, it is recommended to avoid using the "Back" button when conducting a transaction (e.g. transfer, bill payment, etc.). This ensures that your transactions are posted accurately and in the correct order.

• Our Customer Service Center is ready and able to assist you, Monday through Friday, 7am to 9pm; Saturday & Sunday, 8am to 4pm. Please make note of any error messages you may have encountered. We will do our best to resolve your issues quickly and efficiently. But please remember that the problem can reside with your device or wireless carrier, and we may refer you to them if this is the case.

• Text Message banking is a quick and easy way to make inquiries on all the accounts associated with your Online Banking service. Simply text commands to our dedicated "short code" phone number, and receive texts containing the information you requested.

• You can receive balance information for all of your deposit and loan accounts associated with Online Banking, and receive recent transaction information on your "primary" account.

• For smartphone users (devices with web browsers and a data access plan), you can perform many more routine Online Banking and Bill Pay tasks. Learn more, or visit columbiabankonline.com using your mobile device.

• You must be a registered Online Banking customer. Signing up for and using Online Banking is FREE. Visit columbiabankonline.com and click "Sign Up Today" within the login section.

• Yes it will, as long as you have text messaging enabled with your mobile carrier and use a carrier that the service supports. Please check with your mobile carrier if you are unsure.

• Our Text Message Banking service works on all major mobile providers in the U.S., including:
  • Alltel ™
  • AT&T ™
  • Nextel ™
  • Sprint ™
  • T-Mobile ™
  • US Cellular ®
  • Verizon Wireless ™
  • Virgin Mobile ®

• Columbia Bank won't charge you, but standard carrier fees for text messaging may apply. Please check with your mobile phone carrier if you aren't sure what fees apply when you send and receive text messages.

• Our Text Message Banking service is secure. You can activate the service only after logging into our Internet banking site. Text messages will never contain confidential information about you or your accounts. Messages will never contain full account numbers.

• Immediately contact your wireless provider to follow their normal procedures for lost or compromised devices. Immediately log into Online Banking, click "Mobile Banking & Alerts", and deactivate your service.

• Click on "Notifications" and follow the easy 3-step process:

1. Enter your mobile phone number and accept the Terms and Conditions
2. Enter the activation code that is delivered, by text message, to your mobile device.
3. Select the account you wish to set as your Primary Account and choose, if you wish, to receive weekly text messages with your primary account balance.

• During setup we will send you a text message with your activation code. If you have already submitted your mobile number during setup, check your mobile device now. You should receive a text message with your activation code within a few minutes.

• Yes you can. If you experience difficulties we recommend that you go through the setup process again and get a new code.

• It might take several minutes to receive your code. If you feel you have waited long enough you can click the "resend code" link. Please check your mobile device shortly for a new text message. If you are still experiencing problems be sure you entered in the correct mobile number during setup.

• You don't need a password to access your account information via text message.

• Send your commands to 454545. This number will only work if you have activated the Mobile Text Banking Service. Save this number in your mobile device's Contacts for quick access.

• STOP = Deactivate service
• HELP = Help on keywords
• BAL = Primary account balance
• BAL CHK = Checking account balances
• BAL SAV = Savings account balances
• BAL ALL = All account balances
• LAST = Last 5 transactions

• No, commands are not case sensitive. You can type "help" or "HELP".

• Your primary account is the default account that we will use when you text BAL to 454545. You should select the one you will likely want to check the most often. You can get all account balances by texting BAL ALL to 454545.

• Yes - when you text "BAL ALL" to 454545, we will reply with a message containing the balances of all your checking, savings, and loan accounts.

• Yes. Log into Online Banking using a PC/laptop, and select "Mobile Banking & Alerts"

• You'll receive a text message response within a minute. Exact timing will depend on your mobile service carrier.

• Yes, you first need to deactivate your cell phone and add your new cell phone number. You can do this while logged into Online Banking through your PC/Laptop. Click on "Mobile Banking & Alerts"

• Our Customer Service Center is ready and able to assist you, Monday through Friday, 7am to 9pm; Saturday & Sunday, 8am to 4pm. Please make note of any error messages you may have encountered. We will do our best to resolve your issues quickly and efficiently. But please remember that the problem can reside with your device or wireless carrier, and we may refer you to your phone manufacturer or carrier if this is the case.