Southern Bank & Trust has joined the Pinnacle Bank family, one of northeast Georgia’s leading community financial institutions for over 85 years. Throughout this time, Pinnacle Bank has upheld its legacy of providing financial solutions and supporting the communities served and we look forward to continuing this tradition in our expanded market.
You now have 21 branches to serve you including Blairsville, Clarkesville, Cornelia and Dahlonega.
Below is important information to assist you during this transition. If you have any follow-up questions, please call our MyBank Transition number 706.754.0001 or email us at customerservice@pinnaclebank.com.
Personal Checking
All personal checking customers will receive a complimentary package of checks beginning the week of April 27, 2020. You may begin using them Monday, May 11, 2020. Discontinue using your SB&T checks as soon as possible after
May 11, 2020, with a firm deadline of June 11, 2020. Merchants may not accept your SB&T checks after May 11, 2020 date.
Pinnacle Bank’s routing number is 061101294.
Business Checking
All business checking customers will receive a $25 credit toward new business checks. To order, call the MyBank Transition number 706.754.0001 beginning Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 10 AM – 3 PM. On Monday, May 11, 2020 call beginning at 9 AM or stop by the branch.
Discontinue using your SB&T checks as soon as possible after May 11, 2020, with a firm deadline of June 11, 2020. Merchants may not accept your SB&T checks after the May 11, 2020 date.
Feel free to bring your old checks into any branch and we will securely destroy them for you.
Pinnacle Bank’s routing number is 061101294.
Debit Card
You will receive your new Pinnacle Bank MasterCard® Debit Card the week of April 27, 2020. Please follow the instructions by calling 800-992-3808 to activate your card. You can begin using it Saturday, May 9, 2020. Don’t forget to destroy your SB&T card. If you don’t receive a card, please visit the branch beginning May 11, 2020 to receive a new one. Pinnacle Bank will instantly issue you a new Debit Card.
As a reminder, please update any recurring debit card payments that are scheduled after Friday, May 8, 2020. Activate your card as instructed on the debit card mailer and update the payment information so payments will continue.
When using this debit card, you receive no foreign fees from Pinnacle Bank if using a competitor’s ATM (fees from the competitor may apply.)
Also, this card automatically has FREE fraud protection and alert service.
If you have a Mobile Wallet product, you will also be able to use Apple Pay®, Google PayTM and Samsung Pay® with Pinnacle Bank. Beginning Monday, May 11, please delete your SB&T debit card from the Mobile Wallet product and put in your Pinnacle Bank debit card information. To learn more go here.
Loans
Credit Karma Letters
Over the past couple of days some of you may have received a letter from Credit Karma regarding your score dropping. Let us reassure you there has been no negative impact to your credit score this week due to the change in banks. Credit Karma is picking up on the fact that Southern Bank & Trust accounts/loans were ‘closed’ but they aren’t picking up on the fact that the accounts/loans have actually been transferred to Pinnacle Bank.
Pinnacle Bank reporting will be received by Credit Karma the beginning of June and the gap in knowledge will be corrected. There is no impact to your credit score because of the merger between Southern Bank & Trust and Pinnacle Bank.
Please know if your loan was in good standing with SB&T, it is still in good standing with Pinnacle Bank.
Loan Statements
Southern Bank & Trust customers may have received two loan statements for May. You may have received a statement with payment due May 15, 2020, and then received a second statement on May 8, 2020. That second statement is for informational purposes only.
Loan Servicing Information
Southern Bank & Trust has entered into a merger agreement with Pinnacle Bank effective Monday, May 11, 2020. Your loan agreement and related loan servicing (the right to collect payments from you) is being sold, assigned and transferred from Southern Bank & Trust to Pinnacle Bank at the close of business on Friday, May 8, 2020. After Friday, May 8, 2020, please send all of your payments to Pinnacle Bank for processing as noted in the address below.
The loan sale and transfer of loan servicing does not affect any terms or conditions of the loan instruments other than terms directly related to the servicing of your loan.
For questions before Friday, May 8, 2020:
The payment address for your current lender and servicer is: | The business address and a toll-free number for your current lender and servicer is: |
Southern Bank & Trust P.O. Box 2080 Clarkesville, GA 30523 or Southern Bank & Trust P.O. Box 2359 Blairsville, GA 30514 or Southern Bank & Trust 81 Crown Mountain Place, Suite A100 Dahlonega, GA 30533 | Southern Bank & Trust 111 Southern Bank Drive Clarkesville, GA 30523 or Southern Bank & Trust 361 Blue Ridge Street Blairsville, GA 30512 or Southern Bank & Trust 81 Crown Mountain Place, Suite A100 Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-451-0001, 9 am - 5 pm Mon.-Fri., Call Collect Attn: Loan Department |
Your new lender and loans servicer will be Pinnacle Bank as of May 11, 2020.
The payment address for your new lender and servicer is: | The business address and a toll-free number for your new lender and servicer is: |
Pinnacle Bank P.O. Box 430 Elberton, GA 30635 | Pinnacle Bank 884 Elbert Street Elberton, GA 30635 1-877-759-7939, 8:30 am - 5 pm, Mon.-Fri. Attn: Loan Department www.pinnaclebank.com |
Southern Bank & Trust, your present servicer, will stop accepting payments from you on Friday, May 8, 2020. If your payments are being automatically drafted from your checking or savings account you may continue this practice. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Pinnacle Bank for assistance at the number provided above.
The date your new lender and servicer, Pinnacle Bank, will start accepting payments from you is Monday, May 11, 2020. If you do not have automatic payments, please send all payments due on or after that date to your new lender.
At year-end, you will receive a Tax Form 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement from Pinnacle Bank for all payments made to Southern Bank & Trust and Pinnacle Bank. You will need this form when filing your 2020 tax return.
Under Federal law during the 60-day period following the effective date of the transfer of the loan servicing, a loan payment received by your old servicer on or before its due date may not be treated by the new servicer as late and a late fee may not be imposed on you.
Pinnacle Bank welcomes you to our family and we look forward to working with you.
Online Banking
Pinnacle Bank has Online Banking and a Mobile App. If you have Online Banking with Southern Bank & Trust please don’t enroll in Pinnacle Bank Online Banking, including Bill Pay. We will do that for you and it will be accessible at noon on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Here is some important information for you:
When you log in for the first time, you need to log in from a computer and not a mobile device.
Online Banking Log In – When you log in at noon on May 11, 2020 your User ID is the same one you have with SB&T. Your temporary password is PB plus the last four digits of your social security number with no spaces EX: PB1234
SB&T Bill Pay – You can no longer use it after 4 PM on Thursday, May 7, 2020. If you have a bill being paid on
May 8 – 11, 2020, you should already have it in the Bill Pay system before May 8, 2020 and dated for payment on
May 8, 2020.
SB&T Online Banking – You can no longer use SB&T Online Banking and eVue Statements after 6 PM on
Friday, May 8, 2020.
If you have SB&T set-up as a payee at any bank, you must change the name to Pinnacle Bank as of May 9, 2020 for those payments to go through.
Mobile Banking with Mobile Deposit
Pinnacle Bank will enroll you in Online Banking and you will then have access to our Mobile App! You can access a host of mobile banking options including reviewing account activity, transferring funds, controlling your debit card, paying bills and depositing checks. You need to download the FREE app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Text and Phone Banking is also available to review account activity and current balance.
eStatements
We recommend saving or printing all of your SB&T eStatements needed before 5 PM on Friday, May 8, 2020.
Going forward, you will have Pinnacle Bank eStatements if you sign-up through Online Banking. We’re happy to let you know eStatements include images and have 24 months retention so you can conveniently check past statements. You receive an email notification when your statement is ready to review and simply login to Online Banking to securely retrieve your eStatement.
PopMoney
Within Online Banking and the Mobile App, try our Person-to-Person payment system called PopMoney. It is a personal payment service enabling customers to send or receive money from friends and family. The funds will come to or go out directly from your Pinnacle account.
PHON-Xpress
24-Hour telephone banking lets you access a wide range of banking services just by entering your personal access numbers from any phone. When you call in for the first time, you will enter the last four digits of your Social Security Number as the PIN. Then you will be in the system and prompted on how to reset the PIN. Going forward you can call this number for account information or perform basic transactions.
Blairsville: 762-230-2499
Clarkesville: 762-230-2499
Cornelia: 762-230-2499
Dahlonega: 762-230-2499
Pinny/Live Teller Drive Thru ATM
The needs of our community are continuously changing, and we’re evolving to meet those needs. Pinny is the perfect example of how we are enhancing the banking experience for our customers. Pinny takes the ease of an ATM and combines it with the personal, professional service of a live teller.
As a Drive Thru teller, Pinny is everything you will love about banking with us including the convenience of extended hours. The hours are 7 AM – 7 PM, Monday – Friday and 8 AM – 2 PM, Saturday. When you visit Pinny, you speak with a live Pinnacle Bank teller who assists you with:
- Withdrawing or depositing cash
- Cashing a check
- Transferring funds
- Making a loan payment
- Checking your balances
- And more!
The Pinny Process
- Drive Up
- Touch the Screen
- Meet your Teller
- Start Banking
Treasury Management Services
ACH
Southern Bank & Trust will not accept any ACH files after 3 PM on Friday, May 8, 2020. For ACH files with the effective date of May 12 or later, we encourage you to submit these files to Pinnacle Bank.
Pinnacle Bank will begin ACH origination at 9 AM, Monday, May 11, 2020.
Wire
Southern Bill &Trust will no longer accept wire transfers after 3 PM, Friday, May 8, 2020.
Pinnacle Bank will begin wire originations at 9 AM, Monday, May 11, 2020.
Bill Pay
Southern Bank & Trust’s Bill Pay cannot be used after 4 PM on Thursday, May 7, 2020. If you have a bill that needs to be paid May 8 – 11, you should schedule it in the Southern Bank & Trust Bill Pay system by May 7 and date it for the payment date you desire.
Bill Pay for Treasury Management isn’t available until May 19, 2020. If you need assistance paying a bill before then, please call 877-759-7939 and ask for Business Services. They are happy to assist you.
Mobile Deposit
Mobile Deposit in the Southern Bank & Trust Mobile App cuts off at 6 PM, Thursday, May 7, 2020.
Treasury Management Online Banking
If you already had Treasury Management Online Banking with Southern Bank & Trust, Pinnacle Bank will enroll you in Online Banking as well as convert your existing Treasury Management set-ups. On Monday, May 11, 2020, 9 AM your Online Banking account will be available.
The portal to Online Banking is www.pinnaclebank.com. The login area is the top right of the homepage. Select Treasury Management and log-in.
Your login will be the same username as you had with Southern Bank & Trust. Your Treasury Management Support Team will provide you the password.
Bank Statements
Please save or print any needed Southern Bank & Trust statements. While you have 24 months statement retention with Pinnacle Bank’s Online Banking system, your Southern Bank & Trust statements will not transfer over. After you sign-up for eStatements, your statements begin building in the system with your first Pinnacle Bank statement.
Friday, May 8, 2020 5 PM the Southern Bank & Trust Website begins automatically redirecting customers to the Pinnacle Bank website. Any Online Banking that needs to be done with Southern Bank & Trust must be completed before 5 PM on Fri., May 8, 2020.
New users simply start by enrolling in Online Banking from our website and setting up Payees in the Bill Pay section.
Is Southern Bank & Trust being acquired by another bank?
Yes. Southern Bank & Trust is being acquired by Pinnacle Bank.
Who is Pinnacle Bank?
Pinnacle Bank is recognized as one of the strongest and most progressive banks in northeast Georgia, setting the standard for community service. We are a community bank committed to providing superior financial services and value to customers as well as being a dedicated citizen in the communities we serve.
Where is Pinnacle Bank currently located?
Pinnacle Bank’s Main Office and Operations Center is located in Elberton with branches in Elberton, Royston, Bowman, Franklin Springs, Lavonia, Lexington, Hartwell, Commerce, Athens, Monroe, Social Circle, Covington, Braselton and Gainesville.
Will staff be affected?
Pinnacle Bank is committed to equal employment opportunities and treating all employees fairly. Employees will remain informed of opportunities to continue their career as we move forward as One Bank. We are committed to having the right people in the right place for the advancement of employees, the Bank and the communities we serve.
Will my account numbers change?
No. Your account numbers will remain the same.
Will I have to get new checks?
Yes. Consumers will receive by mail a book of starter Pinnacle Bank checks. Beginning May 11, 2020, businesses can stop by the branch to order new checks. You will receive a $25 credit toward the purchase of Pinnacle Bank business checks.
Will I need a new ATM/Debit Card?
Yes. You will be mailed your new MasterCard® Debit Card. When you receive the card, follow the included instructions giving you a number to call to activate the card beginning Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Will Pinnacle Bank have an ATM at the former Southern Bank & Trust locations?
Pinnacle will have ATMs at each location. They will be working throughout the weekend of May 8 – 10. Remember to activate your debit card beginning on May 9, 2020.
If I have a question regarding my account will I be able to contact my local banking office?
There will be a Customer Service Center number you can call to assist you through this transition: 706-754-0001. You may call Saturday, May 9, 2020, from 10 AM – 3 PM. Starting Monday, May 11, 2020 you may use this number from 9 AM – 5 PM each business day. Plus, you can call your local branch for assistance.
I have direct deposit set up as well as automatic drafts. Will I need to notify the sender or recipients of the changes to Pinnacle Bank?
Pinnacle Bank will process the transactions, notifying the originators of the change in bank name and routing number. It may also be necessary for the account holder to contact the originator of the automated transactions. We will provide you all the information you’ll need.
Pinnacle Bank’s routing number is 061101294.
Does Pinnacle Have Online Banking and Bill Pay?
Yes, we do. If you have Online Banking with Southern Bank & Trust please don’t enroll in Pinnacle Bank Online Banking, including Bill Pay. We will do that for you and it will be accessible at noon on Monday, May 11, 2020.
Here is some important information for you:
Online Banking Log In – When you log in at noon on May 11, 2020, your User ID is the same one you have with SB&T. Your temporary password is PB plus the last four digits of your social security number with no spaces EX: PB1234
SB&T Bill Pay – you can no longer use it after 4 PM on Thursday, May 7, 2020. If you have a bill being paid on May 8 – 11, you should already have it in the Bill Pay system before May 8, 2020 and dated for payment on May 8, 2020.
SB&T Online Banking – You can no longer use SB&T Online Banking and eVue Statements after 6 PM on Friday, May 8, 2020.
If you have SB&T set-up as a payee at any bank, you must change the name to Pinnacle Bank as of May 9, 2020 for those payments to go through.
Does Pinnacle Bank have a Mobile Banking app?
Yes, Pinnacle has a Mobile Banking app allowing you to pay bills, transfer funds, review account activity and deposit checks. To access these great features, simply go to Online Banking on the Pinnacle Bank website to enroll. Then go to the Apple App Store or Google Play to download it at no cost.
Will the interest rate change on my Certificate of Deposit?
No. There will be no changes to the terms or rates of CDs prior to maturity.
Will my IRA transfer too?
Yes, your IRA custodial agreement will transfer to Pinnacle Bank.
After the acquisition is complete, where do I mail my deposits, loan payments and any other bank mail?
The mailing address for all deposits and bank mail is:
Pinnacle Bank
P.O. Box 430
Elberton, GA 30635
What will the hours be at my Pinnacle Bank branch?
Lobby
Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Pinny/Live Teller Drive Thru
Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, 8 AM – 2 PM
ATM 24 Hours
I currently have deposits at both Southern Bank & Trust and Pinnacle Bank. Will my FDIC coverage increase during the merger?
When two or more insured banks merge, deposits from the assumed bank are separately insured from deposits at the assuming bank for at least six months after the merger. This grace period gives a depositor the opportunity to restructure his or her accounts, if necessary. CDs from the assumed bank are separately insured until the earliest maturity date after the end of the six-month grace period. CDs that mature during the six-month period and are renewed for the same term and in the same dollar amount (either with or without accrued interest) continue to be separately insured until the first maturity date after the six-month period. If a CD matures during the six-month grace period and is renewed on any other basis, it would be separately insured only until the end of the six-month grace period.
When will I receive my first Pinnacle Bank statement?
In May you will receive your final Southern Bank & Trust statement, and you will receive your first Pinnacle Bank statement in June.