How will I know what Step I'm in?
Your account statement will indicate which Step you were in as of the first day of the month for the month ending the statement period.
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Do my credit card balances count toward my total?
Your Hawthorne Visa Credit Card balances count toward your total combined balance. To increase your Step, consider transferring your balances on other credit cards to your Hawthorne card. We can have your balances transferred within days.
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I have more than $40,000 in balances with Hawthorne, why doesn't my statement say I'm on Step 4?
Your statement displays your step as of the first day of the month. If you made deposits, refinanced a loan or formed a family group during the month, your new step will be reflected on your next statement.
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How do I get my free personalized checks?
Step 4 members get free printed club-style checks when they order their checks through us, and complete a rebate coupon. The free checks offer is limited to one box per quarter. You can reorder your checks via our website at www.eHawthorne.org, mail in your reorder form or reorder by phone. After placing your order, print and return to us the Rebate Coupon available on the website. Your checking account will be charged based on the check style and number of boxes ordered. When we receive your rebate coupon, we will credit your checking account for the price of one box of club style checks.
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Do I have to tell the teller what Step I’m on to receive my discounts?
Not generally. Our tellers will automatically know what Step you’re on as of the first day of the month and will be aware of the benefits to which you are entitled. If you recently opened a new account that increased your combined balance and affected your step, let the teller know and she will make the necessary adjustments.
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I have formed a Family Group with my brother and his wife, so that we could benefit from a higher Step. Will they be able to find out my balance?
No. Your privacy is of great concern to us. We will not share your account information with anyone who is not an owner of your account. However, your family members may be able to deduce your approximate account balances based on which Step the group is on. For more information about how we protect your privacy, read our Privacy Policy at www.eHawthorne.org.
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Why am I still being charged the $5 low savings balance fee?
Regardless of which Step you’re on, if the only type of account you have is a Savings account, you must keep at least $300 in your account at all times. To avoid this fee, maintain at least $300 or transfer an account at another financial institution to Hawthorne. You may qualify for a higher Step, earn greater rewards, and avoid the fee!
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If I open a certificate while I'm in Step 1 but then move to Step 4 during the term of the certificate will I get the bonus rate?
Yes. Upon reaching Step 4, the next dividend posting will reflect the dividend bonus.
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If I open a certificate while I'm in Step 4 but then move to Step 2 during the term of the certificate will I still get the bonus rate?
No. You must be in Step 4 at the time the dividend is posted in order to receive the bonus.
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What will happen as I pay down my loan balance?
As you pay down your loan balance, if you drop to the next Step level, your benefits will change to the benefits available at your new Step. You might consider refinancing a loan to Hawthorne, or moving other accounts to Hawthorne to maintain your higher Step benefits.
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Is the Step 4 rate bonus available on all deposits?
No. The bonus is only available on Certificates.
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Is there a limit to how many free checks I can get as a Step 4 member?
Yes, you can get one box of free checks per quarter.
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Why was I charged an ATM surcharge fee? I'm on Step 4?
We do not charge Step 4 members ATM/PIN transaction fees when they use the STAR network. However, you may still incur surcharge fees imposed by the owner of the ATM that you use. To avoid surcharge fees, use Hawthorne’s ATMs or look for an ATM bearing the STARsf or Co-op logos. For a list of locations click here.
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Is everyone in my family eligible for the benefits, including my teenage daughter?
Yes, if you form a family group. Everyone in your Family Group receives the same benefits.
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I don't have any new money to deposit, and I don’t need a loan. How can I benefit from Family Rewards?
When you climb the steps, you receive more than just loan discounts and dividend rate bonuses. You receive fee discounts, free printed checks and more. There are two easy ways you can climb the Steps and earn benefits.
- Invite a relative to join Hawthorne and form a Family Group. Everyone benefits from the savings! We can send you a Family Group Kit, with information you can give to your family. Or you can give us your family member’s name and address, or email address, and we will send the information for you.
- Move other financial services to Hawthorne. We can probably offer you a better rate and qualify you for a higher Step. Here are some examples to start you thinking:
- Do you have an existing auto loan, RV or boat loan at another financial institution? Refinance it at Hawthorne.
- b. Do you have certificates, IRAs or a money market account elsewhere? Transfer your deposit accounts to Hawthorne.
- c. Do you have outstanding credit card balances? Consolidate your balances to a Hawthorne Visa Credit Card.
- c. Start direct deposit or payroll deduction into your Hawthorne Checking or Savings account. You’ll be surprised how quickly your balance rises.
- d. Move your home equity loan to Hawthorne. We offer great rates on home equity loans and lines of credit
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