Frequently Asked Questions

On November 12, 2010, the former Darby Bank & Trust Co. located in Vidalia, Lyons, Savannah, and Pooler, Georgia opened as Ameris Bank. During this time of transition, we would like to assure you that your Darby Bank & Trust Co. accounts remain safe and secure, and we are committed to ensuring that this transition is easy and hassle free for you.

Below are the answers to some questions you might have:

Q: What happened?
A: Darby Bank & Trust Co. was closed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance on Friday, November 12, 2010, and all deposits, excluding certain brokered deposits, and certain assets held by Darby Bank & Trust Co. were assumed by our Company. On Saturday, November 13, 2010, two offices in Savannah and one in Pooler opened during standard Saturday business hours as branches of Ameris Bank.  All offices in Vidalia, Lyons, Savannah, and Pooler opened on Monday, November 15, 2010, during the bank’s normal business hours as branches of Ameris Bank. During this time of transition, we would like to assure Darby Bank & Trust Co. customers that their accounts remain safe and secure, and that we are committed to ensuring that this transition is easy and hassle free.

Q: Is my money safe?
A: Yes, your money is safe and secure. Ameris Bank assumed Darby Bank & Trust Co. deposits; therefore, no customers of Darby Bank & Trust Co. will lose their deposits. Additionally, your deposits that are now with Ameris Bank are insured by the FDIC, and each depositor is insured up to $250,000 established by law.

A: Can I access my money and are my accounts affected?
Q: Yes, you can access your money and continue banking as you normally do at the new Ameris Bank locations, formerly known as Darby Bank & Trust Co. You can access your money by writing a check, using your ATM or debit card, or utilizing online banking. Checks drawn on Darby Bank & Trust Co. will continue to be processed and loan customers should continue to make payments as scheduled.

Q: Will I be able to continue to bank at the former Darby Bank & Trust Co. locations?
A: Yes, please continue to bank as normal. As of November 12, 2010 Darby Bank & Trust Co. offices are branches of Ameris Bank and will be open and serving customers during normal business hours.

Q: Will I be able to bank at the other Ameris Bank locations?
A: During this time of transition, you will only be able to bank at the former Darby Bank & Trust Co. locations. We are in the process of fully converting the former Darby Bank & Trust to Ameris Bank; we will notify you of the completion of the conversion and you will be able to bank at all Ameris Bank locations.

Q: Can I continue to use my Darby Bank & Trust Co. checks and Debit/ATM card?
A: Yes, please continue to use your Darby Bank & Trust Co. checks and Debit/ATM card. Once the transition to Ameris Bank is complete, you will receive new Ameris Bank checks and a new Ameris Bank Debit/ATM card.

Q: Can I use Online Banking?
A: Yes, you can use Online Banking by visiting darbybank.com.

Q: What will happen to my direct deposits?
A: Your direct deposits will still process as usual. If you should have any questions about your direct deposits, or if you would like to make any changes, please contact a Personal Banker at the Ameris Bank locations formerly known as Darby Bank & Trust Co.

Q: Where do I make my loan payments?
A: Please continue to make your payments as you have previously agreed, and utilize the same payment address information. You can also continue to make payments at the Ameris Bank locations, formerly Darby Bank & Trust Co. All checks should be made payable to Ameris Bank.

Q: I have a Darby Bank & Trust Co. CD – can I withdraw my money without penalty?
A: If you currently have a Darby Bank & Trust Co. Certificate of Deposit (CD) account, you may withdraw, without penalty for early withdrawal, all or any portion of your account balance. If you choose to do so, and wish to have these funds wired, please provide documentation outlining wire instructions with a notarized signature of the signer(s) on the account. You can mail this documentation to Post Office Box 870, Vidalia, GA 30475 or fax to 912.538.0129. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Contact Center at 866.599.4256.

Q: I read somewhere that I have to claim my deposits, how do I do that?
A: Due to federal regulation, all former Darby Bank & Trust Co. customers must claim ownership of their deposits at Ameris Bank within 18 months of November 12, 2010 (the closing date). You may claim your deposit(s) at Ameris Bank by taking any of the below actions within 18 months of November 12th. If you have more than one deposit account, your action in claiming your deposit in one account will automatically claim your deposits in all of your accounts. To claim your deposits, please do one of the following:

• Making a deposit to or withdrawal from your account(s). This includes writing a check on any account or having an automated direct deposit credited to or an automated withdrawal debited from any account;
• Executing a new signature card on your account(s), entering into a new deposit agreement with the New Institution, changing the ownership on your account(s), or renegotiating the terms of a certificate of deposit account;
• Providing the New Institution with a completed change of address form; or
• Writing to the New Institution and notifying it that you wish to keep your account(s) active. Please be sure to include in this notice the name(s) on the account(s), the account numbers, and the signature of an authorized signer on the account(s), with name and address.

Q: I still have a lot of questions – who should I contact?
A: Please contact one of our bankers at the new Ameris Bank locations, formerly known as Darby Bank & Trust Co.

Q: How do I learn more about Ameris Bank?
A: You can learn more about Ameris Bank by visiting amerisbank.com.