Systems Information
- How long are check images available online?
- Do I need special software to access online banking from Principal Bank?
- How current is my account information?
- Is online banking secure and confidential?
- Are there personal precautions I should take regarding Internet security?
- Where and when can I use the system?
- Can I download my information to other programs?
- How does online banking help me balance my account?
How long are check images available online?
Check images are available online for 500 days from the date the check clears your account.
Do I need special software to access online banking from Principal Bank?
If you are already surfing the Internet, then you most likely have all the software you need. Principal Bank requires that you use an SSL-compliant Internet browser. The most popular choice is Microsoft Internet Explorer, which was most likely originally included on your personal computer. To get the latest version of Internet Explorer, go to www.microsoft.com. Most other popular browsers are supported as well (Firefox, Safari, etc.).
How current is my account information?
Your account information is updated on the Internet at approximately 8:00 AM (Central Time) for the prior day's processed banking activity. Note that no banking activity is processed on weekends or on official bank holidays. For example:
Electronic transactions conducted on Friday before 6 p.m. are processed Friday night and posted to your Internet account on Saturday morning.
Transactions conducted on Saturday, Sunday or Monday are processed on Monday night (the next processing day) and posted Tuesday morning.
If Monday is a holiday, Bank transactions conducted on Saturday through Tuesday are processed on Tuesday night (the next processing day) and posted Wednesday morning.
Is online banking secure and confidential?
Principal Bank has taken every precaution to protect your bank information. Visit the Internet Security section of this site for more information.
Are there personal precautions I should take regarding Internet security?
Yes. The security of any system relies on more than just having the latest technology. Your user name and password are very important to the safety of your account information; do not share your password with anyone. Also, be sure to exit the Principal Bank site or close down your browser when you are through accessing your accounts.
Where and when can I use the system?
One of the advantages of banking with Principal Bank is that you can access your bank information wherever you can access the Internet. Some financial packages force you to keep your information on a single computer, and conduct your banking from that one computer. With Principal Bank, you can conduct banking transactions (pay bills, check your register, transfer funds) from any computer with Internet access…whether you are in a coffee shop in San Francisco, in your hotel room in New York or sitting in your den at home.
Can I download my information to other programs?
Transaction data may be downloaded from Principal Bank in a CSV (comma separated) format and an OFX file format which can be imported into Quicken and MS Money.
How does online banking help me balance my account?
Principal Bank's online transaction register is an excellent tool for helping you keep your account balanced. Whenever you use your debit card to make a purchase, the transaction will appear immediately in the pending transaction section of your register and later on your account register when the transaction is completed (usually within a day or two). ATM cash withdrawals work the same way.
When you write a check, a pre-recorded transaction may be entered online and will show in the pending transaction section of your online register. Once the check has cleared and posted to your account, the two will be merged and show up in the cleared section of your online register.
