Resources
Peoples Bank is pleased to provide you with a complete set of tools and services to help make doing your banking faster, easier and more convenient.
FAQs
Where is my routing number and what does it do?
You can find your routing number on your checks. It is the first nine numbers on the bottom of the check before your 10-digit account number. Peoples Bank’s routing number is 125104425. This is a public number, and you can share it with anyone. Everyone that banks with us uses the exact same routing number.
A routing number helps route, or guide, money in and out of your personal bank account. The number identifies your bank, similar to how an area code represents your state or county. A routing number is most often used to directly deposit or debit money to and from your bank account. I highly recommend having your payroll directly deposited and important bills directly debited. It’s fast, safe, and secure, saving you and your employer valuable time.
What’s the difference between my account number and debit card number?
Your account number is the primary number that identifies your money on deposit with a bank. Your debit card number is different, and for good reason. Think of your debit card number as a channel that connects businesses or merchants with Visa, and then with your funds at the bank. Debit card numbers are easy to change, we simply close one door (or number) and open another to your funds. Knowing the difference between these numbers, and where or how to best use them, can help limit fraud or unwanted access to your accounts.
Here is a tip: Use your account number for a few important transactions such as your payroll direct deposit or for automatic payment of your mortgage or car loan. Use your debit card number when paying smaller, more frequent expenses, such as bills or purchases online. This creates another layer of protection between your money and a potential fraudster. This also creates a much easier and safer path to recover from fraud should it happen. When you pay bills with a debit card online, and that card is compromised, your bank can simply issue you a new card. If your account number is compromised, you will need to open all new accounts, which means reestablishing all your automatic payments and deposits. As your bank, we’re happy to help you establish new accounts, but we’d love to save you the time, money and headache those steps can create.
What exactly is FDIC insurance?
When can I open a saving account for my child?
It is never too early to start saving for your child’s future. If they are old enough to be actively involved, then you can open a joint savings account for your child if the parent or guardian is 18 years or older. This is a great way to teach children to save, allowing them to set aside their allowance or gifts for a future purchase or other goal. If you’d prefer money be restricted and set aside until a minor reaches a specific age, then consider a WUTMA —The Washington Uniform Transfer to Minors Act—is a perfect way to start saving for your children. This account allows a Custodian (an individual other than the minor who is at least 21) to make an irrevocable gift of money to a minor. While the money is owned by the minor, the Custodian manages the funds and future deposits until the minor is eligible to claim them. Since the account is owned by the minor and not the Custodian, a social security number and birth date is required.
Either account is a perfect way to save for a child’s future. Peoples Bank offers these and other options with no minimum balance requirements for eligible minors.
What's a HELOC?
HELOC stands for Home Equity Line of Credit. Essentially, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit that provides you quick and easy access to the equity you have earned in your home. Your “Home Value” minus your “Current Existing Mortgage Balance(s)” equals your “Equity”.
A HELOC can be used to finance a variety of projects or needs. One of the most common reasons to consider a HELOC is to use the funds for home improvement, drawing from the line as you remodel or expand your home. A HELOC may also be used to consolidate debt, purchase vehicles, land, or other investments, pay for education expenses, a dream vacation, or simply as an emergency fund.
Using your home equity has several benefits over other financing options. Rates are typically lower because the line of credit is secured by your home. A HELOC gives you the flexibility to use and pay back funds as you chose, paying interest on only the drawn amounts. Rates are variable and payments are interest only, but fixed rate and payment options are available. A home equity line of credit may also provide tax benefits, but it’s important to speak with your tax advisor to ensure you qualify.
You don’t necessarily need to be a long-time homeowner. If you own a home and have equity in that home, good credit, and stable income, then a Home Equity Line of Credit may be the right choice for you. Contact us at a branch today to learn more!
How do I protect myself from fraud?
We’ve seen a rise in fraudulent activity in our communities as criminals are finding more creative ways to deceive customers.
Always take a moment to ask yourself if the situation makes sense before you proceed.
A legitimate business will never ask you to refund or correct a previous purchase or transaction by asking you to initiate sending cash or gift cards, or by using an external payment method or mobile payment app.
Never send funds to another person or party under threat or duress.
Only contact your bank using publicly available phone numbers, email addresses, or securely through your online banking system.
Peoples Bank knows your social security number, user ID, account number, or password via email or phone number, so we won’t generally ask that when we call you. If at any time you do not feel comfortable answering our questions, please feel free to tell us, hang up, and call us back using a publicly available phone number. It will not hurt our feelings and we will not object.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or your personal information has been compromised, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-584-8859. We are here to help you!
How much money do I need to buy a house?
When it comes to financing a home, many first-time homebuyers believe you need to have a minimum of 20% saved as a down payment, but that luckily isn’t the case! There are several popular options that require little to no down payment.The most common options include conventional and government loan types.
For conventional financing, first-time homebuyers (meaning you haven’t owned a home in the last three years) can put down as little as 3%. If you aren’t a first-time homebuyer, the minimum down payment is 5%.
Government loan options include VA, USDA, and FHA. VA loans are available to active and retired military members and offer 0% down. USDA loans are intended for purchasing a home in rural areas and offer 0% down, but do have set income limits in order to qualify. FHA loans offer more flexible financing for lower credit scores and require a minimum down payment of 3.5%.
Each loan program has its own unique guidelines and eligibility requirements, so please consult with a mortgage loan representative to find the best solution to meet your needs.
Wire Transfers
Incoming Wire Transfers
Domestic
To receive a domestic wire to your Peoples Bank account, the sender will need the following information:
- Beneficiary: Your name and physical address
- Beneficiary's Account #: Your Peoples Bank account number
- Receiving Bank: Peoples Bank Bellingham, WA
- Peoples Bank's ABA routing number (transit number): 125104425
- Peoples Bank's address: 3100 Woburn St, Bellingham, WA 98226
Foreign
To receive a foreign wire to your Peoples Bank account, the sender will need the following information:
- Beneficiary: Your name and physical address
- Beneficiary's Account #: Your Peoples Bank account number
- Receiving Bank: Peoples Bank Bellingham, WA
- Peoples Bank's Swift code: PEOLUS66
- Peoples Bank's address: 3100 Woburn St, Bellingham, WA 98226
Download our International Incoming Wire Form
Outgoing Wire Transfers
- Beneficiary: Name and physical address of individual or business recipient
- Beneficiary's Account #: Recipient's account number
- Receiving Bank: Name, address and ABA routing number of bank where recipients account is held
International Outgoing Wires: In addition to the information listed above, please also provide the receiving bank’s SWIFT code and/or beneficiary’s IBAN code. Please see the receiving bank’s incoming international wire instructions for complete details.
Direct Deposit
Save a trip to the bank with this convenient service.
- Payroll, Social Security, and many other recurring payments can be automatically deposited to your account.
- Direct deposit is quick and safe
- It’s a free service.
- Questions? Call our toll-free Customer Service Center at (800) 584-8859
What is Peoples Bank's routing transit number?
When establishing direct deposit or direct payment you will need your account number and the Peoples Bank routing transit number. The bank’s routing number is 125104425. You can find your account number on your checks or deposit ticket. Your account number is 10-digits long and begins with the number 5 or 6.
Non-Government Direct Deposit Form
Used for direct deposit of payroll or other income.
Government Direct Deposit Form
Used for direct deposit of government checks (i.e. Social Security).
Please complete the change at the Treasury-sponsored website, www.godirect.org.
Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately
We’re here to help! We understand that when your credit or debit cards are lost or stolen, that it is a inconvenient and disconcerting experience. To protect yourself, please report lost or stolen cards immediately via the phone numbers below:
Peoples Bank
Customer Service
(During business hours)
Debit Card
Customer Service Center
(24 Hours)
Credit Card
Customer Service Center
(24 Hours)
MoneyPass® ATMs
Unlimited free ATM access to over 40,000 MoneyPass® ATMs nationwide.
A Peoples Bank debit card provides you with unlimited ATM access at more than 40,000 MoneyPass® ATMs nationwide. Use your MoneyPass® ATM card at any of the ATMs listed on the MoneyPass® website without paying a surcharge. Always look for the MoneyPass® logo on a sign at the ATM or displayed on the ATM screen to avoid paying a surcharge.
System Requirements
The following browsers and operating systems meet security and application requirements for Peoples Online.
Tablets
| Operating System | Apple Safari® | Google Chrome™ | Microsoft Edge | Mozilla Firefox® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | N/A | 121 | 121 | 122 |
| Windows 11 | N/A | 121 | 121 | 122 |
| Apple® macOS Ventura 13.5 | 16.5 | 121 | 121 | N/A |
| Apple® macOS Sonomo 14.2 | 17 | 121 | 121 | N/A |
| Note: Cookies and Javascript must be enabled | ||||
| Operating System | Apple Safari® | Google Chrome™ | Microsoft Edge® |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS 16.3.1 | 16.3.1 | 120 | N/A |
| Android 13 | N/A | 120 | 120 |
For maximum security, always use the latest version of a browser. Beta versions of browsers and operating systems are not recommended or supported. Additionally, if a browser or operating system is no longer supported by the vendor, it is not supported by Peoples Online.
Other browsers and operating systems may be used; however, they are not supported by the system and some features may not function properly.
Last updated on 12/17/2024
Fraud Prevention
It’s our business to outwit fraudsters. We maintain a sophisticated and multi-layered defense against fraudulent activity. Ask how we can help.
Real Estate Scams - Vacant Properties
Criminals are posing as real property owners and are negotiating the sale of properties which are vacant or lien free. Read more about these scams below.
Artificial Intelligence & Voice Cloning Scams
Scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to fake the voices of loved ones to steal money. Do not act on a request received via voicemail – always call your loved one back to confirm the legitimacy of a request.
Security Tips
Keep your personal, private information secure from scammers, fraudsters, and identity thefts.
Protect Your Business from Payment Fraud
Fraud is on the rise as criminals leverage various methods to convince businesses that they are working with known partners or vendors. It is important to take time to educate staff on how to avoid falling victim to these scams.
Equal Housing Lender