Glossary

A

ACH (Automated Clearing House)

A network that moves money electronically between banks. Commonly used for direct deposits, bill payments, and transferring funds between accounts.

Account Number

The unique number that identifies your specific bank account.

Account Openings

The process of starting a new bank account such as checking, savings, or a CD (Certificate of Deposit).

APY (Annual Percentage Yield)

The total amount of interest you earn on a deposit account in a year, including compound interest.

B

Balance Inquiries

Checking how much money is currently available in your account.

Beneficiary

A person or organization who is designated to receive funds or benefits from a bank account, upon the death of the account owner.

Business Days

Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Transactions are typically processed on these days.

C

CD (Certificate of Deposit)

A savings account where your money is held for a fixed period (like 6 or 12 months) and earns interest. Withdrawing money early may result in a penalty.

Compounded Daily

Interest that is calculated and added to your balance quarterly. This helps you earn interest on your interest.

Contact Center

A customer service team you can reach by phone, email, or chat for help with your banking needs.

D

Disbursement

The act of paying out money, such as when a loan is issued or funds are released from a bank, government agency, or program to an individual or business.

Digital Banking

Managing your bank account online or through a mobile application instead of visiting a physical branch.

Digital-Only Platform

A bank that operates entirely online without physical branches. All banking services are done through apps, websites, or customer support.

E

Early Withdrawal Penalty

A fee you pay if you take money out of a CD before it matures.

Encryption

A method of protecting your personal and financial information by converting it into a secure code during online transmission or storage.

Encrypted Communications

Secure data exchanges between your device and the bank's systems to keep your information safe from unauthorized access.

External Transfer

Moving money from your Ponce Bank Direct account to an account at a different bank.

F

FDIC-Insured

Your money is protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, up to $250,000 per person, per bank, in case the bank fails.

Fraud Monitoring

Real-time systems used by the bank to detect and stop suspicious or unauthorized activity on your account.

G

Grace Period at Maturity

A short time (7 days) after a CD ends when you can withdraw or renew your money without paying a penalty.

I

Internal Transfer

Moving money between your own accounts within the same bank.

Interest Earned

The money the bank pays you for keeping your funds deposited in the CD.

Interest Owned

The money you must pay the bank (or lender) for borrowing their funds.

M

Maturity

The end of term CD, when you can access your deposit and interest without penalty.

Mobile App

A banking application on your smartphone or tablet that allows you to check balances, transfer money, pay bills, and more.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

An added layer of security that requires two or more steps to verify your identity when logging into your account — like a password and a one-time code sent to your phone.

P

Payable on Death

A designation that allows you to name one or more beneficiary on your account. The funds in the account are payable directly to the beneficiary after the account owner's death.

Platform (Secure Online Banking Platform)

A safe and secure digital system that lets you manage your money online — including checking balances, transferring funds, and more.

R

Routing Number

A 9-digit code that identifies your bank in a transaction. It’s used when transferring money between banks or setting up direct deposit.

S

SBA Loan (Small Business Administration Loan)

A government-backed loan program that helps small businesses get funding. These loans are issued by banks or lenders but are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, making it easier for small businesses to qualify and access capital.

T

Transaction Limits

The maximum amount of money you can move, withdraw, or deposit within a certain time frame.

Transfers

Moving money from one account to another. This is between your own accounts.