Skip Header
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Question and Answer Guide

Michigan Heritage Bank, Farmington Hills, MI

FDIC Call Center
Toll free number 1-866-954-9526
Hours of Operation – Eastern Standard Time
Friday, April 24, 2009:  Until 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 2009:  9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 26, 2009:  Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Thereafter:  8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (www.myfdicinsurance.gov)

Michigan Heritage Bank, Farmington Hills, Michigan was closed Friday, April 24, 2009, by the State of Michigan’s Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation. Subsequently, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed Receiver. Please see State of Michigan’s Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation’s press release for more information. Share price does not trigger a bank closing and was not the reason for this failure. According to regulatory policy, there is no advance notice given to the public.

The good news is that no one lost any deposits as a result of the closure of Michigan Heritage Bank. To protect depositors, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the assumption of ALL of Michigan Heritage Bank’s deposits by Level One Bank, headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The total balance in your account(s) has been transferred to Level One Bank, Farmington Hills, Michigan and will be available for transactions during regular business hours at the former Michigan Heritage Bank branches.

You may continue to use your same checks, ATM/DEBIT cards until such time as Level One Bank can fully integrate the records of Michigan Heritage Bank. You will be notified in advance.

All direct deposits, including Social Security checks, will continue as usual.


Deposit Questions

  1. Over $250,000: What if I had more than $250,000 in my accounts at Michigan Heritage Bank?
  2. Account Hold: I have been advised there is a hold on my account. What does that mean?
  3. ATM/Debit Card/Checks: Can I continue to write checks or use my ATM/Debit card?
  4. Automatic Payments/Online Bill Pay: Will my automatic Bill Pay payments continue?
  5. Brokered Deposits/Deposit Broker: I am a deposit broker or I have brokered deposits. What do I need to do?
  6. Checks not honored: A merchant will not honor my check. What can I do?
  7. Claim Account(s): How do I claim my account(s)?
  8. Customer Impact: How does this action affect me?
  9. Deposits Existing at Level One Bank: I already have other deposit accounts with the new bank. When combined with balances at this bank, my deposits exceed $250,000. Are all funds insured?
  10. Direct Deposits, Social Security: What will happen to my direct deposits?
  11. Early withdrawal penalty: Will I incur an early withdrawal penalty if I close my CD before maturity?
  12. Final Statement: When will I get my final account statement(s) from Michigan Heritage Bank?
  13. Interest: Will I continue to earn interest at the same rate?
  14. Interest Checks/Cashier's Checks: Can I cash my interest check or cashier's check?
  15. Internet Connection: Will my Internet connection to Michigan Heritage Bank work?
  16. IRAs: What if I have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Will my savings still be insured?
  17. Lose Any Money?: Will I lose anything on my deposit account?
  18. Outstanding Checks: What will happen to the checks which have not cleared my account?
  19. Records/Account Histories: What if I need information regarding my account during the time Michigan Heritage Bank was in business?
  20. Tax Reporting - 1098/1099s: Who will send my 1098 and/or 1099 information after the end of the year?
  21. Uninsured: Will I collect my uninsured deposits?
  22. Wire Transfer: Can funds be wired to me?


Loan Questions
:

  1. Automatic Payments: Will my automatic payment still occur on its assigned date?
  2. Construction Loan Draws: Will draws continue and will my project be completed?
  3. Construction Loan Voucher Control: Will my subcontractors be paid as before?
  4. Escrows: Who is my lender and has my loan contact changed?
  5. Fees: Are there any changes to fees or charges due to this event?
  6. Foreclosures: Will the FDIC continue foreclosures in process?
  7. Lender and contact names: Who is my lender and has my loan contact changed?
  8. Loan Sales: Will my loan be sold?
  9. Line of Credit Advances - Home Equity: Can I continue to obtain advances on my line of credit?
  10. Loan in Process: I have a loan currently in process. How is my loan impacted?
  11. Loan Sweeps: Will my loan sweep be discontinued?
  12. Overdraft Line of Credit: Will my overdraft line of credit continue to cover my overdrafts?
  13. Payments: How/where do I make my payments?
  14. Pre-payment Penalty: If I refinance, will my pre-payment penalty be waived?
  15. SBA Application in Process: What will happen to my SBA loan application in process?
  16. What Happens Now: What will happen to my loan?


General Questions
:

  1. All-Deposit Transfer versus Insured Deposit Transfer: Why do all deposits, insured and uninsured, pass in some transactions but not in others?
  2. FDIC Insurance: Where can I find out more information about FDIC Insurance rules?
  3. Media: I represent a TV/Newspaper/Radio and would like some information.
  4. New Bank Insured: Is the new bank insured by the FDIC?
  5. Safe Deposit Boxes: How can I claim the contents of my safe deposit box?
  6. Shareholders: I am a Shareholder. What happens to my shares?
  7. Unpaid Bill: I did some work for Michigan Heritage Bank and have not yet been paid.

DEPOSIT QUESTIONS

1. Over $250,000: What if I have more than $250,000 in my accounts at Michigan Heritage Bank?

As an All-Deposit Transfer transaction, the total of all deposit accounts, whether within FDIC insurance limits or not, have been assumed by Level One Bank and will be available for business as usual. All former Michigan Heritage Bank offices will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, April 27th as branches of Level One Bank.


Back to top

2. Account Hold: I have been advised there is a hold on my account. What does that mean?

It is possible a depositor’s account was held due to delinquent loans where the depositor is the borrower or guarantor. Additionally, any account pledged as collateral for a loan will continue to be held. A letter will be sent informing you of any holds placed by the FDIC, along with instructions on how to proceed. If you have any questions regarding these holds, please call your loan officer or the FDIC at the number provided in the letter.


Back to top

3. ATM/Debit Card/Checks: Can I continue to write checks or use my ATM/Debit card?

You will be able to continue using your personal checks at this time, and your ATM/Debit card will continue to work. The ATM machine will be unavailable for a short period of time on Friday for processing; however, it will be operational shortly after that is accomplished and will be available as usual.


Back to top

4. Automatic Payments/Online Billpay: Will my automatic payments through Billpay continue?

Billpay will be unavailable over the weekend; however, it will be available on Monday morning, April 27th.


Back to top

5. Brokered Deposits/Deposit Broker: I am a deposit broker or I have brokered deposits. What do I need to do?

All deposits comprised of principal and interest through the date of the bank failure, EXCLUDING deposits in the name of CEDE & CO, will be funded by the FDIC and transferred to the assuming bank. Funds representing principal and interest through the date of the bank failure for the CEDE & CO brokered CDs will be paid directly by the FDIC. DTC Participant holders will not need to submit paperwork to claim funds. For additional recorded guidance relative to broker processing you may call 1-877-872-1685.


Back to top

6. Checks not honored: A merchant will not honor my check. What can I do?

A copy of this document or the press release (www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2009/pr09058.html) can be provided as both documents state all deposits have been transferred to Level One Bank, and it is business as usual. Copies of this press release will be available at the former Michigan Heritage Bank branches. Depositors or merchants can also call the FDIC at 1-866-954-9526 or the former Michigan Heritage Bank branches.


Back to top

7. Claim Account(s): How do I claim my account(s)?

Your account(s) has already been transferred to Level One Bank, and your account(s) will be handled as usual. Any withdrawal, renewal or additional deposits will "claim" your account. Please be advised that if there is no activity in your account in the next 18 months, that money will be turned over to your state as unclaimed property. Unclaimed property can be located by visiting www.missingmoney.com or contacting your state treasurer's office or office of unclaimed property.


Back to top

8. Customer Impact: How does this failure affect me?

All deposits (both insured and uninsured) of Michigan Heritage Bank have been transferred to Level One Bank, and it will be business as usual. If you held an account at Michigan Heritage Bank, you now have an account at Level One Bank that is available to you at your former Michigan Heritage Bank branches during regular business hours.

If you had a loan with Michigan Heritage Bank, please continue to make your payments to the same address as you have in the past until you are instructed otherwise. Continue to make your checks payable to Michigan Heritage Bank.

The former Michigan Heritage Bank locations will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, April 27th. You will have continued access to your money through your ATM/debit card and by writing checks.

Customers of both banks should continue to use their existing branches until such time as Level One Bank can fully integrate the records of Michigan Heritage Bank.


Back to top

9. Deposits Existing at Level One Bank: I already have other deposit accounts with the new bank. When combined with balances at this bank, my deposits exceed $250,000. Are all funds insured?

The transferred accounts will be separately insured for at least six months after the merger. This grace period gives a depositor the opportunity to restructure his or her accounts, if necessary.

CDs from the assumed bank are separately insured until the earliest maturity date after the end of the six-month grace period. CDs that mature during the six-month period and are renewed for the same term and in the same dollar amount (either with or without accrued interest) continue to be separately insured until the first maturity date after the six-month period. If a CD matures during the six-month grace period and is renewed on any other basis, it would be separately insured only until the end of the six-month grace period.


Back to top

10. Direct Deposits, Social Security: What will happen to my direct deposits?

Direct Deposits will continue as normal, including Social Security checks. If you need to change anything in the future, please contact or visit your former Michigan Heritage Bank branch location to make those arrangements.


Back to top

11. Early withdrawal penalty: Will I incur an early withdrawal penalty if I close my CD before maturity?

No. You may withdraw funds from any transferred account without an early withdrawal penalty until you enter into a new deposit agreement with your new bank. Entering into a new deposit agreement can be done by either renewing your CD or making a deposit to, or a withdrawal from, your account.


Back to top

12. Final Statement: How will I get my final account statement(s) from Michigan Heritage Bank?

You will receive your account statements at the same time you have received them in the past.


Back to top

13. Interest: Will I continue to earn interest at the same rate?

All interest on insured deposits accrued through Friday, April 24, 2009, will be paid at your same rate. Level One Bank will be reviewing rates and will provide further information soon.

If you deposited funds through a broker, the interest will accrue and be paid through Friday, April 24, 2009.


Back to top

14. Interest Checks/Cashier's Checks: Can I cash my interest check or cashier's check?

Interest checks and cashier's checks will continue to clear.


Back to top

15. Internet Connection: Will my Internet connection to Michigan Heritage Bank work?

Retail banking and telebanking will be in inquiry only mode; commercial ebanking and bill pay will be temporarily suspended over the weekend and customers will not be able to access the login page. Services will be restored on Monday, April 27th.


Back to top

16. IRAs: What if I have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Will my savings still be insured?

All deposits, including IRAs have been transferred in their entirety to Level One Bank. IRA funds are insured separately from other types of accounts up to $250,000.

If you close your IRA before maturity, you have 60 days to roll this over into another retirement vehicle. You should consult IRS Publication 590 and/or your tax advisor concerning the possible tax consequences of such distribution. IRS Publication 590 may be obtained by contacting your local IRS office or via the Internet at www.irs.gov.


Back to top

17. Lose Any Money: Will I lose anything on my deposit account?

No. All accounts have been transferred in their entirety to Level One Bank and will be available starting on Monday, April 27th.


Back to top

18. Outstanding Checks: What will happen to the checks which have not cleared my account?

Checks drawn on Michigan Heritage Bank that did not clear before Friday, April 24, 2009, will be honored up to your available balance.


Back to top

19. Records/Account Histories: What if I need information regarding my account during the time Michigan Heritage Bank was in business?

Please contact a representative of your new bank at your former Michigan Heritage Bank branch location to obtain a copy of any records you may need or visit your branch.


Back to top

20. Tax Reporting - 1098/1099s: Who will send my 1098 and/or 1099 information after the end of the year?

Level One Bank will be responsible for mailing your 1099 tax information. Your 1098 reporting will be done by the FDIC or the servicer of your loan. You will be notified of any changes in ownership or servicing of your loan.


Back to top

21. Uninsured: Will I collect my uninsured deposits?

All deposits have been transferred in their entirety to Level One Bank; therefore, there are no uninsured deposits.


Back to top

22. Wire Transfer: Can funds be wired to me?

Please contact your former Michigan Heritage Bank branch location to obtain information regarding your wire request.


Back to top

LOAN QUESTIONS

23. Automatic Payments: Will my automatic payment still occur on its assigned date?

You should experience no disruption in this service. We encourage you to check your bank account the day after your scheduled draft to verify the transaction. If the transaction did not occur, please notify your loan officer and we will research your loan.


Back to top

24. Construction Loan Draws: Will construction draws continue? Will my project be completed?

Each loan is being reviewed independently, and you should direct your questions to your loan officer. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis.


Back to top

25. Construction Loan Voucher Control: Will my subcontractors be paid as before?

Each loan is being reviewed independently and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. You should direct your questions to your loan officer.


Back to top

26. Escrows: Will you continue to pay my escrows?

All services previously performed related to your loan will continue. Should you receive notification that any portion of your taxes or insurance were not paid, please notify your loan officer immediately.


Back to top

27. Fees: Are there any changes to fees or charges due to this event?

No. The current fee structure will remain the same.


Back to top

28. Foreclosures: Will the FDIC continue foreclosures in process?

At this point, we have suspended all foreclosure actions in order to properly evaluate the loans and the borrower's ability to repay. It is our intention to sell all loans, and it will be up to the new owner to determine the best method of collection on the loan. There may be instances where will continue with the foreclosure process, but this will be done on a case-by-case basis.


Back to top

29. Lender and contact names: Who is my lender and has my loan contact changed?

Your loan is currently owned by the FDIC and is being serviced by all of the same personnel with whom you have worked in the past. All prior contacts remain the same.


Back to top

30. Loan Sales: Will my loan be sold?

Your loan may be sold at a future undetermined date. If that occurs, you will be notified in advance through written correspondence. If you are concerned about whom your future lender or servicer will be, you have the right to independently refinance your loan with another lender.


Back to top

31. Line of Credit Advances – Home Equity: Can I continue to perform advances on my line of credit?

All lines of credit, including Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), have been suspended at this time and have been retained by the FDIC. You may wish to contact Level One Bank at 1-888-880-8610 to discuss establishing a borrowing relationship.


Back to top

32. Loan in Process: I have a loan currently in process. How is my loan impacted?

Please contact your loan officer directly.


Back to top

33. Loan Sweeps: Will my loan sweep be discontinued?

This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your loan officer.


Back to top

34. Overdraft Line of Credit: Will my overdraft line of credit continue to cover my overdrafts?

Yes. These lines have been transferred to Level One Bank. Please contact the new bank if you have additional questions regarding your accounts.


Back to top

35. Payments: How and where do I make my payments?

You should continue to make your payments as agreed. Make checks payable to Michigan Heritage Bank and utilize the same payment address information. You may continue to make your payments at the branch or by phone via check or credit card.


Back to top

36. Pre-payment Penalty: If I refinance with another lender, will my pre-payment penalty be waived?

Any pre-payment penalty will be waived as long as FDIC as Receiver for Michigan Heritage Bank has control of the asset, and the borrower obtains refinancing of the outstanding balance on the account with another financial institution.


Back to top

37. SBA Application in Process: What will happen to my SBA loan application in process?

The FDIC as Receiver for Michigan Heritage Bank will not be originating any new loans.

If your loan has been approved by the SBA, but is not yet funded, please contact your loan officer. He will direct you to the proper SBA contact to help you locate another approved lender.

If your loan is in process, but is not yet approved by the SBA, we will release your SBA package on file with us to you, and you will need to apply with another SBA-approved lender. Please contact your loan officer to make arrangements to retrieve your application from the bank.


Back to top

38. What Happens Now: What will happen to my loan?

Each loan is currently being reviewed independently to determine the best action for that individual loan. If you are concerned about whom your future lender or servicer may be, you have the right to independently refinance your loan with another lender.


Back to top

GENERAL QUESTIONS

39. All-Deposit Transfer versus Insured Deposit Transfer: Why do all deposits, insured and uninsured, pass is some transactions but not in others?

The FDIC is required by law to employ the least-cost resolution measure for each failed financial institution. The most frequent result is for the FDIC to transfer only the insured deposits in a merger transaction. The FDIC is only able to transfer all deposits if the uninsured amounts are covered by the premium. The FDIC has been able to transfer all deposits in about 25% of the failures over the past 15 years.


Back to top

40. FDIC Insurance: How can I find out more about Federal Deposit Insurance rules?

You may access our website, which contains deposit insurance information and an Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE):

Deposit Insurance (www.fdic.gov/deposit/index.html)
Are my deposits insured? (www.fdic.gov/deposit/deposits/index.html)
EDIE (www.myfdicinsurance.gov)

You may also order any FDIC publication:

FDIC Public Information Center
3501 North Fairfax Drive
Room E-1002
Arlington, VA 22226

703-562-2200 Phone
703-562-2296 Fax
publicinfo@fdic.gov


Back to top

41. Media: I represent a TV/Newspaper/Radio and would like some information.

Please contact the Office of Public Affairs:

David Barr
202-898-6992
dbarr@fdic.gov


Back to top

42. New Bank Insured: Is the new bank insured by the FDIC?

Yes. Your deposit at Level One Bank is insured by the FDIC, and each depositor is insured to at least $250,000, as established by law.


Back to top

43. Safe Deposit Boxes: How can I claim the contents of my safe deposit box?

It is business as usual. You may go to your branch and access your safe deposit box or make appointments by calling your former Michigan Heritage Bank branch location.


Back to top

44. Shareholders: I am a shareholder. What happens to my shares?

The Michigan Heritage Bank had no publicly owned stock. Equity shareholders were invested in the holding company, Michigan Heritage Bancorp Inc. Farmington Hills, Michigan and not in the bank. Please do not file a claim with the Receiver, rather contact the holding company with any questions you may have:

Michigan Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
28300 Orchard Lake, Suite 200
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334


Back to top

45. Unpaid Bill: I did some work for Michigan Heritage Bank and have not yet been paid. What should I do?

Please send your bills to the following address:

FDIC as Receiver for Michigan Heritage Bank
1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, TX 75201


Back to top


SCAMS: Be watchful for and resistant to any scams to obtain information from you by individuals or entities stating that they are acting on behalf of either the failed bank, new bank, or the FDIC. Should you be contacted by anyone requesting personal information from you related to this event, please contact the call center above and you will be directed to the appropriate person.

For more information: www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/michiganheritage.html