Frequently Asked Questions
What is Magna Bank Text Message Alerts/Banking?
Text messaging alerts are information sent to your cell phone when card transactions occur on your debit card. What activity generates an alert is determined by you and you financial institution.
How much does Magna Bank Text Message Alerts/Banking cost?
There is no bank charge for this service, however, you may be charged by your mobile carrier for any text or data transmitted. Please check with your mobile carrier for more information.
What do I need to be eligible to activate Magna Bank Text Message Alerts/Banking?
You need to have an active Magna Bank debit card in order to register for the service. You also need to have a cell phone capable of accepting text messages. You need to check to see if the plan you have with your carrier covers all text messages or if there is an additional cost for text messages.
What is a short code?
A short code acts like an "address." Once you sign up for the alerts or the downloadable application, texting to this address will connect you with Magna Bank Text Message Alerts/Banking service and allow you to receive your account balance.
The short code for your bank is 42265.
How do I put a short code into my cell phone?
Enter the short code the same way you would enter a friend's phone number. Start with a new message and enter the short code in to "To:" field.
How do I save the short code into my phone?
Save the short code as Magna Bank in your contact list and just grab it out of the contact list when you want to initiate a request.
How do I enter the text "BAL" into my cellphone?
This depends on your phone. If you have a complex cell phone, like a Blackberry, an icon usually takes you to a screen for entering text. With a less complex cell phone, after addressing the message to the short code, enter "BAL" in the blank text box.
Why aren't my balance inquiries working?
Texting for your balance will only work if you don't have a "signature" or icon that automatically adds to outgoing messages. A balance inquiry won't work until you remove the signature. Double check your phone settings for this.
I only swiped my card once, but received notice of multiple transactions. What happened?
Most commonly, the machine where you swiped your card "timed out" and sent a second request, or the clerk who swiped your card did so multiple times by mistake.
I did not give the waiter a 20% tip. Why does the transaction show that I did?
Many restaurants use a software package that automatically adds 20% to the meal for authorization purposes to insure there are enough funds in your account to leave the tip on the card if you choose. The actual amount on your receipt is what you will be charged.
Why is my hotel requesting more than the cost of the actual room that I booked?
Hotels can add an additional 20% to the authorization request to cover possible incidentals you might charge to your room bill, like room service, a restaurant bill, or beverages. The actual amount on your receipt upon checkout is what you will be charged.
Why is the gas station charging me $75 before I've even pumped the gas?
The gas station does not know how much gas you intend to purchase when you first use your card to pay at the pump. They estimate an amount, then make an authorization request for this to ensure that you have that much in your account before they let you pump gas. The actual amount on your receipt is what you will be charged.
I made a purchase online, but the notice didn't come through until hours later. Why?
Many mail order, telephone order and Internet merchants send their authorizations for all the orders they receive periodically during the day. This may occur hours after you made your purchase.
What if I have multiple cards? How can I get set up?
For a balance inquiry, text "BAL" followed by the nickname you assigned the card for which you wish to get a balance. For example, if you have two cards registered with the nicknames of "John's Card" and "Family Card," you could text "BAL John's Card" to get that balance. If you do not know your card nickname, simply text "BAL" to 42265 and the system will respond immediately with a text message listing your available card nicknames.
How do I receive notices on my savings account?
Currently notices can only be sent and set up on your primary transaction / checking account. Savings accounts cannot receive alerts.
What if I have to replace my card?
Cardholder alert preferences for the new alerts will not be lost when a card is reissued or replaced. Your preferences will be copied to the new card.
What happens when I enter "STOP?"
When you text "STOP" to short code 42265, the message will be recognized and all subsequent alert messages will not be delivered. If you want to resume the service, you will need to re-register.
What if I need help?
Text "HELP" to 42265 and you will get a response with a URL or web location that you can use to get your inquiry answered. You can then use your PC or Web-enabled phone to receive more information.
Are there any mobile providers that don't support these Text Message alerts?
Nearly all carriers support these alerts (as of today we haven't identified any carriers that don't support it.) There is an option on some plans where you can turn the text messaging off - this will affect your service.
What will the text messages that I receive look like - can you provide some examples?
"Signature Transaction Alert - A transaction in the amount of $23.45 was performed with your card ending in 4321."
Do I need to respond to any of these alerts? If so what should my response look like. Please provide some examples.
Alerts are informational and are established to help you manage your account. You do not need to respond to them via text message. If you have any questions you can contact us at 1-800-517-3455 option 0,3.
Why should I enroll in this service - what are the benefits to me?
- Convenience (brings banking to you when you are on the go, banking anywhere, anytime, saves you from having to call into the bank)
- Fraud mitigation - stay close to your account
- Immediate response to account activity (avoid overdraft by staying close to account)
- Simple and easy to use, familiar to you!
- Works on most devices and with most carriers (from the simplest phone to the most complex smartphone)
How do I know all of the text messages I'm getting are from Magna Bank and not "junk mail?"
All messages from your institution will come from short code 42265
Are the alerts sent in real time or will there be a delay in receiving them? If so, what is the delay?
Most alerts are sent in real time, but there may be a delay in some cases depending on how the merchant processes their transactions.
If I switch carriers or get a new phone what process do I have to go through? Will I continue to receive the alerts or will there be a break in service?
As long as you keep your phone number there will be no interruption in service.
If I want to opt out of alerts, what process do I need to go through or who do I need to contact?
Opting out of alerts is as simple as sending a "STOP" message to short code 42265.
Disclaimer - Although this mobile functionality is supported by most carriers, the carrier service may affect the timing of receipt of the alerts.