What is Card Controls?
Card Controls is an online banking and mobile banking feature that lets you control how, when, and where your debit card is used. You can turn your debit card on/off, restrict card usage to specific types of merchants and/or transaction types, set spending limits and restrict international card use. You can also set up transaction alerts to stay informed about your debit card activity.1
Who can use Card Controls?
Consumers enrolled in Mechanics Bank online banking and/or mobile banking who have a Mechanics Bank debit card.
How do I start using Card Controls?
- Online banking users can login and go to “My Resources.” Mobile app users can login to the Mechanics Bank mobile app and click "More".
- Select "Card Controls and Alerts" and review and accept the Terms and Conditions. Your debit card will be listed.
- The initial Card Controls and Alerts screen will display your debit card with the On/Off status. Your card will be identified by the last 4 digits of your card number.
- Set up alerts1, set spending limits and turn your card off temporarily if you’ve misplaced your card.


Why don't I see my card when I click on Card Controls and Alerts in online banking or on my app?
There are two reasons why your card may not be displayed.
- The card was opened today. It takes one business day after opening a debit card before it can be viewed in online or mobile banking.
- Your Online/Mobile Banking registration does not match the information on the card. If you share an online banking or mobile banking login with a spouse or partner and you registered using their social security number, the card information does not match your user configuration. You will need your own registered online banking or mobile banking configuration for your card to be displayed. Call 877.265.6324 to set up your card.
I can't find my debit card! How do I turn it off until I locate it?
- Login to online banking, go to My Resources, select Card Controls and Alerts and click the toggle to Off.
- Login to the mobile app, tap on More and Card Controls and Alerts and slide the toggle next to your debit card to Off.
Changes to your card status are immediate. When the card is Off, one-time transactions using your card or card number will be blocked but recurring transactions will still process. After you find your card you can switch the toggle back to On and immediately start using your card again.
Turning off your card is not a replacement for reporting your card lost or stolen. Contact us immediately if you believe that unauthorized transactions have been made. Call 800.797.6324 or 800.472.3272 (after hours). Turning your card off will not stop recurring transactions or the posting of refunds, reversals, or credit adjustments to your account. Any digital card numbers used by digital wallets (e.g. Apple Pay®, Google PayTM, Samsung Pay®) that are linked to the card will also be off.


If I have a joint account and we each have a debit card, do my controls affect their debit card? Can I turn their card on/off?
Card Controls are based on the individual card number issued to each card holder. When you access Card Controls, only the card issued to you will appear and allow you to set controls.
If I only have one card issued to me and I want to remove it, can I add it back in later?
Your card cannot be removed once displayed however, you do not have to enable any alerts, transaction or location type restrictions.
If I have multiple cards, can I choose which ones I'd like enabled?
All consumer debit cards for an individual user will be displayed. You can enable alerts and other controls for each card individually.
What controls can I place on my debit card?
By default, all transactions, merchants, locations and amounts are allowed and all alerts are enabled. To start using Card Controls and to customize your alerts, tap the “Set Declines and Alerts".


With Card Controls you can control your debit card use by:
Transaction Type
You can determine the types of transactions you want to block/allow and if you want to receive alerts for them. Transaction types include:
- In-store
- Online
- Phone/mail order
- ATM
Merchant Type
You can determine the types of transactions you want to block/allow and if you want to receive alerts for them. Transaction types include:
- Department stores
- Entertainment
- Gas Station
- Groceries
- Household
- Personal care
- Restaurants
- Travel
Location Type
You can determine whether to block/allow transactions originated outside the United States and if you want to receive alerts for them. By default, foreign transaction types are allowed and alerts enabled. To block foreign transactions, select the location type and tap the toggle to decline transaction. You can also turn off alerts for foreign transactions by selecting the location type and tap the toggle to turn off alerts.
Spend Limits
You can determine whether to decline transactions over a specific dollar amount and if you want to receive alerts for transactions over a specific dollar amount. By default, these settings are disabled. To decline transactions over a specific dollar amount, select Spend Limits and tap the toggle off to turn on decline. Then enter the dollar amount over which you want transactions to be declined. To only receive alerts for transactions exceeding a specific dollar amount, tap the Alert me toggle and enter the specific dollar amount. Be sure to click the Save button.


I've set up my Alerts but how will the alerts be delivered?
Choose to be notified by one or more of the methods below:
- Push Notifications1
- SMS Text 1,2
- Email1
By default, all delivery options are turned On based upon devices enabled within Online or Mobile Banking. To turn off one or more of the options, tap Alert Delivery Options and tap the toggle off next to the methods you don't want to receive.




I only want to get Alerts for my blocked transactions. Can I do that?
Yes. You can tap Set Declines and Alerts to change your preferences so you only receive alerts for Preferred Transactions or Blocked Transactions. By default, alerts for All Transactions are enabled.
To help protect your account, we will always send an alert if you are blocking transactions and one is attempted. If you receive an alert on transactions that you did not authorize, please contact us immediately at 800.797.6324.


I tried to use my debit card and it was denied. Can you tell me why?
You may have Card Controls enabled on your card. Please check your Card Control preferences or call us at 800.797.6324.
1. The actual time between a transaction made with your card that triggers a Transaction Alert and the time you receive the alert is dependent on your wireless carrier’s service and coverage within the area in which you are physically located at that time.
2. Mechanics Bank does not charge you a fee for using this service. However, charges from your wireless carrier may apply depending on your service plan.