United Bank of Iowa

As I cross paths with many customers and employees, I enjoy hearing the personal stories they share about the benefits of our Smart Choice checking account. One that stands out is a parent who used the Roadside Assistance benefit when their child’s car tire blew out on the highway. Help was dispatched quickly, and their child was safely back on the road—just one of the many reassuring features our Smart Choice Checking account offers.

Another story I hear often is how simple it is to have a damaged cell phone replaced using the Cell Phone Protection benefit. It covers a large portion of the repair or replacement cost, making Smart Choice Checking a good option instead of, or in addition to, traditional phone insurance. These are just a few examples of how our Smart Choice checking account offers practical value. I encourage you to learn more – just stop by and talk to one of our Customer Service Associates in your local UBI office.   

Are you using all the benefits of your UBI debit card? Here’s a quick reminder of these great features:

• Instant Issue: Lost or broken card? Get a new one at your local UBI office within a day or two. 
• Digital Wallet: Add your UBI debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for secure, contactless payments—no physical card needed. It is secure and you never have to worry again about losing your card again.
• Card Controls: Enroll your debit cards in the UBI mobile app. You can block and unblock your card – so handy if you misplace and later find your card or lose your card. You can also use it to manage travel notices and protect against fraud.
• Alerts & Preferences: Set up alerts to track spending, monitor balances and quickly detect any unauthorized use. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in the business world. How fast will this migrate into your life? While AI will become more integrated into our lives over the next five years, I personally still like doing business with a human being. At UBI, we believe personal relationships still matter, especially in your farming or business relationships, where trust and local understanding is important.UBI is positioned to embrace technology at the right time in the right ways, however we will continue to be here, face to face, building and developing new personal relationships. Be sure to read in this issue what our ag customers are saying about their partnerships with UBI ag lenders.

A big shout out to our Pocahontas office, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this October. We’re proud of the strong relationships we’ve built in the Pocahontas community and look forward to many more years of service. I also want to recognize an individual milestone – Marcia Cates recently celebrated 40 years with UBI. We appreciate her dedication, leadership and commitment to the Marketing Department and the communities we serve. 

As a Cubs fan, the final stretch of the season is here and the Cubs are still in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, the crop growing season is nearing its end, and harvest is just around the corner. We want to wish all those who are involved in agriculture a very safe and successful harvest.  

On a personal note, I’m proud to share that my first granddaughter, Ava Jeanne, was born early in August joining her brother at home and bringing joy to the whole family. Everyone told me that grandparenting is special, and I am experiencing it firsthand now.

Thanks for being a valued customer of United Bank of Iowa!