4.00%*annual percentage yield
American Dream Savings Account

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

What is EmigrantDirect and who is Emigrant Bank?

Is EmigrantDirect FDIC insured?

How do I open an American Dream Savings Account?

How do I open a "My Way" Certificate of Deposit?

How do I know when my account is open?

Can I fund my account with a check?

Can I open an account with a beneficiary?

How do I access my money?

What are the system requirements?

What is 2-Step Verification?

How do I disable 2-Step Verification?

Can I opt-out of 2-Step Verification?

How do I request this One-Time Passcode?

My phone number and/or email address are not up-to-date. How do I update this information so I can log into my account?

How do I make deposits into EmigrantDirect?

How do I set up regularly scheduled transfers into my American Dream Savings Account?

When are deposits available for withdrawal?

How long does it take for money I withdraw from my American Dream Savings Account to appear in my linked account?

How do you calculate interest?

How often will I receive a statement?

Can I have more than one checking account linked to my American Dream Savings Account?

How can I add a joint depositor to my individual account?

How can a beneficiary be added to an account?

How can I change or remove a beneficiary on an account?

How do I set up direct deposit?

Can I add money to my CD once it has been opened?

Can I withdraw interest from my CD?

Is there a penalty for early withdrawal?

Will I get notified when my CD is about to mature?

Is there a grace period upon maturity?

Can I Purchase Any Additional Precious Metals?

Are precious metals FDIC insured?

Can I lose money on my stored precious metals holdings?

What does "fineness" or "purity" mean?

How can I be sure of the purity of any stored precious metals?

What are some factors to consider when selling Precious Metals?

Can I sell stored precious metals through EmigrantDirect?

How is the pricing of selling precious metals determined?

When can I sell or ship precious metals?

Can I place my sell or ship order over the telephone?

Do you charge sales tax?

Can I cancel my sell or ship order?

If I elect to ship my stored precious metals, how long will it take?

How much does it cost for delivery of my precious metals?

What happens if the precious metals shipment is lost, stolen or otherwise compromised during shipment? Does shipping cost include insurance?

How are large orders shipped?

Can I ship stored precious metals through EmigrantDirect?

Why can't I ship to a different address?

What is the cost of storage?

What happens to my stored precious metals if I close my American Dream Savings Account ?

Are the contents of the vault secure and insured?

When will I receive the funds from my sale of precious metals?

Will I receive monthly statements?

Is this an IRS reportable transaction? Do I have to pay capital gains taxes on sales of precious metals?

What is EmigrantDirect and who is Emigrant Bank?

EmigrantDirectis an online banking division of Emigrant Bank. It is for consumer accounts only. The Bank was founded by Irish emigrants as a mutual savings bank in 1850. By the 1920's it had grown to become the largest savings bank in the nation.

As a traditional savings bank, Emigrant Bank, through its mortgage banking subsidiary, Emigrant Mortgage Company, is licensed to originate home loans and has provided 16,700 home loans. Emigrant Bank's wealth management division, New York Private Bank & Trust, has its own deposit products starting at $2,000,000. Emigrant Bank is regulated by both State and Federal regulators. All deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the legal limit.

Is EmigrantDirect FDIC insured?

Yes, to the maximum allowed by law.

Since each of EmigrantDirect, DollarSavingsDirect and MySavingsDirect is an online banking division of Emigrant Bank, any deposits you have at Emigrant Bank, EmigrantDirect, DollarSavingsDirect or MySavingsDirect are aggregated and FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor. Keep in mind that individual and joint accounts are insured separately, so if you have both types of accounts with us, your total deposits can be insured up to $500,000; that's up to $250,000 in all of your individual accounts, and up to an additional $250,000 in all of your joint accounts.

Plus, you may even be able to extend your FDIC insurance coverage at EmigrantDirect if you establish deposit accounts in different ownership categories. View our handy chart to learn more. For general information about the FDIC, visit their Web site, www.fdic.gov.

How do I open an American Dream Savings Account ?

Opening an American Dream Savings Account is quick, easy and convenient. Just click on the Open Now button on our home page. The only requirements are that you are at least 18 years old, have a valid tax identification number, a legal address and a personal checking account in a US bank. If you still have questions, please call Customer Service at 800-836-1997.

How do I open a "My Way"  Certificate of Deposit?

It's easy. If you have an American Dream Savings Account, simply log on and click on the Open Account tab. If you do not have an American Dream Savings Account, click on the Open Now button on our home page and complete an online application. Once your account is opened, you can log on and open your CD through the Open Account function.

How do I know when my account is open?

After you submit your online application, you will see a confirmation page with instructions on the status of your account. If your application is approved, you will be able to log on and see your account information immediately. If we need to take some additional steps to complete the application process, we will contact you in 2 to 3 business days with our decision.

Can I fund my account with a check?

Absolutely. There is an option available in the online application process to make your initial deposit by mailing in a check. If you select this option, the site will give you instructions as to where to mail the check and how it should be written. Please note: The check must be from the same bank account you established as your linked funding account on the online application. EmigrantDirect will only accept checks for your initial deposit. Your external checking account will be linked to your EmigrantDirect account and you will process future transfers (deposits and withdrawals) electronically.

Can I open an account with a beneficiary?

Yes. Accounts, either individual or joint, with a single beneficiary can be opened using the online application. You will need the address, social security number and the phone number of the beneficiary to complete the application.

How do I access my money?

The personal checking account that you use to make your initial deposit becomes your linked (or "External Funding") account. You can log on to our site to access your account information and transfer funds electronically between your American Dream Savings Account and your linked account. Transfers are made via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) and usually take 2 to 4 business days. You can access your account information at https://www.emigrantdirect.com/securebanking anytime, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.

What are the system requirements?

We recommend that you keep your device (computer, laptop, tablet, cell phone, etc.) updated with the latest vendor security and browser updates. If you are using older versions of an operating system you should check the manufacture's (i.e. Microsoft, Apple) websites to confirm if the version you are running is still supported by the vendor.

The systems requirements will continue to change to be in accordance with vendor (Microsoft and Apple) supported products. Changes such as these are meant to provide continuous safeguards to our clients and internal systems.

EmigrantDirect will periodically update the supported versions.

These operating systems and/or browser versions are no longer supported by EmigrantDirect:

Internet Explorer earlier than version 11.
Internet Explorer 11 & Windows 7.
Internet Explorer 11 & Windows 8.1.
Internet Explorer 11 & Windows Phone 8.1R.
Internet Explorer 11 & Windows Phone 8.1Update.

Safari versions earlier than 6.
Safari 6 & iOS 6.0.1.
Safari 7 & iOS 7.1.
Safari 7 & iOS X 10.
Safari 8 & iOS 8.4.
Safari 8 & iOS X 10.10.

What is 2-Step Verification?

2-Step Verification is a procedure that provides an additional layer of security to your account(s).

In addition to entering the User ID and Password, you will be prompted for a 6 digit One-Time Passcode that will be sent via text message, email, or voice call.

How do I disable 2-Step Verification?

2-Step Verification is a standard security measure on our website and cannot be disabled.

Can I opt-out of 2-Step Verification?

2-Step Verification is a required part of the login process.

During the login process, you can select to register or not register your device. A registered machine will not be prompted for One-Time Passcode when logging in from that device.

How do I request this One-Time Passcode?

Our 2-Step Verification can be verified by requesting the One-Time Passcode by text message, email, or voice call.

My phone number and/or email address are not up-to-date. How do I update this information so I can log into my account?

In order to update your personal information, please call 800-836-1997, seven days a week, 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM ET to speak with a Customer Service Representative.

How do I make deposits into EmigrantDirect?

Only your initial deposit may be made by check. All other deposits and withdrawals are done online through the external transfer function associated with your secure account information. Deposits and withdrawals pass between your linked funding (checking) account and EmigrantDirect via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) and usually take 2 to 4 business days to process.

How do I set up regularly scheduled transfers into my American Dream Savings Account ?

Once you are logged on, just click on the Transfer tab. You can choose to make a one-time transfer, or schedule a recurring transfer between your savings account and your linked checking account. If you have more than one American Dream Savings Account, you can schedule those as well.

When are deposits available for withdrawal?

For security reasons, initial ACH deposits have a 5 business day hold before they can be withdrawn. Initial deposits by check have a 10 business day hold. Future deposits may also be withdrawn after five business days.

How long does it take for money I withdraw from my EmigrantDirect Account to appear in my linked account?

Funds transferred via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) usually take from 2 to 4 business days, depending upon what time of day you initiated your transfer request. This is true for all external transfers into or out of the American Dream Savings Account.

How do you calculate the interest?

Interest on the American Dream Savings Account is compounded daily and credited monthly. For more details, see our Account Disclosure.

How often will I receive a statement?

You can see all your current transactions and balance information at any time. To view past statements, just click on the Accounts tab and then on the Statements link. You will be able to view and print up to 24 months of statements. All statements are issued monthly.

Can I have more than one checking account linked to my American Dream Savings Account ?

At the present time, no sooner than 60 days after the establishment of your EmigrantDirect savings account, a second external account can be added. As with the initial (first) external funding account, the name on the accounts must be the same as your American Dream Savings Account. We can only accept your personal checking accounts as linked accounts. Add the new funding account information in the Funding section under the Accounts section. Once completed, mail the voided check with your EmigrantDirect account number written in the memo portion of the check and a signed Account Verification Authorization Form to EmigrantDirect, Attn: Account Fulfillment, 13 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562. The Account Verification Authorization Form must accompany the voided check in order for us to process your request. Faxes will not be accepted. Upon receipt of the voided check and verification authorization form and successful confirmation of account ownership, two small deposits will be transmitted to the new linked account. You will need to verify these amounts as you did for your initial funding account in order for the new link to be activated.

How can I add a joint depositor to my individual account?

Simply log on, go to the Customer Service tab and click on the Title Change link. You will see the option to add a joint depositor or a joint depositor with a beneficiary. For joint accounts on EmigrantDirect, the external linked funding (checking) account must also be a joint account and both names must appear on the check. You will need to send a voided check from the joint checking account, the amendment form and all required documentation to: EmigrantDirect, Attn: Account Fulfillment, 13 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562.

How can a beneficiary be added to an account?

For individual accounts, simply use the beneficiary tab under the account view. This will allow you to add a beneficiary, and you can also update the address of a current beneficiary.

For joint accounts, both depositors will need to sign a form that is available in the Title Change link under the Customer Service tab. You may mail the completed form and any required documentation to EmigrantDirect, Attn: Account Fulfillment, 13 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562.

How can I change or remove a beneficiary on an account?

Simply go to the Title Change link under the Customer Service tab. You may mail the completed form and any required documentation to EmigrantDirect, Attn: Account Fulfillment,13 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562.

How do I set up direct deposit?

You can set up direct deposits into your American Dream Savings Account by providing EmigrantDirect's routing number (our routing number is 226070319) and your EmigrantDirect account number to the company that will be sending the funds to your EmigrantDirect Account.

Can I add money to my CD once it has been opened?

We cannot accept additional deposits to a CD account except at maturity.

Can I withdraw interest from my CD?

Credited interest can be transferred, without penalty to your American Dream Savings Account. For such a request please contact our Customer Service Department.

Is there a penalty for early withdrawal?

A penalty will be imposed if you make a withdrawal of principal prior to the maturity date. Please refer to the Account Disclosure for more details.

Will I get notified when my CD is about to mature?

Yes. A notice that your CD Account is maturing will be sent to you no less than 14 days prior to maturity. You will be provided with instructions that enable you to renew your account for a different term, make an additional deposit, a partial withdrawal or close the CD.

Is there a grace period upon maturity?

The entire balance in your CD Account will automatically renew at maturity. You have a 10 calendar day grace period from the date your CD Account automatically renews, in which you can close your CD Account without being assessed a penalty. If you choose to close your CD Account, no interest will be earned during this grace period.

Can I Purchase Any Additional Precious Metals?

We no longer offer new purchases of Precious Metals. Customers with existing Precious Metals holdings can either continue to store their holdings in our secured Brinks vault, sell their holdings, or ship their holdings to their address of record.

Are precious metals FDIC insured?

Precious metals are not FDIC insured. Precious metals are not a credit or deposit account. Any stored holdings will not earn interest and are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency.

Can I lose money on my stored precious metals holdings?

Precious metals may lose value. Precious metals markets are volatile and unpredictable. This means that the value of precious metals may fluctuate widely and that your stored holdings could lose significant value. You should carefully consider the suitability of storing, selling, or shipping precious metals before making any decisions. EmigrantDirect does not provide legal, tax, or investment advice or opinions regarding precious metals products. You should consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor.

What does "fineness" or "purity" mean?

The purity of a precious metal is measured in 1,000 parts. For instance, a gold bar of .995 fineness contains 995 parts gold and 5 parts of another metal. The American Gold Eagle is .9167 fine which means it is 91.67% gold.

How can I be sure of the purity of any stored precious metals?

Client orders to purchase bullion bars and coins were executed through the industry's largest bullion dealers. Additionally, the bullion coins we offered were provided by the United States Mint. Founded in 1792, the United States Mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury. The official mint of the U.S. government, it makes the Nation's circulating legal-tender coinage, and it is regarded worldwide for its meticulous craftsmanship. American Eagle Bullion Coins are one of the United States' only official investment-grade gold bullion coins. Their weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. government. American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins are welcome in major investment markets worldwide.

What are some factors to consider when selling Precious Metals?

The sell price fluctuates with the market and other factors and does not reflect transaction and other costs charged when selling through Precious Metals Direct.

Can I sell stored precious metals through EmigrantDirect?

Yes, you can sell any Precious Metals holdings that are stored in our secure Brinks vault. Proceeds of sales of precious metals will be deposited to your American Dream Savings Account.

How is the pricing of selling precious metals determined?

When you place an order, we communicate electronically with our supplier network to get real-time pricing for the metal, quantity and selection you have chosen. The offers we receive from these dealers are compared against each other to provide you with the best sell price available at that time. Your sell price is determined upon execution of your order, which typically happens shortly after you place your order so it is common for your transaction price and final confirmed price to differ slightly due to market fluctuation from the time your order is placed and the time it is filled.

When can I sell or ship precious metals?

You may sell or ship your stored precious metals, Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET. Specific to your ability to affect precious metals transactions only, we observe holidays as per the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Visit https://www.nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars for more information.

Can I place my sell or ship order over the telephone?

No. For your security, you must login to your active American Dream Savings Account to place your order.

Do you charge sales tax?

State and local sales taxes are applied to the purchase of precious metals delivered to New Jersey and Ohio as there are no sales tax exemptions for precious metals purchases in those states. However, sales tax is applied only to delivery of precious metals in New Jersey and Ohio. If you choose to store your purchase at our secure Brinks facility, your purchase will not be subject to state and local sales tax. A number of other states assess sales tax on certain purchases however; our system will impose a minimum purchase amount for transactions by customers residing in those states. We strongly advise that you consult your tax professional to better understand your specific tax situation.

Can I cancel my sell or ship order?

No. Transactions are final and cannot be canceled.

If I elect to ship my stored precious metals, how long will it take?

A signature is required at time of delivery. Please allow up to 7 to 10 business days from the settlement date to receive your order. You will receive tracking information once your order ships.

How much does it cost for delivery of my precious metals?

Shipping costs vary depending upon the value and weight of the requested delivery, delivery method and destination. Delivery costs are stated during your transaction.

What happens if the precious metals shipment is lost, stolen or otherwise compromised during shipment? Does shipping cost include insurance?

All shipments are insured for their full transactional value (shipping and insurance is included in the price). Please contact Customer Service immediately if your shipment is damaged or does not arrive.

How are large orders shipped?

Special arrangements may be made for armored delivery for large or high-value shipments. Please contact customer service to inquire about custom delivery options

Can I ship stored precious metals through EmigrantDirect?

Yes. You may request that any or all of your stored holdings be shipped to you at any time. You will be responsible for all shipping costs and must have sufficient funds in your American Dream Savings Account at the time of delivery request.

Why can't I ship to a different address?

For your security, we deliver only to the address of record on your account. Your address of record is thoroughly verified and cross-referenced at the time your American Dream Savings Account is opened and anytime you make a change to your profile address. The security of your holdings is something we take very seriously, so when delivery is requested to an address that has been recently changed in your profile, additional security measures must be taken. Precious metals purchases must be stored in our secure Brinks facility until such time that we can verify your change of address. This could take up to 90 days and you will be required to pay storage fees during that time. Contact Customer Service for further details.

What is the cost of storage?

Storage fees are calculated daily based on the value of your holdings. Storage fees are billed monthly and will be automatically deducted from your American Dream Savings Account. Currently, storage fees are calculated at .80% (of the daily value of your holdings) per annum. If you do not have sufficient funds to pay your monthly storage fees, you will be notified. If you do not have sufficient funds to satisfy storage fees, you will not be able to take delivery of your stored precious metals at any time until such fees are paid in full. If you fail to pay your storage fees in a timely matter then we retain the right to sell a portion or all of your holdings in order to satisfy storage fees in arrears.

What happens to my stored precious metals if I close my American Dream Savings Account?

You may sell or take delivery of your vaulted precious metals prior to closing your American Dream Savings Account or contact Customer Service for alternate arrangements.

Are the contents of the vault secure and insured?

Our Brinks secure vault is operated by the world's most highly respected security professionals. The vault houses gold for international banks, governments, and others who require absolute security and complete auditability, as we do. It has round-the-clock armed physical security and state-of-the-art electronic protection. Your bullion stored in the vault is insured by Lloyd's of London for 100% full replacement value.

When will I receive the funds from my sale of precious metals?

Funds from the sale of your precious metals will be posted to your account within three business days from the date of sale. Any fees related to the storage of those metals will be deducted from the proceeds of your sale prior to deposit to your American Dream Savings Account.

Will I receive monthly statements?

Your precious metals transactions are available for viewing in the "Order History" section located in the "Precious Metals" tab in your American Dream Savings Account online. Withdrawals and deposits related to precious metals transactions will appear on your American Dream Savings Account monthly statement as do all deposits and withdrawals made during the statement period. Invoices are issued monthly for storage fees and are also available in the "Precious Metals" tab under the "Vault" section.

Is this an IRS reportable transaction? Do I have to pay capital gains taxes on sales of precious metals?

Please consult with your tax advisor for specific details regarding your personal tax situation.

If you need additional assistance, you can call 800-836-1997, seven days a week, 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM ET, to speak with a Customer Service Representative.