Frequently Asked Questions

  • Privacy
    • Question

      What kind of information does Sandy Spring collect?
      Answer

      The kind of information we collect depends upon the products and services you request. For example, when you apply for a loan with us, we need information about your financial status – such as your place of employment, income, monthly expenses and personal assets and debts outstanding – to process your loan application. In addition, in order to make your banking as convenient and efficient as possible, we maintain information about your transactions with us, your account balance, and repayment history. Our collection and use of information is consistent with the Voluntary Guidelines for Responsible Use and Protection of Customer Information developed by the American Bankers Association.

    • Question

      Who at Sandy Spring has access to my information?
      Answer

      We have strict internal policies against unauthorized use or disclosure of your information. Our employees have an appropriate level of access to your personal information in order to conduct your financial affairs. We emphasize the importance of confidentiality through our code of conduct, employee training, operating procedures and privacy policy.

    • Question

      Why does Sandy Spring need my information?
      Answer

      We are required by laws and regulations to gather certain information. For example, we are required by federal regulation to obtain a tax identification number (generally a social security number) for many of our accounts, including all savings, checking and/or investment accounts that pay interest.

    • Question

      Are there any regulations on disclosure of account information?
      Answer

      Yes. Under current law, we are allowed to share certain information such as your name, address, and information about your accounts – among our family of companies. In some cases, such as fraud investigation or in response to a validly issued search warrant or subpoena, we may be required by law to provide certain information to law enforcement agencies. There are also laws and regulations that affect the sharing of information with firms outside our family of companies such as check printers, data processors and marketing firms.

    • Question

      Why does Sandy Spring share information within its family of companies?
      Answer

      Our goal is to make your financial dealings with us more efficient and easier for you to manage. In addition, information sharing allows us to keep you informed about new products and services, often provided at special rates because you have other account relationships with us. It also helps us to prevent fraud.

    • Question

      Will my medical records be shared within your family of companies?
      Answer

      No. We recognize that, when clients provide medical information for a specific purpose, they do not wish it to be used for any other purpose other than to provide the product or service they have requested. If a client provides personal medical information, we will use it only for the purpose for which it is intended and will not disclose it unless you direct us, in writing, to do so.

    • Question

      Can I prevent my information from being shared with other companies in your family of companies?
      Answer

      Yes. You can choose to opt out of affiliate information sharing, except for information about your specific transactions and experience.

    • Question

      Why does Sandy Spring share information with outside companies?
      Answer

      We use third parties to help us process your financial transactions and to provide you with a full range of financial products and services. For example, we use third parties to print your checks, to process your account transactions, to help us market our products and services, and to mail account statements. This means more efficient services and helps keep your costs as low as possible. In addition, when you open an account or apply for a loan, or line of credit, we use various credit bureaus as part of the process for approving your application.

      We may retain vendors to help us to better understand our customers’ needs and to optimize our customers’ online experience. Our vendors may use cookies and other technologies to collect data about our customers and their online experience. Our vendors are contractually forbidden to sell or share any of the data collected on our behalf.

    • Question

      Will the third parties keep my information confidential?
      Answer

      We will not share your information with any company that does not agree to keep your information confidential. We carefully select the third-party companies we work with and any information that is shared is always subject to a strict confidentiality agreement. Moreover, there are restrictions on the reuse and redisclosure of customer information received by third parties from financial institutions under federal law.

    • Question

      How do I remove my name from Sandy Spring affiliates' marketing lists?
      Answer

      To remove your name from our lists, please:

      In order to ensure that we accurately reflect your request, please provide your full name, street address, and social security number. Please note that we will continue to send you marketing material and promotional materials in your statements.

      Go to the Sandy Spring Privacy Notice.