Simply Better Together
Welcome to First!
As we move forward together, reference this page for timely updates and key information throughout the transition; so you always know what to expect and what comes next.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick overview of what will be different as your accounts transition to First Financial.
Key Transition Dates
All times are listed in Central Time.
Services Pausing
Friday, April 24
2pm
Telephone banking will become unavailable.
3pm
CedarStone online banking, mobile banking and bill pay will become unavailable. Any payments scheduled before 3 PM will still be processed.
3pm
Banking centers will close.
Planning Ahead
You may continue using your CedarStone debit card through the weekend. Please note that withdrawal and transaction limits may be temporarily adjusted. If you anticipate needing additional cash, we encourage you to plan ahead.
Limited Access
Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26
ATMs will remain available.
Telephone banking, online banking, mobile banking and bill pay will not be available during this time.
Availability Updates
Monday, April 27
5am
Telephone banking (First Customer Account Line) will be available. Please refer to page 12 of your Welcome Guide for first-time call instructions.
7am
You may begin using your new First Financial debit card. Your CedarStone debit card will no longer work at this time.
8am
First Financial Digital Banking and Bill Pay will be available. Banking centers will reopen with normal business hours.
9am
ATMs will transition and may be unavailable throughout the day.
Action for Bill Pay Users
When you login to First Digital Banking on or after April 27, confirm the delivery method for any scheduled and any newly initiated bill payments. Some payees that previously received electronic payments may convert as check payments after the transition. If a payee that used to receive electronic payments now shows as check payment, delete and re-add the biller using current payee information.
Tip: Icons in the platform will show you whether a payment is sent electronically or by check. Hover over the icon to confirm details.
Download the First Mobile App
Bank from your phone—anytime, anywhere.
With the First Mobile App, you’ll have your accounts, tools and financial peace-of-mind all in the palm of your hand. Whether you're checking balances at a glance or moving money in seconds, the app makes it seamless.
CLient communications
Stay Informed Every Step of the Way
We understand that important details can get misplaced. That’s why we’ve made it easy to access every communication related to the CedarStone transition—so you always have clear answers when you need them.
CONTINUITY YOU CAN COUNT ON
Key Things to Know
What This Means for You
As CedarStone joins First Financial Bank, you’ll benefit from expanded resources, enhanced capabilities, and the same commitment to community-focused service.
Strength & Stability
As part of a Top 50 U.S. bank, you benefit from greater scale and long-term financial strength.
Expanded Reach
Access a broader footprint and expanded product offerings.
Enhanced Digital Platforms
Continued investment in technology provides improved tools and convenience.
Commitment to Community & Culture
We remain focused on relationship-driven banking and supporting the communities we serve.
A STRONGER FOUNDATION
Growing to Serve You Better
5th Oldest
National Bank in the United States
$5.9B
in Total Assets
91
Total Locations
1000+
Employees
Questions?
We’re here to help.
For assistance regarding the transition or your account, visit your nearest banking center to speak directly with an associate or call:
800.511.0045
Certain statements contained in this document, which are not statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, certain plans, expectations, goals, projections, and benefits relating to the proposed merger between First Financial Bank and CedarStone Bank, which are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “expected,” “estimated,” ‘‘intends,’’ “future,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “project,” or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Please refer to First Financial’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as their other filings with the SEC, for a more detailed discussion of risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. First Financial intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except as may be required by applicable law. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of First Financial’s SEC filings without charge at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov or under the “Investor Relations” section of First Financial’s website at https://investor.first-online.bank.
Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management’s beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of management’s control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. In addition to factors previously disclosed in reports filed by First Financial with the SEC, risks and uncertainties for First Financial, CedarStone Bank, and the combined company include, but are not limited to: the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that integration of CedarStone Bank’s operations with those of First Financial and First Financial Bank will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; the inability to close the proposed merger in a timely manner; the inability to complete the proposed merger due to the failure of CedarStone Bank’s stockholders to adopt the merger agreement; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the proposed merger, including receipt of required regulatory and other approvals; the failure of the proposed merger to close for any other reason; the challenges of integrating and retaining key employees; the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on First Financial’s, First Financial Bank’s, CedarStone Bank’s, or the combined company's respective customer relationships, operating results, or market price; the possibility that the proposed merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected or unknown factors, events, or liabilities; potential litigation or regulatory action related to the proposed merger; and general competitive, economic, political and market conditions, and fluctuations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at the time of the press release. Except as required by law, neither First Financial nor CedarStone Bank assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Contacts
First Financial Corporation
Norman L. Lowery, 812.238.6487
President & CEO
CedarStone Bank
Robert “Bob” McDonald, 615.547.5581
President & CEO