Brokerage Cash Services1 Banking Account Option
Advantage® checking is being retired. If you have an Advantage® account, learn how to apply for a BCS account with additional benefits.
Features
Debit cards and check writing
Mobile check deposit
Online and mobile bill pay
Online and mobile wires
Send and receive money with Zelle®
Access online is also being enhanced.
Timeline & Important Steps
Eastern Time (ET)
You will receive the BCS application in one of two ways, via DocuSign and/or mail; however, we only need you to complete and return one application.
- If TradePMR has your email address, we will be sending the application via DocuSign on or around April 24, 2025. You can quickly verify the information, digitally sign, and securely submit the application, which will automatically be sent to TradePMR. This is the preferred application process.
- First Clearing will also send the application to you via mail on or around April 24, 2025. You should mail the application to your advisor once completed.
Note: In advance of the BCS account opening process, you may receive a notice of inquiry activity from credit reporting agencies; this is for identity verification purposes only and not a credit check. If you have a security freeze or lock on your credit report, no action is needed for inquiry-only activity.
As part of the above process, TradePMR may require additional information to satisfy the verification process.
Advantage® accounts will be closed and converted.
New debit card(s) and checks will be delivered.
Checks and pre-authorized transfers (ACH) will be honored through this date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the BCS application deadline?
Complete, sign, and return the application by July 11, 2025.
If I sign up for BCS, when do I get debit cards or checks?
If requested, new debit card(s) and checks will be delivered to you the week of July 28, 2025. You will need to re-establish any payees for online bill pay, direct deposit, or funds transfers with third parties using the new account number.
Will the website be changing?
If requested, new debit card(s) and checks will be delivered to you the week of July 28, 2025. You will need to re-establish any payees for online bill pay, direct deposit, or funds transfers with third parties using the new account number.
I am not interested in BCS. Can I keep Advantage?
If you choose not to enroll in BCS, your current Advantage® account will convert to a standard brokerage account with no check writing or debit card privileges.
You must make other arrangements for scheduled transfers or bill pay as they will not be processed or honored after August 25, 2025, and you may incur fees from payees or negative information on your credit history.
Is anything additional needed for my Qualified Retirement Plan to maintain BCS?
Yes, qualified retirement plan accounts require a new Retirement Plan Certification form signed by all current trustees. Contact your Advisor for assistance on this form.
Is anything additional needed for Trust Accounts?
Yes, trust accounts require a new Trustee Certification of Investment Powers signed by all current trustees. Contact your Advisor for assistance on this form.
What will happen to my debit cards, checks, and other Advantage account features in July when the account is retired?
On July 23, 2025, Advantage® accounts will be closed:
- Associated debit cards will be de-activated and transactions will be declined at any point-of-sale.
- Checks and pre-authorized transfers (ACH) will be honored through August 25, 2025, after which transfers and checks will be returned for non-sufficient funds and clients may incur fees from payees.
- You should cancel any bill pay or transfers scheduled for after August 25, 2025.
I have an Advantage account; why did I not get an application?
Only active users of Advantage® will receive the BCS application for conversion. Active can be defined as an account that has had checking or debit card activity in the last 12 months, or ACH activity in the last 18 months.
Is the BCS application different for entity accounts?
For entity accounts that wish to continue with BCS, a new Certification of Beneficial Owner(s) form (COBO) will be required as part of the transition process in addition to the BCS upgrade application. Between April 27 to July 11, 2025, return the form in good order to your Advisor to avoid a disruption with your new BCS service.