KeyBank will begin converting First Niagara customer accounts to KeyBank on Oct. 7, and expects the conversion to be complete by Oct. 11.

The joining of the two banks could make for some unexpected experiences as the conversion progresses, so they have some information for customers.

Customers with questions about their accounts can call First Niagara’s Contact Center at 1-800-421-0004 during the conversion. KeyBank Contact Center teams can answer general questions but cannot access First Niagara client information to resolve specific customer problems. To reach KeyBank, call (800) 539-2968.

Customers can find more information about KeyBank by visiting meetkey.com, KeyBank’s digital introduction to KeyBank.

To make purchases and pay bills during Conversion Weekend (Oct. 8–10):

• First Niagara customers can access cash from First Niagara and KeyBank ATMs throughout the conversion but will not be able to make deposits.

• Checking account balances will be updated throughout the conversion weekend to reflect deposits. Deposits – including ACH deposits made Friday, Oct. 7 – will be reflected Saturday morning. Customer service representatives will be able to update customer account balances. Customers can reach customer service by calling First Niagara’s contact center at 1-800-421-0004.

• First Niagara credit and debit cards will not change. Customers can continue to use their existing cards throughout the conversion and beyond. KeyBank will replace the First Niagara credit and debit cards as those cards expire.

• Customers can continue to use their First Niagara checks throughout the conversion and until their personal check supply dwindles and they need new checks from KeyBank.

• A special note for First Niagara customers who use online bill pay: First Niagara online bill pay will not be available after 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6. First Niagara customers should be sure to schedule or change online bill payments accordingly. Payments with delivery dates of Oct. 11 through 14 will not appear in KeyBank’s online bill pay until the payments have been processed via First Niagara’s online bill pay. Online bill pay history will be available for viewing after Oct. 17.

First Niagara branches and online banking:

• All First Niagara branches will be open until 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. First Niagara branches that are becoming Key Bank branches will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11.

• First Niagara online banking will be available until 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 11, First Niagara online banking customers can use their current online banking ID and password to log in at key.com/welcomefirstniagara. Customers currently not signed up for online banking can enroll by visiting Key.com.

Here’s what First Niagara customers coming to KeyBank can expect beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11:

• Customers can expect a warm welcome from branch employees at more than 300 new KeyBank branches on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

• Customers will have the same account numbers for their checking, savings, and money market accounts; those numbers will not change. That means customers can use their KeyBank accounts to make scheduled automatic payments and direct deposits.

• Customers can check out their new KeyBank accounts, knowing the KeyBank accounts are a close match to their First Niagara accounts. (KeyBank is waiving monthly maintenance fees, paper statement fees, and inactive account fees for a full year so clients can be sure they’re using the KeyBank account that best suits their individual needs.)