Safe Deposit Boxes

A Safe Deposit Box can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your irreplaceable valuables and important documents are safe from theft, are fire resistant and are available to you any time during regular business hours. Whether you need a box for yourself, your family, your business or your organization, we have a wide variety of sizes to suit your needs. Stop by one of our locations for further information.

Choosing the Right Safe Deposit Box

At American Bank, we realize that each of our customers may have different needs. For this reason, we have a selection of Safe Deposit Box sizes that will accommodate your needs. It is also important to select a location near your home or office - so you may conveniently access your new Safe Deposit Box. 

Safe Deposit Boxes come in 4 sizes:

  
How this Service Works

Once you have decided to lease a Safe Deposit Box, visit one of our locations. To open the Safe Deposit Box account, please bring your Texas Driver's License or Texas ID with you. Our Customer Service Representatives can open an account for you. We will collect our fees at the time the box is opened. We will then charge your checking account or savings account the annual renewal fees one year from the open date. You will be given 2 keys for your safe deposit box. 

Upon selecting your location and leasing a Safe Deposit Box, you will simply need to bring your picture ID and your key with you to the bank, and visit one of the Customer Service Representatives who will happily assist you in accessing your Safe Deposit Box. You will need to use your key to open the box and lock the box. The time you spend in the secure area is not limited however the average visit takes no more than 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why should I rent a safe deposit box?

It's a convenient place to store important items that would be difficult or impossible to replace. The box also offers privacy (only you know what's inside) and security. Although many people like to keep valuables close by in a closet, safe or file cabinet at home or in the office, these places probably are not as resistant to fire, water or theft. Also, some insurance companies charge lower insurance premiums on valuables kept in a bank's box instead of at home.

What items should go into a safe deposit box?

Any personal items that would cause you to say, "If I lose this, I'm in deep trouble." Important papers to consider putting into your box: originals of your insurance policies; family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates; original deeds, titles, mortgages, leases and other contracts; stocks, bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs). Other valuables worthy of a spot in your safe deposit box include special jewels, medals, rare stamps and other collectibles, negatives for irreplaceable photos, and videos or pictures of your home's contents for insurance purposes (in case of theft or damage).

OK, what should NOT go in a box?

Anything you might need in an emergency. Possible examples: originals of a "power of attorney" (your written authorization for another person to transact business on your behalf), passports (in case of an emergency trip), medical-care directives if you become ill and incapacitated, and funeral or burial instructions you make. Consider giving the originals to your attorney, and making copies to go in your safe deposit box or to give a close friend or relative. 

Can I arrange for someone to access my box in an emergency? 

Yes. You can jointly rent your box with a spouse, child or other person who would have unrestricted access to the box. (Warning: In some states your co-renter may face delays in accessing the box if you die. Also, merely giving someone else a key won't be enough to grant access. He or she also must sign the bank's rental contract as a joint-renter.) An alternative is to appoint a "deputy" or "agent" (NOT a power of attorney) who will have access to your box. A deputy/agent and a general power of attorney are similar in that you may grant or revoke the authority at any time, and the appointment ends if you become incompetent or die. The main difference is that a deputy or agent is appointed in the presence of the box renters and a bank employee, which gives the bank greater assurance about the validity of the authorization. 

Are safe deposit boxes protected from fire, flood or other disasters?

The companies that manufacture safe deposit boxes and the vaults that house the boxes make them highly "resistant" to fire, flood, heat, earthquakes, hurricanes, explosions or other disastrous conditions. However, the key word here is "resistant." There's no 100 percent guarantee against damage, and substantial losses sometimes occur.

Are there extra precautions I can take to minimize damage?

Yes. Prevent water damage by sealing items in airtight, zip-lock bags or Tupperware-style containers. Also, put your name on each item, keep a list of the box's contents, make copies of important documents and even take photos of your most prized items left in the box. That way, if a disaster occurs your chances of successfully identifying, claiming or recovering an item would be increased.

Doesn't FDIC insurance cover the contents of safe deposit boxes if they're damaged or stolen?

No. By law, the FDIC only insures deposits in deposit accounts at insured institutions. Although you may be putting valuables, including cash and checks, into an area of the bank that has the word deposit in its name, these are not deposits under the insurance laws that the bank can use, for example, to make loans to other customers. A safe deposit box is strictly a storage space provided by the bank. 

Does anyone insure my safe deposit box against damage or theft?

Unless your bank is found to be negligent in the way it handled or protected your safe deposit box, do not expect the bank or its private insurance to reimburse you for any damage or loss. If you're concerned about the safety or replacement of the items in your box, first check whether your own homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy covers your safe deposit box against damage or theft. Many do cover box contents up to a certain dollar amount, even including items lost or damaged when they're out of the box. If your home-related insurance is not sufficient, talk to your insurance agent about additional protection.