Cookie Consent & Data Processing

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and understand visitor preferences. This includes data collection for financial service comparisons, analytics to improve our banking guide content, and marketing to provide relevant banking information. Your data helps us deliver better regional banking insights and service recommendations.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

At Services Guide, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our independent banking services guide and resources.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Contact information (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
  • Financial information (account preferences, banking service interests)
  • Identification information (date of birth, Social Security number when required)
  • Employment and income information
  • Credit history and financial background information

Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website:

  • IP address and device identifiers
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system information
  • Website usage patterns and navigation data
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • Service Provision: To provide you with independent banking information and resources
  • Communication: To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
  • Personalization: To customize your experience and provide relevant banking service information
  • Compliance: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats
  • Analytics: To analyze website usage and improve our services
  • Marketing: To send you relevant information about local banking services (with your consent)

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We May Share Your Information With:

  • Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us in operating our website and providing services
  • Financial Institutions: Regional banks and credit unions when you request information about their services
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law, court order, or regulatory request
  • Business Partners: Trusted partners who help us provide comprehensive banking information

We Do Not:

  • Sell your personal information to third parties
  • Share your information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent
  • Disclose sensitive financial information except as required by law

Data Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

Technical Safeguards

  • SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
  • Secure server infrastructure
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Firewall protection and intrusion detection

Administrative Safeguards

  • Employee background checks and training
  • Access controls and authorization procedures
  • Regular security audits and assessments
  • Incident response and breach notification procedures

Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Portability

Request access to your personal information and receive a copy in a portable format

Correction and Updates

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information

Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and regulatory requirements

Opt-Out

Opt out of marketing communications and certain data processing activities

Regulatory Compliance

Our privacy practices comply with applicable financial services regulations, including:

  • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): Financial privacy and safeguards requirements
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Consumer credit information protection
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): Enhanced privacy rights for California residents
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Data protection for EU residents
  • State Banking Regulations: Compliance with regional financial privacy laws

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

Cookie Type Purpose Duration
Essential Cookies Required for website functionality and security Session/Persistent
Analytics Cookies Help us understand website usage and performance Up to 2 years
Preference Cookies Remember your settings and preferences Up to 1 year
Marketing Cookies Deliver relevant content and advertisements Up to 1 year

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for the following periods:

  • Account Information: For the duration of your relationship with us plus 7 years
  • Transaction Records: 7 years from the date of the transaction
  • Marketing Communications: Until you opt out or 3 years of inactivity
  • Website Usage Data: Up to 2 years for analytics purposes
  • Legal Compliance: As required by applicable laws and regulations

International Data Transfers

If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers, including:

  • Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
  • Adequacy decisions for certain countries
  • Certification under recognized privacy frameworks
  • Your explicit consent where required

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Sending email notifications to registered users
  • Providing notice through our website or services
  • Other appropriate communication methods

Contact Information for Privacy Concerns

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Email

privacy@servicesguide.com

Phone

(555) 123-4567

Mailing Address

Services Guide Privacy Office
1234 Financial District Blvd
Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60601

Response Time

We will respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days of receipt.

Data Protection Officer: For EU residents, you may also contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@servicesguide.com for privacy-related matters.