What You Need to Know

The Dividend Rewards checking account earns competitive interest rates. To earn the most competitive rate has some requirements. You must have 12 debit card purchases each month and have one direct deposit or ACH withdrawal. You must also receive electronic statements. The competitive rate is for any balance from $0.01 to $15,000. Balances over $15,000 earns a lower rate.

First Tech savings and checking accounts do not have monthly fees. There is no minimum balance required to keep in the account to waive the monthly fees. These accounts are free.

The CDs offered through First Tech offer good interest rates. The terms range from six-month to 60-month terms. Each of the terms earns rates slightly lower than other online CDs. Each traditional CD term requires $500 to open.

First Tech has low required amounts to open their accounts. The checking accounts require $0.01 to open. Two of the savings accounts require $0.01 or $5.00 to open. Each of the CD terms requires $500 to open.

To open an account with First Tech, you must be a member of the credit union. You are eligible to be a member if you work for certain tech companies or the state of Oregon. If you live or work in Lane County, Oregon, you are eligible. Immediate family members of members are eligible. You can also become a member by joining the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association.

The Instant Access savings account with First Tech has tiered interest rates. To earn the most competitive rate, you must have a balance over $250,000. Lower account balances earn interest, just not the most competitive rate.

The Instant Access savings account has a high opening required amount. To open the account requires $5,000. There is no monthly fee for this account. Interest rates for the Instant Access account are tiered.

First Tech members can only withdraw $500 per day, per cardholder, from First Tech ATMs. Other ATMs may allow for a higher withdrawal, but you may face a fee. If you need more than $500 at one time, visit a branch location.

Digital or Mobile Banking

First Tech FCU offers a mobile banking app and online banking. Through these tools, you can:

• Pay bills
• See account balances and statements
• Make mobile check deposits
• Lock and unlock ATM cards
• Pay others with Zelle
• Transfer money
• Locate ATM and branch locations

Cool Things

Start Up Savings Account

The Start Up Savings account is for children 17 years old and younger. The account requires $0.01 to open, with no monthly fees. For account balances from $0.01 to $999.99, the interest rate is five percent. Balances above $1,000 earn a much lower rate. When the owner turns 18, the account converts to a Carefree savings account. You must open a Start Up account in a branch, with a parent as a joint owner. Only one Start Up account allowed per member.

Financial Calculators

The First Tech website offers financial calculators. With these tools, you can learn the value of a college degree or if you should consolidate debt. You can see how much home or car you can afford and how long it will take you to reach your savings goal.

History

The first branch location of First Tech Federal Credit Union opened in 1952. It started with a few workers from Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix. By 1989, their credit union offered the first online banking. By 2000, they had launched mobile banking. It 2007, they started two-factor authentication to further protect their members. By 2015, they offered even more security through chip and PIN-enabled debit and credit cards.

Today First Tech has over 500,000 members with over $11 billion in assets. They now have more than 1,400 employees with branch locations in eight states and Puerto Rico.

Awards and Recognition

• "Best Financial Institution in Oregon and California" by MONEY in 2017
• "Best Credit Unions" in the U.S. by Bankrate in 2017
• Ranked among the nation's "Top Ten Credit Unions" by S&P in 2017
• Ranked #16 in all U.S. Credit Unions by S&P in 2017
• Among "Safest Credit Unions in the Country" by NCUA

Giving Back

In 2017, First Tech provided over $1 million to their communities. The money was specifically for STEM education and financial education.

First Tech Federal Credit Union awarded over $57,000 in scholarships in 2017. The money went to First Tech members working to achieve higher education. They also donated more than $1.3 million to children's health organizations.

List of Common Bank Fees

• ATM Fees in the United States: $0-2
• ATM fees international: 1% of the transaction
• Bill Pay: $0
• CD Early Withdrawal Fees: 7-27 days of interest
• Excessive Withdrawal Fees: Not listed
• Monthly Service Fees: $0
• Overdraft Service Fees: $28
• Paper Bank Statements: $3
• Wire Transfers (Domestic): $0-15
• Wire Transfers (International): $0-40

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are all the accounts FDIC insured?
• How do I access my money?
• Can I deposit cash?
• How long do transfers take?
• Can I sign up for direct deposit?
• Are ATM transactions free?
• Are ATM transaction fees reimbursed?
• Is mobile banking or a mobile app available?
• Is bill pay offered?
• Do the accounts offer competitive interest rates?
• Do checking accounts earn interest?
• What are the most popular accounts?
• What are the monthly maintenance fees?
• Is this one of the best banks?
• How are my money and information protected?
• Are any business accounts offered?
• What makes these accounts different?
• How do I reach customer service?

Bank Contact Information