Bank FAQ: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Banking Questions

First Tech Federal Credit Union has been recognized by MONEY Magazine as the best credit union in California and Oregon as well as the Best Credit Union for Everyone. In 2023-2024, Money Magazine awarded First Tech the Best Checking and Savings Combo. Learn more about First Tech in the News Center.

First Tech members can view their account number when they log in to Online Banking . From the account summary screen, click on the account, then click on Account Details.

Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions are electronic debits or credit to your account. These are established with us or another institution, typically to automatically move funds or make payments. You can originate an ACH transaction with us by working with a representative or establishing an external transfer within Digital Banking. If you have an ACH transaction that originates at another institution, an account owner would have originated it by providing the account number and our routing number.

If you haven’t opened the account yet, you can add a joint owner when you apply online. If you’re adding a joint owner to an existing account, call us at 855.855.8805 and we’ll send you a form to complete electronically.

You're limited to $500 a day per cardholder. This limit varies if you use a non-First Tech ATM and doesn't include any third-party fees. If you need additional funds, please visit a location near you.

If you're a member of a Shared Branch credit union we're able to provide cashier's checks. Limitations apply – see Fee Schedule/Sheet for more details. We don't provide cashier's checks if you don't have a relationship with us or a Shared Branch credit union.

Visit a location near you with your ATM or Debit Card along with a valid government issued ID and we can quickly change your PIN to any four-digit number you select. In addition you can reset your First Tech MasterCard PIN at any First Tech ATM.

If you're unable to visit a branch or ATM, and need your PIN reset or resent to you, contact us at 855.855.8805 or send us a secure message in Online Banking.

First Tech can help you close out an account. We’ll need some information from you before we proceed so contact us via secure message and we’ll get the process started.

To order checks for the first time or to place reorders with changes, log in into Digital Banking and send us a secure message, stop by an experience center location near you or call us at 855.855.8805. To order checks with no changes, log in to Digital Banking and use the Check Services widget. 

All deposited funds with us are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). In addition, each Individual Retirement Account (IRA) account is insured separately by NCUA. Learn more about what it means to be insured by NCUA.

If you have any questions, contact us at 855.855.8805 or visit a location near you.

We don't offer money orders but we do offer cashier's checks at no cost to you.

Yes, First Tech participates in the Shared Branch Network, allowing you to access your account with us at over 5,000 other credit unions and self-service kiosks. Make sure you bring a valid ID and your account number for transactions.

Velera is introducing IDCheck on May 1, 2025. IDCheck is an identity verification process used when you access your funds at shared branches and present out-of-state identification.

Why is Velera making this change? 
---This new policy change is aimed at decreasing fraud and protecting our members. 

What is IDCheck?
--- ID Check is a secure identity verification process that adds another layer of protection to your transactions at shared branches. 

When am I required to use IDCheck?
--- IDCheck is required when performing a withdrawal using an ID issued by a state different from the one where the shared branch is located. 

What if I want to make a deposit?
--- IDCheck will not be required for making a deposit at an out-of-state Shared Branch location. 

What if I go to a Shared Branching location that is in the same state as my ID?
--- You will not have to use the IDCheck when visiting a Shared Branching location that is in the same state as your ID.

What happens if I don’t have a smart device? 
--- Check with the Shared Branching location if they have a tablet that you are able to use. 

How do I set up IDCheck? 
--- Once you get to an out-of-state shared branching location, scan the QR code in the branch, and follow the instructions on your phone. Take the access code to an employee at the Shared Branching location. 

Will this change affect transactions done at out-of-state First Tech locations?
--- No, there will be no changes to how you do business at First Tech branches. 

Can I still access my funds if I don’t want to use IDCheck?
--- Yes, you can still access your finds at any of the ATMs in the shared branching network.

Does this change apply to all shared branching locations? 
--- Yes, this will apply to all shared branching locations that are located in a different state than your issued ID. 

The First Tech routing number is 321180379.

Unlike magnetic-stripe cards, every time an EMV card is used for payment, the chip card creates a unique transaction code that cannot be used again. This technology protects your personal and transaction data. When used in a chip terminal, the card transaction is authenticated as a genuine transaction.

Typically, you will receive your card within 10 business days of opening your account. Once you get your card, be sure you activate it by calling the phone number on the back of the card.

First Tech provides Notary services to members by appointment only. Consult with the Notary to find out what services may be available in your area.

Please note: the notary is unable to take protests/depositions or notarize any of the following: wills, living wills, incomplete documents, illegible documents, I-9’s, vital record certifications, or documents in a language other than English.

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First Tech may put a hold on your deposited check to help ensure deposited funds clear before they are made available. This helps protect our members, as well as the credit union, against incorrect account balances. If a member spends funds from a check they deposited, and it’s later returned unpaid, they would have to cover the negative balance. The length that funds may be held depends on the situation or type of check that’s deposited. For any hold longer than two days, First Tech will provide notice.

Depending on the type of loan, the interest rate charged on your loan may be fixed (and remain the same over the life of the loan) or variable (and change over the life of the loan based on the changes to an index, such as the Prime Rate). Variable rate changes are tied to an underlying index such as Prime Rate plus a margin on most loans.  Loans with a variable rate are often revolving loans where the payment amount is calculated monthly based upon the outstanding balance and the interest rate.  With variable rate revolving loans your balance and interest rate can go up or down, your monthly payment can also go up or down.

The Prime Rate will move up or down based on changes made by the Federal Reserve Board. Most financial institutions use Prime Rate to set interest rates on numerous loan products. These include adjustable-rate mortgages, personal loans, credit cards and home equity loans. You can check today's prime rate here. First Tech will be adjusting rates based on your agreed terms stated in your agreement. You can find information about your current interest rate by referring to your loan disclosures, accessing Online Banking, monthly statements or giving us a call at 855.855.8805.