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Credit cards Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes! You can easily personalize the PIN for your First Tech debit or credit card using one of the following options:

Digital Banking

  • Log in to Digital Banking or the First Tech app.
  • Use the Manage Card feature to update your PIN securely.

First Tech ATM

  • Visit any First Tech ATM to change your PIN.
  • You’ll need your current PIN to make changes.

Experience Center

  • Stop by a nearby Experience Center to choose a new PIN for your debit card—no current PIN required.

Whether you're updating for security or convenience, we make it easy to manage your PIN on your terms.

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Yes—and we recommend it! Setting a travel alert helps ensure uninterrupted access to your funds while you're away. It also prevents our fraud monitoring system from mistakenly flagging your card for unusual activity when you're spending outside your normal area.

 How to set a travel alert

You can let us know your travel plans by:

  • Sending a secure message through Online Banking

Just share your travel dates and destination(s), and we’ll take care of the rest. Travel alerts help us protect your account while keeping your card active wherever you go. Whether you're heading across the country or around the globe, First Tech is here to support your journey.

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Yes! First Tech offers real-time fraud text alerts to help protect your credit card from unauthorized transactions—and the service is free and easy to enroll.

How it works:

  • If we detect a suspicious transaction, you’ll receive a text message on your mobile device.
  • Simply reply to confirm whether or not you recognize the transaction.
    • If you do recognize it, your card will remain active.
    • If you don’t recognize it—or we don’t receive a reply—your card will be temporarily blocked until we hear from you.

This quick response system helps stop fraud before it happens and keeps your card secure while you travel, shop, or bank online.

Register Here

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Changing your username is quick and secure with First Tech.

To update your Digital Banking username:

  1. Log in to Digital Banking or the First Tech app.
  2. Go to Settings > Security.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete two-factor authentication.
  4. Enter your new username and save your changes.

If you need help or have questions, feel free to contact us or visit a nearby Experience Center.

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Changing your password is quick, secure, and helps keep your account protected.

To update your Digital Banking password:

  1. Log in to Digital Banking or the First Tech app.
  2. Go to Settings > Security.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete two-factor authentication.
  4. Enter your new password and save your changes.

If you need help or forgot your current password, visit the login page and select “Forgot Password” to reset it.

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You can easily view your credit card payment details in Digital Banking.

 To get started:

  1. Log in to Digital Banking or the First Tech app.
  2. Select your credit card account.
  3. Click the Account Details tab to view your payment information.

Payment Details:

  • Your minimum payment is the greater of 2% of your balance$25, or the full balance if it’s less than $25.
  • You can set up automatic payments for:
    • The minimum amount due
    • fixed amount (e.g., $100/month)
    • The full balance each month

Need help setting up payments or understanding your options? Send a secure message, or visit a nearby Experience Center.

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To modify details for an existing authorized user on your account, simply send us a secure message through the Message Center in Digital Banking. 

Managing authorized users is simple with Online Banking.

To add or remove someone:

  1. Log in to Online Banking
  2. Navigate to the Manage Cards widget
  3. Select your card and follow the prompts to update authorized users

Whether you're sharing access or streamlining your account, we make it easy to stay in control.

Our team will guide you through the next steps to ensure your request is handled quickly and securely.

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If you’ve forgotten your Digital Banking username, don’t worry—recovering it is quick and secure.

To recover your username:

  1. Go to the Digital Banking login page.
  2. Click “Forgot Username”.
  3. Enter the following information:
    • Your account number (checking, savings, or loan—credit and debit card numbers won’t work)
    • Your date of birth
    • Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
  4. Complete the two-factor authentication process to verify your identity.

Once verified, your username will be displayed or sent to you securely.

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If you’ve forgotten your password or just want to update it, resetting is quick and secure.

To reset your password:

  1. Go to the Digital Banking login page.
  2. Click “Forgot Password”.
  3. Enter the following information:
    • Your username
    • Your date of birth
    • Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
  4. Complete the two-factor authentication process to verify your identity.
  5. Follow the prompts to create a new password.

If you need help at any point, contact us or visit a nearby Experience Center.

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Paying your First Tech credit card is quick, secure, and flexible—just the way it should be.

Here are your options:

  • Online Banking:
    Log in to Online Banking and click the “Pay” button next to your credit card account. You can also transfer funds from your First Tech checking or savings account.

  • Mobile App:
    Make payments on the go using the First Tech mobile app. Just tap your credit card account and follow the prompts to pay.

  • Automatic Payments:
    Set up recurring payments so you never miss a due date. You can manage this in Online Banking under “Transfers & Payments.”

  • External Transfers:
    Prefer to pay from another financial institution? You can link external accounts and schedule payments through Online Banking.

  • By Phone or Mail:
    Call us at 855.855.8805 or mail your payment to the address listed on your statement.

Need help setting up payments? Visit our Credit Card Payment Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Redeeming your First Tech credit card reward points is simple and rewarding—just like it should be.

Personal Credit Cards

You can access and redeem your rewards in just a few steps:

  1. Log in to Online Banking or the First Tech Mobile App.
  2. In the menu, select the Manage Cards widget.
  3. Click on your card image to view details.
  4. Select the Rewards tab at the top.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to redeem your points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.

Note for iOS users: Due to Apple’s security settings, please use Online Banking on a desktop to access the rewards site.

Business Rewards Cards

Business Rewards accounts are managed separately:

  • Visit bizrewards.firsttechfed.com.
  • Register your Business Rewards card if it’s your first time logging in.
  • Once registered, you can view and redeem your points anytime.

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Transferring a balance from another financial institution to your First Tech credit card is fast, secure, and designed to help you save.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Log in to Online Banking or open the First Tech Mobile App.
  2. Select the Manage Cards widget from the menu.
  3. Choose the First Tech credit card you want to transfer the balance to.
  4. Select the Balance Transfer option and follow the on-screen prompts to complete your transfer.

Transferring a balance may help you consolidate debt and reduce interest—check your card’s terms for details.

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Yes—Authorized Users on your First Tech credit card account are reported to the major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and Innovis. This helps ensure transparency and may positively impact their credit history, depending on how the account is managed.

Important:
While First Tech reports Authorized User activity, we are not a credit reporting agency and cannot provide details about individual credit scores or reports. For questions about how this information appears or affects credit, please contact the bureaus directly.

No fees, no hassle.
You’re welcome to pay off your First Tech credit card at any time—without any fees or penalties. Whether you're making a full payment or just getting ahead, we support your financial goals every step of the way.

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At First Tech, we believe rewards should fit your lifestyle. That’s why our credit cards come with flexible rewards options—so you can choose how you want to treat yourself.

Depending on the card you choose, you can earn rewards like:

  • Cash back for everyday purchases
  • Travel perks including flights, hotels, and experiences
  • Merchandise and gift cards from top brands
  • And more!

Explore your options and find the card that fits your goals by visiting our Credit Card Comparison Page.

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Great question! When you use your First Tech credit card, the rewards you earn depend on how the merchant is classified.

Here’s how it works:

  • Merchant Codes:
    Every business that accepts Visa® or Mastercard® is assigned a merchant category code (MCC). This code is set by the merchant or their payment processor based on the primary type of goods or services they offer.

  • Rewards Categories:
    First Tech groups similar MCCs into broader rewards categories—like dining, travel, or groceries—to make earning rewards simple and meaningful.

Heads-up:
Even if a merchant seems to fit a rewards category (like a bookstore selling coffee), their MCC might not match that category. That’s why some purchases may not earn the expected rewards.

We do our best to include all relevant merchant codes in each category, but final classification depends on how the merchant is coded by their processor.

Important Note on Rewards Categories

While we group similar merchant types to offer rewards, First Tech does not control how a retailer classifies their business. Rewards points are based on the merchant’s category code, which is set by their payment processor—not by First Tech.

  • Points begin accumulating once the transaction posts to your account.
  • We reserve the right to determine which purchases qualify for rewards.

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No worries—updating your PIN is easy and secure.

If you’ve forgotten your current PIN for your First Tech debit or credit card, you have a couple of simple options:

Option 1: Use Digital Banking

  • Log in to Online Banking or the First Tech Mobile App
  • Select the Manage Cards widget
  • Choose your card and follow the prompts to change your PIN

Option 2: Visit a First Tech Experience Center

  • You can also update your debit card PIN in person at any First Tech location.

Find a nearby ATM or Experience Center using our Location Finder or the mobile app.

 

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Both Chip-and-PIN and Chip-and-Signature use EMV chip technology to help protect your card from fraud—but they work a little differently when it comes to verifying your identity.

Chip-and-PIN

  • You enter a 4-digit PIN to authorize your purchase.
  • This method is widely used internationally and offers an added layer of security.
  • It’s especially helpful when traveling abroad, where PIN verification is the standard.

Chip-and-Signature

  • You sign a receipt to complete the transaction.
  • Some U.S. merchants still use this method, especially if they don’t support PIN entry for credit cards.

Good to know:
First Tech credit cards support Chip-and-PIN technology, but you may still be asked to sign depending on the merchant’s setup. Either way, your transactions remain secure.

Learn more about your card’s security features at our Mastercard® Benefits page.

Credit scores are just one part of the picture—but they do play a role in determining eligibility and your Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

Here’s what to know:

  • Recommended Credit Scores:
    Most First Tech credit cards are designed for members with good to excellent credit. For example, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is recommended for scores of 620 and above, with better rates typically offered to those with scores 720+

  • APR and Credit Score:
    Your credit score helps determine your variable APR, which is tied to the Prime Rate and may fluctuate over time. Higher scores generally qualify for lower interest rates.

  • Other Factors:
    First Tech also considers your income, credit history, and overall financial profile. Requirements may change over time to maintain a balanced portfolio of members.

 If you're building or rebuilding credit, check out the Platinum Secured Mastercard®—a great option to get started.

 

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Your current First Tech credit card is valid through the end of the expiration month, so you can continue using it until then.

If your replacement card hasn’t arrived by the last week of that month, here’s what to do:

Quick ways to check your card status:

  • Send a secure message through Digital Banking
  • Visit a First Tech Experience Center near you

We’ll be happy to look into it and make sure your new card is on the way.

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