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Digital Banking Frequently Asked Questions

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Zelle® is a fast, safe, and easy way to send money directly between almost any U.S. bank account—typically within minutes. *

With just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, you can send money to people you know and trust, even if they don’t bank with First Tech.

Why use Zelle®?

  • Speed: Payments usually arrive within minutes*
  • Security: Transactions are protected by your bank’s authentication and encryption
  • Convenience: No need to download a separate app—Zelle® is built into First Tech’s Digital Banking

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No fees. No hassle.
First Tech does not charge any fees to send or receive money using Zelle® through Digital Banking.

What you get:

  • Fast transfers—typically within minutes*
  • Secure transactions backed by First Tech’s encryption and authentication
  • Convenient access—no need to download a separate app

*Transfers typically occur within minutes when both parties are enrolled with Zelle®. Timing may vary depending on the recipient’s bank.

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It’s easy—Zelle® is already built into the First Tech App and Online Banking.

To get started:

  1. Open the First Tech App (available on iOS and Android)
  2. Tap “Send Money with Zelle®”
  3. Follow the prompts to enroll using your U.S. mobile number or email address

Once enrolled, you can send and receive money with people you know and trust—typically within minutes.

 Tip: You can also access Zelle® through Online Banking at banking.firsttechfed.com.

 

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With Zelle®, you can send, request, or receive money—quickly and securely—right from the First Tech App or Online Banking.

 To send money:

  1. Log in to the First Tech App.
  2. Go to Money Movement > Send Money with Zelle®.
  3. Choose a contact or enter a trusted recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number.
  4. Enter the amount, add an optional note, and tap Send.

The recipient will get a notification and, if already enrolled, the money typically arrives within minutes.

 To request money:

  1. Tap Request in the Zelle® section.
  2. Select a contact or enter their email or U.S. mobile number.
  3. Enter the amount and an optional note, then tap Request.

If the person isn’t enrolled, use their email address to send the request.

 To receive money:

  • Share your enrolled email address or U.S. mobile number with the sender.
  • If you’re already enrolled, the money will go directly into your First Tech account—no extra steps needed.

 If someone sent you money and you’re not enrolled yet:

  1. Click the link in the email or text notification you received.
  2. Select First Tech as your financial institution.
  3. Follow the prompts to enroll using the same email or mobile number the sender used.

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Zelle® payments cannot be reversed once completed.
That’s why it’s important to only send money to people you know and trust—and to double-check the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number before sending.

 Canceling a pending payment:

You can only cancel a payment if the recipient has not yet enrolled with Zelle®.
To check:

  1. Go to your Activity page in the First Tech App or Online Banking.
  2. Select the payment.
  3. If the option is available, tap “Cancel This Payment.”

If you don’t see the cancel option, or need help, contact us.

Sent money to the wrong person?

Contact us. While completed payments can’t be reversed, we’ll do our best to assist you.

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Zelle® is only available for use within the United States.
To send or receive money with Zelle®, both the sender and recipient must have U.S.-based bank accounts and use a U.S. mobile number or email address.

Looking for international payment options?
While Zelle® is designed for domestic transfers, First Tech offers other solutions for sending money abroad. Contact us to explore your options.

 

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No—Zelle® does not report transactions to the IRS.
Even if you receive more than $600, Zelle® does not issue 1099-K forms and is not subject to IRS reporting requirements that apply to other payment platforms like PayPal or Venmo 1 2.

 

Why?
Zelle® is different from third-party payment processors. It doesn’t hold or settle funds—it simply facilitates direct transfers between U.S. bank accounts. Because of this, it’s exempt from the IRS’s 1099-K reporting rules 2.

 

Important Reminder:
While Zelle® doesn’t report your payments, you are still responsible for reporting any taxable income you receive—especially if it’s for goods or services 3

Personal payments (like gifts or reimbursements) are generally not taxable.

 

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No—Zelle® does not impose taxes or report transactions to the IRS.
Zelle® is a payment platform that facilitates transfers between U.S. bank accounts. It does not hold funds, and it does not issue tax forms like 1099-K.

Your responsibility:
If you receive money through Zelle® for goods, services, or business purposes, it’s up to you to report that income to the IRS. Personal payments—like gifts or reimbursements—are generally not taxable.

Need help with taxes?
We recommend speaking with a qualified tax professional to understand your specific obligations.

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No—Zelle® does not issue 1099-K forms.
Unlike other payment platforms such as PayPal or Venmo, Zelle® is not classified as a Third-Party Settlement Organization (TPSO) and does not hold or settle funds. Because of this, the IRS does not require Zelle® to report transactions or send 1099-K forms—even if you receive more than $600.

Important Reminder:
Even though Zelle® doesn’t send tax forms, you are still responsible for reporting any taxable income you receive through the platform. This includes payments for goods, services, freelance work, or business transactions.

Tip:
Personal payments—like gifts, reimbursements, or shared expenses—are generally not taxable. If you’re unsure, consult a tax professional to clarify your reporting obligations.

 

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Usually just minutes.
If both you and the sender are enrolled with Zelle®, money is typically delivered to your First Tech account within minutes of being sent.

If the recipient isn’t enrolled yet:

  • They’ll receive a notification prompting them to enroll.
  • Once they complete enrollment, the money will be sent—usually within minutes.

Tips for faster delivery:

  • Make sure the sender or recipient is enrolled with Zelle®.
  • Double-check that the correct email address or U.S. mobile number is used—this must match the one linked to their Zelle® enrollment.

Still waiting?

If your payment is pending or hasn’t arrived:

  • Confirm the recipient is enrolled with Zelle®.
  • Verify the contact info used is correct.
  • If you need help, send a secure message through Digital Banking.

 

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To use Zelle® with your First Tech account, you’ll need to unenroll your email address or U.S. mobile number from the other financial institution first.

Here’s how:

  1. Contact your other bank or credit union where you’re currently enrolled with Zelle®.
  2. Ask them to remove your email or mobile number from their Zelle® enrollment.
  3. Once that’s done, open the First Tech App or log in to Online Banking and enroll with Zelle® using the same email or mobile number.

Tip:
You can only link one email address or mobile number to one Zelle® account at a time. Switching is easy—and once enrolled with First Tech, you’ll be able to send and receive money directly from your First Tech account.

 

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Absolutely. At First Tech, your security is our priority.

When you use Zelle® through the First Tech App or Online Banking, your personal and financial information is protected by the same advanced security technology we use to safeguard your accounts.

What that means for you:

  • Encrypted connections to keep your data private
  • Multi-factor authentication for added protection
  • Real-time monitoring to detect and prevent fraud

Tip: Only send money to people you know and trust. Zelle® transactions happen fast and can’t be reversed once completed.

 

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If you change your mobile carrier, your U.S. mobile number may be automatically unenrolled from Zelle® for security reasons.

What to expect:

  • First Tech will send you an email notification if your number is unenrolled.
  • You’ll need to re-enroll your mobile number with Zelle® through the First Tech App or Online Banking to continue sending and receiving money.

Tip:
To avoid disruptions, make sure your contact info is up to date in Digital Banking. You can update your profile here.

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You can use Zelle® to send money to friends, family, and people you trust—quickly and securely.

Why trust matters:

Zelle® transfers happen in real time and go directly from your First Tech account to the recipient’s bank account. Once sent, payments can’t be canceled or reversed, so it’s important to:

  • Only send money to people you know and trust
  • Double-check the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number before sending

Your security is our priority.
Zelle® is built into First Tech’s Digital Banking platform and protected by the same technology we use to keep your accounts safe.

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Yes.
When you send money using Zelle®, the recipient will receive a notification by email or text message—depending on whether you used their email address or U.S. mobile number to send the payment.

What happens next?

  • If they’re already enrolled with Zelle®, the money is typically deposited into their account within minutes.
  • If they’re not enrolled yet, the notification will prompt them to sign up so they can receive the funds.

Tip: Always double-check the recipient’s contact info before sending to ensure a smooth and secure transfer.

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If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, we’re here to help—fast.

Call us immediately
Our team will guide you through next steps to protect your accounts and personal information.

Reimbursement may be available.
If the scam qualifies as an imposter scam, you may be eligible for reimbursement. We’ll work with you to determine eligibility and support your recovery.

Your security is our priority.
We use advanced fraud detection tools and member education to help prevent scams before they happen. Learn more about how we protect you at firsttechfed.com/security.

 

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Sending money with Cash App is quick, secure, and easy. Here’s how:

  1. Download and open Cash App.
    Make sure the app is installed on your device and you're signed in.
  2. Link your payment method.
    Connect your debit card, credit card, or bank account to fund your payments.
  3. Enter the amount.
    Type in how much you want to send.
  4. Choose your recipient.
    Enter their $Cashtag, phone number, or email address.
  5. Add a note (optional).
    Include a message to clarify the purpose of the payment.
  6. Tap “Pay” and confirm.
    You may be asked to verify with your fingerprint or PIN.

 That’s it! Your money will be sent instantly.

Security Tip

Always double-check the recipient’s information before sending money. If you think you’ve sent money to the wrong person or suspect fraud, contact Cash App support immediately.

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Getting paid with Zelle® is fast, secure, and simple. Here’s how it works:

  1. Enroll with Zelle®.
    If you haven’t already, sign up using your U.S. mobile number or email address through your bank’s mobile app or website.
  2. Get notified.
    When someone sends you money, you’ll receive a text or email letting you know.
  3. Follow the link.
    Tap the link in the message and choose your bank or credit union.
  4. Complete your enrollment.
    Follow the prompts to finish setting up your account and claim your payment.

Already enrolled?
If you’re already set up with Zelle®, the money will go straight into your account—usually within minutes.

Security Tip

Only accept payments from people you know and trust. Zelle® is designed for secure transfers between friends, family, and trusted contacts.

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P2P (peer-to-peer) payments let you send or receive money directly between individuals using a mobile app or online platform—no cash, checks, or trips to the branch required.

Popular P2P services include:

  • Zelle®
  • Venmo
  • Cash App
  • PayPal

 

These tools are perfect for:

  • Splitting bills with friends
  • Paying rent
  • Sending money to family
  • Reimbursing coworkers

Fast, secure, and easy.
Most P2P payments arrive within minutes and use encryption to keep your information safe. Many services are free or charge low fees depending on how you send money.

Security Tip

Only send money to people you know and trust. P2P payments are typically instant and may not be reversible.

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