Credit Union Membership FAQ

There are hundreds of ways a person can become a First Tech credit union member. If you don't meet any of the criteria below - don't worry! Just give us a call at 855.855.8805 or stop by a branch and we'll help you navigate.

• You have a family member or household member who is already a First Tech Federal Credit Union member
• You or a family member work for an innovative company on our partner list or for the State of Oregon
• Work or live in Lane County, Oregon
• Belong to the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association*

*To become a member of the Computer History Museum or join the Financial Fitness Association, stop by a location or join within our online application.

Becoming a member at First Tech is easy.

Stop by a First Tech location

Call 855.855.8805 to learn more

Apply online when creating a loan application for a:

• Personal Loan
• Home Loan
• Vehicle Loan
• Student Loan

First Technology Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union. First Tech is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Learn more about First Tech’s history.

You can open a First Tech account by applying for a Member Savings account online or by visiting a First Tech location.

First Tech has over 40 locations with hubs in Washington, Oregon, & California.

You can deposit or withdraw money from our network of over 30,000 co-op branches and ATMs.

Best of all, First Tech has one of the most advanced digital banking apps in the industry that allows you to deposit money, pay bills, transfer money, and send money to friends.

Once you're a member of our credit union, you're always a member.

Credit unions are owned by our members, not stakeholders. Each person who deposits money in a credit union becomes a member and their deposit is considered their ownership share.

Here are a few comparisons:

Typically, membership eligibility is based on location, employer or other commonality. Where as banks serve anyone in the general public.

Credit unions are democratically run financial cooperatives. Our board of directors volunteer their time and they're elected by and from the membership. Each member has one vote in electing board members. Where as bank customers have no voice in how their financial institution operates.

Credit unions are also not-for-profit. This means that after expenses are paid and reserves are set aside, surplus earnings are returned to members in the forms of higher dividends, lower loan rates and free or low-cost services. Banks are owned by a group of investors who expect a specific return on their investments.

Credit unions are part of a worldwide support network that includes credit unions, a national trade association (CUNA), and a worldwide credit union organization (WOCCU). They share ideas, information and resources.

If you're interested in joining First Tech, visit our About Us page for more information.

Great question! Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned, democratically run financial cooperatives. They're mutual organizations operated entirely by and for their members. Once you deposit money in a credit union, you become a member (not just a customer) because your deposit is considered your ownership share in the Credit Union.

Learn more about First Tech!

Credit unions have a long and mostly unknown history. In 1844, workers and weavers of Rochdale, England created a democratic consumer cooperative. They organized a store and offered shares to raise capital and buy goods at less than retail price and sell them to their members at a savings. The underlying principle of all cooperatives is that the society operates solely for the benefit of its members.

The work of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffiesen (1818-1888), considered to be the founder of credit unions in Germany, still influences contemporary credit union development. In the United States, the first chartered credit union was established in Massachusetts in 1909 with Alphonse Desjardins' (1854-1920) help. Today there are more than 71 million Credit Union members and more than 7,000 Credit Unions nationwide.

If you're interested in our beginnings over 60 years ago, visit our About Us page.

Contact your employer's Human Resources or Payroll department to establish these services. They'll need your account number and our Routing# 321180379.

Yes, we do. As part of our Relocation Program, we offer several benefits for foreign nationals, including:

• Before arriving in the U.S., option to open checking and savings accounts, and setup direct deposit
• No Social Security number required to establish savings and checking accounts
• Preferred loan and credit card rates with little to no established U.S. credit
• Favorable insurance rates with little to no established U.S. credit
• Learn more about our Relocation Program

Yes, we do. Whether you are moving across the country or across the world, our Relocation Program can help you move their money quickly and easily, with:

• A single point of contact for all your financial needs
• Special discounts
• Nationwide access with 40+ First Tech locations, 5,600+ CO-OP Shared Branches, and 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs
• Leading security practices that protect your information
• Access to educational resources with insight and tips on how the U.S. banking system works
• No Social Security number required to establish savings and checking accounts
• Preferred loan and credit card rates with little to no established U.S. credit
• Favorable insurance rates with little to no established U.S. credit

Learn more about our Relocation Program.

Yes, we do. With our specialization in serving the high tech industry, we understand the unique challenge of domestic and international relocations. Our Relocation Program can help you move your money quickly and easily. Check out our Relocation Program page for more information.

You can view these documents here:

Membership and Account Agreement

Limitation of Services Policy

We're sorry to hear that you're considering closing your First Tech membership. Please contact us at 855.855.8805 during our regular business hours of Monday - Friday from 6am to 6pm PT.

If you prefer, you can send a secure message by logging into your Online Banking account or you may visit a location near you. We're interested in understanding what we could have done to keep you as a valued and satisfied member.