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First Tech Routing #321180379

Credit Union Membership FAQ

Membership Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes—there are many ways to become a member, and we’re here to help you find the one that fits.
At First Tech, we believe financial empowerment should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer multiple paths to membership. You may be eligible if:

  • You have a family or household member who’s already a First Tech member.
  • You or a family member work for an innovative company on our partner list or for the State of Oregon.
  • You live or work in Lane County, Oregon.
  • You belong to the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association.
    (You can join either organization during your online application or by visiting a branch.)

Joining First Tech means becoming part of a community that’s committed to helping you reach your dreams.

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Joining First Tech is simple—and it’s a step toward financial empowerment.
We welcome new members every day, and becoming part of our community is easy. You can join in the way that works best for you:

  • Visit a First Tech location
    Stop by any branch and our team will help you get started.
  • Call us at 855.855.8805
    We’ll walk you through your options and answer any questions.
  • Apply online
    You can become a member while applying for a:
    • Personal Loan
    • Home Loan
    • Vehicle Loan
    • Student Loan

No matter how you join, you’ll gain access to competitive rates, flexible financial solutions, and a team that’s genuinely here to help you reach your dreams.

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You do—because First Tech is member-owned.
First Technology Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative. That means when you join, you’re not just a customer—you’re a stakeholder. Our members have a voice in how we operate, and our profits go back into delivering better rates, services, and experiences.

We’re guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected by members, who help ensure our decisions reflect the needs and values of our community.

Joining First Tech means joining a credit union that’s genuinely committed to helping you reach your dreams.

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Opening an account is easy—and it’s the first step toward financial empowerment.
You can become a First Tech member and open an account in a way that works best for you:

  • Apply online
    Start by opening a Member Savings account or apply while creating a loan application for a:
    • Personal Loan
    • Home Loan
    • Vehicle Loan
    • Student Loan
  • Visit a First Tech location
    Our team is happy to help you in person. Find a branch near you.
  • Call us at 855.855.8805
    We’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions.

As a member, you’ll gain access to competitive rates, personalized financial tools, and a community that’s genuinely invested in helping you reach your dreams.

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Yes—and we make it easy to bank wherever you are.
First Tech has over 40 Experience Centers across the U.S., with hubs in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, and more!

Whether you're near a branch or traveling, you can access your accounts through:

 

  • 30,000+ CO-OP branches and ATMs nationwide
    Enjoy surcharge-free access to a vast network of partner locations.
  • Advanced digital banking tools
    Use our mobile app to:
    • Deposit checks
    • Pay bills
    • Transfer funds
    • Send money to friends

You can find your nearest branch or ATM using our location finder 

 

Why bank with First Tech?

  • Convenient access—in person, online, or on the go.
  • Engaged support from real people who care.
  • Dynamic tools to help you manage your money with ease.

We’re here to help you reach your dreams—wherever life takes you.

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Not at all—once you're a member, you're always a member.
At First Tech, membership is for life. Whether you switch careers, move to a new industry, or retire, your account stays active and your benefits stay with you. We’re here to support your financial journey through every stage of life.

As a member-owned credit union, our commitment is to you—not your employer. So no matter where life takes you, you’ll continue to enjoy:

  • Competitive rates and flexible financial solutions
  • Access to digital banking and nationwide CO-OP branches
  • Personalized support from a team that’s genuinely here to help

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Credit unions are built for people—not profits.
At First Tech, we’re proud to be a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. That means we exist to serve our members, not shareholders. Here’s how we’re different from traditional banks:

Ownership

  • Credit Union: You’re not just a customer—you’re a member and part-owner. Your deposits represent your share in the credit union.
  • Bank: Owned by investors who expect a return on their investment.

Governance

  • Credit Union: Run by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by members. Every member gets one vote—regardless of account size.
  • Bank: Decisions are made by a paid board representing shareholders, not customers.

Profits

  • Credit Union: Earnings are returned to members through better rates, lower fees, and free or low-cost services.
  • Bank: Profits go to shareholders.

Community & Collaboration

  • Credit Union: Part of a global network of credit unions that share resources, ideas, and support through organizations like CUNA and WOCCU.
  • Bank: Operates independently, often with a focus on maximizing shareholder value.

Joining First Tech means joining a community that’s genuinely invested in helping you reach your dreams.

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A credit union is a financial cooperative owned by its members—not shareholders.
Unlike traditional banks, credit unions like First Tech are not-for-profit, member-owned, and democratically run. When you open an account, you become a member—and that means you have a voice in how we operate.

Here’s what makes credit unions unique:

  • Member-Owned: Your deposit is your share in the credit union. You’re not just a customer—you’re a stakeholder.
  • Democratic Governance: Our volunteer Board of Directors is elected by members, and every member gets one vote.
  • Not-for-Profit Mission: Earnings are returned to members through better rates, lower fees, and free or low-cost services.
  • Community-Focused: Credit unions collaborate globally through organizations like CUNA and WOCCU, sharing ideas and resources to better serve members.

Joining First Tech means joining a community that’s genuinely invested in helping you reach your dreams.

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Credit unions were born from a simple idea: people helping people.
The credit union movement began in the mid-1800s as a way for everyday individuals to pool resources and support one another financially. Here’s a brief look at its roots:

  • In 1844, a group of workers and weavers in Rochdale, England formed a cooperative store to buy goods in bulk and sell them to members at fair prices. This laid the foundation for the cooperative model.
  • In Germany, Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen (1818–1888) pioneered rural credit unions to help farmers access affordable loans.
  • In North America, Alphonse Desjardins helped establish the first credit union in Massachusetts in 1909, bringing the cooperative banking model to the U.S.

Today, credit unions serve over 130 million members nationwide, offering not-for-profit, member-first financial services that prioritize community and empowerment.

At First Tech, we’ve been part of this movement for over 60 years, helping members reach their dreams through personalized service, competitive rates, and a commitment to financial well-being.

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It’s easy—and it puts your money right where you want it.
To set up direct deposit or payroll deduction with First Tech, simply contact your employer’s Human Resources or Payroll department. They’ll need the following information:

  • Your First Tech account number
  • Routing number: 321180379

Once set up, your paycheck will be automatically deposited into your account—giving you faster access to your funds and one less thing to worry about.

Why set up direct deposit with First Tech?

  • Faster access to your money
  • Secure and reliable transfers
  • Convenient budgeting with automatic deposits

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Yes—we’re here to help you get started with confidence.
Through our Relocation Program, First Tech offers inclusive financial solutions for foreign nationals and newcomers to the U.S., even if you have limited or no U.S. credit history.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Open checking and savings accounts before arriving in the U.S.
  • No Social Security number required to establish basic accounts
  • Preferred loan and credit card rates, even with little or no U.S. credit
  • Favorable insurance options designed for new arrivals

We believe financial empowerment should be accessible to everyone—especially when you’re starting a new chapter. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

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Yes—we’re here to support your move, wherever life takes you.
Whether you're relocating across the country or around the world, First Tech’s Relocation Program is designed to make your financial transition smooth, secure, and stress-free.

Here’s what you’ll have access to:

  •  A dedicated point of contact for all your financial needs
  •  Special discounts and member-exclusive offers
  • Nationwide access to:
    • 40+ First Tech locations
    • 5,600+ CO-OP Shared Branches
    • 30,000+ surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs
  • Advanced security to protect your personal and financial information
  • Educational resources to help you understand the U.S. banking system
  • Ability to open checking and savings accounts without a Social Security number
  • Preferred loan and credit card rates, even with limited U.S. credit history
  • Favorable insurance options for new arrivals

We’re committed to helping you settle in with confidence and build a strong financial foundation—no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re headed.

 

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Yes—we’re here to support your move, wherever life takes you.
At First Tech, we understand the unique challenges that come with relocating, especially in the high-tech industry. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Relocation Program designed to make your financial transition smooth, secure, and stress-free—whether you're moving across the country or around the world.

Here’s what you’ll have access to:

  • A dedicated point of contact for all your financial needs
  • Special discounts and member-exclusive offers
  • Nationwide access to:
    • 40+ First Tech locations
    • 5,600+ CO-OP Shared Branches
    • 30,000+ surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs
  • Advanced security to protect your personal and financial information
  • Educational resources to help you understand the U.S. banking system
  • Ability to open checking and savings accounts without a Social Security number
  • Preferred loan and credit card rates, even with limited U.S. credit history
  • Favorable insurance options for new arrivals

We’re committed to helping you settle in with confidence and build a strong financial foundation—no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re headed.

 

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You can access these documents anytime—quickly and securely.
To review the terms of your membership and understand our service policies, visit the links below:

These resources outline your rights, responsibilities, and the benefits of being a First Tech member. If you have questions or need help understanding any part of these documents, our team is here to support you.

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We’re sorry to see you go—and we’d love to understand how we can improve.
If you're considering closing your First Tech membership, we’re here to make the process easy and respectful. You can close your account by:

  • Calling us at 855.855.8805
    Available Monday–Friday, 6am to 6pm PT
  • Sending a secure message
    Log in to Online Banking and use the secure messaging feature.
  • Visiting a branch

Before you go, we’d appreciate the opportunity to hear your feedback. Your experience matters, and we’re always looking for ways to better serve our members.

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