Visa

Visa FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Visa. If you still have questions, or want more information please give us a call at 781.455.6500. We’ll be glad to help you.



How do I apply for a Direct Federal Visa?

It’s simple. Just complete our secure online application or call us at 781.455.6500. Either way, it will only take a few minutes and you’ll receive a decision the same day.

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What is the credit limit on a Direct Federal Visa? How can I increase mine?

You can apply for a credit limit of up to $25,000. To increase your existing credit limit, either complete our secure online application or give us a call at 781.455.6500. It will only take a few minutes either way.

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How long will it take to receive my Direct Federal Visa card and checks?

Your checks will be mailed to you the day you are approved. Visa credit card is mailed the 3rd business day after the account is set up.

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How do I use the Direct Federal Visa checks?

Direct Federal Visa checks can be used like any other checks. Use them to payoff other credit card balances or any non-Direct loan balances. You can use them to pay for purchases or even to deposit money into your bank or investment accounts. You CANNOT use the checks to pay off existing loans with Direct Federal. Your balance of cash advances may never exceed 50% of your credit limit.

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What is the "normal" interest rate on a Direct Federal Visa?

The rate can vary monthly and is based on the Prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal. It is important to note that this rate applies to all transactions—purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. Nearly all other credit cards charge a much higher rate for balance transfers and cash advances than they do for purchases. But with a Direct Federal Visa, you are only charged one low rate, regardless of the type of transaction.

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What fees does Direct Federal charge?

The only fee associated with a Direct Federal Visa is a late payment fee. No delinquency fee will be charged if no more than one payment is late during a 12-month period. If more than one payment is late during at 12-month period, the following delinquency fee apply: $19 for the second late payment; $29 for the third later payment; and $39 for the fourth and each subsequent late payment.

At Direct Federal you don’t have to worry about annual fees, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, or over-limit fees.

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Does my rate increase if I make a late payment?

If you make two late payments within a six-month period your interest rate will increase to Prime + 9.9%. Compared to Direct Federal, there are two very important differences between the “penalty” rate of other lenders.

  1. Most lenders increase your interest rate as soon as you make one late payment. At Direct Federal, we only increase your rate if you make two late payments within a six-month period.
  2. If your payment is late, most lenders increase your rate to between 20% and 30%. Direct Federal only increases your rate between 4-7%.

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How do I transfer balances from other cards to my Direct Federal Visa?

Balance transfers can be made either through our secure online balance transfer or simply use the balance transfer checks we send you.

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Are there any fees for balance transfers?

No. Direct Federal does not charge a balance transfer fee. The majority of other lenders charge a 3% fee on balance transfers. If you were to transfer $5,000 in balances you would pay $150-not at Direct Federal.

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How can I get cash advances using my Direct Federal Visa?

You can obtain cash advances at ATMs that are part of the Visa network. This will require a PIN number, which you can obtain by calling our Call Center at 781-455-6500. You can obtain a cash advance by going to any bank that offers Visa cards. You can also transfer money from your Direct Federal Visa account to any other Direct Federal account online at direct.com or by calling our Call Center at 781.455.6500.

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Are there any fees for cash advances?

No. Direct Federal does not charge a cash advance fee. Most other lenders charge a 3% fee on cash advances. If you were to take $5,000 in cash advances you would pay $150. But with a Direct Federal Visa, if you take $5,000 in cash advances you pay NOTHING!

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How will my minimum monthly payments be calculated?

Your minimum monthly payment is 2.1% of your outstanding balance or $25, whichever is greater.

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Can I get a card for my spouse, child or significant other?

Yes. You can provide a card to as many "authorized users" as you wish. Please remember, however, that you are responsible for the repayment of all balances created by the users you authorize.

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Can I view my Direct Federal Visa account on line?

You automatically have access to your Visa information online as a Web Banking customer. An Account Summary provides real-time information on your Visa account. You can also see your current statement, previous statements and unbilled activity. There are no fees for this service.

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Is my account information safe and secure on the Internet?

We take your security and privacy very seriously and always go the extra step to protect your information and your money. Secure transmissions ensure that your information remains confidential. Direct Federal uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology to transmit information between you and the credit union.

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Can I pay my Direct Federal Visa bill online?

You can pay your Direct Federal Visa bill online using your Member Checking Account. Complete a simple enrollment process and you can designate a Visa payment to be made from any checking or savings account-even if it is at another bank .You can view your online payment summary history and easily change the designated account or bank at any time. As usual, Direct Federal charges no fees or transaction charges for this service.

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What do I do if my Visa card is lost or stolen?

Call 800.449.7728 as soon as you discover your card may have been lost or stolen.

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How is my card protected against fraudulent use?

The best way to protect your card against fraudulent use is to safeguard your account number and expiration date. You can also enroll in Verified by Visa to password protect your online purchases at participating merchants. Additionally, Direct Federal monitors activity on your account to detect any differences from your ordinary spending patterns. In the event that Direct Federal notices unusual activity, you may receive a telephone call asking for verification of activity on your account. If any transaction was made fraudulently, we will assist you in blocking your account and help you open a new account.

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Am I liable for fraudulent charges?

You are not liable for fraudulent charges as long as you notify us within 60 days after we sent you a bill on which the fraudulent activity appeared. Once you report the fraudulent activity, you will be sent an affidavit of fraudulent activity, which must be completed and promptly returned.

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Who do I call if I have any questions or problems on my account?

Call Direct Federal’s Call Center at 781.455.6500.

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