Contact Information

At Direct Federal Credit Union, connecting with us is easy and accommodating. We understand that life doesn't adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Here are multiple avenues to reach out and get the support you need, whenever you need it.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Use the search bar below to sort through our library of FAQs to learn more about a specific product, service, or process.
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How do I stop receiving fraud alerts? What should I do if I don’t want to get a fraud alert at a certain phone number?

1. You can opt out of text alerts by replying “STOP” to the text message

2. You can opt out of phone calls when the alert system calls you.

3. Click on the Unsubscribe link in the email to stop the emails.

4. Contact our Call Center to ask to stop receiving fraud alerts.

5. Visit a branch to ask to stop receiving fraud alerts.

Do you offer VA loans?

We currently do not offer VA loans.

What is considered a "new auto" versus a "used auto"?

New Retail Auto:
New Retail Autos are defined as vehicles from the current or previous model year. Also, a vehicle is considered new if it has not been previously titled or has fewer than 7,500 miles (i.e. dealer demonstrators).

Used Retail Auto:
Used Retail Autos are defined as vehicles no more than eight model years removed from the definition of new.

How can I get in touch via email?

If you'd like to get in touch with us via message, please utilize our secure Message Center in Digital Banking.

Log in to access Message Center >

Does using the Home Equity calculator impact my credit score?

No. Using the calculator does not affect your credit score and does not initiate a credit inquiry.

Can I get the introductory rate on my existing Home Equity Line of Credit?

Only new HELOCs are eligible for the introductory rate. Increases/refinances of an existing HELOC at Direct Federal do not qualify.

What if you do not receive my Title with Direct Federal listed as lienholder?

You will receive three letters notifying you that your title, with Direct Federal listed as lienholder, has not been received. If the title is not received within 90 days of your loan funds being disbursed, your interest rate may be increased to 18.00% APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Once we receive the perfected title, we will revert the rate to the rate on your loan agreement. This will not affect your credit history.

When will the money come out of my account for each Bill?

Your account will not be debited until the payment has been either delivered electronically or until the check is cashed.Reminder will be sent at 60 days if the check remains undeposited. Should an undeposited check extend to 90 days, Bill Pay will automatically void the check and refund the money to the member’s account at no charge.

Will fraud alerts contain any personal information?

We will not transmit sensitive personal information through alerts.

Do you offer ESAs?

We currently do not offer Educational Savings Accounts.

View our banking account options >

I have a Joint on my account, can he/she/they have their own online banking?

Yes! The Joint account holder can create their own user login.

What are the HUB Checking requirements?

Agree to receive your monthly statement through email (e-Statements)
AND

  • One direct deposit into your account a month
    OR
  • Five or more debit card transactions per calendar month.
    (Excludes ATM + Zelle transactions)

Why might my final HELOC payment be different from the calculator estimate?

Final payments may differ due to changes in the Prime Rate, approved loan amount, property value, credit profile, or selected repayment options.

Why am I seeing my child’s account and/or accounts?

You are able to see and access all of the accounts your Social Security Number is associated with at Direct Federal, under one login. This includes Custodial accounts, Joint accounts, and Trust accounts. If you  see accounts you don't want to see, you can go to My Settings and click on Accounts. Here you will be able to hide/unhide and rename your accounts.

How are Money Market dividends compounded?

Money Market dividends are are compounded monthly, and posted monthly.

How much equity can I use?

For primary residences, eligible borrowers may access up to 80% of their home’s combined loan‑to‑value (CLTV).

What if I lose my Title after my loan is paid in full?

The following must be done if you have lost or misplaced your title after the vehicle loan is paid in full and our lien is released:

Bring the paid loan letter, which includes the lien release statement, to your RMV to request a new title.  

You will be responsible for all fees. The RMVs does not allow Direct Federal to apply for a duplicate title on your behalf since we are no longer a lienholder.

What information needs to be on the Title?
What is Direct Federal's lienholder information?

Direct Federal Credit Union
ISAOA/ATIMA

P.O. Box 2092

Carmel, IN 46082

I authorized a check over the phone, why do I not see the check copy?

In some cases merchants do not submit the physical check for payment.  The check is converted into an electronic check (eCheck).  This is also known as a digital version of a paper check (Image replacement Document).  eChecks use the Automatic Clearing House (ACH) to debit from a members checking account.

What is the HELOC Early Termination fee?

$395 if the line is closed during the first two years.

Can I Use Zelle Internationally?

In order to use Zelle®, the sender and recipient's bank or credit union accounts must be based in the U.S.


Do you offer GAP insurance?

Yes, you can add GAP insurance to any auto loan for a low flat rate of $395. Learn more about GAP >

What happens after my mortgage application is approved?

Once you’ve submitted your application, you will have a personal Mortgage Specialist follow up with you to provide additional help and guidance. Your Mortgage Specialist will be your single point of contact from here. He or she will send you an approval letter, order an appraisal from a licensed appraiser familiar with home values in your area, and prepare your loan for closing. The closing will take place at the office of our attorney in your area, who will act as our agent. Before closing, your Mortgage Specialist will contact you to walk through the final information and answer any questions you might have.

How do you calculate my credit card balance?

We use a method called “average daily balance.” Refer to the section “Finance Charges” within the Agreement for more information on how your balance is calculated.

Visa Credit Card Agreement (Consumer)

How long does it take to apply and receive a decision for a HELOC?

It takes about five minutes to apply and you will have an answer within one business day.

How long is the payment grace period for a HELOC?

The Home Equity grace period is 10 days.

What if I forgot my username?

Please call us at 888.2DIRECT.

Where can I find my account number online?

You can find your account numbers within Digital Banking under Account Details.

View Account Information >

Do you have safety deposit boxes?

We currently do not offer safety deposit boxes at this time.

How do I set up a new Payee in Bill Pay?

Go to the Bill Pay widget and click on the “Manage Payees” tab. Then select “Add Payee”. You can add a Payee by searching your Payee within our database. If your payee is there, the information about the Payee will auto-fill. If it is not in our database, you can select “click here to create a Payee manually.” You will need to have your Payees information nearby including Name, Account Number, Email address, and Mailing Address.

Do you offer student loans?

We do not offer Student loans at this time, but click below to learn more about what personal loans and lines of credit we offer!

View Home Equity >

View Personal Loans >

View Credit Cards >

Is there a balance transfer fee for credit cards?

There are no balance transfer fees.

What is the Direct Federal routing number?

Our Routing & Transit Number is: 211381783

When is the dividend rate in effect?

Dividends start to accrue on the date the  account is funded.

Are there closing costs for a HELOC?

There are no closing costs.

Why is my checking account balance more than my available balance?

Possible  reasons for the difference in balance and available balance could be as  follows:

-SAME-DAY AVAILABILITY

Funds from the following deposits are available on the day of deposit:

• Cash.

• Electronic deposits, including wire transfers and pre-authorized credits (such as social security benefits and payroll payments), but not including check deposits sent to the Credit Union through Mobile Deposit.

• Checks drawn on Direct Federal Credit Union.

• The lesser of (1) $1000 or (2) all other deposits (except Foreign Checks).

NEXT-DAY AVAILABILITY

Funds from the following deposits are available on the first business day after the day of deposit:

• Checks drawn on the United States Treasury and payable to you

• The following checks, if they are payable to you and are deposited in person at a branch: • Commonwealth of Massachusetts and local government checks

• Cashier’s, certified, and teller’s checks

• Checks drawn on a Federal Reserve Bank or a Federal Home Loan Bank

• U.S. Postal Money Orders

SECOND-DAY AVAILABILITY

Funds from the following deposits are available on the second business day after the day of deposit:

• The following checks, if they are not payable to you and/or are not deposited in person at a branch: • Commonwealth of Massachusetts and local government checks

• Cashier’s, certified, and teller’s checks

• Checks drawn on a Federal Reserve Bank or a Federal Home Loan Bank

• U.S. Postal Money Orders

• The lesser of (1) all other deposits (except Foreign Checks) or (2) the first $5,000 of all deposits you made that day minus any portion of such amount that has already been made available to you.

FIFTH-DAY AVAILABILITY

All other deposits (except Foreign Checks) will be available no later than the fifth business day after the day of your deposit.

LONGER DELAYS MAY APPLY    

-Pending  transactions have yet to post to the account.

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

Once your application has been approved, you can expect your new card in the mail within 1-2 business days.

What are my credit card billing rights?

Information on your rights to dispute transactions and how to exercise those rights is provided in the Agreement.

Visa Credit Card Agreement (Consumer)

Why does it say it will take 10 days to send my Bill Payment?

The date that is displayed is the estimated delivery date of the check, not the date the payment is sent from your account.

Where do I access Bill Pay?

You can access Bill Pay by clicking here or you can access Bill Pay from our Mobile App. Bill Pay can be found by selecting More > Transfer & Pay > Bill Pay.

How much of my home equity can I borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on the property type and the equity you have in your home.

Primary Residences: Up to 80% Combined Loan-To-Value (CLTV). Any amount between $20,000 and $500,000.

Second Home and Investment Properties: Up to 70% Combined Loan-To-Value (CLTV). Any amount between $20,000 and $200,000.

What is the difference between a Title and Registration?

The title proves that you own the vehicle. The registration is permission from the state to operate it on the road. It will come to you with license plates and/or a sticker to display on the vehicle. In most states, your registration should always be with your vehicle, just like your license plates.

The final step of owning your new vehicle is to register and title it at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (RMV). It may also be known as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), or the Department of Transportation (DOT), depending on your state. For simplicity here, we will refer to it as the RMV.

Direct Federal only holds onto the title while your auto loan is open if you do not live in an owner retained state. If you live in an owner retained state, the RMV will send you the title to keep safe until your loan is paid in full.

Are properties in a trust eligible for a HELOC?

Yes, Direct Federal will allow properties that are placed in acceptable trusts.  The trust must be reviewed by our Attorney and must meet all of our guidelines and requirements for the transaction to move forward.  The applicant will need to provide a full copy of the Trust agreement for review.  The applicant must be the trustee or one of the co-trustees.  All trustees must be 18 years of age or older.  Additionally, the trustee must be authorized to borrow money and encumber real estate.

What fees or costs are associated with a home equity loan or line from Direct Federal?

There are no application fees, no closing costs, and no annual fees associated with a Direct Federal Home Equity Loan or Line. If the line is closed within the first two years of being opened an early termination fee of $395 would be applied.

Requested Lines $400,000 and above require an appraisal. Also, if you believe your home value is higher than our assessed value, an appraisal may be required in order for us to approve the amount requested.

Appraisal cost estimates:

Single-family unit - Approximately $500

Multi-unit -Approximately $650.00

Do you offer loans for commercial/business vehicles?

Yes, we do finance commercial vehicles!

View Business Loans >

Do you offer Youth Accounts?

Applicants under 18 require a joint owner on the account.

Why am I receiving a fraud alert?

Fraud alerts are sent to cardholders when potentially fraudulent transactions are detected on their accounts. We want to ensure that any questionable transactions were authorized by the cardholder.

What if I need more money?

If you realize you need more money to finance your purchase once you start shopping for your car, simply call us at 781.455.6500.

Are there any fees to send money using Zelle?

No, Direct Federal Credit Union does not charge any fees to use Zelle® in our mobile app.

Your mobile carrier's messaging and data rates may apply.

Is there a credit card over limit fee?

There is no over limit fees.

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

You are eligible for cash advances by going to ATMs or banks that are part of the Visa network. You can also transfer cash advance funds from your credit card to a Direct Federal savings, checking, or money market account. Direct does not charge a cash advance fee.

How do I get free checks?

You can get free checks with a Hub or Community checking account. Your initial check order is sent at the time the checking is opened. You can also reorder checks through online banking, our member service center, or in the branch.

Do you offer boat loans?

We do not offer Boat loans at this time, but click below to learn more about what personal loans and lines of credit we offer!

View Home Equity >

View Personal Loans >

View Credit Cards >

How do I apply for a mortgage?

Completing your mortgage application online is just like completing one on paper — with the added benefit of being able to complete it anytime, anywhere. Plus, at any time, you may stop and save your application; then return to it later. Expect your application to take about 15 minutes to complete. A series of prompts and helpful tips will guide you through each screen to help you through each stage of the application process, which includes the following steps:

Start App – You’ll be asked to select a username and password to ensure security and privacy. Create and enter your username and password here and make a note of them for your records.

Loan Details – Enter the address, price and other information related to the property.

Personal Info – Provide the name, date of birth and social security number for EACH borrower.

Employment Income – Tell us about your current employment situation, including gross income and any additional income you may receive.

Expenses – What is your current monthly expense for housing?

Asset Info – Provide a list of your financial assets, including bank accounts and investments, in order to verify that you have access to sufficient funds to complete the transaction.

Submit App – After a few final questions, simply submit the application to Direct Federal and a mortgage specialist will follow up with you

What does it mean to have a returned check?

A Returned Deposited Item (RDI) -  is a check that has been returned to a depositor because it could not be processed against the account which it was drawn on.  Deposited items can be returned for many reasons, such as insufficient or unavailable funds (funds on hold), stop payment, closed account, missing signature, etc.

Can my card be added to a digital wallet?

Yes, Direct Federal debit and credit cards can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Is there a credit card annual fee?

There is no annual fee.

How do I make a payment on my Direct Federal Loan from another financial institution?

You will first need to link your external account to online banking. To link your external account navigate to the transfers and pay menu option and then click on transfers & loan payments. Once you are in the transfers widget click on "more actions" and then "add account." Once your account has been added it will appear in the dropdown menus within the Transfers and loan payment widget.

Can I add more money to my CD account?

Funds cannot be added to an existing CD Share Certificate.

What does my credit score need to be to qualify for a mortgage?

Different Mortgage programs will have varying qualifications. Please contact a mortgage specialist to discuss your options.

Send message to Mortgage Specialist >

If I already have a home equity line am I eligible for an increase?

Depending on the assessed value of your home, and the amount of equity you have in it, you may be eligible to refinance/increase your existing Direct Federal Home Equity Line. You will need to submit a HELOC application and select "Home Equity Increase (Refinance)" as the purpose. Home Equity Line Refinances/Increases have a $295 fee.

Click here to apply to refinance/increase your existing Home Equity Line >

Are there any fees associated with my Direct Federal Visa®?

If your payments are on time, there are no fees.

Visa Credit Card Agreement (Consumer)

Is there a credit card cash advance fee?

There is no cash advance fee.

Can I withdraw my CD dividends?

Monthly dividends are available for withdrawal without penalty.

Do you offer FHA loans?

We currently do not offer FHA loans.

Do you offer foreign currency exchange?

We do not offer foreign currency exchange services at this time.

Is my information secure using Zelle?

Keeping your money and information safe is a top priority for Direct Federal Credit Union. When you use Zelle® within our mobile app​, your information is protected with the same technology we use to keep your Direct Federal Credit Union account safe.

I accidentally opted out of receiving fraud alerts. How do I opt back in?

If you accidentally opted of out text alerts from a mobile phone, when the digital system calls to verify activity, the system will provide the opportunity to opt back into text alerts for the mobile phone.  For all fraud alert types, please call the number on the back of your card to re-enable fraud alerts to an email address, a mobile phone or landline phone number. You can also visit a branch for assistance.

Can I prepay my HELOC?

Prepayment is allowed at any time without penalty. If you pay-off the balance and decide to close the line within the first two years, you will be charged a $395 Early Termination Fee.

What assumptions does the HELOC calculator use?

The calculator assumes standard HELOC terms, including a variable interest rate, interest‑only payments during the draw period, and repayment of principal and interest during the repayment period. Actual terms may differ based on your specific loan agreement.

I have a joint account with another cardholder. Why did I not receive a fraud alert? Why am I receiving fraud alerts when someone else on my account is making a transaction?

Fraud Alerts are transmitted to the phone number(s) and/or email address associated with the card used at the time of the transaction. If a joint cardholder is receiving alerts, it is because that cardholder’s phone number and/or email address is associated with the card transacting. If the fraud alerts should have gone to another cardholder on your account, we ask that you update the contact information for that cardholder.

Can my HELOC rate change?

Yes. HELOC rates are variable and may change as the Prime Rate changes.

What phone number(s) will receive fraud alerts?

Any phone numbers that Direct Federal has in your records may be sent alerts.

What happens when my CD matures?

At  maturity, Share Certificates (CD) will rollover into the same term at the  current rate being offered, unless Direct Federal is notified prior to  maturity or during the 7-day grace period.

How can I check the status of an application?

If you are an existing member, the easiest way to check the status of an application is through the Application Center within Digital Banking.

Check Status as a Member >


If you are not a member, please visit our Application Status Center.

Check Application Status >

What happens if I did not reply to a fraud alert whether via Email, Text or Phone?

Your card may be blocked for use and future transactions would be declined until the fraud alert is cleared.

Where can my property be located for a mortgage or home equity line of credit?

‍Direct Federal lends on properties located in the following locations:

Massachusetts Counties – Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester County.

New Hampshire – All Counties in New Hampshire.

Rhode Island – All Counties in Rhode Island.

Where can Commercial Real Estate & Investment Properties be located?

Commercial Real Estate & Investment Property eligible lending areas include:

Massachusetts Counties –  Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester County.

New Hampshire Counties – Cheshire, Hillsborough, and Rockingham County.

Do you offer SBA loans?

Yes, we offer SBA loans!


Request more information >

How do I get pre-approved?

Submit an application online or call to speak with Mortgage Loan Officer.

How do the Home Equity Fixed Rate Options work?

This feature is for existing Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) only. You cannot get a Fixed-Rate Option without first having a Home Equity Line of Credit. However, a HELOC can be converted to a Fixed Rate Carve Out during the initial HELOC closing.

The HELOC limit will be reduced by the amount of the fixed rate loan, but once it is paid off, the limit will replenish. Terms available: 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.  There are no fees associated with a Home Equity Fixed Rate Carve Out.

Maximum number of Fixed-Rate Carve Outs: 3

We do not pull credit for carve outs.

I accidentally marked a valid transaction as fraudulent. What do I do now?

When you mark a transaction as fraudulent, the response message you receive will include our fraud detection department’s toll-free number and it asks that you call to review the card activity, or you will receive a call from a fraud detection agent to review. The agent will be able to review the activity with you and clear the card for use.

Can I pay a small business with Zelle?

Some small businesses are able to receive payments with Zelle®. Ask your favorite small business if they accept payments with Zelle®. If they do, you can pay them directly from your Direct Federal Credit Union App​ using just their email address or U.S. mobile number.

Neither Direct Federal Credit Union nor Zelle® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle® - for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for, or the item is not as described or as you expected. Only send money to people and small businesses you trust and always ensure you've used the correct email address or U.S. mobile number when sending money.

What is the minimum or maximum home equity line amount I can apply for?

With Direct Federal, you can open a Home Equity Loan or Line for:

Primary Residences: Any amount between $20,000 and $500,000.

Second Homes and Investment Properties: Any amount between $20,000 and $200,000.

Can I hide payees I do not use often?

Unfortunately, you are unable to hide payees. If you have a payee that you do not use or do not use often you can add a “z” in front of the payee nickname to add it to the bottom of the list. Alternatively, when setting up Payees, you can add “tags” to each payee. This will allow you to sort by tag. For example, for Payees you pay each month you could add the tag “Monthly Payment”. You will then be able to sort by all Payees with the tag “Monthly Payment”.

Do you have Deposit Insurance?

With Direct Federal, any savings account that you choose is federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. This deposit insurance protection is offered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and is similar to the deposit insurance protection offered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

  • Each savings account is insured up to $250,000 per account owner
  • Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funds are separately covered up to $250,000
  • Funds in a trust account are separately covered up to $250,000

Plus, you have the ability to increase the insurance on your accounts depending on the types of accounts you have and how your accounts are owned.

For a detailed explanation of the NCUA visit their site https://ncua.gov/about . To estimate your insurance coverage, go to NCUA Share Insurance Estimator.

Questions? Simply call the NCUA Insurance Call Center at 800.755.1030, ext. 1; or call Direct Federal at 781.455.6500.

How do I make a payment on my Direct Federal Loan from a Direct Federal Account?

To make a payment to your Direct Federal Loan from a Direct Federal Account, navigate to the “Transfers” feature. For the most payment options, including Principal only payments, click on the “Classic” tab. From there you will be able to select which account you want the payment to come from, which loan it should go to, how much you want to pay, and other payment options.

What is your Fax number?

Our fax number is 781-433-2922.

How do I update my contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, etc.)?

You can update your contact information by updating your account profile in Digital Banking, by calling Member Services, or by visiting our branch.

Update in Digital Banking >

What is the difference between a HELOC and HELOAN?

If you want flexibility and ongoing access to funds, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) may be the better fit. If you prefer a fixed payment and know exactly how much you need, a Home Equity Loan (HELOAN) may make more sense.

HELOC
Best for ongoing or uncertain expenses. Variable interest rate.

HELOAN
Best for one-time projects/lump sum upfront. Fixed interest rate.

How do I track the status of my Bill Payments?

The status of your payments is located under “Payment activity” within the “Payments” tab of the Bill Pay widget. Click on each individual payment to obtain details and the status of your payment.

Do you charge to use the coin machine at the branch?

We do not charge for the coin machine but you must be a member to use it.

The coin machine is available Monday-Friday (8am-3pm) and Saturday (8am-12pm).

Please contact us at 888.2DIRECT if you plan on coming into the Branch to use the coin machine.

How can I make sure my mobile app stays up to date?

You can ensure that you're on the newest app version available by turning on automatic updates in your device settings

Do you offer RV loans?

We do not offer RV loans at this time, but click below to learn more about what personal loans and lines of credit we offer!

View Home Equity >

View Personal Loans >

View Credit Cards >

Do you offer motorcycle loans?

We do not offer motorcycle loans at this time, but click below to learn more about what personal loans and lines of credit we offer!

View Home Equity >

View Personal Loans >

View Credit Cards >

How are CD dividends compounded?

CD dividends are compounded daily and posted monthly.

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

Rates vary based on your creditworthiness. The rate can vary monthly and is based on the Prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal.

What should I do when an unauthorized check clears my account?

Speak to a Direct Federal Member Service Representative. This can be done by visiting the branch or calling us at 781-455-6500. Once it is established that the item is unauthorized, an affidavit of forgery needs to be completed and either mailed to Direct Federal or taken into the branch for processing. Once the process is complete, the funds will be returned to your account.

Affidavit of Forgery

Can I use talk-to-text(Dictation) to talk to a live chat associate?

Our live chat platform supports the talk-to-text (dictation) feature available on your smart device. To use talk-to-text to chat with one of our live associates click on the “live chat” button found on the bottom left of your screen. Upon establishing a connection with a live chat associate, you may initiate the use of the talk-to-text feature.


The method for accessing the talk-to-text feature on your device's keyboard may vary depending on the type of smart device you are using. To assist you in locating the talk-to-text feature on your device, we have provided additional resources below.

Click here for Apple Keyboard
Click here for Google assistant (gboard)

*Other keyboards may support this feature. Contact your phone provider for additional assistance.