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.
get in the know

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.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
How are CD dividends compounded?

CD dividends are compounded daily and posted monthly.

How are Money Market dividends compounded?

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

Do you offer Home Equity in my area?

Direct Federal lends on properties located in the following locations:

Massachusetts Counties: Norfolk, Middlesex, Suffolk, Plymouth, Essex, Bristol, Worcester, and Barnstable

Rhode Island Counties: All Counties in Rhode Island

New Hampshire Counties: Rockingham, Hillsborough, and Cheshire

How can I upload proof of insurance for my vehicle?
Do I need to sign up to receive fraud alerts?

You will automatically be enrolled to receive all fraud alerts via the contact methods on your account, ie., email address, cell phone, home phone, work phone, etc.

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.

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.

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.

What is the Recording fee for a HELOC?

$0 unless property is in a trust and/or there are unrecorded discharges that need to be recorded.

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.

When is the dividend rate in effect?

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

What is the credit limit on a Direct Federal Visa®?

You can apply for a credit limit of up to $25,000.

Do you offer HSAs?

We currently do not offer Health Savings Accounts.

View our banking account options >

What do I need to do with my Title if I am moving to another state?

If you are moving to a different state within the U.S., a state change request should first be submitted through Online Banking or by calling our Contact Center at 888.2DIRECT.

IMPORTANT: Direct Federal cannot process the state change for you. You must complete this process with the applicable RMV.

This request allows us to print/prepare the title so you can process the state change at the RMV. We will mail the title to you at the address we have on file. Then bring it to the RMV to complete the title and registration in your new state. We cannot do this for you.

IMPORTANT: The process is different for owner retained states. If you live in an owner retained state, you do not have to file a state change with us. Simply go to your new RMV to title and register there. Please make sure all Direct Federal’s information is correct on all documentation so that we get notified of the state change.

Going to the RMV before filing a request with us will result in delayed processing of your forms. The RMV will contact us to request that the title be mailed to them, resulting in a higher chance of title loss. In this case, we will not be able to provide you with a duplicate title unless Direct Federal is listed as lienholder.

Can I withdraw my CD dividends?

Monthly dividends are available for withdrawal without penalty.

How does Bill Pay work?

Bill Pay allows you to pay all of your bills, outside of Direct Federal Credit Union, in one place. Your payments will be delivered electronically or by check depending on the recipient. You can schedule one-time or recurring payments.

I would like to open a home equity loan or line. What is the minimum or maximum 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.‍

What is the "draw period" on a home equity line?

The Draw Period is the period of time you can access funds from your Home Equity Line. Direct offers a 15-year draw period with interest-only monthly payment 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.

Will my credit be pulled if I need a Home Equity increase?

Yes, 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)

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.

Is there a credit card cash advance fee?

There is no cash advance fee.

Do you offer VA loans?

We currently do not offer VA loans.

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.

What information needs to be on the Title?

Once you get your title, there may be some changes that need to be made before the title is ready to be given to Direct Federal. Please do not write on your title, as this will void the title. In the Names and Mailing Address of Owners section, it must list you as the owner and your current address. If the title application with the RMV is completed properly, we will be notified that the title has been created with "Direct FCU" as lienholder.  


IMPORTANT: The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on your Loan Note and Agreement must match the VIN on your title. If you are aware of any discrepancies, please contact us as soon as possible.


If the vehicle you are titling is for your business and you would like it in your business name, you must open a business membership and apply for a commercial loan. If you have started the loan as a personal vehicle loan, the title will need to be in your name.  


Direct Federal’s lienholder information:

Direct Federal Credit Union

ISAOA/ATIMA

50 Cabot Street

Needham, MA 02494

How can I pay my bill?

We offer a variety of options to pay a Direct Federal Loan or Line of Credit.

View payment options for Direct Federal Loans and Lines >

Do you have safety deposit boxes?

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

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.

How can I increase my credit limit?

You can request a Home Equity Line of Credit and Credit Card increase through Online Banking.

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. Home Equity Line Refinances/Increases have a $295 fee.

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

Submit Credit Card Limit increase request >

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 >

Is there a credit card foreign transaction fee?

1% of each transaction in US dollars.

What is your Fax number?

Our fax number is 781-433-2922.

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.

Do you offer foreign currency exchange?

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

How can I get my 1099 Tax Forms online?

Your IRS forms will be available under Statements within Digital Banking.

View Statements >

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.

What phone number(s) will receive fraud alerts?

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

Why do I need to provide Direct Federal my Title?

As part of your loan agreement with Direct Federal, and because your car is serving as the collateral for the loan, you are required to provide the title to us within 90 days of opening the loan. The title must display your name as the owner and list Direct Federal as a lienholder. Being a lienholder means we have an interest in the property that is on the title until the loan is paid in full.

If we receive a title for your vehicle that does not have “Direct FCU” listed as lienholder,  forms to add lienholder will be mailed to you. Please complete the highlighted sections and return them in the envelope provided along with a check made payable to the applicable RMV so we can file for lien placement on your behalf.  


Note: If the envelope is lost, please send documents to:

Direct Federal Credit Union

Attn: Loan Servicing

50 Cabot Street

Needham, MA 02494

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.

How do I set up Recurring Payments?

Login to Digital Banking and access the transfers widget. After choosing your account and loan from the dropdown menus, you can then specify the frequency for your recurring payments.

Login to Digital Banking >

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 >

What happens if interest rates change between the time I apply and the time I purchase a vehicle?

If rates rise from the time you apply until the time you use your loan, you will get the lower rate that was in effect when you applied. If rates fall from the time you apply until the time you use your loan, you will get the lower rate in effect at the time of purchase.

Do you offer Youth Accounts?

Applicants under 18 require a joint owner on the account.

Do you offer 529 plans?

We currently do not offer 529 plans.

View our banking account options >

What is the Direct Federal routing number?

Our Routing & Transit Number is: 211381783

Is live chat still available on the app?

Yes! You can start a chat with us by clicking on the text bubble icon on the login page and the dashboard

What is Direct Federal's lienholder information?

Direct Federal Credit Union
ISAOA/ATIMA

50 Cabot Street
Needham, MA 02494

How long is the payment grace period for a HELOC?

The Home Equity grace period is 10 days.

Will I get fraud alerts while I am traveling domestically/internationally?

If you are travelling within the U.S., you will receive phone calls, text messages and emails. If you are travelling internationally, you will receive emails. You will only receive text messages if your mobile phone plan allows you to receive them while traveling outside of the United States.

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 >

How do I make a Principal only payment?

Navigate to the transfers and pay tab and then click on transfers and loan payments. Please note, that Principal payments CANNOT be made from external accounts. Once you have navigated to the transfers widget, select which accounts you'd like the money to come out of and which loan you will be paying. Once the accounts are selected the "Principal Payment" option will appear. Your loan must be up to date.

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.

Is there a credit card over limit fee?

There is no over limit fees.

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.

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.

Who can I send money to with Zelle

Zelle® is a great way to send money to family, friends, and people you are familiar with such as your personal trainer, babysitter or neighbor.1

Since money is sent directly from your Direct Federal Credit Union account to another person's bank account within minutes1, Zelle® should only be used to send money to friends, family and others you trust.

If you don't know the person or aren't sure you will get what you paid for (for example, items bought from an online bidding or sales site), you should not use Zelle®. These transactions are potentially high risk (just like sending cash to a person you don't know is high risk).

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 if I forgot my username?

Please call us at 888.2DIRECT.

Is there a balance transfer fee for credit cards?

There are no balance transfer fees.

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.

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.

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 the home equity line repayment period?

At the end of your 15-Year Draw Period, you will enter the Repayment Period. The Repayment Period is 15 years of principal and interest. The rate remains variable based on your Home Equity agreement.

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 >

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.

Is there a credit card annual fee?

There is no annual fee.

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

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.

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.

Do you offer SBA loans?

Yes, we offer SBA loans!


Request more information >

Do you offer ESAs?

We currently do not offer Educational Savings Accounts.

View our banking account options >

How do I change or remove names from my Title?

If you are adding, changing, or removing a name on the title, you can submit a name change request through Online Banking or by calling our Contact Center at 888.2DIRECT.

IMPORTANT: Direct Federal cannot process the name change for you. You must complete this process with the applicable RMV.

This request allows us to print/prepare the title so you can process the name change at the RMV. We will mail the title and permission letter to the address you have on file with us. Then bring those documents to your RMV so they can process the name change and send the title back to us.

Do you offer loans for commercial/business vehicles?

Yes, we do finance commercial vehicles!

View Business Loans >

What if I want to send money to someone whose bank or credit union doesn't offer Zelle

You can find a full list of participating banks and credit unions live with Zelle® at Zellepay.com.

If your recipient's bank or credit union isn't on the list, don't worry! The list of participating financial institutions is always growing, and your recipient can still use Zelle® by downloading the Zelle® app for Android and iOS.

To enroll with the Zelle® app, your recipient will enter their basic contact information, an email address or U.S. mobile number, and a Visa® or Mastercard® debit card with a U.S. based account (does not include U.S. territories). Zelle® does not accept debit cards associated with international deposit accounts or any credit cards.

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can I request a stop payment on a check online?

You can submit a Stop Payment Request through Online Banking via Tools > Check Services.

Submit Stop Payment Request >

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.

I accidentally responded to an alert that a fraudulent transaction was valid. What do I do now?

Please report the unauthorized transaction immediately by calling the phone number provided in the alerts or the number on the back of your card. The agent will then take care of marking the transaction as fraud and close the card.

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.

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

How much can I borrow for my auto loan?

You can borrow 120% of the value of your car (subject to our maximum auto loan limit of $100,000). This allows you to finance the entire purchase price, plus GAP insurance and the sales tax.

How long do I have to use my Direct Federal Auto loan?

You have 60 days. If, for whatever reason, you do not use the loan during that time period and need another one, simply call us at 781.455.6500.

What types of properties qualify for a Direct HELOC?

Direct Federal lends on properties located in the following locations:

Massachusetts Counties: Norfolk, Middlesex, Suffolk, Plymouth, Essex, Bristol, Worcester, and Barnstable

Rhode Island Counties: All Counties in Rhode Island

New Hampshire Counties: Rockingham, Hillsborough, and Cheshire

What are the appraisal fees for a HELOC?

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

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.

What is the HELOC Early Termination fee?

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

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 >

Can I add more money to my CD account?

Funds cannot be added to an existing CD Share Certificate.

Where do HELOC closings take place?

HELOC closings take place at our Branch located in Needham, MA.

Do you offer land loans?

We currently do not offer land loans but please check back in with us in the future!

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.


How do I transfer a balance to my credit card?

Log in to Online Banking or our Mobile App Hover over Menu item "Tools"Select "Card Management"Select your Visa Credit Card. Select "Balance Transfer", input Card Issuer Details and Submit!

Transfer Balance Now >