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Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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.

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.

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 >

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 >

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 >

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.

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

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