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Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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

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.

How do I use Zelle?

You can send, request, or receive money with Zelle®. To get started, log into the Direct Federal Credit Union App​. In the main menu, select "Transfer and Pay". Then "Send money with Zelle®".

To send money using Zelle®, simply select someone from your mobile device's contacts (or add a trusted recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number), add the amount you'd like to send and an optional note, review, then hit "Send." The recipient will receive an email or text message notification via the method they used to enroll with Zelle®. Money is available to your recipient in minutes if they are already enrolled with Zelle®.

To request money using Zelle®, choose "Request," select the individual from whom you'd like to request money, enter the amount you'd like, include an optional note, review and hit "Request". If the person you are requesting money from is not yet enrolled with Zelle®, you must use their email address to request money. If the person has enrolled their U.S. mobile number, then you can send the request using their mobile number.

To receive money, just share your enrolled email address or U.S. mobile number with a friend and ask them to send you money with Zelle®. If you have already enrolled with Zelle®, you do not need to take any further action. The money will be sent directly into your Direct Federal Credit Union account, typically within minutes.

If someone sent you money with Zelle® and you have not yet enrolled with Zelle®, follow these steps:

  1. Click on link provided in the payment notification you received via email or text message.
  2. Select Direct Federal Credit Union.
  3. Follow the instructions provided on the page to enroll and receive your payment. Pay attention to the email address or U.S. mobile number where you received the payment notification - you should enroll with Zelle® using that email address or U.S. mobile number to ensure you receive your money.

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 if I forgot my username?

Please call us at 888.2DIRECT.

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)

Can I add more money to my CD account?

Funds cannot be added to an existing CD Share Certificate.

Is there a credit card foreign transaction fee?

1% of each transaction in US dollars.

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 >

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