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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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Are the HELOC calculator results guaranteed?

No. Calculator results are estimates provided for informational purposes only and do not represent a loan offer or approval. Actual rates, payments, and terms are based on a full application review and may vary.

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 >

Will fraud alerts contain any personal information?

We will not transmit sensitive personal information through alerts.

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.

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 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 >

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 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 529 plans?

We currently do not offer 529 plans.

View our banking account options >

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 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 >

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.

Do you offer HSAs?

We currently do not offer Health Savings Accounts.

View our banking account 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.

What types of vehicles can I finance?

You may finance automobiles, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans for consumer use. For commercial vehicles, visit the Business Loans page.

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.

Are my deposits insured?

We are  federally Insured by the NCUA. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund  was created by Congress in 1970 to insure members' deposits in federally  insured credit unions. Each credit union member has at least $250,000 in total coverage in individual accounts.

The  Share Insurance Fund also separately protects members’ IRA accounts up to  $250,000 and provides additional coverage for members’ trust accounts.

The  Share Insurance Fund has the backing of the full faith and credit of the  United States. Credit union members have never lost even a penny of insured savings at a federally insured credit union.

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 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.

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 offer FHA loans?

We currently do not offer FHA loans.

Why use a HELOC?

Home Equity Lines of Credit combine flexibility with lower rates than most unsecured loans. You only pay interest on the portion of the line you actually use.

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 loans for commercial/business vehicles?

Yes, we do finance commercial vehicles!

View Business Loans >

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.

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).

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)

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 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)

Is there a balance transfer fee for credit cards?

There are no balance transfer fees.

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.

How long is the payment grace period for a HELOC?

The Home Equity grace period is 10 days.

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

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

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.

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 >

What is "ACH"?

An ACH, or Automated Clearing House, transaction is an electronic transaction that allows merchants to access your account. For example, payroll direct deposits are ACH deposits. Additionally, things like gym membership dues can be set up as ACH withdrawals.

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

What phone number(s) will receive fraud alerts?

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

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.

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.

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

Do you offer Youth Accounts?

Applicants under 18 require a joint owner on the account.

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.

Are there closing costs for a HELOC?

There are no closing costs.

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.

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 >

Do you offer SBA loans?

Yes, we offer SBA loans!


Request more information >

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.

Where can I find my account number online?

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

View Account Information >

What is Direct Federal's lienholder information?

Direct Federal Credit Union
ISAOA/ATIMA

P.O. Box 2092

Carmel, IN 46082

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.

Do you offer VA loans?

We currently do not offer VA loans.

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 >

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.

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.

Is there a credit card annual fee?

There is no annual fee.

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 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.

Is the fraud alert service safe and secure?

Yes. Our priority is to protect your personal information. When you return a fraud alert message, we will ask for the unique case # to your specific fraud alert.

Is there a credit card over limit fee?

There is no over limit fees.

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.

How can I get my 1099 Tax Forms online?

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

View Statements >

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.

How can I upload proof of insurance for my vehicle?
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 is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit secured by your home. It lets you borrow what you need, when you need it, up to your approved credit limit. During the draw period, you typically make interest‑only payments on what you’ve borrowed. Once the draw period ends, the remaining balance transitions into repayment over a set term.

Do you offer land loans?

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

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

What are fraud alerts?

Fraud alerts are automated phone calls, text messages and emails that are sent when potentially fraudulent purchase activity has been detected on a credit/debit card account. Messages are triggered by Direct's fraud detection system.

Text messages will be sent to cardholders in the 50 United States at no charge.

Customers with international telephone numbers will only receive emails. They will not receive text messages or phone calls.

Do you have safety deposit boxes?

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

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 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 >

How do I know what the Principal and Interest breakdown is on my loan payment?

Within Online Banking, select your Loan and click on the specific payment you would like more information on. Then select "Breakdown" and you will be able to view the Principal and Interest breakdown of your loan payment.

Is there a credit card foreign transaction fee?

1% of each transaction in US dollars.

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”.

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.

Is there a credit card cash advance fee?

There is no cash advance fee.

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 if I forget my password?

You can reset your password.

Reset Password >

If you are locked out of your account please call us at 888.2DIRECT.

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 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 >

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 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 do I log in for the first time?
Can I cancel a payment sent with Zelle?

You can only cancel a payment if the person you sent money to hasn't yet enrolled with Zelle®. To check whether the payment is still pending because the recipient hasn't yet enrolled, you can go to your activity page, choose the payment you want to cancel, and then select "Cancel This Payment". If you do not see this option available, please contact our customer support team at 7814556500 for assistance with canceling the pending payment.

If the person you sent money to has already enrolled with Zelle®, the money is sent directly to their bank account and cannot be canceled. This is why it's important to only send money to people you trust, and always ensure you've used the correct email address or U.S. mobile number when sending money.

If you sent money to the wrong person, please immediately call our customer support team at 7814556500 so we can help you.


What information needs to be on the Title?
What is the HELOC Early Termination fee?

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

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.

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.

When is the dividend rate in effect?

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

What if I or the RMV lose my Title while doing a state or name change?

One of the following must be done if you have lost or misplaced the title that was mailed to you while the loan is still open:

Contact Direct Federal at 888.2DIRECT to request a duplicate title. Processing time will depend on the RMV. You will be responsible for the state’s duplicate title fee.

Contact your state’s RMV if you live in an owner retained title state for a duplicate title. You will be responsible for the state’s duplicate title fee.

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.

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 are CD dividends compounded?

CD dividends are compounded daily and posted monthly.

Can the interest rate shown in the calculator change over time?

Yes. Most HELOCs have variable interest rates that can change based on the Prime Rate. A rate change will affect your monthly payment.

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.

I made a Loan payment, and I am still seeing a notification that my Loan is due. Did it not go through?

The notification will disappear once your payment has posted to the Loan. Please allow 4-5 days for your payment to process before queuing another payment.

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 is your Fax number?

Our fax number is 781-433-2922.

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 >