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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes! You can start a chat with us by clicking on the text bubble icon on the login page and the dashboard
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.
Please call us at 888.2DIRECT.
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.
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.
It takes about five minutes to apply and you will have an answer within one business day.
You can reset your password.
Reset Password >
If you are locked out of your account please call us at 888.2DIRECT.
No. Using the calculator does not affect your credit score and does not initiate a credit inquiry.
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.
There are no closing costs.
You can update your contact information by updating your account profile in Digital Banking, by calling Member Services, or by visiting our branch.
Information on your rights to dispute transactions and how to exercise those rights is provided in the Agreement.
We currently do not offer 529 plans.
View our banking account options >
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.
You may finance automobiles, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans for consumer use. For commercial vehicles, visit the Business Loans page.
Only new HELOCs are eligible for the introductory rate. Increases/refinances of an existing HELOC at Direct Federal do not qualify.
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.
Funds cannot be added to an existing CD Share Certificate.
We do not offer foreign currency exchange services at this time.
Direct Federal Credit Union
ISAOA/ATIMA
P.O. Box 2092
Carmel, IN 46082
Applicants under 18 require a joint owner on the account.
CD dividends are compounded daily and posted monthly.
Yes, we offer SBA loans!
Your card may be blocked for use and future transactions would be declined until the fraud alert is cleared.
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 >
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.
You can apply for a credit limit of up to $25,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Yes, Direct Federal debit and credit cards can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Required documentation will include but is not limited to: an insurance binder or insurance declaration page, income verification, mortgage statement, and valid license or identification.
Monthly dividends are available for withdrawal without penalty.
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 >
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.
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 >
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!
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.
Yes! The Joint account holder can create their own user login.
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.
If your payments are on time, there are no fees.
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
There are no balance transfer fees.
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.
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!
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”.
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.
You can submit a Stop Payment Request through Online Banking via Tools > Check Services.
Different Mortgage programs will have varying qualifications. Please contact a mortgage specialist to discuss your options.
Send message to Mortgage Specialist >
Our Routing & Transit Number is: 211381783
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.
There is no over limit fees.
There is no annual fee.
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
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.
We currently do not offer Health Savings Accounts.
View our banking account options >
We offer a variety of options to pay a Direct Federal Loan or Line of Credit.
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.
HELOC closings take place at our Branch located in Needham, MA.
50 Cabot St. Needham, MA 02494
If you are an existing member, the easiest way to check the status of an application is through the Application Center within Digital Banking.
If you are not a member, please visit our Application Status Center.
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.
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.
Our fax number is 781-433-2922.
Your IRS forms will be available under Statements within Digital Banking.
View Statements >
You can find your account numbers within Digital Banking under Account Details.
View Account Information >
Yes. Most HELOCs have variable interest rates that can change based on the Prime Rate. A rate change will affect your monthly payment.
Yes, we do finance commercial vehicles!
View Business Loans >
We currently do not offer VA loans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 >
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.
We currently do not offer Educational Savings Accounts.
View our banking account options >
We currently do not offer FHA loans.
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.
Submit an application online or call to speak with Mortgage Loan Officer.
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 >
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 >
Any phone numbers that Direct Federal has in your records may be sent alerts.
1% of each transaction in US dollars.
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.
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.
We currently do not offer land loans but please check back in with us in the future!
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.
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:
- Click on link provided in the payment notification you received via email or text message.
- Select Direct Federal Credit Union.
- 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.
For primary residences, eligible borrowers may access up to 80% of their home’s combined loan‑to‑value (CLTV).
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.
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.
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.
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.