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.
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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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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 >

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 VA loans?

We currently do not offer VA loans.

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 FHA loans?

We currently do not offer FHA loans.

Can I withdraw my CD dividends?

Monthly dividends are available for withdrawal without penalty.

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 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.

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 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 >

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.

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.

How long is the payment grace period for a HELOC?

The Home Equity grace period is 10 days.

Where can I find my account number online?

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

View Account Information >

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A legitimate transaction triggered a fraud alert. How long should I wait after responding to an alert to reattempt the transaction?

Upon confirming that a transaction is valid, you may retry the transaction immediately.

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.

Will fraud alerts contain any personal information?

We will not transmit sensitive personal information through alerts.

How do I see what Bills I have being paid each month within Bill Pay?

On the “Payments” tab of the Bill Pay widget, you will see “Payment Activity”. There you will see what Bills are scheduled to be paid in the current month. By clicking “Next” or “Previous” you can see what is scheduled to be paid or has been paid in the previous month. If you need additional information about any payment such as the payment frequency or the check number, click on the individual payment to be brought to the payment details.Alternatively, if you click on the “Manage Payees” tab within the Bill Pay widget and select an individual Payee you can view historical and scheduled payments for each Payee. Please note that payment history is only available from 2/1/21 and on. Please reference your past statements for payments prior to that.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is there a balance transfer fee for credit cards?

There are no balance transfer fees.

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.‍

Do you offer foreign currency exchange?

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

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 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 >

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 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.

Do you offer 529 plans?

We currently do not offer 529 plans.

View our banking account options >

How do the credit card rewards work?

Cash Back rewards applies to purchases posted on your account less credits for returned merchandise. Point cash value of $.01 will be earned for every qualifying dollar. Rewards will be processed annually in November and a check will automatically be mailed to you. Minimum of 5,000 points required for redemption.

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 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 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 do I log in for the first time?
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 are CD dividends compounded?

CD dividends are compounded daily and posted monthly.

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.

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-11pm).

Please contact us at 888.2DIRECT if you plan on coming into the Branch to use the coin machine.

How are Money Market dividends compounded?

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

Is there a credit card cash advance fee?

There is no cash advance fee.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

How can I upload proof of insurance for my vehicle?
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.

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)

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.

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.

Is there a credit card foreign transaction fee?

1% of each transaction in US dollars.

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 >

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.


Is there a credit card annual fee?

There is no annual fee.

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

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

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.

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.

Where do HELOC closings take place?

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

Do you offer Youth Accounts?

Applicants under 18 require a joint owner on the account.

What is the HELOC Early Termination fee?

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

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

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 >

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 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.

Where can I find my credit card reward points?

You can locate your credit card reward points balance on your credit card statement. You can access this statement within Digital Banking.

View credit card statement >

Reminder
Rewards will be processed annually in November and a check will automatically be mailed to you. Minimum of 5,000 points required for redemption.

Are properties in a trust eligible for a HELOC?

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.

What documentation is required to close a home equity loan or line?

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.

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 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.

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 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)

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 >

Do you offer HSAs?

We currently do not offer Health Savings Accounts.

View our banking account options >

How long will it take to receive my Direct Federal Visa® card?

Once your application has been approved, you can expect your new card in the mail within 1-2 business days.

Can I add more money to my CD account?

Funds cannot be added to an existing CD Share Certificate.

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.

Are there closing costs for a HELOC?

There are no closing costs.

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)

Do you offer GAP insurance?

Yes, you can add GAP insurance to any auto loan for a low flat rate of $395. Learn more about GAP >

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.

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.

What is the Direct Federal routing number?

Our Routing & Transit Number is: 211381783

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.

How can I get my 1099 Tax Forms online?

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

View Statements >

How do I stop receiving fraud alerts? What should I do if I don’t want to get a fraud alert at a certain phone number?

1. You can opt out of text alerts by replying “STOP” to the text message

2. You can opt out of phone calls when the alert system calls you.

3. Click on the Unsubscribe link in the email to stop the emails.

4. Contact our Call Center to ask to stop receiving fraud alerts.

5. Visit a branch to ask to stop receiving fraud alerts.

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.

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 >

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.

Do you offer SBA loans?

Yes, we offer SBA loans!


Request more information >