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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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.

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 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.

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.

Do you offer 529 plans?

We currently do not offer 529 plans.

View our banking account options >

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

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

Do you offer loans for commercial/business vehicles?

Yes, we do finance commercial vehicles!

View Business Loans >

Is there a credit card annual fee?

There is no annual fee.

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.

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 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 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

Do you offer land loans?

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

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.

Do you offer ESAs?

We currently do not offer Educational Savings Accounts.

View our banking account options >

Can I add more money to my CD account?

Funds cannot be added to an existing CD Share Certificate.

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.

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.

If I already have a home equity line am I eligible for an increase?

Depending on the assessed value of your home, and the amount of equity you have in it, you may be eligible to refinance/increase your existing Direct Federal Home Equity Line. You will need to submit a HELOC application and select "Home Equity Increase (Refinance)" as the purpose. Home Equity Line Refinances/Increases have a $295 fee.

Click here to apply to refinance/increase your existing Home Equity Line >

How do the Home Equity Fixed Rate Options work?

This feature is for existing Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) only. You cannot get a Fixed-Rate Option without first having a Home Equity Line of Credit. However, a HELOC can be converted to a Fixed Rate Carve Out during the initial HELOC closing.

The HELOC limit will be reduced by the amount of the fixed rate loan, but once it is paid off, the limit will replenish. Terms available: 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.  There are no fees associated with a Home Equity Fixed Rate Carve Out.

Maximum number of Fixed-Rate Carve Outs: 3

We do not pull credit for carve outs.

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.

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

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

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.

What is the Direct Federal routing number?

Our Routing & Transit Number is: 211381783

Will fraud alerts contain any personal information?

We will not transmit sensitive personal information through alerts.

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.

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 Recording fee for a HELOC?

$0 unless property is in a trust and/or there are unrecorded discharges that need to be recorded.

What if I lose my Title after my loan is paid in full?

The following must be done if you have lost or misplaced your title after the vehicle loan is paid in full and our lien is released:

Bring the paid loan letter, which includes the lien release statement, to your RMV to request a new title.  

You will be responsible for all fees. The RMVs does not allow Direct Federal to apply for a duplicate title on your behalf since we are no longer a lienholder.

Do you offer VA loans?

We currently do not offer VA loans.

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 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.

Do you offer SBA loans?

Yes, we offer SBA loans!


Request more information >

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 long is the payment grace period for a HELOC?

The Home Equity grace period is 10 days.

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 >

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 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.

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.

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.

How can I upload proof of insurance for my vehicle?
Do you offer student loans?

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 >

View Personal Loans >

View Credit Cards >

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 is the HELOC Early Termination fee?

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

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.

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 >

What does my credit score need to be to qualify for a mortgage?

Different Mortgage programs will have varying qualifications. Please contact a mortgage specialist to discuss your options.

Send message to Mortgage Specialist >

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 >

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.‍

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.

Do you offer foreign currency exchange?

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

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.

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 >

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.

When is the dividend rate in effect?

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

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.

What if I forgot my username?

Please call us at 888.2DIRECT.

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.

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.

Can I withdraw my CD dividends?

Monthly dividends are available for withdrawal without penalty.

Is there a credit card foreign transaction fee?

1% of each transaction in US dollars.

How much can I borrow for my auto loan?

You can borrow 120% of the value of your car (subject to our maximum auto loan limit of $100,000). This allows you to finance the entire purchase price, plus GAP insurance and the sales tax.

Can I pay off a home equity loan or line with another lender using a Direct Federal Home Equity Loan or Line?

Yes. In the application, please select "Refinance Home Loan" as the "Loan Purpose".

How do I make a Principal only payment?

Navigate to the transfers and pay tab and then click on transfers and loan payments. Please note, that Principal payments CANNOT be made from external accounts. Once you have navigated to the transfers widget, select which accounts you'd like the money to come out of and which loan you will be paying. Once the accounts are selected the "Principal Payment" option will appear. Your loan must be up to date.

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 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)

Are there closing costs for a HELOC?

There are no closing costs.

Can I pay my Direct Federal Visa® bill online?

Yes. You may pay your Direct Federal Visa bill online using any checking account.

View Payment Options

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 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 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 get my 1099 Tax Forms online?

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

View Statements >

Do you offer HSAs?

We currently do not offer Health Savings Accounts.

View our banking account options >

Where do HELOC closings take place?

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

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 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)

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 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.

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.

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.

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 >

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.

What is Direct Federal's lienholder information?

Direct Federal Credit Union
ISAOA/ATIMA

P.O. Box 2092

Carmel, IN 46082

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.

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.

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.

Do you offer Youth Accounts?

Applicants under 18 require a joint owner on the account.

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 the appraisal fees for a HELOC?

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 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 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 are Money Market dividends compounded?

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

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.

Do you offer FHA loans?

We currently do not offer FHA loans.