
First Tech Credit Union Review
First Tech Credit Union presents a mixed value proposition for savers. Their savings account yields a mere 0.01% APY, significantly trailing the market average of 2.24%. This places them among the lowest-yielding savings options currently available, requiring just $5 to open an account.
The credit union's CD offerings demonstrate inconsistent competitiveness. Their 6-month and 12-month certificates deliver respectable returns at 3.15% and 3.10% APY respectively, both surpassing the market average. However, longer-term CDs fall short of expectations, with 24-month and 36-month options yielding just 1.35% APY, well below the 2.66% market average.
First Tech's money market accounts fail to deliver compelling value, with both standard and high-balance options ($10,000 minimum) yielding just 0.10% APY. This rate positions them substantially below the current market, making these accounts suitable primarily for liquid funds rather than growth-oriented savings.
First Tech Credit Union Bank Rates
These rates were last updated on July 19th, 2025.
Savings
Savings
Money Market
MMA
MMA $10k
CD
6 Month CD
1 Year CD
5 Year CD
3 Year CD
2 Year CD
Compared Against Other Banks
To help you see how First Tech Credit Union's rates compare to other banks, we have gathered their rates here. These are rated highly for competitive rates, fees, and minimums. All offers are FDIC or NCUA insured.
Peak Bank
Savings
Primis Bank
Savings
Vio Bank
MMA
EverBank
Savings
MyBankingDirect
Savings
Essential Banking Features & Services
Bank Features
Our team manually evaluates each bank across 52 essential features, giving you a comprehensive view of what really matters.
Updated on July 9th, 2025
Cost Benefits
- No monthly maintenance fees are charged.
- First Tech Credit Union minimum balances to open an account are very minimal.
- Foreign transaction fees apply to international purchases.
- Fees apply when using out-of-network ATMs.
- Account includes overdraft protection options.
- Fees apply for wire transfers.
First Tech Credit Union eliminates monthly maintenance fees across its accounts, removing a common banking expense that can erode balances over time regardless of account activity. This customer-friendly approach gives members full control of their funds without recurring charges.
The credit union maintains minimal opening balance requirements, though not completely eliminating them. This partial flexibility allows most members to establish accounts without significant capital commitments, making banking services more accessible to a wider range of individuals.
First Tech provides robust overdraft protection services, helping members avoid the cascade of fees and complications that often accompany overdrawn accounts. However, the institution does charge foreign transaction fees and out-of-network ATM fees, potentially increasing costs for international travelers or those needing cash access beyond the credit union's ATM network. Wire transfers also incur standard fees rather than being offered as a complimentary service.
Security
- Account access is protected by two-factor authentication.
- Receive instant notifications for suspicious account activity.
- Comprehensive identity theft monitoring and protection included.
- Instantly freeze and unfreeze your cards as needed.
- Set travel alerts to ensure uninterrupted card access.
First Tech Credit Union implements robust security protocols through a comprehensive multi-layered defense system. Two-factor authentication serves as the foundation, requiring an additional verification step beyond passwords. When suspicious activity occurs, real-time fraud alerts trigger immediate notifications, enabling swift response to potential threats. The system actively monitors for unusual purchases or unfamiliar login locations to protect member accounts.
Members gain additional protection through identity theft monitoring services that track personal information across multiple channels. The instant card lock feature provides crucial control, allowing members to freeze debit or credit cards immediately if lost or stolen. For travelers, First Tech's notification system prevents legitimate transactions from triggering security flags when used in different locations, ensuring uninterrupted access while maintaining account security.
Mobile
- 4.7/5
- 4.3/5
- Deposit checks through mobile app.
- Find ATMs and branches via mobile app.
- Customizable account alerts available.
- Push notifications supported.
First Tech Credit Union delivers robust mobile banking through highly-rated native apps for both iOS (4.7/5) and Android (4.3/5) platforms. These applications provide seamless account management, transfers, and essential banking functions tailored to each operating system's capabilities.
The mobile experience extends beyond basic functionality with practical features like mobile check deposit, eliminating branch visits through smartphone camera integration. Members can easily locate fee-free ATMs and branches through the built-in locator, particularly valuable when traveling.
First Tech enhances financial awareness through a comprehensive notification system. Members maintain complete visibility of their finances through customizable account alerts for various activities and balances. The credit union further strengthens this connection through instant push notifications, delivering real-time updates on transactions and security matters directly to members' devices.
Transfers & Deposits
- Accept automatic deposits from employers and others.
- Access direct deposits up to 2 days early.
- Send and receive domestic wire transfers.
- Send wire transfers to international destinations.
- Link and manage external bank accounts.
- Move money between banks at no cost.
Seamless money movement stands at the core of this credit union's transfer capabilities. Direct deposit functionality eliminates paper checks completely, while the early direct deposit feature provides access to your paycheck up to two days before scheduled payment dates—helping members avoid late fees and manage unexpected expenses without waiting.
Both domestic and international wire transfers deliver secure, same-day processing for time-sensitive transactions requiring absolute reliability. These services complement the institution's free ACH transfer system, which handles routine money movements between banks in 1-3 business days.
The external account linking system transforms financial management by connecting accounts from multiple institutions within a single interface. This integration creates a unified view of your finances while simplifying transfers between your accounts at different banks—establishing a truly interconnected banking experience.
Money Management
- Built-in tools for creating and tracking budgets.
- View detailed analysis of spending patterns.
- Automatically save your purchase round-ups.
- Create custom rules for automatic savings.
- First Tech Credit Union does offer the ability to open multiple savings accounts, which can effectively function as sub-accounts, according to their website. Members can open additional savings accounts, like the Carefree Savings account, and then customize the names of these accounts to help them track their savings for specific goals.
- Schedule and manage bill payments online.
First Tech Credit Union delivers a robust suite of money management tools designed to strengthen financial control. Members benefit from comprehensive budgeting tools that track spending by category with visual breakdowns, alongside sophisticated spending analytics that identify patterns and potential savings opportunities. The credit union's round-up savings feature transforms everyday transactions into savings by automatically depositing the difference to the nearest dollar.
First Tech automates the path to financial security through customizable savings rules that trigger transfers based on user-defined conditions, such as paydays or percentage-based deposits. While the institution offers only partial support for dedicated sub-accounts, members can effectively create similar functionality by opening multiple savings accounts with personalized names for specific goals. Their bill pay system centralizes payment management, eliminating the risk of missed deadlines and consolidating monthly financial obligations in one interface.
Integrations
- Send and receive money instantly with Zelle.
- Make payments with Apple Pay.
- Make payments with Google Pay.
- Send international transfers through Wise.
- Connect and sync with QuickBooks.
Modern digital payment options define the banking experience, with full support for Zelle enabling immediate money transfers between nearly any U.S. bank accounts—perfect for splitting bills or sending funds to family without fees. The digital wallet ecosystem includes both Apple Pay and Google Pay, providing secure contactless payments whether you prefer iOS or Android devices for in-store and online transactions.
The integration suite extends beyond everyday payments to address specialized needs. International transfers benefit from Wise integration, delivering competitive exchange rates and transparent pricing that traditional bank transfers typically can't match. Small business owners and self-employed members gain particular advantage from QuickBooks connectivity, which automatically synchronizes banking transactions with accounting records, eliminating manual data entry and minimizing bookkeeping errors.
Customer Support
- Phone support available 24 hours a day.
- Connect instantly with support via live chat.
- Get assistance through email support.
- Bill negotiation services not available.
- Connect with professional financial advisors.
First Tech Credit Union delivers around-the-clock phone support, ensuring members can resolve banking concerns at any hour. Whether reporting lost cards, verifying suspicious transactions, or addressing account questions, their representatives remain consistently accessible when needed most.
The institution strengthens its support infrastructure with immediate assistance through live chat capabilities and email correspondence for less time-sensitive matters. Live chat eliminates phone queues while maintaining effectiveness for both straightforward and multifaceted inquiries, while email support creates valuable documentation trails for complex questions requiring detailed information exchange.
Though bill negotiation services aren't currently available, First Tech compensates with full financial advisor access. These professionals provide personalized guidance for significant financial milestones and decisions—from retirement planning and home purchases to investment management—helping members craft and implement effective strategies aligned with their long-term objectives.
Physical Services
- Access banking services at physical branches.
- Deposit cash directly into your account.
- Withdraw large amounts of cash when needed.
- Get cashier's checks when needed.
- Access notary services at branches.
- Safe deposit boxes are available at most branch locations.
- Currency exchange not offered.
- Access extensive network of ATMs.
- Use ATMs worldwide for cash access.
First Tech Credit Union delivers robust physical banking services through its branch network, where members can conduct face-to-face transactions, receive personalized financial guidance, and access specialized services like notarization. The credit union fully supports essential cash operations, including deposits, large withdrawals, and guaranteed cashier's checks for significant transactions.
Members benefit from complete ATM access both domestically and internationally, ensuring convenient cash availability worldwide with favorable exchange rates compared to currency exchange services. While First Tech offers safe deposit boxes at most locations for secure storage of valuables and important documents, the institution does not provide direct currency exchange services. This combination of physical services creates a balanced banking experience that addresses both everyday needs and specialized financial requirements.
Additional Services
- Access integrated investment accounts.
- Cryptocurrency services not available.
- Monitor your credit score for free.
- Earn cashback on qualifying purchases.
- Cannot hold foreign currencies.
Beyond basic banking, members gain access to a robust suite of financial management tools. Investment accounts provide seamless integration for buying and selling securities without leaving your primary financial ecosystem, while comprehensive credit monitoring services safeguard your financial reputation by tracking score changes and potential fraud indicators.
The credit union delivers tangible value through cashback rewards on debit card transactions, transforming everyday purchases into meaningful returns. This practical benefit effectively reduces spending costs while maintaining the simplicity members expect.
Unfortunately, the institution currently lacks cryptocurrency integration and foreign currency account options. Members seeking to manage digital assets or hold multiple international currencies will need to utilize separate specialized services for these specific financial needs.
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Contact Information
Get in Touch
Whether you're interested in opening an account or just want to learn more, you'll find First Tech Credit Union's official contact information and website details here.
First Tech Credit Union
5100 NE Dawson Creek DriveHillsboro, OR 97124
- 1.855.855.8805
- Visit Official Website Opens in a new window
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