Summary: First Technology Federal Credit Union — commonly referred to as First Tech — was founded in 1952 and serves more than 600,000 members. Its products and services include rewards checking and savings accounts, share certificates, individual retirement accounts, business accounts, credit cards, and personal loans. First Tech is ranked as one of the 10 best credit unions for 2025.
A membership savings account is required to join this credit union with a minimum balance of $5. There are no monthly account fees and account holders earn monthly dividends.
Rewards Checking and Savings Accounts
Members can earn up to $300 each year with First Tech Rewards Checking, plus 3% APY on Rewards Savings balances. For a limited time, First Tech is also offering up to $800 in bonus cash for new account holders.
Read more: Best new bank account promotions and bonuses: Earn up to $3,000
The Premier Rewards Banking account offers a base rate of 3.65% APY, but new account holders can earn an introductory rate of 4.4% APY for the first three months.
To be eligible for this account, you must maintain a combined daily average balance of $250,000 across any checking, savings, or certificate account(s) or an aggregated balance of $500,000 with Addison Avenue Investment Services. Premier Rewards Banking offers perks such as concierge service, higher mobile deposit limits, higher Zelle transaction limits, and more.
Start Up Savings and Checking
Kids and teens can learn to manage their own money with First Tech’s Start Up Savings and Checking accounts. The minimum opening deposit for savings is $25 and $10 for checking. Account holders can earn up to 4% APY.
-
Promotional Share Certificates: First Tech CU offers promotional share certificates in terms from six to 36 months, and rates as high as 4.5% APY. A minimum opening deposit of $500 is required.
-
Bump Up Certificates: Bump Up Certificates come in terms of 13 to 36 months and offer rates as high as 3.1% APY.
-
Traditional Certificates: First Tech’s traditional certificates are offered in two terms: six months and 60 months — with rates of up to 3.15%. The minimum opening deposit is $500.
Read more: What is a share certificate?
First Tech offers a number of IRA certificates and savings accounts with rates as high as 3.15% APY.
Business customers can take advantage of First Tech’s business banking products. This includes a business checking account, a business membership savings account, and business certificates.
First Tech offers a range of credit cards, including a secured credit card as well as a few different rewards Mastercards.
-
Home Loans: First Tech’s home lending options include new home loans, refinancing loans, and home equity loans.
-
Personal Loans: Members who are in the market for a personal loan to consolidate debt or finance a larger purchase can get a fixed-rate loan, personal line of credit, stock stock-secured loan, stock stock-secured line of credit, certificate-secured loan, and/or a savings-secured loan.
-
Student Loan Refinance: Student borrowers can refinance their loans with First Tech CU. There are zero application fees and APRs start as low as 8.60% with flexible loan terms ranging from five to 15 years.
-
Auto and Recreational Vehicle Loans: First Tech offers new and used auto loans, as well as auto loan refinancing. It also offers financing options for RVs, boats, and motorcycles.
Some of the fees you may encounter as a First Tech member include:
Some of the pros and cons that First Tech members should be aware of include:
Pros:
-
No monthly account fees: First Tech doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees for deposit accounts.
-
24-hour telephone support: First Tech offers 24-hour phone support, which can be handy, especially for members who aren’t able to visit a physical branch and speak to a representative in person.
Cons:
-
Lower rates on some accounts: First Tech’s deposit account rates exceed national averages. However, they aren’t as competitive with the top rates today.
-
Limited branch access: Branches exist in a handful of states, making it difficult for members outside of these regions to get in-person banking assistance.
First Tech customer service representatives are available 24/7 via its toll-free number at 855-855-8805. You can also reach a representative by sending a secure message, live chat, or sending correspondence to one of its P.O. boxes.
First Tech also offers in-person appointments at its physical branches in California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
The First Tech FCU app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play and has a rating of 4.7 and 4.3 stars, respectively. The app allows members to deposit checks, pay bills, monitor account activity, and more.
First Tech prioritizes sustainability through its use of solar panels in its office buildings, low-emission paints, recycled flooring, and more. First Tech has also led multiple clean initiatives, including an annual Employee Eco Expo, e-waste events, EV charging stations, and a community garden.
Read more: What is sustainable banking?
You can join First Tech if you work for one of its 900 partner organizations, are related to or live with a current First Tech member, work for the State of Oregon, or live or work in Lane County, Oregon. You can also join the credit union by becoming a member of the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association, which can be done when filling out your online application.
Yes. Deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000 per depositor.
First Tech’s routing number is 321180379.
Yes. First Tech members can send and receive money via Zelle from the credit union’s mobile app.
Read the full article here
