The Verdict: An excellent, fee-free option for tech-savvy savers who want 24/7 human support, though you’ll need to jump through a few hoops to get their absolute highest interest rates.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Quick Highlights
- No Monthly Fees: First Tech doesn’t charge maintenance fees on their core deposit accounts.
- 24/7 Member Support: A massive perk for a credit union—you can call them anytime at 855-855-8805.
- Solid Tech: Their mobile app is highly rated (4.7 on iOS, 4.3 on Android) and includes built-in Zelle support.
- NCUA Insured: Your deposits are federally protected up to $250,000 (Routing #:
321180379).
Account Breakdown & Rates
| Account Type | Key Rates & Yields | The Catch / Minimums |
| Membership Savings | Earns monthly dividends | $5 minimum balance required to join. |
| Rewards Checking & Savings | Up to 3% APY on savings | Can earn up to $900 back annually. |
| Start Up (Kids & Teens) | Up to 4% APY | Low entry barrier ($25 savings / $10 checking). |
| Share Certificates | Up to 4% APY (Traditional) Up to 3.4% APY (Bump-up) | $500 minimum deposit; terms from 6–60 months. |
| Premier Rewards Banking | 3.5% APY | Requires a heavy $250,000 combined daily balance. |
Other Products: First Tech also offers IRAs (up to 4% APY), Business Checking/Savings, Rewards Mastercards, and a full lending suite—including Student Loan Refinancing starting at 8.60% APR with zero application fees.
Fee Watchlist
While there are no monthly maintenance fees, watch out for these incidental charges:
- Overdraft Fee: $15
- Wire Transfers: $5 incoming $15 outgoing domestic | $40 outgoing international
- Inactivity: Up to $10 per month
- International Purchases: 1% currency conversion fee
- Card Rush Delivery: $20 for 2-day $35 for next-day
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Truly fee-free daily banking.
- 24/7 phone support and live chat, which is rare for credit unions.
- Strong commitment to sustainability (solar-powered offices, EV stations, and e-waste initiatives).
Cons:
- Geographic limits: Physical branches are restricted to just 8 states (CA, CO, GA, ID, MA, OR, TX, WA).
- Good, not great rates: While they beat traditional brick-and-mortar banks, top online-only banks still edge them out on high-yield accounts.
How to Join
You automatically qualify if you work for one of their 900+ partner companies, live/work in Lane County (or work for the State of Oregon), or share a household with a current member.
The Loophole: If you don’t meet those criteria, you can instantly qualify during your online application by choosing to join the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association.
Editing by- katie Willimas
