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