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We are not just another credit union, SDFCU is “your” credit union. Founded by Department of State (DOS) employees, like you, we are a full-service financial institution that offers products and services to meet the unique needs of DOS employees, Foreign Service Officers, and their families.
Join Us in Three Easy Steps
1
Check your Eligibility
Join via DOS affiliation, association membership, family relation, and more.
2
Gather your Information
Home address, Social Security number, driver's license / identification card.
3
Open your Account
Membership starts with a Savings account. It takes $1 to open, which we'll provide. Apply online or in a branch.
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Account Access from Anywhere
Online Banking
Manage your accounts, make payments, view offers, set-up alerts and much more.
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SDFCU Mobile App
Convenient account access from anywhere. Deposit a check, find a free ATM, transfer money and more.
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Virtual Banking Solutions
We offer you Virtual appointments, bringing the branch to you andInteractive Teller machines at selected locations.
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Outstanding Products
- Interest earning Advantage and Privilege Checkingwith some ATM/Foreign Transaction fees reimbursed
- Credit Cards with rewards and no foreign transaction or annual fees
- Auto loans for members with cars garaged overseas
- Special Mortgage programs for overseas members which may allow financing at a primary home rate
- Virtual mortgage closings and settlements
- High-yield Certificates, IRAs, and Money Market Accounts
Member Benefits
- Domestic and International access to nearly 30,000 free ATMs through the CO-OP Network, including ATMs at each of our six branch locations.
- Foreign currency exchange service for home delivery or branch pick-up
- Low-fee wire transfers
- Investment Advisors services available
- Free Webinars on Understanding your Thrift Savings Plan, Budgeting, and more topics.
- Free notary services in branch or remote options
Commitment to DOS Community
SDFCU is committed to our local community with charitable efforts, such as:
- Providing scholarship awards for undergraduate students
- Frequentsponsorship of the Foreign Service Youth Foundation, the Diplomatic Security Foundation (DSF), and the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST)
- Offering 100+ virtual financial education workshops every year
FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about membership.
- Why Join SDFCU?
State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU)is a safe and dependable, not-for-profit financial services provider. As a members-owned financial institution, SDFCU answers only to its members and the financial wellbeing of SDFCU members is our priority. SDFCU serves members located all around the world.
- What are the advantages of banking with SDFCU?
State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) membership comes with access to low loan rates and high-yield savings, no fees checking, credit card rewards and many exclusive services. SDFCU understands the unique financial needs of Foreign Service Officers and DOS employees and we are honored to provide you with products and services catered to your needs.
- Are there SDFCU branches in any U.S. Embassies?
No, but SDFCU offers many ways for members to access their accounts via virtual appointments, mobile app, online banking, and our virtual lobbyqueue. You can withdraw local currency from ATMsworldwide.Also, SDFCU debit and credit cards work anywhere in the world where VISA is accepted.
- Who is eligible to become a SDFCU member?
- There are many ways to qualify for SDFCU membership. You can join through DOS affiliation, association membership, family relation, in addition to other eligibility options available.
- Can I join SDFCU anytime?
Yes. Don’t wait to start experiencing the benefits of membership. You can join SDFCU through our online application, click here to start the application now. You can also join at a branch location.
- What documents do I need to join?
You will need the following documentation:
- Social Security Number
- Current home address
- A valid Driver’s license or government ID.
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- Can I transfer funds while living outside the US?
Yes, we offer members a few options to assist with international fund transfers. We provide international incoming and outgoing wire transfers. Our outgoing wire transfer fees are competitively low and SDFCU does not charge a fee to process incoming wires from a foreign bank.
Members can also transfer funds from a SDFCU account using Wise - international money transfers, or domestically using Zelle and BillPay.
- Do you charge foreign transaction fees?
SDFCU credit cards have no foreign transaction fees and our debit card offers ATM and foreign transaction fee reimbursem*nt options.
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