Welcome to Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) and What We Do

1. Welcome to DCU: Your Financial Partner

Welcome! We’re thrilled you’re interested in learning more about Digital Federal Credit Union, better known as DCU. Whether you’re exploring your financial options, looking for better rates, or seeking a financial institution that prioritizes its members, you’ve come to the right place.

This site serves as your guide to understanding who we are, the comprehensive services we offer, the benefits of joining our community, and how you can become a part of the DCU family. Think of us not just as a place to bank, but as a partner dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals.

2. Who We Are: More Than Just a Bank

Understanding DCU starts with understanding the credit union model itself. We operate differently from traditional banks, and that difference is centered around you, the member.


  • Our History and Mission: Decades of Serving Members Founded decades ago with a focus on serving employees of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), DCU has grown into one of the largest credit unions in New England. While our roots are in technology, our membership is now open to employees and members of hundreds of companies and organizations nationwide, as well as their families. Our mission remains steadfast: to provide our members with honest value, superior service, and trusted advice to help them achieve their financial goals.

  • The Credit Union Difference: Member-Owned, Member-Focused Unlike banks, which are typically owned by stockholders and aim to maximize shareholder profit, credit unions like DCU are not-for-profit financial cooperatives.
  • Our Commitment to Financial Well-being We believe that financial health is crucial. DCU is committed to providing resources, tools, and education to empower our members to make informed financial decisions. From online learning centers to workshops and personalized advice, we strive to be a source of reliable financial guidance.

3. What We Do: Your Comprehensive Financial Toolkit

DCU offers a wide array of products and services designed to meet your financial needs at every stage of life.

  • 3.1 Everyday Banking Solutions: Manage your day-to-day finances easily and affordably.
    • Checking Accounts: Options often include free checking with no minimum balance, dividend-earning accounts, and accounts designed for students or specific needs. Look for features like free debit cards, overdraft protection options, and easy direct deposit setup.
    • Savings, Certificates & Money Market Accounts: Grow your savings with competitive rates. We offer basic savings accounts, term-based Certificates (CDs) for higher returns, and Money Market accounts that blend savings growth with some check-writing ability.
    • Debit & Credit Card Options: Access your funds easily with a DCU Visa® Debit Card. We also offer various Visa® Credit Cards, often featuring low rates, rewards programs (points or cash back), and valuable benefits.
  • 3.2 Borrowing Made Simple: When you need to borrow, DCU aims to provide affordable and straightforward loan options.
    • Mortgages and Home Equity Loans: Whether buying a home or tapping into its equity, DCU offers various mortgage products (fixed-rate, adjustable-rate) and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) or loans, often with competitive rates and closing costs.
    • Auto Loans (New & Used): Finance your next vehicle with attractive rates for new and used cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Look for quick approvals and flexible repayment terms. DCU often offers rate discounts for members with qualifying relationships.
    • Personal Loans & Lines of Credit: For unexpected expenses, debt consolidation, or other personal needs, DCU provides unsecured personal loans and lines of credit.
    • Student Loan Solutions: We offer options to help finance education, including private student loans and student loan refinancing, potentially lowering your payments or interest rates.
  • 3.3 Planning for Your Future: Secure your financial future with our planning and investment services.
    • Investment Services & Financial Planning: Through our partners or in-house advisors, DCU provides access to financial planning services, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and annuities to help you build a diversified portfolio. (Note: Investment products are not NCUA insured, may lose value, and are not credit union guaranteed).
    • Retirement Accounts (IRAs): Save for retirement with Traditional and Roth IRA options (both savings and certificate/CD formats).
    • Insurance Products: Protect yourself and your assets with access to various insurance options, often at discounted rates for members, including Auto, Homeowners, Renters, and Life Insurance.
  • 3.4 Convenient Digital Banking: As our name suggests, digital access is core to the DCU experience.
    • Online Banking: Access your accounts 24/7 to check balances, view transaction history, transfer funds, pay bills (Bill Pay), view eStatements, set up account alerts, and more. Security is paramount, employing multi-factor authentication and encryption.
    • Mobile App: Our highly-rated mobile app brings banking to your fingertips. Deposit checks using your phone’s camera (Mobile Deposit), transfer funds, pay bills, find ATMs/branches, and manage your accounts on the go.
      • https://www.dcu.org/dcu-support-center/digital-banking.html
      • Digital Wallets and Payment Solutions: Easily link your DCU Debit or Credit cards to popular digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay® for secure, contactless payments. We also support services like Zelle® for easy person-to-person payments.

4. The DCU Advantage: Benefits of Membership

Choosing DCU means more than just opening an account; it means enjoying tangible benefits.

  • Competitive Rates and Lower Fees: Because we’re not-for-profit, we return value to members through generally higher rates on savings/deposits and lower rates on loans compared to many traditional banks. We also strive to keep fees low or eliminate them where possible (e.g., free checking).
  • Personalized Member Service and Support: Whether you interact with us online, via phone, or in a branch, our team is focused on providing helpful, personalized service. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you.
  • Access to a Nationwide ATM & Branch Network: While we have our own branches (primarily in MA/NH), DCU participates in the CO-OP Shared Branch and ATM network. This gives you surcharge-free access to thousands of ATMs and shared branch locations nationwide – just look for the CO-OP logo! https://www.dcu.org/dcu-support-center/branches-atms.html
  • Financial Education Resources and Workshops: We provide free online articles, calculators, webinars, and occasional workshops covering topics like budgeting, credit management, home buying, and retirement planning. https://www.dcu.org/financial-education-center.html
  • Community Involvement and Sponsorships: DCU believes in giving back. We actively support local communities through volunteerism, donations, and sponsorships, focusing on areas like education and human services.

5. Joining the DCU Family: How to Become a Member

Becoming a member is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Who Can Join? Understanding Eligibility Requirements: Membership is typically open to individuals who:
    • Work for (or retired from) a participating company or organization.
    • Belong to a participating association or organization.
    • Have a family member or household member who is a current DCU member.
    • Live, work, worship, or attend school in select communities (primarily in MA and NH).
    • Join a partner organization (often with a small donation) if other criteria aren’t met.
    • Check your eligibility easily here: https://www.dcu.org/membership/member-eligibility.html
  • The Simple Application Process (Online & In-Person): The easiest way is usually to apply online. You can also visit a branch if preferred. Application Checklist:
    • [ ] Confirm your eligibility.
    • [ ] Gather required information (see below).
    • [ ] Complete the online application or visit a branch.
    • [ ] Fund your primary savings account (typically a small opening deposit like $5 is required, representing your share in the credit union).
    • [ ] Receive your member number and account details.
  • What You’ll Need to Get Started: Typically, you’ll need:
    • Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport, State ID)
    • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
    • Contact Information (Address, Phone, Email)
    • Information related to your eligibility pathway (e.g., employer name, family member’s name, organization name).
    • Funds for the initial deposit.

6. Getting Started & Staying Connected

Once you’re a member, we make it easy to manage your finances and stay informed.

  • Your First Steps as a New Member:
    • Set up Online Banking access.
    • Download the Mobile App.
    • Consider setting up Direct Deposit for your paycheck.
    • Explore switching automatic payments using DCU’s Bill Pay service.
    • Order checks if needed.
    • Familiarize yourself with account features and benefits.
  • How to Reach Us: Support Channels and Contact Information: We offer multiple ways to get assistance:
    • Phone Support: Call our Member Service Center during business hours.
    • Secure Messaging: Send messages through Online Banking or the Mobile App.
    • Branch Visits: Stop by a local branch for in-person service.
    • Website: Find answers to common questions on our FAQ page.
    • Contact Us: https://www.dcu.org/contact.html
  • Following DCU for Updates and News: Stay connected through our website, blog, email newsletters, and social media channels for news, promotions, security alerts, and financial tips.

7. Partnering in Your Financial Journey

At Digital Federal Credit Union, we are more than just transactions and account numbers. We are a community dedicated to the financial success of our members. From your first savings account to planning for retirement, we offer the tools, resources, and support you need every step of the way. We invite you to explore our offerings further, check your eligibility, and consider joining the thousands of members who trust DCU as their lifelong financial partner.

Ready to learn more or become a member? Visit www.dcu.org today!