Question 1

What is First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU)?

Accepted Answer

First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) is a federally chartered credit union headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, specializing in serving employees of leading technology companies and innovation-driven organizations. With over 712,000 members and more than $16.8 billion in assets as of 2025, First Tech is recognized as the premier credit union for technology professionals.

The credit union serves members at world-renowned technology companies including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and Agilent Technologies. First Tech operates 36 branches primarily in high-technology business centers across California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and four other states.

Question 2

When was First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) founded?

Accepted Answer

First Tech Federal Credit Union was founded on January 14, 1952, by seven employees of Tektronix, a leading test and measurement equipment manufacturer. Originally named Tektronix Federal Credit Union, it was established to provide financial services to Tektronix employees in the Pacific Northwest.

In 1961, the name changed to Tektronix Employees Federal Credit Union to reflect its growing membership. As the credit union expanded beyond Tektronix, it became First Technology Credit Union in 1986, opening membership to employees in technology industries throughout the Pacific Northwest. The name was shortened to First Tech Credit Union in 1997.

A transformative merger occurred on January 1, 2011, when First Tech combined with California-based Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union (originally the Hewlett-Packard Credit Union). This merger created the modern First Tech Federal Credit Union, significantly expanding its member base and geographic footprint.

In September 2024, First Tech announced plans to merge with Digital Federal Credit Union in a merger of equals, creating the 6th largest credit union in the United States with anticipated integration in late 2025.

Question 3

Where is First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) headquartered?

Accepted Answer

First Tech Federal Credit Union is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, in the heart of the Silicon Forest technology corridor. In 2018, the credit union relocated to a new LEED Gold certified corporate office building constructed almost entirely of cross-laminated timber (CLT). At the time of construction, it was one of the largest CLT buildings in the world, reflecting First Tech's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Question 4

Where does First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) operate?

Accepted Answer

First Tech operates 36 branches concentrated in major technology hubs across the United States, including:

West Coast: Branches throughout California's Silicon Valley and Bay Area, Oregon (including Portland and Hillsboro), and Washington state (including Seattle and the Puget Sound region).

Other Markets: Colorado and several additional states where technology companies maintain significant operations.

Through partnerships with the CO-OP Shared Branch network, First Tech members can access services at thousands of shared branches and over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. The credit union's digital banking platform enables members to bank from anywhere in the United States, supporting tech professionals' mobile lifestyles.

Question 5

What services does First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) offer?

Accepted Answer

First Tech offers a comprehensive suite of financial products designed for technology professionals:

Deposit Accounts: Checking accounts, high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and IRAs with competitive rates.

Lending Products: Auto loans with competitive rates, home mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, personal loans, and credit cards. First Tech specializes in understanding the unique financial needs of technology workers, including stock option planning and equity compensation.

Digital Banking: As befits a technology-focused credit union, First Tech pioneered numerous digital innovations. It was the first financial institution to offer telephone interactive voice response access in 1985 ("Call 24") and became the second financial institution worldwide to perform secure internet transactions in 1995. Today, members access full-featured mobile banking, online account aggregation, and biometric two-factor authentication.

Investment and Insurance Services: Through subsidiaries and partnerships with Raymond James Financial Services, First Tech offers investment management, financial planning, insurance products (through First Tech Insurance Services), and tax services.

Additional Services: Free bill payment services, account aggregation tools, online check image access, and personalized financial guidance from dedicated advisors.

Question 6

What makes First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) unique?

Accepted Answer

First Tech distinguishes itself as the credit union specifically designed for people working in technology:

Technology Pioneer Heritage: Founded by technology employees for technology employees, First Tech has maintained a "Think Forward" philosophy for over 70 years, consistently pioneering banking innovations that later became industry standards.

Innovation Leadership: First Tech introduced telephone banking (1985), ATMs in the Pacific Northwest (1979), mobile banking (2000), account aggregation (2001), and biometric authentication (2007). This innovation continues with cutting-edge digital banking platforms designed for tech-savvy members.

Understanding Tech Professionals: First Tech's staff understands the unique financial situations of technology workers, including equity compensation, stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and the volatile income patterns common in the technology sector.

Member-First Service: As a not-for-profit cooperative, First Tech returns value to members through lower fees, better loan rates, and higher deposit rates compared to traditional banks. This member-first approach has earned First Tech high satisfaction ratings and loyal membership.

Nationwide Reach: Despite its regional branch network, First Tech serves members across all 50 states through digital banking and the CO-OP Shared Branch network, accommodating the geographic mobility of technology professionals.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU)?

Accepted Answer

First Tech Federal Credit Union is a federal credit union regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Member deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, First Tech is owned by its members rather than shareholders. Membership is available to employees of affiliated technology companies and organizations, as well as their family members. The credit union operates under a democratic structure where each member has an equal voice regardless of account balance, with governance provided by a volunteer board of directors elected from the membership.

First Tech's federal charter allows it to serve members nationwide, distinguishing it from state-chartered credit unions with more limited geographic reach.

Question 8

How does First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) serve the technology community?

Accepted Answer

First Tech has built its entire operation around understanding and serving the technology sector. The credit union partners with leading tech companies to provide on-site financial services, educational workshops on topics like equity compensation and stock option planning, and specialized lending programs that consider the unique employment patterns in technology.

Many tech companies include First Tech membership as an employee benefit, recognizing the value of specialized financial services. The credit union's financial advisors are trained to understand tech industry compensation structures, helping members navigate complex decisions about equity grants, RSU vesting schedules, and stock option exercises.

First Tech also supports technology innovation through sponsorships and partnerships with organizations advancing STEM education and technology development, maintaining strong connections to the communities that formed its foundation over 70 years ago.

First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU)

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About First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech FCU) in the United States