First Technology Federal Credit Union's CD rates are 2X the national average, and it has an A health rating.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union is open to members of the Financial Fitness Association (join for $8 yearly fee) or the Computer History Museum ($15 yearly fee). Membership is also open to those who live and work in Lane County in Oregon, work for the State of Oregon, or work for any of more than 960 Partner Companies (including many high tech and telecom companies).
See current membership details
Related Posts
11/12/14 - First Tech FCU Cash Bonuses
11/3/14 - First Technology FCU Depositivity Bonus Program Can Earn Up To $1.5K
9/6/14 - First Technology Federal Credit Union Offers Competitive Rate 3-Year CD
9/3/14 - First Technology Federal CU (36 Mo CD, 1.60%APY) OPEN TO EVERYONE
9/7/12 - Competitive Reward Checking Account at First Tech Federal Credit Union
10/6/06 - 6.00% 7-Month CD at an Oregon/Washington CU (First Tech)
6/22/06 - 6.00% 15-Month CD at a Multi-State CU (open to all).
3/22/06 - 5.50% 11-Month CD at a California CU
Excellent Credit Union
We moved our accounts to First Tech a little over a year ago to receive true Chip and Pin cards (as opposed to the US default of Chip and Signature) because of international travel. Since moving we cannot be more pleased with First Tech. We receive excellent customer service, and we never question the security of our accounts. There isn't even a local branch available in our state, but with the availability of Shared Branching COOP we don't even notice. ATM fees are refunded and the mobile app handles most everything we need. When we do travel to an area and can transact business in person the service has been nothing but spectacular.
First tech Credit union
First tech is a good, no-fee credit union. They do not require a minimum balance on either the savings or the checking account. The few times that I required help, I received very attentive, timely, and competent aid. As the name of the union implies, the staff there were very tech savvy and easily understood any technological problems I ran into. In fact, I set up the entire banking service online with them, when I was out of the country. The requirement for sign-up, however, was a bit difficult. I had to join a money-management group for a low fee (around 8 dollars) before being allowed into the credit union. I use this credit union as a secondary account, and it linked up easily with by main (Bank of America) account, which receives my automatic deposits.
First Technology Is Okay
I've been a member of First Technology CU since June of 1987, when it was the credit union for Tektronix. Back then it was a small, friendly credit union that really strived for excellent customer service. Over the years, I've had a number of car loans and HELOC loans through First Technology. For years, I was content to do all of my backing with First Technology.
I first noticed customer service slipping when First Technology became the credit union for Microsoft. At that time, they made it difficult to use any other financial planning software other than MS Money. They eventually relented and went back to supporting Quicken.
About 5 years ago, I noticed that the tellers and phone support people picked up an attitude. After way too many encounters with surly phone support folks, I moved my checking and savings accounts to Advantis CU, which is more like what First Technology was 20 years ago.
First Technology is in negotiations with the banking regulators to merge with Addison Avenue CU (HP's old CU). It remains to be seen if the regulators will allow First Technology and Addison Avenue to merge. If approved, the merged entity will be called First Technology, but the headquarters will be in Palo Alto, CA instead of Beaverton, OR. So I guess the HP versus Tektronix war is over and HP won. Long live Tektronix!
My employer prefers HSA accounts at First Technology, so I am still a member, but I can't honestly recommend First Technology. Their savings rates, and customer service are below average. Their website is one of the best around.
They Used To Be Good, But Not Now
I have been with First Tech for over 15 years. When they first opened, the first few years were GREAT! However, I have had nothing but issues over the last few years. It all started after they closed the main office in Beaverton, Oregon. They recently opened the Cedar Hills location with nothing but issues every time I go in.
I went into the Cedar Hills location six months ago - They had people greet you before you go in, demanding you need an appointment BEFORE you can go in and do ANY transaction! I saw a lady who just wanted to complete a simple deposit from a business. The person from the bank turned this lady away and advised her to come back after they made an appointment online. She was beyond frustrated, and I was for her too! Unfortunately, I was there to open a new savings account, so I needed to see someone. After waiting outside for a LONG time (forty-five minutes), let me in the lobby. It took a LONG time (over forty minutes) to open a simple savings account, and they kept trying to sell me on their other products and services. Then I asked about a safety deposit box. They advised there were NO safety deposit boxes at this location, and they would not be getting any safety deposit boxes. However, after I asked about the old main location closing, and they had safety deposit boxes there, where did they go? Then the bank representative admits that they did have the old safety deposit boxes, NO new ones. Then they still didn't get the account set up correctly, which required a call to Customer Service to resolve.
I went to the Cedar Hills location today - Immediately greeted with a sign, stating I had to wait for a person. After 10 minutes, the Manager advised, I could see someone if I sat and waited for a few minutes. I went to withdraw funds to transfer to another credit union with better rates for savings. The Teller kept having printer issues. The Manager stood talking to another Teller behind me the whole time I was there. The Manager watched this Teller struggle with the printer issues. The Teller asks the Manager if she can print the receipt to another printer, the Manager states to do a manual. Then as I stood there for what should have been a tops 5-minute transaction, I watched three other people walk in asking for a safety deposit box. The Manager states to wait in the lobby, for someone to get to them shortly. I am stunned by this request about the safety deposit box. I asked the Teller, do they have safety deposit boxes available? The Teller grabs picture fame from a nearby office, out of sight, and brings it out to show me the rates and sizes but can't give me anything printed with this information on it. I asked if they reduce the fee based on the type of account or balance? The Manager stood behind me, continuing to talk to the other Teller instead of helping the now four people in the lobby. The Manager states very loudly "NO" with her head shaking and a frown on her face. I am shocked that THERE ARE safety deposit boxes at this location. A few months ago I was told there would never be any new safety deposit boxes at this location. The Manager and the Teller she is talking to, say nothing. The Teller finally gave me my withdrawal and says " Do you want to open one now?" I say no, and leave.
Unfortunately, this once great Credit Union has gone downhill since Addison Avenue bought them out. This explains why they kept pushing their other products and services, and why Customer Service has suffered. I have nothing good to say about Addison Avenue, and no longer recommend First Tech Credit Union.
Data as of Q4 2022
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 19976 |
| Year Chartered | 1970 |
| Employees | 1687 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 0.36% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 1.06% |
| Annual Interest Income | $544.7MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $16.71B$14.93B |
| Loans | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $12.09B$9.65B |
| Deposits | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $11.08B$11.37B |
| Equity Capital | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $5.63B$1.64B |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $90.2MM$73.3MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $50.2MM$28.9MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $0$409.00K |
