FAQs for State Department Federal Credit Union
DA members are eligible to join State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU). To learn more about this exciting partnership, please visit the DA page
SDFCU’s products and services have been designed with Americans abroad in mind. Today, thousands of U.S. citizens overseas utilize their SDFCU membership to manage their finances all over the world.
To help you navigate questions that may arise regarding this partnership, we’ve provided a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed below or if you have questions regarding your specific application and are not yet a member, please email us at [email protected] or if you already have an SDFCU account, please send us a secure message through your SDFCU Digital Banking.
1. How was SDFCU founded?
SDFCU was founded in 1935 by eight State Department employees and had 975 members by 1945. With steady membership growth and inclusion of groups like DA, SDFCU now serves over 88,000 members globally.
2. Is SDFCU managed by or affiliated with the U.S. Department of State?
SDFCU is not part of the U.S. Department of State or owned by the U.S. Government. The credit union is owned by its members, which would include you when you join. SDFCU was initially created to serve the banking needs for State Department employees worldwide but has grown to include other affiliated organizations and groups like DA.
3. How do I apply for an SDFCU account?
You must be a U.S. citizen and member of DA to obtain SDFCU membership.
a. Members of DA: To open an account with SDFCU, you must first become a member of DA. All DA members are eligible for SDFCU membership through our partnership with them! Visit the SDFCU website and click on “Join SDFCU Today” to get started. Once in the application, select “I qualify through my relationship with one of your affiliates” and select either “Democrats Abroad” or “Democrats Abroad Family” in the dropdown menu.
b. Not a DA member? Join DA Today! Once you join DA, apply for an SDFCU account directly on the SDFCU website. For additional help, please view our step-by-step instructions.
4. Am I required to fund my account to complete my SDFCU application?
No, you are able to open an SDFCU account without funding it at opening. There are three funding options available during the application process:
i. Not funding at this time
ii. Credit card (maximum of $500)
iii. Transfer funds from another US financial institution (requires secure login to your other US financial institution online banking to complete verification) or a different SDFCU account (Limit of $50,000)
5. What information is required to open an SDFCU account?
The information that will be required includes:
· Personal Information: Name, Date of birth, Residential Address, Mailing Address (if different than physical address), US Social Security Number or US ITIN, Email Address, and Phone Number.
· Primary form of identification. The following can be accepted:
o US State issued Driver’s License
o Foreign Driver’s License
o US State issued Identification Card
o US Passport or US Passport Card
o Foreign Government Issued Passport
o Foreign Government Issued Identification
o US Government (Employer) ID
o US Permanent Resident Card
· Proof of residency may be required if the primary identification does not have a current address. The following can be accepted:
o Utility Bill (gas, electric, cable, water, or phone bill)
o Lease Agreement
o Voter’s Registration Card
o Property/Real Estate Tax Statements
6. How does SDFCU communicate with applicants during the application process?
After applying, SDFCU will update you via their secured messaging system within 3-5 business days.
7. Is personal financial information disclosed to DA?
No, your financial information is not disclosed to DA. You will manage your SDFCU account directly with SDFCU.
8. Can individuals living abroad open an account at SDFCU?
Yes. DA's partnership with SDFCU is highly advantageous. SDFCU is one of the few U.S. credit unions that accepts members living abroad. DA members have this benefit due to DA's approval as an associated organization recognized by both SDFCU and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
9. Who can join SDFCU through DA?
All members of DA are eligible to join SDFCU, along with their immediate family members, if they are U.S. citizens.
Immediate family members are defined as spouses, partner, parents, grandparents, children, siblings, grandchildren, stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and equivalent adoptive relationships.
10. Can my spouse or partner open an account, or be a joint owner on my account?
Yes, they may be a joint or have their own membership in their name, regardless of nationality.
11. Can I open an account for my children?
Yes, SDFCU offers custodian and minor accounts for children with no age restrictions.
12. What services can I access with my SDFCU account?
Your SDFCU account gives you access to a full suite of everyday banking services designed for flexibility and convenience:
· Direct deposit & electronic payments
Receive your tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and other payments when you set up direct deposit. Pay taxes, bills, and service providers via ACH or Bill Pay.
o Ability to electronically update US Government payment instructions for certain US Government entities that participate in the electronic SF-1199A.
· Digital banking access
Manage your account, deposit checks digitally, and monitor activity 24/7 via SDFCU’s Digital Banking.
· Payments & transfers
Send money through:
o Zelle®
o Member-to-member (“M2M”) transfers
o Domestic and international wires
o Wise for global money transfers
o One-time online loan payments
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
· Debit & credit card access
Quick card issuance with the ability to push your debit and credit card directly to your digital wallet(s), within 1 business day of issue, while the physical card is in the mail. Based on location, please allow up to 21 business days to receive your physical card in the mail.
· ATM access
SDFCU also offers checking accounts that refund ATM and foreign transaction fees, so you can utilize your card around the world with ease.
· Support & assistance
Connect through 24-hour member services or virtual meetings when you need help.
13. Can I use SDFCU Digital Banking outside of the U.S.?
Yes. You can securely access your account from most countries:
· Log in online at sdfcu.org
· Download the SDFCU Digital Banking app, available in many international app stores.
Digital access is blocked in certain countries due to regulatory or security restrictions. The following locations are currently blocked: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria. For your security regardless of location or internet connection, we suggest utilizing a VPN to login.
14. Can I transfer funds from my SDFCU account to my foreign bank account?
Yes, SDFCU provides you with the ability to send international transfers using Wise within SDFCU’s Digital Banking, as well as outgoing international wires. Incoming international wires can also be received free of charge. Instructions are located here.
SDFCU has a SWIFT code for receiving international wire transfers in USD - SDFCUS33
15. Will my SDFCU credit or debit card be accepted internationally?
Yes, SDFCU issues both credit and debit cards that are accepted anywhere that Visa is accepted globally. SDFCU credit cards have no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees, among many other advantages for members abroad.
16. Can I have non-U.S. dollar accounts with SDFCU?
No, SDFCU only offers US dollar accounts at this time.
17. Is SDFCU considered a foreign or U.S. account for FATCA and FBAR reporting?
SDFCU accounts are considered a U.S. account and excluded from reporting on the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR/FinCEN Form 1124) and Form 8938 (Statement of Foreign Financial Assets, attached to Form 1040).
18. Can I work with a financial advisor through SDFCU?
Yes, as long as long as you are able to prove US residency and a US domestic address to list on the investment account. SDFCU members have the option to work with SDFCU Wealth Management. These advisors can assist with investment planning, retirement strategies, and portfolio management.
Using SDFCU’s investment services is entirely optional.
19. Can I open an IRA, Roth IRA, or 401(k) with SDFCU?
SDFCU offers both Traditional and Roth IRA accounts to help you save for retirement with potential tax advantages.
While 401(k) accounts are not offered directly through SDFCU, members can explore additional retirement planning options through SDFCU Wealth Management.
20. Can SDFCU help with financing education or other personal expenses?
Yes. SDFCU offers flexible personal loans that can be used for a variety of needs, including education-related expenses, and are evaluated based on creditworthiness and other factors. These loans are not part of federal student aid programs and can also be used for things like travel, home improvements, or unexpected expenses.
Learn more about options and apply online at sdfcu.org/personal-loans.
21. Can I get a mortgage from SDFCU to buy a property? Can the property be overseas?
SDFCU offers mortgages for properties located in the United States only. As an DA member living abroad, you may still qualify a U.S. property as your primary residence, which can help you secure more favorable loan terms. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and applicable regulations, and SDFCU’s mortgage team will guide you through the process.
Learn more at sdfcu.org/mortgages.
This option is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation. Before qualifying your U.S. residence as a primary residence for purposes of a mortgage, you should consider consulting with a tax professional as this choice may have tax implications. Neither DA nor SDFCU is responsible for your making this choice.
22. Does SDFCU report to the U.S. credit bureaus? Can I build my credit?
Yes, SDFCU reports any loan products that a member has with the credit union, to the three main US credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. By paying your loans on time, you will build credit regardless of the address on file.
23. How is a credit union different than a bank?
Credit unions and banks offer similar financial services, but there are key differences:
· Not-for-profit vs. for-profit: Credit unions are member-owned and reinvest earnings to benefit members. Banks aim to maximize profits for shareholders.
· Better rates: Credit unions typically offer lower loan rates, fewer fees, and higher savings rates.
· Same financial services: Credit unions provide checking, savings, loans, credit cards, digital banking, and more—just like banks.
· Federally insured: Deposits at federally chartered credit unions are insured up to $250,000 (up to $250,000 per owner for joint accounts) by the NCUA, like FDIC insurance for banks.
· Member focus: Credit unions prioritize personalized service and community needs over profit.
Still have questions?
Contact SDFCU at [email protected]