topic Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging in Personal Finance

First Tech FCU & DCU merging

creditfan — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 21:44:42 GMT

Announcement from First Tech FCU

https://firsttechfed.com/pages/announcement

HT: DoC

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/first-tech-federal-credit-union-digital-credit-union-dcu-to-merge/

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

crystal626 — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 22:42:05 GMT

I wonder if they'll convert my DCU Platinum into something actually useful...

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

FicoMike0 — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 22:50:28 GMT

I'm a dcu member, no credit cards. I don't see any cards at firsttech that interest me either.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

cashorcharge — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:09:21 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
I wonder if they'll convert my DCU Platinum into something actually useful...

The way it's been announced, DCU is acquiring First Tech so I am doubtful your current DCU card will change to something else....though that's my hunch. I would venture to guess that FirstTech customers will see their cards change.

FirstTech has had mixed reviews here...people with good income and decent to good credit without a high TCL, get good approvals. Those with an already high TCL usually don't fare well at FirstTech so this will be interesting to see. It's also pretty common that typical approvals from DCU aren't in excess of $15,000 though I am sure there are exceptions.

DCU is also unique in that they pull EQ (perhaps being East Coast based) and FirstTech uses EX so will a shift occur or be mixed. 2025 will be here soon...

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

crystal626 — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:09:57 GMT

@cashorcharge wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
I wonder if they'll convert my DCU Platinum into something actually useful...
The way it's been announced, DCU is acquiring First Tech so I am doubtful your current DCU card will change to something else....though that's my hunch. I would venture to guess that FirstTech customers will see their cards change.

FirstTech has had mixed reviews here...people with good income and decent to good credit without a high TCL, get good approvals. Those with an already high TCL usually don't fare well at FirstTech so this will be interesting to see. It's also pretty common that typical approvals from DCU aren't in excess of $15,000 though I am sure there are exceptions.

DCU is also unique in that they pull EQ (perhaps being East Coast based) and FirstTech uses EX so will a shift occur or be mixed. 2025 will be here soon...

Well the new combined entity will still be named First Tech so I guess we will see what they do.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

Royalbacon — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:12:32 GMT

Not really sure how this benefits anyone other then the higher ups at both credit unions. I'm also curious to see, because these are two extremely large credit unions merging, if this will attract more scruitny and criticism then other credit union mergers. Seeing as how these are already both among the top 20 largest credit unions in the USA, i'm not sure what kind of increased economies of scale they'll gain that will benefit any of their members in any meaningful way.

They are very similar in that they are 2 very large credit unions (Both are in the top 20 largest credit uninos in the USA) and both have a relatively small amount of physical branches despite their very large asset size and both credit unions brag about how they have members in all 50 states. I guess if you're a DCU member in the Western part of the USA near a First Tech branch or a First Tech Member on the East Coast near a DCU branch, you'll now have a local branch to go to. Although both credit unions already participate in shared branching so that's a moot point.

And if you're banking at an out of state credit union, you probably don't care about physical branches and rarely ever go inside one (Such as myself, I've been a member of numerous out of state credit unions and online banks over the years and still am) Those kinds of members already utilize online banking and the mobile app to their full extent, Co-Op ATMs to make cash deposits when they need to and use a shared branch in the very unlikely and uncommon scenario they need to go inside of a branch for something.

One other thing i've seen some longtime DCU members lamenting about on social media, DCU was originally started to serve employees of the Digital Equipment Corporation and named after that company, and is one of the few remaining large credit unions still named after their original company despite the fact that company hasn't existed for decades now, and with this merger the last remaining remnant of Digital Equipment Corporation will be gone (if this merger goes through)

GTE Financial headquartered in Tampa, Florida is one of the only other credit unions I know of still using the name of the original company that has not existed for many decades that the credit union was originally created for to serve (GTE Corporation, formerly General Telephone & Electronics Corporation merged with Bell Atlantic in 2000 to form Verizon Wireless)

Wings Credit Union, formerly Wings Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Apple Valley, MN was originally created to serve employees of Northwest AIrlines which hasn't existed in a very long time, but they ditched the Northwest Airlines name many, many, many years ago for Wings Financial Credit Union, and now just Wings Credit Union.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

creditfan — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 02:20:17 GMT

Recently called in to request closing my membership and found out that from DCU member service. First Tech is joining DCU and will not take place until mid 2025.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

MeowingTheCat — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:45:27 GMT

Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

crystal626 — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:51:46 GMT

@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/

Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

MeowingTheCat — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:03:45 GMT

And as expected, I received the email from DCU that said First Tech FCU members voted to be approved to merge with DCU but they will keep DCU charter name despite renaming to First Tech FCU:

First Tech Member Vote Approves Merger with DCU

I’m writing to share truly historic news: First Tech members have voted to approve the merger with DCU. This is the latest milestone in our journey to provide you – our members – with an even more exceptional financial experience.

As we join forces with First Tech, our goal is to improve your member experience and bring more value to you. We will deliver a member-first approach, expanded access, and enhanced digital capabilities while staying true to the DCU principles you know and trust.

We understand that change means something different for each person. We have heard from many members who are excited for advances with our digital delivery and products. Other members have questions and are waiting to see the benefits. I want to assure you that my commitment to making your member experience the top priority will continue to remain at the heart of everything we do.

What This Means for You as Members Right Now

On January 1, 2026, DCU and First Tech will officially merge to form a single credit union named First Technology Federal Credit Union.
Your accounts and services will remain unchanged for now as we integrate systems thoughtfully and ensure a smooth transition for every member over the next 12-18 months. There will be no changes to your account numbers or routing numbers at this time.

I will have the honor of leading the new credit union as President and CEO of the combined organization on January 1.

I know that you’ll have more questions throughout the coming year. The DCU team is here for you, and all of us will keep you updated during every step of this journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please visit http://www.dcu.org/dcu-and-first-tech.html or reach out to us at MemberPerspectives@dcu.org.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us. Together, we’re building a brighter future for all members!

Shruti Miyashiro
President / CEO
DCU

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

TrapLine — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:33:50 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/
Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.

This is another credit union that I saw several years back and was pining for their credit products (First Tech) but figured out what posters in this thread already stated and I just moved on. Also, found other financials that had credit products closer to my spend pattern. Glad I left the "sleeping dog lay".

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

MeowingTheCat — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:18:38 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/
Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.

Why are you not enthusiastic about it?

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

crystal626 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:33:31 GMT

@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/
Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.
Why are you not enthusiastic about it?

I don't have a very good impression of First Tech because of reports here and elsewhere and I'm already not very happy with DCU.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

MeowingTheCat — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:48:34 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/
Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.
Why are you not enthusiastic about it?
I don't have a very good impression of First Tech because of reports here and elsewhere and I'm already not very happy with DCU.

What did the DCU makes you not happy? I have no issues with them.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

crystal626 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 20:43:34 GMT

@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/
Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.
Why are you not enthusiastic about it?
I don't have a very good impression of First Tech because of reports here and elsewhere and I'm already not very happy with DCU.
What did the DCU makes you not happy? I have no issues with them.

Linking external accounts to be able to transfer in or out now requires you to give Plaid ongoing access to your account balances and transaction history. This is an unacceptable invasion of privacy and DCU offers no alternative means of verifying an external account to use for transfers which means you have to do a pull from your other FI instead of a direct push from DCU. Not all FIs allow pulling from an external account to deposit into a checking/savings account, including Navy Federal and my old bank, which means I had no choice but to let Plaid monitor that account.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

MeowingTheCat — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:15:36 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/
Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.
Why are you not enthusiastic about it?
I don't have a very good impression of First Tech because of reports here and elsewhere and I'm already not very happy with DCU.
What did the DCU makes you not happy? I have no issues with them.
Linking external accounts to be able to transfer in or out now requires you to give Plaid ongoing access to your account balances and transaction history. This is an unacceptable invasion of privacy and DCU offers no alternative means of verifying an external account to use for transfers which means you have to do a pull from your other FI instead of a direct push from DCU. Not all FIs allow pulling from an external account to deposit into a checking/savings account, including Navy Federal and my old bank, which means I had no choice but to let Plaid monitor that account.

They already settled the lawsuit in 2022 and already making changes.

https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-approves-settlement-ordering-plaid-to-pay-58-million-for-selling-consumer-data/

In fact, I got about $20 from that.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

RobertS2 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:43:49 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
I wonder if they'll convert my DCU Platinum into something actually useful...

Do you have experience with First Tech too? I've seen their offers here and there, and they seem pretty good.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

crystal626 — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 07:41:17 GMT

@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
Update: The First Tech FCU member voted approved with 76% in favor to merge DCU just earlier today. Expected to be closed by January 1, 2026.

https://old.reddit.com/r/creditunions/comments/1phvf8o/first_tech_and_dcu_merger/nt1mjs8/
Not really too enthusiastic about this but we will see.
Why are you not enthusiastic about it?
I don't have a very good impression of First Tech because of reports here and elsewhere and I'm already not very happy with DCU.
What did the DCU makes you not happy? I have no issues with them.
Linking external accounts to be able to transfer in or out now requires you to give Plaid ongoing access to your account balances and transaction history. This is an unacceptable invasion of privacy and DCU offers no alternative means of verifying an external account to use for transfers which means you have to do a pull from your other FI instead of a direct push from DCU. Not all FIs allow pulling from an external account to deposit into a checking/savings account, including Navy Federal and my old bank, which means I had no choice but to let Plaid monitor that account.
They already settled the lawsuit in 2022 and already making changes.

https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-approves-settlement-ordering-plaid-to-pay-58-million-for-selling-consumer-data/

In fact, I got about $20 from that.

I mean they still are getting access to your accounts and that's a nonstarter for me with my primary bank account.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

crystal626 — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 07:41:31 GMT

@RobertS2 wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
I wonder if they'll convert my DCU Platinum into something actually useful...
Do you have experience with First Tech too? I've seen their offers here and there, and they seem pretty good.

I don't have direct experience, no.

Re: First Tech FCU & DCU merging

MeowingTheCat — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:46:41 GMT

The DCU updated thier First Tech and DCU merger page with what's changing and what's not changing info with screenshot below.

https://www.dcu.org/dcu-and-first-tech.html

They're also reducing or eliminating fees for several of the current services that they provide starting in early 2026.