Frequently Asked Questions

No. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to become a member. Membership is based on eligibility—such as living, working, volunteering, attending school, or worshiping in our Arizona service area—or having an immediate family member who is already a member.

Applicants must provide their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) along with other proof of their identity, such as a valid photo identification.

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security Number, deposit accounts may be opened using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

You will be asked to provide:

• A valid form of identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, foreign passport with U.S. visa, Permanent Resident Card, or Mexican Matrícula Consular)
• A Social Security Number or ITIN
• Phone number and email address
• Date of birth and residential address
• A $25 minimum deposit

Yes. Desert Financial accepts a valid Mexican Matrícula Consular as a form of identification for deposit accounts.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, is issued by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals who file taxes in the United States but do not qualify for a Social Security Number. ITINs are primarily used for tax purposes and can be used to establish membership for members who do not have a SSN.

For information on applying for an ITIN, visit: https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/how-to-apply-for-an-itin

No. Opening an account at Desert Financial Credit Union does not affect your immigration status.

Privacy

Desert Financial protects member information according to federal and state privacy laws. Click here to see our Privacy Notice.

Yes. Deposits at Desert Financial Credit Union are federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) up to $250,000 in the aggregate on all accounts owned by one member. For more information, review the Statements of Terms, Conditions and Disclosures or this link.

Yes. Joint accounts are available; however, each account holder must provide valid identification to meet identification requirements. A Desert Financial representative can review your specific situation and explain available options.

Yes. You can open an account by visiting a Desert Financial Credit Union branch. A representative can assist you in person, review required documents, and answer questions throughout the process.

Checking accounts are eligible to receive a debit card, which can be used for everyday purchases and ATM access.

At this time, digital banking in Spanish is not yet available. Desert Financial Credit Union is actively working to expand Spanish-language and culturally relevant digital services. In the meantime, Spanish-language information is available on our website at desertfinancial.com/espanol.

Direct deposit is available for checking, savings, and money market accounts.

Money transfers and payment services are available, depending on the account type.

Yes. Desert Financial Credit Union currently supports international wire transfers for members. Wire requests may be completed in a branch. Fees and processing times apply.

Zelle^® is available through our top-rated mobile app! That means it’s easy to send and receive money with friends, family and others you trust¹. Plus, you can typically do it in a matter of minutes.

To get started, follow these three simple steps:

• Log in to the Desert Financial mobile app.
• Select Zelle^® from the main menu at the bottom of the screen.
• Enroll using your email address or U.S. mobile number.

Then, you’ll be ready to start sending and receiving money! Zelle^® transactions will show up in your checking or saving account activity, so you can easily keep track of your money.

¹ Zelle^® is available to active personal online banking users. Waiting periods and additional restrictions may apply. For additional information, please refer to the Zelle^® Terms of Service . To send or receive money with Zelle^®, both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes.

Zelle^® and the Zelle^® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Some accounts and services may have fees. Desert Financial Credit Union offers a Free Checking¹ account with no monthly service fees and access to an ATM network with 30,000+ CO-OP surcharge-free ATMs.

For more information on fees, we recommend speaking with a Desert Financial representative. You can also see our Fee Schedule by visiting DesertFinancial.com/Fees.

¹Free Checking is free; however, fees for additional services may apply. Eligibility and account qualification requirements apply.

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that is owned by its members. Credit unions offer many of the same services as banks, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and online banking. Because credit unions are member-owned, they are designed to serve their members and the communities they support.

At a credit union, accounts are available through membership. Becoming a member means you have access to Desert Financial products and services. Membership typically begins by opening a Membership Savings account and meeting any applicable eligibility requirements. A Desert Financial representative can walk you through the steps based on the account you want to open.

Yes. Desert Financial representatives can explain how accounts work, help you choose an option that fits your needs, and guide you step by step through opening your first account.

For assistance in Spanish, call 602-433-7000 and press 9.

Yes. Desert Financial offers bilingual team members and financial coaches who can provide personalized guidance in Spanish at select branch locations. Visit our branch: https://www.desertfinancial.com/en/who-we-are/locations

Yes. Desert Financial Credit Union offers business banking products and services designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, subject to eligibility requirements.

Yes. Desert Financial offers financial education resources and guidance to help members understand credit, manage their finances, and work toward their financial goals.

You can visit a branch or call our member support center to speak with a bilingual Desert Financial Credit Union representative for personalized assistance. Please call 602-433-7000. For Spanish, press 9. Or visit our branch: https://www.desertfinancial.com/en/who-we-are/locations