First Tech Federal Credit Union History • cooperative model • services
A credit union built around technology communities

First Tech: founded in 1952, shaped by innovators, and scaled for modern banking

First Tech Federal Credit Union describes its origin in 1952, founded by a small group of people at Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix. From the beginning, the institution’s identity has been tied to technology-oriented workplaces—and to the idea that financial services should keep up with people building the future.

How it started

First Tech’s founding story is a classic credit-union pattern with a distinctly tech-industry setting: a defined group of employees organizing a cooperative as a practical alternative to traditional banking. In that model, members aren’t simply customers—they’re the reason the institution exists. The credit union’s own “About Us” framing emphasizes serving technology-oriented companies and their employees, which helps explain why its modern messaging leans heavily into digital convenience and tools.

Over time, an employee-group institution that starts with a handful of sponsor companies tends to broaden. First Tech’s public materials reflect that arc: a growing list of partner/sponsor organizations, wider geographic reach, and an emphasis on “financial wellness” tools and customized products that fit different stages of life—not just a single job or employer.

The throughline is simple: keep the cooperative structure, then modernize delivery—digital access, self-service tools, and a product set that looks “full-service” while still prioritizing members.

A new chapter in 2026

First Tech also entered a new chapter at the start of 2026, when it officially united with Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU). Public merger communications describe a single credit union operating while systems and operations are combined, reflecting a broader trend in the industry: consolidation designed to increase scale, expand service reach, and invest in infrastructure.

The practical takeaway for members is usually continuity paired with expansion: keeping everyday account access stable while the organization integrates networks, locations, and internal processes over time.

What members use

First Tech positions itself as full-service: checking and savings, lending (including major life purchases), and digital banking designed for convenience. Their own messaging emphasizes “smarter financial tools” and making digital banking easier, paired with optional in-person and self-service channels.

The “pluses” are the blend: a cooperative model, sponsor-company membership pathways, and a modern digital posture that fits members who expect banking to be fast, accessible, and clear.

For information and account services: Login First Tech Federal Credit Union.

Insurance and protection

First Tech explains NCUA share insurance and notes deposits are insured up to at least $250,000 per individual depositor (with coverage rules depending on ownership categories). In everyday terms, this is the foundation under checking and savings: the system designed to keep insured deposits protected while members focus on work and life.

In summary

First Tech’s story is a technology-community version of a long-running cooperative arc: founded in 1952 by employees at major tech companies, expanded through partner organizations and broader reach, and modernized around digital tools. With the 2026 unification with DCU, the institution’s next chapter is about combining scale and services while keeping the credit-union model at the center: member-first, practical, and designed to evolve.