Hey, it’s you!
We’re so happy to have you here. Now that you’ve joined Desert Financial, you might be wondering what to do next.
These modules will walk you through everything you need to know about banking with us — including a few phenomenal perks of your new membership (hint: cha-ching!).
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA | 
You’ve made the right choice joining Desert Financial. We’re here to help you get the knowledge you need to start managing your money the easy way.
The first step on your financial journey is learning to navigate our New Member Welcome Center. Watch the brief video tutorial below to learn your way around. Then, continue down the page to complete the rest of the steps in Module 1. (Just a few easy tasks, we promise!)
Now that you have the basics down, you’ll want to set up contactless banking using Online Banking and the Desert Financial Mobile app. These convenient tools allow you to access your accounts 24/7, move your money around and apply for new loans on any Wi-Fi-enabled device. Go ahead, you got this!
Visit DesertFinancial.com. On the right, click Sign Up Now.
Choose Register as an Individual.
Read and accept the disclosure and scroll down to check the box marked I Agree. Click Continue.
Provide your information to confirm your identity. Click Continue.
(Your account number is listed on your new account paperwork. Only the first 10 numbers of your account/member number are required — omit the hyphen and four zeroes.)
Choose a username and select if you would like to receive your temporary password by email or text. Click Continue
Check your email/text messages. Enter your temporary password to authenticate and click Log In.
Create a New Password and Confirm. Click Continue.
Next, confirm your contact information and click Continue.
That’s it! Log in to Online Banking anytime, anywhere at DesertFinancial.com or use our handy mobile app to manage your accounts. Now, about that app …
Visit your device’s app store and type Desert Financial in the search box.
Choose Desert Financial Mobile and Install.
Click Open and answer the location prompt.
If you already have an Online Banking login, enter your username/password here and click Log In. If not, follow the easy instructions above.
Select Snapshot if you’d like to view your balances immediately whenever you open the app.
That’s it! You’re ready to start banking on the go.
Inside the app, click the menu bar in the top left corner to see all the things you can do. We call these widgets, but you can call them tasks, menu items or your “can-do” list — whatever makes your soul sing. If you’re using an iPhone, your main menu will be at the bottom of the page.
In Online Banking, these widgets appear in gray boxes on the left side of the page (or in the drop-down menu 
Here are some things you can do inside the app AND in Online Banking.
Feel free to look around!
View Balances: Once you log into the app, you’ll see an overview of your account balances. Click on each account to see Transactions and Account Details. For iPhone, click Accounts in the bottom main menu to return to your Accounts view. For Android, click the back arrow next to the account name to return to your Accounts view. If you choose Snapshot, you’ll also get a sneak peek at your account balances whenever the app opens, a pretty sweet feature that most bank apps don’t have!
View Accounts: To view specific account details, click Accounts in the main menu, then choose your account.
View Statements: Under More (or More Widgets) in the main menu, click eStatements. Click the View eStatements button. Click on the statement month you’d like to view. (Note: If you are not currently enrolled in eStatements, you can enroll here.)
See a Transaction: Click on a transaction for specifics, like where and when that purchase was made. ($118 at the Italian restaurant??? Guess it’s macaroni-from-a-box this week!)
Find Your Account Number: Select the account, click on Account Details and scroll to see the account number.
Transfer Money: Click Transfers in the Main Menu. Choose the accounts you want money deducted FROM and sent TO. Enter the transfer amount, review and click Complete Transfer. Easy-peasy.
Deposit Checks (app only): After signing your check, click Deposit Check in the bottom main menu for iPhone. Or tap the main menu and then Deposit Check for Android. Type your check amount under Deposit Amount. Tap Check Front and snap a picture of the front of your check. Repeat the process for Check Back. Tap Deposit Check to complete your deposit. Watch our Remote Check Deposit video for more details.
There’s lots more to do and see, but there’s plenty of time to dig deeper. In the meantime, pat yourself on the back for completing Module 1 — and check the box below so we know how awesome you are!
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA | 
We hope you’re loving your new Desert Financial accounts! Let’s look at some simple ways to make your daily banking even more convenient.
With direct deposit, you can have paychecks deposited right into your Desert Financial account. First, check with your employer or the Social Security Administration to see if you are eligible for direct deposit. Got a “yes”? Awesome! There’s only one more step.
Fill out and submit their print or digital enrollment form. For this, you’ll need two things:
Our routing number: 122187238
Your 14-digit account number: To find it, log in to Online Banking and click the name of the account you want your funds deposited into. Click on the Account Details tab and look for the DIRECT DEPOSIT AND ACH TRANSACTIONS ACCOUNT NUMBER located about halfway down the page.
It might take a paycheck or two before your direct deposit goes into effect. After that, your payments will magically appear in your account — abracadabra!
A digital wallet lets you pay for purchases virtually, without the need for a physical credit/debit card or PIN handy. It’s typically an app where you store your payment methods electronically. Popular contactless payment apps include Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Watch our Contactless Payments video for a quick tutorial:
Open the app on your phone.
Add your payment method by taking a digital photo of your card (front and back).
Follow the instructions to add your card to the wallet.
Now your phone doubles as a wallet for online and in-store payments. Cha-ching!
Just type “Desert Financial near me” or “Desert Financial ATM” into Google or Apple Maps to find a Desert Financial branch or ATM. Click on the branch name to view details.
You can also use our handy Desert Financial branch locator.
Need a quick ATM refresher? Peep this:
Of course, there’s no fee to use a Desert Financial ATM! But did you know you also have surcharge-free access to nearly 30,000 ATMs worldwide through the CO-OP ATM Network? That could come in handy when you’re traveling!
Looks like you breezed right through Module 2. Virtual fist-bump!
Click the box below to indicate you’re ready to move on.
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
Paying bills isn’t exactly fun, so the least we can do is make it easy! In this module, we’ll walk you through how to make automatic bill payments, transfer funds and reorder checks.
If you have a checking account with Desert Financial, you can set up automatic payments in Online Banking or through the Desert Financial mobile app.
Click the Bill Pay widget in the main menu to get started. Read the disclosure and click Agree to continue.
You’ll see the Payment Center screen.
Select a bill category. Let’s use Utilities as an example
Scroll to find your company.
Enter your account number and any additional information.
Choose your payment amount and delivery date.
Click Make Payment. You’ll receive a confirmation page with the details of your payment!
You can also use Online Banking or the app to transfer funds between your Desert Financial accounts, to another Desert Financial member or a third-party.
Start by clicking Transfers in the main menu.
Use Quick for transferring funds between your accounts and for loan payments. Choose the Classic tab if you wish to transfer funds to another Desert Financial member. You will need to enter their name and account number.
Choose the account you want the money deducted from, the transfer amount and the internal or external account you want to send the money to.
Click Submit Transfer. You will see a screen with the transaction details. Click Confirm Transfer to transfer your funds.
You will see a confirmation screen with your transfer information
TIP:
Click Scheduled to view your upcoming transfers.
Click History to see your past transfers.
Apps like Venmo and PayPal let you directly pay another person using your bank account, credit card or debit card. You can also receive money in these apps, which can then be used to pay someone else or transferred into your bank account (sometimes for a small fee).
Follow these simple steps to make a payment:
Download the payment app.
Set up a new account by following the prompts in the app, including any steps for verification and passwords to increase security. You may be asked to provide a bank account, credit card or debit card number, along with confirmation details to ensure you are the card or account holder.
Search for the recipient by phone number, email address, username or Facebook account (if you choose to sync to that social platform).
Enter the amount and follow the app’s sending instructions to make your payment!
All done? Give yourself a gold star — and don’t forget to check the box below to let us know you’re all set.
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
You found each other and it was great … for a while. But now you’ve broken up with your old bank and it’s time to move on. Find out how to make the switch!
It’s easy to move your old accounts over to Desert Financial. Follow these steps to clear out the banking clutter and start fresh.
Close your old accounts. Check with your old financial institution to see how it’s done — some banks will allow you to close accounts online or with a written letter, while others require you to call or visit a branch.
Don’t forget your money! You can either withdraw your funds before you close your account or have the financial institution cut you a check after the account has been closed (it could take a while).
Transfer any automatic payments. Do you have automatic deductions set up for rent or mortgage payments, utilities, TV subscriptions, auto loans or any other services? Contact each one to update your payment information. Tip: Many creditors allow you to update your payment information online.
Look at your loans. If you have mortgage or auto loans with another financial institution, you may want to consider having them all in one place. Contact us at 602-433-5626 or visit DesertFinancial.com to learn more about refinancing. You can also apply for a loan online or through Online Banking!
While you’re here, there’s one more quick step to take:
Even with all the digital options available, it’s smart to have an old-fashioned check on-hand. Simply log in to Online Banking or the Desert Financial app, visit a branch or call us at (602) 433-5626 to order checks.
Inside Online Banking, select the More widget and choose Checking Services ► Reorder Checks ► Order Checks.
In the app, select Checking Services from the Main Menu (or More widget on iPhone), then tap Order Checks.
Breaking up is hard to do, but you’ll be glad you kicked your old bank to the curb. We’re excited to build a better banking relationship with you!
Click below to move forward.
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
It’s good to see you again! Now that you have your new accounts in order, let’s dive into the fun stuff — starting with an awesome member perk.
Relationship Rewards is our free membership rewards program. It works a lot like the rewards programs at your favorite coffee shop or independent bookstore. The stronger the relationship you build with Desert Financial, the more rewards you can earn.
Your rewards level is calculated on a monthly basis. Each month, you can earn:
$500 direct deposit OR 25+ checking transactions
At least $10,000 in combined deposit and investment6 balances
Current mortgage, home equity or auto loan
Points are calculated per household. So, if someone in your household has a point, you get that point too!
There’s also a bonus point for 20-year loyalty that you can earn later down the road — more than 20% of member households qualify for this point!
The maximum number of points you can earn is 3.
There are three rewards levels based on your relationship with Desert Financial:
1
You have
0-1 point
2
You have
2 points
3
You have
3 points
Member (0‐1 points)
Free Checking, with no minimum balance and no monthly service fees5
Free services & member discounts
Rewards Member (2 points)
Free Checking, with no minimum balance and no monthly service fees5
Free services & member discounts
.25% Rate discount on Consumer Loans1
Cash back with Member Giveback Bonus2
Non-Desert Financial ATM fee waivers
Free custom checks
Free debit card replacement
Free money orders & cashier’s checks
Free stop payments
Up to $100 discount on Wills & Trusts4
Rewards+ Member (3 points)
Free Checking, with no minimum balance and no monthly service fees5
Free services & member discounts
.50% Rate discount on Consumer Loans1
Cash back with Member Giveback Bonus2
Non-Desert Financial ATM fee waivers
Free custom checks
Free debit card replacement
Free money orders & cashier’s checks
Free stop payments
Up to $150 discount on Wills & Trusts4
Free overdraft protection transfers
Free incoming wires
Rebates of ATM fees/surcharges by other institutions3
With Desert Financial’s Relationship Rewards program, it’s easy to level up and earn more rewards! Here are some simple ways to earn extra points:
TRANSACTING
Set up automatic bill pay for monthly bills
Have your paycheck directly deposited into a Desert Financial account
Use your debit card to:
SAVING
To save $10,000, try:
Using our free budgeting tool on the Desert Financial app
Automating monthly transfers to savings
Getting a savings certificate with Desert Financial
Borrowing
Earn one point when you get a loan for one or more of these things:
Buying a home
Purchasing a vehicle
Opening a Home Equity Line of Credit
That’s it! Reward yourself for completing this module by checking the box below — and maybe taking yourself out for ice cream. We’re big fans of chocolate fudge ripple.
1For consumer and home equity loans, subject to credit approval and applies to new money loans. May not be combined with any other rate discounts or promotional offers.
2Must be Rewards Member or Rewards+ Member for a minimum of six months per calendar year to be eligible for cash back. Additional restrictions apply. See Statements of Terms, Conditions and Disclosures for full details.
3Up to $50 per checking account.
4Document preparation services are offered through Desert Financial Credit Union; an Arizona Supreme Court Certified Legal Document Preparation Business Entity (CLDP #81024). Legal document preparation services are not insured by the NCUA and have no credit union guarantee.
5Must open or convert to Free Checking product to qualify. Membership Checking may incur a fee in accordance with the Fee Schedule. Primary account holder must be 18 years or older and meet Desert Financial’s membership eligibility and credit qualification requirements, including opening a Membership Savings account with a minimum balance of $25. Checking is free; however, fees incurred — such as a stop payment or NSF fee — will apply. For complete terms and conditions, refer to the published Statements of Terms, Conditions and Disclosures booklet.
6Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by credit union insurance, the NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the credit union, are not guaranteed by the credit union, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Desert Financial Credit Union and Desert Financial Wealth Management are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. 13875 N. Northsight Blvd. | Scottsdale, AZ 85260, 602-336-5531
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
Buying a car and a home are two of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, so we want to make sure you have all the information you need to get there. Don’t feel pressured to reach these milestones right now. We’re over here chilling on standby until you need us!
In the meantime, here’s some information on auto and home loan options to get you started:
Love your car but not your payment? An auto refinance, or auto refi, could be what you’re looking for. With an auto refi, the lender will pay off your existing auto loan and give you a new loan for the remaining balance on your vehicle. With a refi, you could potentially lower your payments and/or get a lower interest rate.
LOWER INTEREST RATES:
If your credit score has improved since you first purchased your vehicle, you may be eligible for a lower interest rate. Even if your credit score has remained stable, interest rates may have dropped. There’s no need to stick with your current lender unless you’re getting the absolute best deal.
LOWER PAYMENTS:
You can lower your monthly payment amount on your current vehicle with a refinance by:
Extending your term
(for example, if you have 14 months left you could get a 2- or 3-year auto refi loan),
Getting a lower interest rate OR
A combination of both.
FASTER REPAYMENT:
By refinancing your existing auto loan to a shorter term, you'll pay off your loan sooner and pay less in total interest! Saving money over the life of the loan makes good financial sense; however, refinancing to a shorter term may come with a higher monthly payment, so making sure you can afford your new payment is key.
CASH BACK AND OTHER OFFERS:
You’re probably not getting anything special from your existing loan. Refinance your auto loan, though, and you may be able to snag a special deal that will put more money in your pocket.
Desert Financial offers a refinance that we call our Auto Three-fi™ because it has three great perks:
If you’re in the market to buy a new or used car, truck or SUV, an auto loan can help you make your purchase. Here are the five major components that you’ll want to consider when buying a vehicle.
PURCHASE PRICE:
The sale price of the vehicle. Many dealerships will allow you to negotiate this amount.
DOWN PAYMENT:
Your lender may require a down payment on your vehicle; aim for 20% down, although some lenders will accept less.
LOAN AMOUNT:
Your loan amount would be the total cost of your vehicle + taxes & fees – your down payment and any dealer incentives.
ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE (APR):
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost you pay each year to borrow money, including fees, expressed as a percentage. The APR is a broader measure of the cost to you of borrowing money since it reflects not only the interest rate but also the fees you have to pay to get the loan. The higher the APR, the more you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
TERM:
The length of your loan. Common terms include 60 and 72 months.
MONTHLY PAYMENT:
The amount you pay on your auto loan each month, which depends on all of the factors above. Auto loans typically have a fixed APR, which means your payment amount does not fluctuate.
Try our handy loan calculator to estimate your monthly payment.
Results received from this calculator are designed for comparative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed. Actual payment may be greater.
View current auto loan rates and specials at Desert Financial.
Ready to buy a home? How exciting! Before you start picking out new furniture and paint colors, start with these two easy steps:
SHOP FOR A HOME:
For most homebuyers, this is the fun part! Click here to begin searching current MLS listings and shop for a home. Also consider working with a broker to secure your new home.
TIP:
You can score a credit of up to $5,000 toward your closing costs if you use one of our Participating Real Estate Brokers.3 Call (602) 433-4663 for details.
GET PREQUALIFIED (OR PREAPPROVED) FOR A HOME LOAN:
When you make an offer on a home, you’re required to either have a Prequalification Form (PQF) from a lender or disclose that you have not been prequalified. When you provide a prequalification, the seller knows that your income and assets have already been documented by the lender — which means that you’re more likely to get the financing you need to buy the home.
A prequalification estimates the loan amount you might be approved for, while preapproval tells you the specific loan amount you’re approved for with that lender.
Most lenders will look at four factors when preapproving you for a loan: your income, monthly expenses, down payment amount and your credit history. To qualify for a home loan through Define Mortgage Solutions (a subsidiary of Desert Financial), you must:
Have a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans (lower credit scores may still qualify for FHA financing), and
Have a minimum down payment of 3 percent for conventional loans, although some buyers may qualify for down payment assistance programs.
After these steps come the heart of the homebuying process, which includes steps from making an offer to completing loan paperwork, scheduling a home inspection, negotiating and closing. Check out our free Homebuying Toolkit for step-by-step guides to finding and buying a home!
View current mortgage rates at Desert Financial.
Already have a mortgage? Consider refinancing with Desert Financial to potentially lower your monthly payment and/or interest rate.
If you have equity in your current home, you could potentially borrow against that equity to have extra money for home upgrades or repairs, to pay bills or for another need. Equity is simply the difference between the current value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage.
A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, works similarly to a credit card. You may withdraw some or all of your HELOC funds as you need them during your draw period (typically, 5 to 10 years).
HELOCs typically have variable rates, which means your interest will fluctuate up and down with the market. Lenders such as Desert Financial offer a HELOC with a fixed-rate option that allows you to cement your interest rate on applicable withdrawals.
Benefits of a HELOC include:
Flexible and easy-to-use
Withdraw funds only as you need them
Fixed-rate option available to help you plan your payments
This type of loan works well for situations where you may need the money in smaller increments over time — for example, if you’re planning to complete several remodeling projects in the coming years.
View current HELOC rates and specials at Desert Financial.
Whew! That’s a lot of new info to tackle in one day. It’s time to kick back, relax and … check the box to complete this module.
1Cashback offer is only available for the refinancing of non-Desert Financial auto loans with a minimum refinanced amount of $10,000. Amount of cash back is calculated based on 1% of the total loan amount financed, not including amounts financed for purchased ancillary products such as Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) and Mechanical Breakdown Protection (MBP). Maximum cashback amount is $500. Cash back will be deposited into the primary borrower’s Desert Financial Membership Savings account within one business day of the loan funding. Cashback amounts are subject to all applicable taxes and are the responsibility of the recipient. Offer subject to change.
290 Days to First Payment option applies to eligible auto refinance. This offer does not apply to the refinancing of an existing Desert Financial auto loan. Eligibility requirements: Maximum loan term of 75 months and borrower must have a minimum credit score of 670; loans with multiple borrowers require only one borrower to meet the minimum credit score requirement. First payment will be due no later than 90 days from the loan closing date; finance charges will accrue on unpaid principal while payment is deferred. Offer subject to change.
3Participation in the Real Estate Broker Program is voluntary. Desert Financial Credit Union and its subsidiary Define Mortgage Solutions LLC do not receive any benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the Participating Broker under this program. Participating Brokers are non-affiliated third parties of Define Mortgage Solutions LLC and Define Mortgage Solutions LLC makes no warranties or representations about the service provided by the Participating Brokers. To participate in this program, the member does not have to finance the mortgage loan with Define Mortgage Solutions LLC. Amount of credit will vary and is based on 25% of the buyer’s agent’s commission up to a maximum of $5,000. For full program details, see the Real Estate Broker Program Notice. Mortgage loans are offered by Define Mortgage Solutions, LLC, NMLS ID #1761612, a subsidiary of Desert Financial Credit Union. BK#0949053
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
Don’t you hate it when you have to stop at three different stores just to get all your groceries? We sure do.
The same goes for your financial needs. Why deal with a bunch of different companies when you can get everything at your local credit union? Here are a few essential products you might not know about:
A will is a legal document that outlines how someone’s personal assets will be divided after their death. It can also contain specific requests for funeral arrangements and determine who will care for children and other legal dependents if both parents/caretakers pass on.
A trust is similar to a will, except it goes into effect immediately (rather than after death). Trusts also detail how a person’s assets will be divided; however, they don’t include any instructions for funeral arrangements or guardianship.
A credit union may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about making a will, but Desert Financial has a dedicated team that can walk you step-by-step through the process of creating a will or trust. We can also help you prepare other legal documents including property deeds, LLC paperwork and Financial and/or Medical Powers of Attorney (POA).
Sign up for one of our FREE Wills & Trusts webinars to learn more.
Schedule an appointment with a Wills & Trusts representative to start planning your estate.
Check out the Wills & Trusts discounts you can get with our free Relationship Rewards program.
Insurance is probably one of those things that you feel like you don’t need … until you need it. That’s why most people don’t bother shopping around for new insurance unless they have to.
But what if you could score a better rate or more comprehensive coverage without doing the leg work? Desert Financial will actually shop around to compare insurance options for you! If you work with us, you’ll also be able to make your monthly insurance payments directly from your Desert Financial accounts.
Medicare insurance is available to adults ages 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities or certain medical conditions. Navigating the maze of Medicare benefits without help can be a bit daunting. We’re here to help members untangle the information to get the medical, hospital and prescription coverage they need.
Request a quote for auto, home, renters or business insurance.
Contact a representative to get started finding your new insurance or Medicare coverage.
Attend a free online Medicare seminar to learn more.
Savings and money market accounts are a convenient way to store your money while earning interest, but they can only do so much. Investments give you an opportunity to really put your money to work for you.
Desert Financial Wealth Management, in partnership with global financial services firm Raymond James, offers investment services for Desert Financial members. From stocks and bonds to mutual funds, 401(k) plans and 529 plans, you’ll have access to everything you need to review your current plan or make new investments.
Start by getting the investment basics down in our News & Knowledge Center.
Fill out this contact form to get in touch with a Raymond James financial advisor at Desert Financial Wealth Management.
If you’re new to investing or need a refresher, consider attending one of our free Wealth Management events. You can also review past presentations to see what you missed.
Whew! That’s a lot of new info to tackle in one day. It’s time to kick back, relax and … check the box to complete this module.
Wealth Management:
Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA / SIPC | Legal Disclosures | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Securities are not insured by credit union insurance, the NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the credit union, are not guaranteed by the credit union, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Desert Financial Credit Union, Desert Financial Wills and Trusts, Desert Financial Insurance and Desert Financial Wealth Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact your local Raymond James office for information and availability.
Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.
Desert Financial Credit Union, Desert Financial Wills and Trusts, Desert Financial Insurance and Desert Financial Wealth Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Insurance:
Insurance products and services are offered through Desert Financial Wealth Services, LLC dba Desert Financial Insurance Services and LTCi Consulting, LLC. Desert Financial Wealth Services, LLC is a subsidiary of Desert Financial Credit Union. LTCi Consulting, LLC is not affiliated with Desert Financial Wealth Services, LLC dba Desert Financial Insurance Services or Desert Financial Credit Union. Insurance products and services are not insured by the NCUA, are not an obligation of the credit union, and have no credit union guarantee.
Wills & Trusts:
Document preparation services are offered through Desert Financial Credit Union; an Arizona Supreme Court Certified Legal Document Preparation Business Entity (CLDP #81024). Legal document preparation services are not insured by the NCUA and have no credit union guarantee.
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
Welcome back! You’re getting pretty good at completing these new member learning modules. Let’s take a deeper dive into a great membership perk we mentioned earlier — our Member Giveback Bonus.1
Our annual Member Giveback Bonus rewards members who have built a strong relationship with Desert Financial throughout the year. The more you do with us, the more you could potentially get back.
If you are at the Rewards or Rewards+ levels of our Relationship Rewards program for at least six months of the calendar year, you would be eligible to receive a Member Giveback Bonus. As a reminder, Relationship Rewards is our free rewards program available to all Desert Financial members. All members are automatically enrolled in Relationship Rewards — no need to sign up!
Don’t remember how your new rewards program works? No problem. Review the Relationship Rewards program details from Module 5.
The Member Giveback Bonus is typically awarded to eligible members in early February of the following year. Bonuses are deposited right into your Membership Savings account!
Members who have the strongest relationship with us get the best results! This means that the MORE you do with us, the MORE points you earn to achieve a higher rewards level.
You’ve just started with Desert Financial, but let’s look ahead into the future. Use the Member Giveback Bonus Calculator below to see how strengthening your banking partnership with Desert Financial could help you earn more.
Check all of the following that might apply, then click the button to see your potential rewards.
Don’t forget: Points are calculated per household. So, if someone in your household has a point, you get that point too!
Since the Member Giveback Bonus was introduced in 2018, we have awarded a total of $39 MILLION in annual cashback bonuses to our members:
We hope that you’re looking forward to joining all of our members who have received an annual cashback bonus! Before you start working on your Relationship Rewards level, check the box below to complete this module.
1Must be Rewards Member or Rewards+ Member for a minimum of six months per calendar year to be eligible for cash back. Additional restrictions apply. See Statements of Terms, Conditions and Disclosures for full details.
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
At Desert Financial, we believe in sharing success with our members, community and team. But what exactly does “sharing success” mean? In this module, we’ll explore some of the ways Desert Financial gives back to you and the people around you!
Sharing success is Desert Financial’s unique way of saying it’s our responsibility and privilege to give back to others. Some companies like to call this “social responsibility” or “philanthropy.” We call it sharing success because when we do well, we are able to share that success with our members, community and team. Everyone benefits from sharing success — it’s a win-win!
COVID-19 Relief:
$1.2 million
Volunteer Hours:
7,015
Random Acts of Kindness:
9,176
It all started with a phrase American journalist Anne Herbert scribbled on a placemat: “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” Her children’s book based on the concept of random kindness was published in 1993. News media outlets began picking up stories of unexpected good deeds, and soon the phrase bloomed into a social movement called Random Acts of Kindness.
Here at Desert Financial, sharing success is what we’re all about — which is why Random Acts of Kindness fits so well into our community-giving efforts. We started our #KindnessRevolution in 2018, and to date, we have performed thousands of kind acts across Arizona! Check out our most memorable kind acts of 2020.
Founded in 2017, the Desert Financial Foundation helps Valley nonprofits provide valuable services to the community through grants and supports education through scholarship and financial literacy programs. The Foundation also works to create innovative programs for Desert Financial Credit Union team members and to increase our outreach and impact in the community.
At Desert Financial, we’re committed to sharing success with our community in good times and in challenging ones. So, in 2020, while other organizations pulled back on their giving programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were proud to double down on our support for communities throughout Arizona. We challenged ourselves to turn obstacles into opportunities!
We transformed our giving efforts with the rollout of some new programs including Ding-Dong Drop-Offs to local teachers, free financial literacy webinars and $80,000 in employee-directed donations. Check out our 2020 community giving recap and see for yourself!
Now that you’ve learned about the awesome perks of your new membership, spread the word by referring your friends and family members to Desert Financial. You’ll earn a $100 cash bonus for every friend who signs up for a new checking account,2 and your friend will also receive a $100 cash bonus!3
Be a new member with no existing or open accounts (including joint accounts) in the last 12 months
Perform at least 30 posted Desert Financial transactions within 90 days
Perform at least 30 debit card transactions within 90 days
Our Refer-a-Friend program is just one of the many ways that we share success with valued members like you! The more friends you refer, the more cash you can earn.
Click below to refer your friend online — it’s super easy and takes just a few minutes!
You and your friend will each get $100!3
You can also choose to print the form, complete the left side and have your friend finish the process in a branch.
You’re in the home stretch — just one more module left. Click the box below and then go do something kind for yourself. You deserve it!
1Refer-a-Friend cash bonus offer valid for a limited time only. New member (“Friend”) must present completed Referral Form at time of account opening and establish a Membership Savings and Checking account. New members cannot have any existing accounts (primary or joint owner) within the last 12 months. Referrer and Friend cannot begin credit union membership on the same business day.
2Account Opening Criteria: Primary account holder must be 18 years or older and meet Desert Financial’s membership eligibility and credit qualification requirements, including opening a Membership Savings account with a minimum balance of $25. Checking account is free; however, fees incurred — such as a stop payment or NSF fee — will apply. For complete terms and conditions, refer to the published Statements of Terms, Conditions and Disclosures.
3Cash Bonus Criteria: To receive the cash bonus, the new checking account must meet the following criteria within the first 90 days: 1. Minimum of 30 posted transactions and 2. Establish direct deposit. 3. Must be open and cannot be delinquent (more than 30 days) at time of bonus payment. Bonus will be deposited into the qualifying Checking and referring member’s account within 10 business days in the month following the end of the first 90-day period if qualifications are met. Referring member must have an open and active share account at time of bonus payment and be at least 18 years of age. Employees of Desert Financial Credit Union, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or agencies and their immediate family (including spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents or grandchildren) are not eligible for bonus offer. Bonus amounts are subject to all applicable taxes and the responsibility of the member. Bonus cannot be combined with any other account opening offer. Referrals limited to five per member. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
The finish line is just one click away! But don’t click quite yet. In this final module, you’ll learn about a few of the things that make credit unions unique — and better than banks.
While both banks and credit unions help you manage your finances, their philosophies couldn’t be more different!
A credit union is a not-for-profit, member-owned organization and cooperative. Credit unions can make a profit, but they reinvest that revenue into the organization to benefit members and give back to the community. The primary goal of a credit union is to help its members.
Banks pay out large dividends to their shareholders; whereas credit unions pay out dividends and other big benefits to their members. While the goal of a credit union is to meet its members’ needs with the best terms and customer service, banks strive instead to earn profits for their investors.
Credit unions carry a reputation for developing personal relationships with their members so they can better meet their individual needs. As a local institution, credit unions care deeply about their community. That’s why they value personal engagement with their members. Credit unions want to help their community members achieve their goals, build their futures and live with financial stability.
Desert Financial is here to help you grow like we helped our longtime member, Harry, put down roots in Arizona.
Many members enjoy being a part of an organization with a mission to do good within the community. Credit unions are passionate about donating to local charities and planning and participating in community service projects.
Hi! We’re thrilled to have you as a new member, so we figured we’d introduce ourselves properly.
Desert Financial was originally founded in 1939 by a group of 15 educators in Phoenix, Arizona. The credit union started out with just $78.75 invested by our founders — which would be equivalent to about $1,450 today. (Not much to start a whole credit union!)
We originally just served teachers and educational professionals, but we grew to serve everyone who lived, worked or worshipped in the Phoenix metro area. Later, we grew even more to help members all across Arizona! We’ve always been in Arizona and we’re proud to call the 48th state our forever home.
Our members are the heart of our organization. As a member, we’re here to help you work toward your financial goals — whether that includes saving for retirement, investing for your future or buying a home, like our members Juan and Leticia.
Desert Financial gives back to the community by providing financial literacy workshops and financial assistance to local partners like Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Valley of the Sun United Way. We also make a difference by performing Random Acts of Kindness throughout Arizona and giving back to teachers in honor of our founders.
You’ve reached the end of the final module … are you as excited as we are? Though our New Member Welcome Center helps get you started, it’s also here as a resource any time you need it. Just like Desert Financial is here by phone, chat or online whenever you need us.
Need help? Get in touch.
Federally insured by NCUA |
Watch a quick video tutorial, sign up for Online Banking and download our app.
Get your new accounts set up and access your money.
Make a payment or schedule recurring payments.
Move everything over and cut ties with your old financial institution.
Find out what you get with our free rewards program.
What you need to know about mortgage, home equity, auto refi and auto loans.
We also offer investments, insurance, wills & trusts and more.
You could earn money every year just for banking with us.
Help our community and pay it forward to a friend.
What we do and how we’re different from the other guys.
