Checking and saving FAQs

What is my routing number? 

Desert Financial’s routing number is 122187238.  

How do I set up direct deposit?

First, confirm with your employer’s payroll department or the Social Security Administration that a direct deposit option is available and that you are eligible. Next, you’ll need our routing number and your 14-digit account number to set up funds to be directly deposited into or a payment to be pulled from your Desert Financial account.  

Here’s how to find the numbers you need:  

• Our routing and transit number: 122187238 
• Your 14-digit account number: 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 about halfway down the page. 
• If your 14-digit account number starts with “0,” you must include the zeros as well as the last 4 digits after the dash (this indicates whether it’s your checking account, savings account, money market account, etc.). Do not include the dash; it could prevent your funds from being deposited or paid (example: 00045678900400).
  
  

Where can I find a direct deposit request form to give to my employer?

Download the direct deposit form or access the form via Online Banking or the Desert Financial app by selecting My Accounts > Statements & Documents > Direct Deposit.

Does Desert Financial offer Zelle^®?

At this time, Desert Financial does not offer Zelle^® within Online Banking or our mobile app. You can register your Desert Financial debit card to the standalone Zelle^® app until Jan. 8, 2025; however, the app will sunset Mar. 31, 2025. After that date, you will no longer be able to use the app to transfer and/or receive funds.

Now and after March 31, you can use peer-to-peer (P2P) apps like Venmo^®, PayPal^® and Cash App^® to send and/or receive funds. We also have PayItNow, a feature in the Desert Financial mobile app and Online Banking (find it under “Transfers & Payments” after you log in) that allows you to send money to almost anyone with an email address or mobile phone number. The recipient does not need to be a Desert Financial member. If you don’t see PayItNow in your mobile app or Online Banking, please contact us at (602) 433-7000.

What information do I need to know to send money using PayItNow?

As the sender, you will only need to know the receiver’s name and phone number or email address. PayItNow offers an added layer of security by using a secret question-and-answer function to help ensure your funds are transferred as intended.

What information will the receiver need to receive money using PayItNow?

For the fastest delivery, the receiver will input their debit card information. They could also choose the 1-2 business day option and input their bank account information.

How long does it take for transfers using PayItNow?

Using the debit card number option, funds can be received the same day (within hours). The account information option takes a little longer, typically 1-2 business days.

How do I send and receive money using Venmo^®, PayPal^® and Cash App^®?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile payment apps make it easy and convenient to use your mobile device to make cashless electronic money transfers between you and someone else.

At Desert Financial, a member can transfer funds to another member using the Transfers feature in our mobile banking app (and in Online Banking). If you’d like to exchange money with someone who is not a Desert Financial member, there are P2P mobile payment app options including Venmo^®, PayPal^® and Cash App^®. Depending on which app you use, you can transfer money with your Desert Financial debit card, credit card and/or bank account.

Using the Venmo Mobile App

Open the Venmo app, select Personal, tap Sign Up to create an account and follow the instructions as indicated by the app that will include linking your debit/credit card or bank account. 

• Tap Pay or Request.
• Select or add the recipient or sender using their name, @username, phone or email.
• Tap Pay or Request, add the amount and tap Request or Pay.
  
  

Other helpful notes on Venmo

• Use the personal QR code feature to send money easily and quickly.
• Standard bank transfers with a linked bank account typically take one to three business days with no fee.
• Instant transfers to a bank account or Visa® debit card require a fee charged by Venmo. 
  
  

Using the PayPal Mobile App 

Open the PayPal app, tap Sign Up to create an account and follow the instructions as indicated by the app that will include linking your debit/credit card or bank account. 

• Tap Send or Request.
• Enter the recipient or sender’s email or mobile number.
• Enter the amount (tap Next); select Friends and Family (tap Next); choose a payment method (tap Next) — then tap Send. Or enter the amount (tap Next) — then tap Request Now.
  
  

Other helpful notes on PayPal 

• A fee is charged by PayPal for sending personal payments using a debit/credit card and for depositing funds from PayPal into your bank account using a debit card.
• A fee is charged by PayPal for instant withdrawals from PayPal to a bank account or card.
• There is no fee charged for standard transfers to a bank account. Transferring funds from PayPal to a bank account typically takes one to three business days to process. 
  
  

Using the Cash App Mobile App 

• Open the Cash App mobile app, enter your phone number or email to create a new account and follow the instructions as indicated by the app that will include linking your debit/credit card or bank account.
• Enter the amount to request or pay.
• Enter the sender or recipient’s name, phone, email or $Cashtag®.  
  Tap Request or Pay. 
  
  

Other helpful notes on Cash App

• Use the QR code feature to send money easily and quickly.
• There are no fees to send or receive money. Deposits to your bank account are free and take one to three business days to process.
• Instant deposits to your debit card are subject to a fee charged by Cash App. 
  
  

Safety tips

• Only send money to someone you know or trust.
• Always double-check the amount being sent before submitting a payment. Once sent, you are not guaranteed the funds back. 
• Beware of common payment scams like romance scams or overpayment scams.
• Use strong and unique passwords for each mobile payment/P2P app you use.
• Only use P2P apps to send money while connected to a secure Wi-Fi network.

How do I reset my debit card PIN?

For ATM or debit card PIN creation or PIN changes, call (877) 635-9624.

For consumer debit cards, you’ll need: 

1. Full card number 
2. CVV (security code on back of card) 
3. Card expiration date (mm/yd) 
4. Card holder’s date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy) 
5. Last four digits of card holder’s SSN 

For business debit cards, you’ll need: 

1. Full card number 
2. CVV (security code on back of card) 
3. ZIP 
4. Card expiration date (mm/yy)
5. Last four digits of TIN (Tax Identification Number)

New cards and PINs will be ready for immediate use at both ATMs and merchants.  

Why is there a difference between my current balance and my available balance?  

Your available balance is the amount available for you to use and includes any pending debit card transactions and holds on deposited funds. Your current balance is the full amount of all deposits to your account and posted payment transactions; it doesn’t reflect outstanding checks you’ve written or transactions that are still pending. For example, you have an available balance of $100 and make a $25 purchase using your debit card. While the purchase is pending, your current balance will still show as $100, while your new available balance will be $75.

When should I expect to receive my year-end dividend statement?  

Year-end statements are mailed out by January 31 to account holders who received $10 or more in dividends. If you receive paper account statements, you can expect to receive your tax documents via postal mail in early to mid-February. Members who opted to receive eStatements can access the applicable tax documents via Online Banking. To view yours, go to “My Accounts” > “Statements & Documents” > “View eStatements” under the tax reporting section of the eStatements page.  

Are there any non-Desert Financial ATM locations where I can use my card and not get surcharged?

Yes. Desert Financial belongs to the CO-OP network, which allows our members and customers of other select financial institutions to use any ATM displaying the CO-OP logo without a surcharge.  

Why was I charged two fees for using my debit card at non-Desert Financial ATMs?

You may be assessed a $2 fee from Desert Financial for using a non-Desert Financial ATM after exceeding the two free transactions per statement period. You may also be assessed a surcharge by the financial institution that owns the machine. This is the fee noted on the screen, which you must accept to complete the transaction. Visit our Fee Schedule for additional information regarding non-Desert Financial ATM activity.

What identification do I need to become a member?

• Valid driver’s license or government-issued ID 
• Social security number 
• Phone number and email address 
• Date of birth and residential address  
  
  

What is the process to request a verification of deposit? 

Desert Financial will charge $15.00 for verification of deposit processing. For details, please contact the Member Engagement Center at (602) 433-7000. 

Are my deposits at Desert Financial insured?

Yes. Deposit accounts at Desert Financial such as checking, savings, money markets and certificates are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). Standard coverage is up to at least $250,000 per individual depositor. Like the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund, the NCUSIF is a federal insurance fund backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. For additional information, or to use the NCUA’s Share Insurance Estimator, please visit MyCreditUnion.gov.

What is the Round Up and Save feature? How do I set it up?

This feature helps you save as you spend! Each time you use your debit card, we’ll round your total up to the nearest dollar and the extra change will go into your savings account. For example, if you buy a coffee for $3.25, your total will be rounded to $4.00 and the remaining $0.75 will go straight to savings!

Visit My Tools > Card Manager in Online Banking to start using it.

On desktop:

1. Hover over My Accounts.
2. Select Round Up and Save.
3. Select the checking account(s) you’d like to use with this feature.
4. Select the savings account where you want your extra change to be deposited.

On mobile:

1. Select More at the bottom right of the screen.
2. Select My Accounts.
3. Select Round Up and Save.
4. Select the checking account(s) you’d like to use with this feature.
5. Select the savings account where you want your extra change to be deposited.

What are alerts?  

Alerts are notices sent by Desert Financial directly to your phone, which contain important information about your registered account(s). You decide which alerts you want to see and when you want to be notified.

What is the difference between alerts and text banking?  

Alerts are notices sent by Desert Financial directly to your mobile device, which contain important information about your registered account(s). You define which alerts you want to see and when you want to be notified. Text banking allows you to conduct banking transactions using text messages from your mobile device.  

How do I set up or manage alerts? What kinds are available?  

Log in to Online Banking on your desktop device or mobile app. If you’re on desktop, choose “Support” from the navigation bar, then “Alerts.” If you’re on the mobile app, choose “More,” then “Settings” and “Alerts.” Within this section, you have the flexibility to toggle notification settings on or off, allowing you to receive alerts through both email and push notifications. These notifications can be tailored to a wide range of account activities, such as withdrawals, transfers, balance summaries, deposits and notifications for insufficient funds, ensuring you stay informed about your financial transactions with ease.

How long will it take for my alerts to become active?  

After you enroll in or make any changes to your account alerts, it will be 24 to 48 hours before the alert is active and you begin to receive messages.

What number should I send my text messages to for text banking?  

Send text messages to the Desert Financial mobile banking number (short code) at 99321. Note: It’s a good idea to add Desert Financial to your contact list using this number.  

How long does it take to get a text message back from Desert Financial text banking?  

You typically receive a text message response within a minute. Exact timing will depend on your mobile service provider. If you have not received a message within five minutes, you should resend the text command or contact our Member Engagement Center at (602) 433-7000.  

What text commands are available?  

Text commands are not case sensitive.  

How do I remove a joint owner from my account?

Joint owners must remove themselves from an account; they can’t be removed by any other account owner, including the primary account owner. 

How can I order checks?

You can order checks in Online Banking or on the Desert Financial mobile app, by visiting a branch or by calling our Member Engagement Center at (602) 433-7000. 

• In Online Banking: Click on “My Tools” in the navigation bar. Click “Checking Services” and toggle to the “Reorder Checks” tab, then select an account and click the “Order Checks” button. You will be taken to our vendor’s website, where you can select new check designs or quickly reorder checks in your current design.  
• On the app: Select “More” from the main menu in the bottom right corner, then tap the “My Tools” drop-down menu and select “Check Services.” Toggle to the “Order Checks” tab, then select your account and click “Order Checks” below and follow the prompts. 
  
  

How do I place a stop payment?

Log in to Online Banking and click on “My Tools” in the navigation bar. Click “Checking Services,” then “New Stop Pay Request,” complete the form and click “Submit Request.” You can also contact our Member Engagement Center at (602) 433-7000.

What options do I have for submitting a wire request?  

Visit any Desert Financial branch to initiate a wire transfer.  

How can someone wire money to my account?  

If someone is wiring money to your account, they’ll need Desert Financial’s routing number (122187238) and the incoming wires account number located on your “Account Details” tab in Online Banking.  
Here’s how to locate 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 incoming wires account number about halfway down the page, underneath your direct deposit number.  
• If your 14-digit account number starts with “0,” you must include the zeros as well as the last 4 digits after the dash (this indicates whether it’s your checking account, savings account, money market account, etc.). 
• You must include the dash. Not including the dash could prevent the incoming wire from being deposited into your account (example: 0004567890-0400).
  
  

I’m expecting an incoming wire; when will it be posted?

Incoming wires are posted about 30 minutes from receipt and can be received on business days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When can I send a wire transfer?

• Domestic wires: Requests to send a domestic wire must be received by 1 p.m. Monday-Friday to be sent out the same day. Requests received after 1 p.m. or on Saturdays will be processed and sent on the following business day (Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays).
• International funds transfers: Requests to send an international funds transfer originating from a consumer account may only be initiated Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Business funds transfers can be accepted at any time during branch hours, but will only be processed Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Please visit our Fee Schedule for information regarding the costs associated with sending and receiving a wire transfer.

What information do I need to send a wire?

Domestic wires:

• Name of the beneficiary (person receiving the wire)
• Name and wire routing number of the receiving financial institution
• Beneficiary account number
• Beneficiary address
  • Any additional information provided by the receiving financial institution

International funds transfers:

• Currency being sent (US funds or foreign currency) 
• Name, address and city of the receiving institution
• Appropriate bank code: Iban, Clave or Swift/BIC code 
• Special instructions, if any 
  • Name, full address, contact number, account type and account number of the beneficiary (person receiving the funds transfer)
    
    

How long does an international funds transfer take?

The credit union cannot guarantee the timeliness or receipt of funds sent internationally.

How can I make a payment by ACH transaction?

Desert Financial members can make a payment to a person or business by ACH (automated clearing house) transaction. To do this, you’ll need your ACH transaction number, located on the “Account Details” tab in Online Banking. You’ll need to find:  

• Our routing and transit number: 122187238  
• Your 14-digit account number: 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 about halfway down the page.  
• If your 14-digit account number starts with “0,” you must include the zeros as well as the last 4 digits after the dash (this indicates whether it’s your checking account, savings account, money market account, etc.).  
• Do not include the dash. Including the dash could prevent your funds from being deposited or paid (example: 00045678900400).  
  
  

How can I dispute or stop an ACH transaction?

If the transaction has already posted, you can click on the transaction in Online Banking or on the app and file a dispute and stop payment on the charge.

• On the app: Click on the charge and then select “Dispute” at the very bottom.
• In Online Banking: Click on the transaction, then select the question mark with the word “Help” beside it and select, “I want to report an error or fraudulent activity.” If you need further assistance, please visit any Desert Financial branch, or contact the Member Engagement Center at (602) 433-7000 for more details.  
  
  

Do I need to cancel my automatic transfer after my loan is paid off?  

No action is required if the transfer was established by Desert Financial for payment to a loan at Desert Financial, as a payment will not be made to a loan with a zero balance. If the transfer is set up to come from a different financial institution, please stop by your local branch to cancel the transfer. 

Can I set up a payment to my Desert Financial loan from my checking account at another financial institution?  

Yes, you can do so in Online Banking and the app by clicking on “Transfers” and then adding your accounts for other financial institutions. Visit any Desert Financial branch or contact the Member Engagement Center at (602) 433-7000 if you need further assistance.  

Can I have money from my Desert Financial account deposited automatically to my account at another financial institution?  

Yes. An ACH electronic withdrawal can be set up by the other financial institution to automatically withdrawal funds from your Desert Financial account. You can set this up in Online Banking or on the app by clicking on “Transfers” and then adding accounts for your other financial institutions. You can choose to mail a check or set up a payment to the other account via Bill Pay in Online Banking.

Savings Certificate FAQ

What’s the difference between a Savings Certificate and a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?

Both Savings Certificate and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are low risk deposit accounts that offer a fixed rate for the term of the account that is typically higher than a standard savings account. The main difference is that Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are issued by banks while Savings Certificates are issued by credit unions.

What will happen with my Savings Certificate once it reaches maturity?¹

Shortly before a certificate matures, members will be sent a Notice of Certificate Maturity with details of the renewal and closure options available to them and information on how to communicate their selection. Notices will be mailed to the mailing address we have on file for the primary member of the savings certificate unless the primary member is enrolled in eStatements. In that instance the notice will be delivered electronically via online banking.

Once a certificate has reached its maturity date, you have a 10 business-day grace period to notify Desert Financial of any changes you would like to make to the certificate (e.g., change the certificate term, add to or remove funds from the account or close the certificate entirely and transfer the balance to an account such as your savings or checking). If no action is taken prior to the end of the grace period, your Savings Certificate (or Jumbo Savings Certificate) will automatically be renewed for the same term length at the current rate. To view our current Savings Certificate rates, visit desertfinancial.com/rates. For more information on Savings Certificate renewals, please call us at (602) 433-7000 or visit your local branch.

Can I withdraw money from an existing savings certificate I have with Desert Financial before the maturity date?

Prior to maturity, a partial or full withdrawal of the principal balance (the balance the account was initially opened with) of a certificate requires the certificate to be closed and may result in an early withdrawal or closure penalty. Exceptions for early withdrawal without penalty or closure may apply to certain situations and certificate types. For more information and to determine if you are subject to an early withdrawal or closure penalty, please call us at (602) 433-7000 or visit your local branch.

Is there a maximum deposit for an IRA Savings Certificate?²

Maximum annual contribution limits are set by the IRS each tax year and are determined by several factors. While IRA maximum contribution limits apply to deposits made to an IRA certificate, funds contributed by means of a rollover do not apply to these limits. Visit IRS.gov for additional information regarding IRA accounts and maximum contribution limits.