Online and mobile banking FAQs

Check out our new look!

On March 5, 2024, we updated our Online Banking with a new look that includes a different background image and more colorful icons. You can still find all your information and content in the same places – just with a fresh design.

How do I set up online banking?

1. From our homepage, click on Sign In.
2. The Welcome section will expand; from there, click on Register and then Register my individual account.
3. Read and accept the prompted disclosures.
4. Provide information to confirm your identity.
5. Choose a username.
6. Choose to receive your temporary password by email or text.
7. Enter the temporary password to authenticate your identity.
8. Create a new password and confirm it.
9. Confirm your contact information.
10. Get started with Online Banking!

How can I view my balance using the Snapshot feature on the mobile app?

After you download the Desert Financial mobile app and successfully sign in, you have the option to enable the Snapshot feature to view account balances at a glance without having to log in. Just click on More in the lower right, then My Tools, then Settings and Snapshot and switch the feature on. For your protection, however, you would be prompted to fully log in to view any account details like your transaction history and to perform transactions such as transferring money or paying bills.

How can I set up Bill Pay?

Our bill pay system allows account holders to set up one-time or recurring payments for utilities, credit cards, insurance, tuition and much more. Log in to Online Banking, click Transfers & Payments, then Bill Pay, and follow the prompts to set up a new payee by entering information such as the company name, account details and address of where the payment will be sent. Then, choose whether to make a single payment or set up a recurring payment using autopay. You’ll even have the option to set up monthly payment reminders to ensure you never miss a payment!

What if I forget my password?

Go to the Desert Financial homepage, click Sign In and then select Forgot Password. Provide your username and Social Security Number, then follow the instructions provided.

How do I log in for the first time?

To enroll, simply click Sign In on the home page, then select Register. On the next page, you will be asked for your member number, Social Security Number, full name, date of birth and zip code. Your member number can be found displayed prominently on the paperwork you received when you opened your Desert Financial account.

What if I get an access error logging in?

If you receive an error message while attempting to log in to Online Banking from a work computer, please check with your system administrator regarding your proxy/firewall settings. If you are experiencing a different error or need assistance after checking your system administrator and proxy/firewall settings, please contact us at (602) 433-7000.

What will I see in my account history?

You will see transactions that have been made in your checking, savings, money market and loan accounts. Account history includes such details as the date, amount, description and account balance. You can review all transactions posted within the past two years.

What’s the difference between banking online and in the app?

The only difference is that you can deposit checks through the Desert Financial app, but you cannot deposit checks via Online Banking.

How do I get started with banking in the app?

1. Download the app via the Apple Store or Google Play.
2. Log in with your Online Banking username and password and go through a one-time verification process.
3. Enjoy!

Which accounts can I access in the app?

You can access your savings, checking and loan accounts in the app. You may also be able to view savings certificates and retirement accounts.

What is my username and password for the app?

The username and password you created for Online Banking will be the same for the app.

What happens if I change my phone number?

As a security precaution, you will not be able to receive alerts or use text banking until you verify your phone number in settings.

How do I sign up for eStatements?

You can sign up for and access eStatements in Online Banking or the app. You can also call us at (602) 433-7000 for assistance.

How do I set up and/or manage my alerts?

You can set up new alerts and manage current alerts under the Support menu in online and mobile banking.

What features can I look forward to in Online Banking and the app?

Online Banking and the app will have the following new features:

• PayItNow: Send money to anyone using their phone number or email.
• Biometrics: Log in with Face ID or fingerprint TouchID.
• Snapshot: View your balances in the app without logging in to the app.
• Money management: Set budgets, manage transactions and set savings goals.
• Tiered authority for business: Gives employees specific permissions within Online Banking.
• 2 Factor Authentication: Set up 2FA so you’ll have the highest security.

Does the app work on all mobile operating systems?

Supported mobile OS:
Google Android - versions 9.0 or higher
Apple iOS - last two major releases

Can I make principal-only loan payments via Online Banking?

Yes. Principal-only loan payments can be made for all loan types within OLB.

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

Alerts are active right away, but alerts are not sent in real time.

What is the difference between alerts and text banking?

Text banking can only be used for viewing account balances. Alerts are notifications about account activity that you set up within the app and Online Banking.

How do I add an external account (view only)?

1. Log in to Online Banking.
2. Go to Settings (Hint: Click on your name in the upper right-hand corner).
3. Click the Accounts tab.
4. Click Link an External Account.
5. The Add Account window will display.
6. Click Add an external account to view balances and transactions.
7. View and respond to the disclosure.
8. Click Continue.
9. The Link Accounts window displays. Select a financial institution from the Most Popular Sites list or search for one in the Institution name field.
10. The Log in to Your Account window displays. Enter your credentials to log into your account.
11. Click Confirm.
12. The Log in to Your Account window displays a screen asking for a verification code. You will automatically receive a verification code via your preferred contact method in your Online Banking contact settings.
13. Enter the code you received into the Please enter the verification code sent field. (Hint: You have 110 seconds to enter the code.)
14. Click Next.
15. The Congratulations! You have successfully linked your account(s) window displays.
16. Click All done.

Why can’t I transfer money from external accounts?

This requires additional security. Please follow the steps to set up an external transfer account.

Where do I see external accounts?

The Balances and Transaction History will appear on your Dashboard and Accounts page. You can also set it up to show in your Mobile Snapshot.

What if I do not see my external accounts right away?

Sometimes, the connection from another bank or credit union may need additional time. We recommend that you log out and back in.

Can I personalize my external accounts?

Under Settings —> Accounts, you can edit Nicknames, Order and Color — just like any other account you see in Online Banking.

Can I delete an external account once I add it?

Yes. Under Settings —> Accounts, you can manage all of your accounts.

What happens if I change my username or password at the other financial institution?

You will need to update the information within Online Banking under Settings —> Accounts. The previously synced balance and transactions will still show. This change can also be done from the dashboard or accounts widget.

How do I set up an external transfer account (transferring funds)?

1. Log in to Online Banking.
2. Click on Transfer & Payments.
3. Click on More Actions.
4. Click Add Account.
5. The Add Account window displays.
6. Select Add an account instantly if you have your credentials to sign into another external account or select Manually Add Account to use your account and routing number.
7. If you’ve chosen to Add an account instantly, you can search for the institution using the search bar. Once you’ve found your institution from the list, click Continue.
8. The Log in to Your Account window displays. Log in to your external account with your credentials.
9. You will automatically receive a verification code via your preferred contact method in your Online Banking contact settings.
10. Enter the code you received into the Please enter the verification code sent field. (Hint: You have 110 seconds to enter the code.)
11. Select the accounts you would like to transfer to.
12. Click Continue.
13. Read and accept the Terms & Conditions.
14. Click Connect.
15. You will be taken back to the Add account window where you will be asked to select which Desert Financial account(s) you would like to use for transfers. Select your chosen account and click Submit.
16. The Congratulations! You have successfully linked your account(s) window displays.
17. Click All done.

If you choose the Add an account manually option, complete the fields as follows:

*If adding a Money Market, choose Savings.

1. Click Save.
2. The Verification needed window displays. Click email or text to choose a verification code delivery method.
3. Click Send code.
4. Once you receive the verification code by text or email, enter it into the Enter code field.
5. Click Verify. (Tip: Your verification code will expire after 10 minutes.)
6. The Confirm your External Account message window displays.
7. Click OK.
8. Once you return to your Dashboard, you will see an actionable alert reminding you to confirm your trial deposits to finish linking external accounts.
9. Once two trial deposits are received (this may take up to three business days) in your external account, you can confirm them in Online Banking by clicking the Confirm button on the actionable alert or by going to:
   • Settings
   • Accounts tab
   • Scroll down to ACH Accounts
   • Click Confirm next to the account
   • The Confirm trial deposits window displays and reads as follows:
     
     “As a security measure, we sent two transactions of different amounts to account #_______ at _______. It may take up to three business days for those transactions to appear in your account.
     
     We ask you to confirm the transaction amounts to ensure you’re the owner of this [Financial Institution] account.”

To complete the trial deposits, complete the fields as follows:

Once completed, click Confirm and the external account will now show in the transfer to or from drop-down menus in Transfers.

Why does my Transfer History still say pending even if I have received the money?

The Online Banking transfer activity status does not track the actual external transfer transaction progress, and may not show as completed for up to five business days after your transaction. View your account history to track the transaction’s progress.

How long does a transfer take?

Three to five business days.

Can I set up recurring transfers?

Yes.

Does it cost money?

No. External transfers are free unless an item is returned. Check with your other financial institution to see if there are any fees associated with this transaction.

What are the transfer cutoff times?

The transfer cutoff time is at 3:00 p.m. MST on weekdays. Transactions are not processed on weekends or holidays.

My deposit did not make it to the other bank.

Confirm that five business days have passed and that the account and routing numbers are correct. If yes to both, please send a secure message to Desert Financial through Online Banking.

Can I set this up to make a deposit into another person’s account?

No. For your security, this should only be set up for accounts in which you are a member on both accounts.

Can I send to a bank or credit union in another country?

No. This cannot be set up for financial institutions outside of the U.S.