How to join Desert Financial

We’re so excited you’re interested in joining Desert Financial! With so many big benefits and rewards, you won’t look back at your banking past. The following explains how to join Desert Financial and make the switch from your old bank.

Joining Desert Financial is not only a great move to make, it’s easy to do and fast! If you haven’t read up on the benefits of joining a credit union, here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll get for joining us: Free Checking¹, the potential to earn an annual cashback bonus², convenient online and mobile banking, supporting the community and so much more.

Keep in mind, you will need to open a Membership Savings account with a minimum balance requirement of $25. This is your share in Desert Financial Credit Union as part-owner! Follow these steps for becoming a member:

1. Only one requirement

Anyone can be a member of Desert Financial. You just have to meet one of these three requirements:

• Live, work, attend school, volunteer or worship in our membership coverage area, which includes all of Arizona (with the exception of Apache, Graham, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties) OR
• Be an immediate family member of a current Desert Financial member OR
• Be an employee of Desert Financial

2. What you need to open an account

Here’s what you need to open an account:

• Valid driver’s license or government-issued ID
• Social security number
• Phone number
• Email address (required for opening an account online)
• Date of birth and address

3. Ways to join

You can conveniently open an account online or if you prefer, call us at (602) 433-5626 so we can help you step-by-step through the process. You can also come into a branch where we can meet you personally and ensure you’re all set up in-person. It’s up to you!

4. Making the switch

Moving your accounts from your old financial institution might feel daunting, but here’s a quick checklist you can use to make things easier. You’ll want to:

• Activate your debit card by calling (877) 635-9624.
• Register for Online Banking.
• Download our top-rated mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Transfer your direct deposits. You could even get paid up to two days early with early direct deposit! 
• Move your automatic payments – either through Bill Pay in Online Banking or by adding your debit card to your biller’s autopay system.
• Close your account(s) with your previous financial institution once you ensure all outstanding checks and debits have cleared.

Get to know us better

Desert Financial offers the same products and services as most banks — plus better banking benefits like Free Checking, fewer and lower fees, and in many cases lower loan rates, higher interest on savings accounts and more. Feel free to tour our website to learn about all of our offerings:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Auto loans and refinancing
• Mortgage loans and refinancing
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
• Personal loans
• Credit cards
• A suite of business banking solutions

You may be surprised to know that we also offer financial planning products and services for wills and trusts, investments and insurance for life, home, business or Medicare.

Get more and a better way to bank

In addition to financial products and services, we offer MORE such as:

• Cash Back: The possibility of an annual cash bonus as part of our Relationship Rewards program,² $100 for referring a friend, up to  $500 cash back for an auto refi  and a credit of up to  $7,500 toward closing costs through our Home Plus program  when you buy a home with a participating broker!  
• Convenience: Open an account online and get access to online banking and our top-rated mobile banking app so you can easily stay on top of your finances! Mobile banking makes life easier; you can transfer money, set savings goals and even apply for a loan online with a simple tap.
• Community:  You support Random Acts of Kindness and local teachers, share in our success and help give back to your community.

Relationship Rewards

Back to that annual cash bonus … The Member Giveback Bonus is a part of our free Relationship Rewards program distributed every year to our members who do the most transacting, saving and borrowing with us. There are three rewards levels, and the more points you earn, the more benefits you get as you level up — from loan and product discounts to fee waivers and a bigger bonus. 

Our giving back philosophy

We generously give back not just because that’s what credit unions do, but because we truly care about making lives better. As we’ve grown, we’ve been able to reinvest funds in more ways that benefit you, our members, community and team. Here’s a glance at our giveback efforts:

• Member perks like our Relationship Rewards program, cash back and sweepstakes
• Local outreach including nonprofit partnerships, volunteering, fundraising and donations, scholarships, grants, Teacher Appreciation, Random Acts of Kindness and crisis-relief solutions
• An extensive list of  employee benefits such as our fun culture, giveaways, paid time off for volunteering, 401K matching and our InvestED program offering tuition coverage for online undergraduate programs and a substantial discount on graduate degree programs at Arizona State University

By simply being a member of Desert Financial, you’re supporting all of the ways we give back. You help us share success!

Now that you know how to join and have allowed us to introduce ourselves, we’ll let you make the next move. Make sure to connect with us too on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn to learn more about who we are and what we do for you. We’re always posting new sweepstakes and giveaways!