Foreign Service Center

We're with you every step of the way

SDFCU understands the unique needs of members who are often traveling or moving overseas. No matter where you go - once you are a member, you're always a member. It's easy to continue your financial relationship with SDFCU through each step.

Before You Go

Accounts

Checking Account – Open an SDFCU Checking account and enjoy the freedom of a VISA Debit Card that can be used worldwide. You will earn one Flexpoint for every two dollars you spend in signature transactions. These points can be redeemed for rewards like – gift cards, electronics, flights, and more. Also, if applicable, set up at least one joint checking account accessible by both partners.
SDFCU Advantage and Privilege Checking Accounts –These interest earning checking accounts require a minimum balance but you will get benefits like debit card transaction fee reimbursement. Learn more about these interest earning checking accounts and requirements.
Apply for Overdraft Protection to safeguard your finances and give you extra coverage.
Set-up a Custom Savings Account with 3 to 6 months salary – This is recommended so you have an emergency fund in case of unexpected medical expenses or unemployment.
Visa Platinum Credit Card – It’s not only a good idea to establish credit, but SDFCU has an extremely low rate. Before you go overseas make sure you check with your credit card issuer about their foreign transaction fee charges. You can expect most carriers to charge at least 1% for foreign transactions. SDFCU charges no foreign transaction fee on our Visa Platinum credit card.. In addition, you will earn one reward point for every dollar you spend on your credit card. Rewards can be redeemed for hundreds of prizes including – gift cards, flights, electronics, and more. If you are married it’s a good idea to encourage your spouse to also establish own credit.
Credit Report- Check your credit rating before you leave. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to access a free credit file from each of the national consumer reporting agencies. Place an active duty alert on your credit file.

Paychecks & Bill Pay

Set Up Direct Deposit – Arrange for direct deposit so your salary and other forms of income can be placed quickly and hassle-free into the account of your choice. To setup direct deposit, visit your payroll office and give them our ABA routing number 2560-7534-2 and your 5 or 6 digit account number followed by the share suffix you would like your funds deposited to (either - 00 for savings or -01 for checking)
Set-Up Bill Pay– Mail can often be delayed while you are at Post, set up Bill Pay for your recurring bills, renewal of memberships/subscriptions, or any frequent payments. Log-In to SDFCU Online to set up Bill Pay today.

Home & Auto

Selling your home – If you are considering selling your home CU Realty can help. CU Realty provides real estate services, along with access to database listings of neighborhood demographics, school listings etc. Also, you can earn a REBATE when you sell your home through CU Realty.
Buying a Home – Our mortgage experts can help you from beginning to end. First, take a look at our Home calculators so you know what you can afford. Once you know what you can afford – use our CU Realty Service to find the home of your dreams. We can even help you to finance a home as a primary residence, even if you are overseas.
Insurance Coverage – Review your current coverage and research Property, Liability, Automobile Insurance. Choose a guaranteed rate for a long term so you don’t have to worry about policy renewal while overseas. Learn more about SDFCU insurance coverage.
Shipping your car overseas – SDFCU can not only offer you a low rate auto loan but also can help you obtain the title in order for you to take your car overseas. Call our Lending Experts at 703.706.5117 or 800.296.8882, ext.5117 or visit our vehicle loan page.

Access Your Money

Foreign Currency - Check currency exchange rates, buy foreign currency or set up a reminder to purchase currency when the time comes with EZForex. Click Here to get started.
Travelers Cheques –Available in all SDFCU Branches, Travelers Cheques are fixed amount checks and a great thing to use when traveling. Travelers Cheques are a safer alternative to carrying cash as they can typically be replaced if lost or stolen (as long as you have your receipt/serial number of check) unlike carrying cash.

Additional Services

Safe Deposit Boxes – Important papers (deed, car title, certificates of marriage, divorce, birth, citizenship etc., insurance policies) should be kept in a Safe Deposit Box. SDFCU offers several sizes of boxe at our Alexandria and State Department loactions.

Boxes are available in these sizes:

3X5 - $27

5X5 - $37
10X5 - $65

Power of Attorney – Set up a current power of attorney so someone can act legally on your behalf (lawyer, friend, relative). Visit an SDFCU Branch, call us at 703.706.5000 to find out more. If you’ve already designated Power of Attorney, review it to ensure it hasn’t expired and that the person designated is still the one you want acting on your behalf.
Notary - SDFCU can help you notarize any important papers. Visit any of our 5 branch locations or stop by the FSI Center on Wednesdays where there is a notary on site.
Change your address - Access a change of address form here.
Review Investments and learn your options. Speak with an SDFCU Investment Advisor or attend one of our free seminars.

*Credit Report – Check your credit rating before you leave. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to access a free credit file from each of the national consumer credit reporting agencies. Place an active duty alert in your credit file – line*

While You Are Overseas

Bill Pay and 24 Hour Banking – Use Online Banking to transfer money, view your account history, and more. Also, SDFCU offers Finance Works, in online banking, to track where your money is going in all your accounts so you can monitor your spending.
Foreign Currency and International Wire Transfers - The fee for foreign currency and international wire transfers is only $20. A Wire Transfer Request Form must be signed and completed before an outgoing wire can be initiated. For additional details visit our Banking Services section.
VISA Platinum Credit Card - SDFCU charges no foreign transaction fees when you use your SDFCU credit card overseas. Plus, earn one Flexpoint for every $1 you spend. Flexpoints can be redeemed for hundreds of rewards including - gift cards, airfare, gaming consoles and more.
Car Buying - If you find a car you like while overseas, SDFCU is one of few institutions that can help you with low rate financing while you are overseas.
Home Buying - If you are looking to purchase a home stateside while you are overseas, SDFCU has special financing options that can allow you to claim the home as a primary residence. This member benefit could save you in interest expense. Call 703-739-3092 or 800-296-8882 ext 3092 or email mortgage@sdfcu.org.

Returning Home

Use our change of address form to update to your current location.
Revoke any Power of Attorney.
Buying a Home - Check out our flexible mortgage options tailored to fit your needs. Plus, earn a rebate when you buy or sell a home through CU Realty. Our partnered Realty service.
Temporary Housing - Oakwood apartments can help you find temporary housing. SDFCU has ATM's located in Falls Church, Crystal City and Rosslyn locations.
Credit Report - It's important to review your credit report annually to ensure there are no errors and that you are familiar with your score. You can order a free credit report by visiting annualcreditreport.com.
Attend Free Financial Seminars - Speak with one of our advisers to review your current investment plan, get TSP advice, learn about home-buying or get an overview of ways you can save with SDFCU services. View the schedule of upcoming seminars.
Free Financial Calculators - Use this helpful tool to see how much a monthly payment will be on your next car purchase or how long it will take to reach your savings goals.