Bank Like the World is Your Home
State Department Federal Credit Union membership is a free benefit for members of AARO.
For Americans living overseas, having a bank account based in the U.S. is essential for U.S. based transactions such as benefit payments, taxes and bills. However, getting and keeping a U.S. based account has become more difficult due to the increasingly stringent enforcement of various laws and regulations by banks and the government.
AARO is pleased to announce that we have a solution for our members — U.S. based bank accounts through State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU).
As a member of AARO, you and your immediate family members are eligible to become members of SDFCU. Once you become an SDFCU member, you’ll have access to their full suite of products and services designed to simplify cross-border banking. Join SDFCU today to enjoy the benefits of being a member for life, regardless of your location or job status.
You must be a U.S. citizen and member in good standing of AARO to obtain membership with SDFCU through this partnership.
About the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU)
SDFCU is a full-service financial institution specializing in global banking services that meet the unique needs of Americans residing abroad. Originally created to serve Department of State employees over 90 years ago, SDFCU now offers membership to a wide range of individuals – including members of AARO.
Their deep understanding of the challenges many Americans abroad face has led to the creation of unique, tailored solutions that can be accessed globally, including:
- American-based investment management
- International payments and transfers through Wise
- Digital card issuance
- Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
- U.S. based mortgages that can be financed while abroad
Membership With You in Mind
SDFCU offers a wide range of services designed to streamline your finances. Key products and features include:
- Checking accounts that refund ATM and foreign transaction fees
- Credit cards that offer rewards with no annual or foreign transaction fee
- Home Leave & Transfer Program designed for individuals looking to finance a primary home in the U.S. while living abroad
- Auto loan financing available for members residing overseas
*State Department Federal Credit Union is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with WhatsApp Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. The name “WhatsApp” is a registered trademark of its owners.
How to Join SDFCU
Joining SDFCU is easy and can be done from overseas as well as in the U.S.
1. Eligibility
Members of the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO) who are U.S. citizens are automatically eligible to join SDFCU. If you’re not yet an AARO member, join AARO now to take advantage of this opportunity as well as all else that AARO has to offer. Step one – done!
2. Gather Information
You’ll need some simple information:
- Home address; addresses outside the U.S. are acceptable
- Social Security number
- U.S. government-issued identification, such as a U.S. passport or driver’s license
3. Open Your Account
AARO members please Log In: ⇒ LOG IN
In the Member Section you will find full instructions on how to apply for SDFCU membership online.
If you are not yet an AARO member, join AARO here!
Please allow approximately one week after applying for application processing. SDFCU is solely responsible for their application process and all decisions made regarding SDFCU membership eligibility.
Need Help?
If you have questions regarding SDFCU’s application process, products and services, or membership in general, we’ve created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page to help guide you.
If you have a question that has not been answered by the FAQs, or if you have questions regarding your individual membership or application, please reach out directly to SDFCU at
