FAQs for the State Department Federal Credit Union

AARO members are eligible to join State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU). To learn more about this exciting partnership, please visit our SDFCU & AARO webpage.

SDFCU’s products and services have been designed with Americans abroad in mind. Today, thousands of U.S. citizens overseas utilize their SDFCU membership to manage their finances all over the world.

To help you navigate questions that may arise regarding this partnership, we’ve provided a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed below or if you have questions regarding your specific application or SDFCU account, please email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Can I get a mortgage from SDFCU to buy a property? Can the property be overseas?

  SDFCU offers mortgages for properties located in the United States only. As an AARO member living abroad, you may still qualify a U.S. property as your primary residence, which can help you secure more favorable loan terms. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and applicable regulations, and SDFCU’s mortgage team will guide you through the process.

  Learn more at sdfcu.org/mortgages.

  This option is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation. Before qualifying your U.S. residence as a primary residence for purposes of a mortgage, you should consider consulting with a tax professional as this choice may have tax implications. Neither AARO nor SDFCU is responsible for your making this choice.

• What services can I access with my SDFCU account?

  Your SDFCU account gives you access to a full suite of everyday banking services designed for flexibility and convenience:

  • Zelle®
  • Member-to-member (“M2M”) transfers
  • Domestic and international wires
  • Wise for global money transfers
  • One-time online loan payments

  Zelle^® and the Zelle^® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

  • Debit & credit card access:
    Quick card issuance with the ability to add cards to digital wallets.
  • ATM access:
    Use nearly 30,000 free ATMs nationwide via the CO-OP Network. SDFCU offers checking accounts that refund ATM and foreign transaction fees, so you can utilize your card around the word with ease.
  • Support & assistance:
    Connect through 24-hour member services or virtual meetings when you need help.
• Can individuals living abroad open an account at SDFCU?

  Yes. AARO's partnership with SDFCU is highly advantageous. SDFCU is one of the few U.S. credit unions that accepts members living abroad. AARO members have this benefit due to AARO's approval as an associated organization recognized by both SDFCU and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

• Is SDFCU managed by or affiliated with the U.S. Department of State?

  SDFCU is not part of the U.S. Department of State or owned by the U.S. Government. The credit union is owned by its members, which would include you when you join. SDFCU was initially created to serve the banking needs for State Department employees worldwide but has grown to include other affiliated organizations and groups like AARO.

• Can I work with a financial advisor through SDFCU?

  Yes. SDFCU members have the option to work with Securities America–affiliated financial advisors through SDFCU Financial Services. These advisors can assist with investment planning, retirement strategies, and portfolio management.

  Using SDFCU’s investment services is entirely optional.

• Does SDFCU report to the U.S. credit bureaus? Can I build my credit?

  Yes, this applies when you apply for and utilize an SDFCU credit card or other loan product. By paying your loans on time, you will build credit like you would at any other American financial institution.

• Who can join SDFCU through AARO?

  All members of AARO are eligible to join SDFCU, along with their immediate family members and household members, if they are U.S. citizens.

  • Immediate family members are defined as spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandchildren, stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and equivalent adoptive relationships.
  • A household member is defined as a person living in the same residence.
• What information is required to open an SDFCU account?

  The information that will be required includes:

  • Personal Information: Name, Date of birth, Residential Address, and SSN.
  • Primary form of identification. The following can be accepted:
    • U.S. State issued Driver’s License
    • Foreign Driver’s License
    • Global Entry Card
    • U.S. State issued Identification Card
    • U.S. Passport or US Passport Card
    • U.S. Military ID
    • U.S. Government (Employer) ID
    • U.S. Permanent Resident Card

  • Proof of residency is required if the primary identification does not have a current address. The following can be accepted:
    • Utility Bill (gas, electric, cable, water, or phone bill)
    • Lease Agreement
    • Bank Statement
    • Voter’s Registration Card
    • Homeowner’s or Auto Insurance Policy
    • Property/Real Estate Tax Statements
    • U.S. Postal Service Change of Address Official Confirmation
    • Government Travel Orders (Orders must specify an address)
• Can I open an account for my children?

  Yes, SDFCU offers custodian and minor accounts for children. Children aged 17 or older can open their own account.

• Am I required to fund my account to complete my SDFCU application?

  No, you are able to open an SDFCU account without funding it at opening. There are three funding options available during the application process:

  1. Not funding at this time
  2. Credit card (maximum of $500)
  3. Transfer funds from another financial institution or a different SDFCU account
• How is a credit union different than a bank?

  Credit unions and banks offer similar financial services, but there are key differences:

  • Not-for-profit vs. for-profit: Credit unions are member-owned and reinvest earnings to benefit members. Banks aim to maximize profits for shareholders.
  • Better rates: Credit unions typically offer lower loan rates, fewer fees, and higher savings rates.
  • Same financial services: Credit unions provide checking, savings, loans, credit cards, digital banking, and more—just like banks.
  • Federally insured: Deposits at federally chartered credit unions are insured up to $250,000 (up to $250,000 per owner for joint accounts) by the NCUA, just like FDIC insurance for banks.

  Member focus: Credit unions prioritize personalized service and community needs over profit.

• Will my SDFCU credit or debit card be accepted internationally?

  Yes, SDFCU issues both credit and debit cards that are accepted anywhere that accepts Visa internationally. SDFCU credit cards have no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees, among many other advantages for members abroad.

• Can SDFCU help with financing education or other personal expenses?

  Yes. SDFCU offers flexible personal loans that can be used for a variety of needs, including education-related expenses. These loans are not part of federal student aid programs and can also be used for things like travel, home improvements, or unexpected expenses.

  Learn more about options and apply online at sdfcu.org/personal-loans.

• Can I have non-U.S. dollar accounts with SDFCU?

  No, SDFCU only offers U.S. dollar accounts at this time.

• Can I use SDFCU Digital Banking outside of the U.S.?

  Yes. You can securely access your account from most countries:

  • Log in online at SDFCU.org.
  • Download the SDFCU Digital Banking app, available in many international app stores.

  Digital access is blocked in certain countries due to regulatory or security restrictions. The following locations are currently blocked: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria.

• How do I apply for an SDFCU account?

  You must be a U.S. citizen and member of AARO to obtain SDFCU membership.

  1. 1. Members of AARO: To open an account with SDFCU, you must first become a member of SDFCU. All AARO members are eligible for SDFCU membership through our partnership with them! Visit the SDFCU website and click on “Join SDFCU Today” to get started. Once in the application, select “I qualify through my relationship with one of your affiliates” and select either “Association of Americans Resident Overseas” or “Association of Americans Resident Overseas, Family (AARO)” in the dropdown menu. For full step-by-step instructions, click Join SDFCU as an AARO member.
     2. Not an AARO member? Join AARO today! Once you join AARO, apply for an SDFCU account directly on the SDFCU website. For additional help, please view our step-by-step instructions.
• How was SDFCU founded?

  SDFCU was founded in 1935 by eight State Department employees and had 975 members by 1945. With steady membership growth and inclusion of groups like AARO, SDFCU now serves over 88,000 members globally.

• Is personal financial information disclosed to AARO?

  No, your financial information is not disclosed to AARO. You will manage your SDFCU account directly with SDFCU. 

• Is SDFCU considered a foreign or U.S. account for FATCA and FBAR reporting?

  SDFCU accounts are considered a U.S. account and excluded from reporting on the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR/FinCEN Form 1124) and Form 8938 (Statement of Foreign Financial Assets, attached to Form 1040).

• Can I open an IRA, Roth IRA, or 401(k) with SDFCU?

  SDFCU offers both Traditional and Roth IRA accounts to help you save for retirement with potential tax advantages.

  While 401(k) accounts are not offered directly through SDFCU, members can explore additional retirement planning options through SDFCU Financial Services, including access to investment advisors affiliated with Securities America.

• Can I transfer funds from my SDFCU account to my foreign bank account?

  Yes, SDFCU provides you with the ability to send international transfers using Wise within SDFCU’s Digital Banking, as well as outgoing international wires at competitive rates. Incoming international wires can also be received free of charge. Instructions are located here.

• Still have questions?

  Contact SDFCU at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• How does SDFCU communicate with applicants during the application process?

  After applying, SDFCU will update you via their secured messaging system within 3-5 business days.

• Can my spouse or partner open an account, or be a joint owner on my account?

  U.S. Citizen Spouse: Yes, you may add your U.S. Citizen spouse as a joint applicant during the account application.

  Non-U.S. Citizen Spouse: A non-US citizen spouse can be a joint owner but cannot hold their own account. They can only be added to an account after it is opened, not at the time of account opening.