Introduction:

Serving Arizona residents since 1939, Desert Financial Credit Union has grown into one of the largest credit unions in the state. With over $7 billion in assets and 370,000+ members across the Valley, Desert Financial provides personalized banking and lending solutions.

As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial returns profits to accountholders through higher returns on savings, lower loan rates, and reduced fees. Committed to financial education and community, Desert Financial helps Arizonans achieve economic empowerment. 

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How and Why Desert Financial Credit Union Was Founded

The origins of Desert Financial date back to October 1939, when a volunteer group of Phoenix educators incorporated the Arizona Teachers Credit Union with just 40 members and assets, belFinancial’sis small teacher’s teacher’s established operations in a classroom at Phoenix Union High School.

Seeing a need to provide underserved school employees access to responsible lending, Arizona Teachers Credit Union aimed “to encourage thrift and witeacher’s credit by its members.” This founding principle of people helping people still guides Desert Financial today.

Over eight decades, steady growth expanded membership eligibility beyond just teachers to serve all residents across Maricopa and Pinal Counties under “the Desert Financial name. With 370,000+ members across Arizona, Desert Financial focuses on giving back and empowering communities.

Essential Services and Products Offered by Desert Financial

Overview of Desert Financial’s variety of checking accounts, loans, credit cards, and more

From savings and checking accounts to lending, investments, and insurance, Desert Financial delivers full-service offerings with friendly service explicitly tailored to Financial’s residents. Desert Financial is a not-for-profit cooperative that leverages expertise and partnerships to help accountholders achieve their financial goals.

Checking and Savings: Desert Financial offers rewards checking accounts with debit card rewards programs, electronic banking services, robust ATM networks with reimbursements, high-yield savings options, and specialty services catering to students and seniors.   

Lending: Whether purchasing a new home, refinancing a mortgage, consolidating debt, or financing other needs, Desert Financial provides competitive loan rates. Additional lending options cater to auto purchases, home equity loans, and personal loans.

Credit Cards: Across consumer, business, student, and specialty credit cards, Desert Financial offers robust rewards programs, discounted loan rates, and other members-only perks. Introductory 0% APR periods up to 15 months accompany these cards.

Insurance and Investment: For protection beyond basic FDIC coverage, Desert Financial provides affordable options by partnering with insurance/investment advisors to cover risks and build wealth over time through annuities, mutual funds, retirement planning, and more.

Digital Convenience Through Online and Mobile Banking

In today’s digital age, convenience and security are among banking customers’ top prioritiesomers. Desert Financial offers robust online banking features through desktop platforms and Apple/Android apps, allowing convenient account access any titoday’sThrough online banking or the Desert Financial mobile apps, members can securely check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, deposit checks, set alerts, manage cards, and utilize other critical financial services. User-friendly platforms and clear menus streamline navigation. 

Valuable features like two-step verification, fraud monitoring, and biometrics like fingerprint/facial recognition further bolster security. Desert Financial simplifies personalized banking by pairing digital channels with knowledgeable support teams available by phone, chat, email, and in branches.

Locating Desert Financial Branches and ATMs in Arizona  

True to its Arizona roots, Desert Financial operates over 30 branches conveniently across the Phoenix metro and in Flagstaff, Prescott Valley, Tucson, and Yuma. Additionally, thousands of no-fee ATMs throughout Arizona and major networks nationally provide reliable cash access.

Desert Financial branch hours vary by location but generally operate weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Select locations are also open on weekends for added convenience. Drive-up teller services allow quick transactions without leaving your vehicle. Whether visiting a branch or ATM, friendly service tailored to Arizonans’ needs accompanies transactions.

Members can easily find the nearest location by entering their address on Desert Financial’s branch/ATM locator. Connecting financial education seminars and community events also frequently take pArizonans’e local branches for accountholders looking to get more engaged.  

Contacting Desert Financial Customer Service:

Phone, email, and live chat are available to help Desert Financial members. 

Across phone, email, chat, social media, online messaging, and in-person communication, Desert Financial makes customer service easily accessible through preferred contact methods. Friendly Arizona-based support teams reflect the credit union’s roots in community education and empowerment.

Members can call 602-433-7000 or toll-free 800-456-9171 to speak directly with knowledgeable financial representatives during business hours for immediate assistance with any account neunion’sr minor questions or non-urgent inquiries, email memberservices@desertfinancial.com.   

Desert Financial’s website also features a convenient live chat widget for real-time guidance in navigating online banking or the credit union’s various offerings. Support staff aim to make each interaction personalized, meaningful, and helpful regarding financial channels.

Employment Opportunities Working for Desert Financial

Desert Financial is available at Arizona branches, plus remote positions.

True to its founding by Phoenix teachers in 1939, Desert Financial remains dedicated to community growth, education, and empowerment through employment opportunities centered on integrity, accountability, service, and excellence.

Spanning executive leadership to entry-level roles plus internships, Desert Financial’s careers page outlines positions at local branches and remote jobs supporting operations behind the scenes. Roles catering to individual strengths allow team members to make a difference in accountholders’ financial lives.

In competitive pay and health/retirement benefits, working at Desert Financial entails collaboration, growth opportunities, and purposeful impact. The credit union frequently receives accolades from across the workplace thanks to its positive culture and encouragement to perform meaningful work.

Leveraging Digital Partnerships to Enhance Offerings  

How Desert Financial incorporated Zelle and other digital tools to improve members’ experience

While Desert Financial has evolved digitally with online/mobile banking for account access anytime from anywhere, strategic partnerships expand offerings even further through technology. Collaborations aim to equip members with top tools to achieve financial goals.  

For instance, Desert Financial integrated Zelle’s popular peer-to-peer payment network, allowing convenient sending/receiving money between friends, family, or contacts. Quick digital transfers replace the hassles of cash/check payments. 

Conclusion:

Desert Financial cardholders can also manage Zelle’s through convenient wallet apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for contactless tap-and-pay convenience. Ongoing digital enhancements provide freedom and control to manage finances securely.