Overview
First Tech Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union serving the technology sector, with over 700,000 members and more than $17 billion in assets. Effective January 1, 2026, First Tech merged with Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) to form First Technology Federal Credit Union, though it continues to operate under the First Tech brand during the integration. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify First Tech and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers First Tech's estate services, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. First Tech primarily operates in California and Oregon, but serves members nationwide, so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
First Tech directs members to schedule an appointment with a specialist for estate matters rather than using a dedicated online portal.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with First Tech Federal Credit Union and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify First Tech Federal Credit Union of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting First Tech, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call or Schedule an Appointment
First Tech recommends scheduling an appointment with a specialist to handle deceased accounts. You can also call their general line to be directed to the appropriate team.
- Phone: (855) 855-8805
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
- Online: Schedule an appointment
When you reach a representative, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access
- Provide a case number or reference for your file
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
- Provide the mailing address for documents
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the required documents to First Tech's Regulatory Deposit Services and Reporting (RDSR) department.
{Reference the requiredDocuments section}
Mail to:
First Tech Federal Credit Union
Attn: RDSR
PO Box 2100
Beaverton, OR 97075
Fax: 503.350.4643
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After First Tech receives your documents, expect:
- Acknowledgment: 5–7 business days
- Document review completion: 2–4 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Beneficiary accounts: Funds are distributed via check or transferred to a new First Tech account.
- Estate accounts: Funds are issued to the estate of the decedent.
Required Documents
Documents First Tech Federal Credit Union Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original or certified copy required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| First Tech estate claim form | Provided by the specialist during your appointment |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| Copy of the will | Certified or regular copy (if requested) |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate, if opening an estate account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | State-specific form (e.g., California Probate Code § 13100) |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by First Tech |
| Beneficiary's ID and tax information | W-9 form |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification or abstract | Confirming the successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How First Tech Federal Credit Union Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically needs only a certified death certificate to have the decedent's name removed. Funds remain accessible to the surviving owner throughout the process.
Timeline: 1–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds with a death certificate, ID, and beneficiary claim form. No probate is required. Funds are paid directly to the beneficiary.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. The trustee then manages or distributes the funds according to the trust terms.
Timeline: 10–15 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from probate court.
Timeline: 3–12+ months depending on probate
Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))
Named beneficiaries complete an inherited IRA form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options depend on SECURE Act rules (e.g., 10-year rule for most non-spouse beneficiaries).
Timeline: 10–15 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
First Tech will freeze credit cards upon notification. Outstanding balances are an obligation of the estate. For joint loans, the surviving borrower remains responsible.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the First Tech Process
First Tech operates primarily in California and Oregon, but probate is governed by state law. Your state determines:
- Whether probate is required and how long it takes
- Small estate thresholds — estates below certain values can skip formal probate
- Community property rules — relevant in CA, OR (non-community property but has equitable distribution), WA, ID, etc.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold (2026) | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $239,700 | Yes | Affidavit procedure available 40 days after death (effective April 1, 2026) |
| Oregon | $275,000 | No | Total estate ≤$275,000 (max $75k personal property, max $200k real property) |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long First Tech Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Beneficiary claim form + death cert |
| Trust account | 10–15 business days | Trust certification + death cert |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Waiting period varies by state (e.g., 40 days in CA) |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 10–15 business days | Named beneficiary required |
First Tech processes requests as soon as all necessary documents are received. Scheduling an appointment can help expedite the initial review.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying First Tech
Withdrawing funds before notification can create legal and tax complications.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security, VA, and other federal benefits deposited after death will be reclaimed by the government. Do not spend these funds.
FDIC/NCUA Coverage Changes
For joint bank accounts, NCUA insurance coverage drops from $500,000 to $250,000 when a joint owner dies. There is a 6-month grace period.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Save the case number from your initial call
- Send documents via certified mail with return receipt
- Note the name of every representative you speak with
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Request Multiple Certified Death Certificates
Order at least 5–10 certified copies — you'll need them for other institutions, the court, and government agencies.
Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits
Once the deceased flag is placed:
- Automatic payments will be declined
- Direct deposits will be returned
- Online/mobile banking will be disabled
Notify billers and payers separately.