====== SDFCU ====== [[American Expat Retiree Financials | contents]] State Department Federal Credit Union\\ [[https://www.sdfcu.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Account%20Disclosure.pdf|https:%%//%%www.sdfcu.org/]] Terms and Conditions\\ https://www.sdfcu.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Account%20Disclosure.pdf === State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) === https://www.sdfcu.org/ authentication \\ push notification fails with "network error" if I am connected to wifi. On the cell network it works. SDFCU is a federally-chartered member-owned credit union. It was chartered in 1935 through the efforts of eight employees of the United States Department of State. Now, decades later, membership has grown to more than 90,000 members worldwide, and we have over $2.9 billion in assets. SDFCU * is not affiliated with the State Department nor in any way with the US Government. * is a US financial institution, therefore holdings are not reported on FBAR. * Holdings are always in USD. * offers investment accounts, including an IRA account, though it is a separate system, and has a separate account opening process. Can be used to * pay federal taxes, receive refunds * direct deposit from ssa * us bill pay * rollover ira into ira account here Why I like it: * They offer checking, saving, debit card. * They offer a credit card - no fee, no foreign transaction fee - though when issued a credit card it is reported to the credit bureaus. * You can use a foreign mailing address and a foreign mobile phone number for 2FA. * They have an IRA account, but what investments can it hold. * They offer wire transfers. * Do they have zelle? Membership in SDFCU can seem restrictive, but is also open to members of partner organizations, including: * American Consumer Council, which is $8/year and 15/lifetime * American Citizens Abroad, which is $70/year and 600/lifetime === American Citizens Abroad (ACA) === ACA is a Washington, DC- based qualified 501(c)(4) non-profit, non-partisan, advocacy organization that represents the legislative and regulatory concerns of five million US citizens living and working overseas to the US Government. ACA provides advocacy only, not advice or services to members. FYI, ACA advocates for RBT. Congressman LaHood (R-IL) will be introducing his 2024 Residence-based taxation (RBT) bill into the 119th Congress (2025) soon. * Citizen Based Taxation (CBT), what we have now, every citizen pays tax on his worldwide income. * Residency Based Taxation (RBT), advocated by ACA, a citizen pays tax only on US-sourced income. He is treated more like a non-resident alien, non-resident American. ACA cooperates with SDFCU to provide the ACA-Members/SDFCU Account. === ZIX === per Grok ZixMessageCenter.com is a secure email portal provided by Zix, a company specializing in email encryption and data protection services. It allows users to receive, view, and reply to encrypted messages securely through a web-based interface. The platform is designed to protect sensitive information using SSL encryption and is often used by organizations like banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies to ensure compliance with privacy regulations. First-time users must register with their email address to access messages, and the service is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, requiring no additional software or apps. However, there have been concerns about phishing scams impersonating Zix, as the domain zixmessagecenter.com is distinct from zixcorp.com, which can cause confusion. Legitimate Zix notifications often come from addresses like [organization].notification@zixmessagecenter.com and link to https:%%//%%web1.zixmail.net. Always verify the sender’s email and URL to avoid phishing attempts. The SDFCU portal has its own secure messaging.\\ [I have gotten two notices from Zix: 30 May 2025, 14 Jun 2025] Secure Email Message\\ Digital Banking\\ Mobile Banking === SDFCU Mobile Banking === offers Push Notifications for MFA\\ Mobile deposits - $7500 daily limit [[http://sdfcu.org/contact-us|sdfcu.org/contact-us]]\\ General Mailing Address\\ State Department Federal Credit Union\\ 1630 King Street\\ Alexandria, VA 22314 Deposits\\ State Department Federal Credit Union\\ P.O. Box 1430\\ Alexandria, VA 22313-1430 Routing Number 256075342\\ Swift Number: SDFCUS33 Terms and Conditions\\ https://www.sdfcu.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Account%20Disclosure.pdf TRANSACTIONS BY MAIL - You may deposit checks or drafts by mail. You\\ should endorse the item being sent through the mail with the words “For\\ Deposit Only” and should include your correct account number underneath to\\ ensure the item is credited to the correct account. You should use the pre-\\ encoded deposit slips found in your checkbook. If you do not use your deposit\\ slip or provide us with instructions indicating how or where the item should be\\ credited, we may apply it to any account or any loan balance you have with us\\ or we may return the item to you. Receipts for such transactions will be mailed\\ to you only if a self-addressed stamped envelope is provided. Following your\\ deposit, examine your statement carefully or call us to ensure that we received\\ the item. Do not send cash through the mail for deposit. === [SDFCU Mobile Banking === Installed 27 Jun 2025\\ Activated Push Notifications for MFA] === Push Notification Network Error === 6 Feb 2026 for a few weeks now every time I login when the notification comes to the phone I click "Yes, It's me" and immediately get a "Unknown Network Error" message I go back to the laptop and ask for another code via text message I get the code and proceed with login === bill payment === I get two emails: 1. Notification - SDFCU Bill Pay Service account activity 2. Check Cleared Notification both identify the check number