ACA-Members/SDFCU Account: Description and FAQs

American Citizens Abroad (ACA) and the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) have come together to provide ACA members with a US Banking solution.  This was in response to problems that many overseas Americans have experienced with their US-based banking relationships. To open an SDFCU account you must come through an approved organization. ACA qualifies as an approved organization for SDFCU.

In the wake of changes in US and foreign securities laws and regulations, including the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) rules, many US banks are pushing away US citizens who reside abroad. US and foreign securities and other regulatory rules make it very difficult for banks to service this market and, frankly, many US banks are not intimately familiar with this type of customer.

ACA teamed up with the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) to help provide accounts for Americans residing abroad. This is the same account used by US citizens working at US embassies as well as many other people living around the world. You can reside full-time or part-time abroad and still qualify.  Many banks require clients to provide a US residential address to open an account.  This makes it difficult for Americans living overseas. With SDFCU you can use a foreign address to open your account as long as it is your residential address where you live. 

NOTE: ACA does not manage the SDFCU account and products offered nor the application or onboarding process.  This is done directly by SDFCU.  SDFCU is solely responsible for determining eligibility for accounts and product offerings.  If you have additional questions about SDFCU account features, products and/or questions about the application process, please contact SDFCU directly: [email protected].  

To apply for an SDFCU account, you must first be an ACA member and a US citizen.

A. EXISTING MEMBER OF ACA: To open an SDFCU account you must first become a member of SDFCU. Apply for membership and open your account directly from the SDFCU website here. Select “Join Today” and choose American Citizens Abroad (ACA) under eligibility. For additional help, view these step-by-step instructions.

B. NOT AN ACA MEMBER? Join now (see ACA Membership Benefits). After receiving confirmation of your membership, apply for an SDFCU account directly from the SDFCU website here. Select “Join Today” and choose American Citizens Abroad (ACA) under eligibility. For additional help, view these step-by-step instructions.

Please note that once paid, ACA membership dues are not refundable.

No, there are three funding options available during the application process:

  • Not Funding At This Time
  • Credit Card (maximum of $500.00)
  • Transfer from SDFCU or another financial institution 

The information that will be required includes:

  • A current membership with ACA.
  • Personal Information to include Name, Date of birth, Residential Address, and SSN/ITIN.
  • 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Direct deposit & electronic payments
    Receive your tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and other payments when you set up direct deposit. Pay taxes, bills, and service providers via ACH or Bill Pay.
  • Digital banking access
    Manage your account, deposit checks, and monitor activity 24/7 via SDFCU’s Digital Banking.
  • Payments & transfers
    Send money through:
    • 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
    Instant 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.
  • Support & assistance
    Connect through 24-hour member services or virtual meetings when you need help.

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.

Yes, SDFCU provides you 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.

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.

No, SDFCU only offers US dollar accounts.

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

It is common practice to maintain local bank accounts regardless of one's location.

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.

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.

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.

SDFCU offers mortgages for properties located in the United States only. As an ACA member living abroad, you may still qualify a US 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.

Yes, this applies when you apply for and utilize an SDFCU credit card or other loan product.

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 ACA, SDFCU now serves over 88,000 members globally.

SDFCU is not part of the US Department of State or owned by the US 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 the ACA.

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 by the NCUA, just like FDIC insurance for banks.

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

Contact SDFCU at: [email protected].

To apply for an SDFCU account, you must first be an ACA member and a US citizen.

A. EXISTING MEMBER OF ACA: To open an SDFCU account you must first become a member of SDFCU. Apply for membership and open your account directly from the SDFCU website here. Select “Join Today” and choose American Citizens Abroad (ACA) under eligibility. For additional help, view these step-by-step instructions.

B. NOT AN ACA MEMBER? Join now (see ACA Membership Benefits). After receiving confirmation of your membership, apply for an SDFCU account directly from the SDFCU website here. Select “Join Today” and choose American Citizens Abroad (ACA) under eligibility. For additional help, view these step-by-step instructions.

Please note that once paid, ACA membership dues are not refundable.  Joining ACA does not guarantee you an SDFCU account.  SDFCU is solely responsible for the SDFCU application process and applicants must meet SDFCU requirements in order to qualify.