Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Digital Federal Credit Union—commonly known as DCU—offers mortgage products with slightly below-average rates and lower-than-typical lender fees. As a member-focused credit union, DCU emphasizes affordability, with median lender fees around $695. While its rates aren’t the most aggressive on the market, its low-cost structure may appeal to buyers looking to minimize upfront expenses.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How DCU compares to other mortgage lenders
| Headquarters | Marlborough, Massachusetts |
| Website | dcu.org |
| Rate | 0.06% lower than the median interest rate |
| Lender fees | $695 (median on First Federal Savings Bank loans) |
| Savings after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $554 |
| Savings after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $2,194 |
| Added cost after 1 year, compared to Tomo Mortgage | $2,024 |
| Added cost after 10 years, compared to Tomo Mortgage | $8,990 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, DCU’s rates—about 0.06% below the median—and $695 in lender fees result in slight savings of roughly $554 in the first year and over $2,100 after 10 years compared to the median lender.
What customers are saying
Customer reviews of Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) mortgage services, as seen on platforms like Yelp, BBB, Reddit, and myFICO forums, reveal mixed experiences.
Borrowers often praise DCU for competitive rates, flexible down payment options, and the convenience of its online application process. Members appreciate that DCU services its loans directly, simplifying payments and account management. Testimonials highlight smooth refinancing experiences, responsive loan officers, and helpful programs like the Lock & Shop rate lock feature. Long-term members commend DCU for consistently offering great rates and personalized service.
Complaints frequently mention poor customer service, delays in processing, and rigid underwriting policies. Some borrowers reported frustrations with misapplied payments, unresponsive representatives, and issues with closing timelines. On platforms like Yelp and Reddit, reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with communication gaps and inefficiencies during critical stages of the mortgage process.
How to compare mortgage lenders
Interest rates. Comparing rates between lenders isn’t always straightforward. Many promote low headline rates that require paying “points” upfront to buy down the interest rate. To make a true comparison, focus on the par rate (0 points) and the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any lender fees. Even small differences can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.
Lender fees or loan origination fees. Many lenders charge fees that add thousands to the cost of a loan. It’s important to look at both the rate and the fees together to understand the true cost of borrowing. For a $400,000 mortgage, avoiding even a $1,000 fee could contribute to meaningful savings in the first year and over the long term.
On-time close rate. Most lenders do not publicly share their on-time close rates. However, it’s a critical factor—especially if your home contract has tight deadlines. Asking about their process for meeting close dates, including underwriting and document review timelines, can give you more confidence when choosing a lender.
Pre-approval and offer letters. Some lenders offer fast pre-qualifications that may not be fully underwritten, which can weaken your offer in competitive markets. It’s important to ask whether a lender’s pre-approvals are fully underwritten and how credible their letters are when presented with an offer.
Customer satisfaction. If detailed customer review data isn’t readily available, check third-party review sites or ask the lender for references. It’s important to understand how they handle communication, responsiveness, and issue resolution throughout the loan process.
Employee reviews. Company culture often influences how clients are treated. A lender with strong employee satisfaction typically delivers better service, more organized processing, and a smoother overall experience for borrowers.
To better understand how we compare mortgage rates fairly, see our TrueRate Methodology.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre-approved with Tomo Mortgage today.