Full service institution offering consumers financial solutions including online banking, savings and checking accounts, auto loans and home equity programs.
www.meriwest.com
Access loan, mortgage and banking resources through this San Diego credit union.
www.sdccu.com
Guide to State-Chartered Credit Unions in California
Find a California state credit union for your banking needs
By Rose Bricker, Freelance Writer
Choosing to bank at state-chartered credit unions in California can be as easy as finding one in the county where you live or work. Membership usually just requires a modest deposit into a share account or may only require you to fill out a membership application.
Consider the following when looking for state-chartered credit unions in California:
1. Locate local California state credit unions that cater to your community.
2. Learn how California state-chartered credit unions can save you money.
3. Find chartered credit unions in California specifically geared to your occupation.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Search for a California state-chartered credit union in your community
One of the best forms of advertising is word of mouth. Listen to established credit union members in your county when you're looking to join a CA state-chartered credit union. Learn what a community-based credit union can do for you.
I recommend: Chartered by the community, 1st Pacific Credit Union allows membership to anyone working, residing, worshiping or attending school in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. They offer low, competitive rates on all types of loans for cars, homes and boats and low rate credit cards, as well. If you live in San Diego, look to Cabrillo Credit Union for low rates and personal service. You’ll find several branches to choose from and even more shared branches for your convenience.
Find state-chartered credit unions in CA to save money
If you or any family members meet the eligibility requirements, join a state-chartered California credit union to save money and meet your specific financial needs. Since many only require that you reside or work in a specific county, then most anyone can find one of these credit unions that they can qualify to join.
I recommend: Alliance Credit Union serves anyone living in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda counties in California. Established in 1952, it offers both personal and business checking accounts, low interest loans for cars and houses, no annual fee credit cards and convenient online banking. State Center Credit Union is open to any individuals living or working in Fresno County. It has locations in Fresno and Clovis and offers share branching. Anyone who lives, works or worships in Yolo, Santa Clara, San Diego, Sacramento or Alameda County can join USE Credit Union. Established in 1936, it’s now the fifth largest credit union in San Diego County, where it has its headquarters.
Select a California state credit union specifically for teachers or state workers
Some state-chartered credit unions in California specifically gear membership to teachers and other employees in the school systems, but you can also qualify as a relative of someone within the schools. You may also find a California state and federal employees credit union that's also state-chartered. See if you meet the requirements to take advantage of the many financial benefits of credit union membership.
I recommend: If you’re associated in any way with an education organization, you’re probably eligible to join Educational Employees Credit Union. This includes teachers, school employees, students, parents of students and anyone related to anyone who falls into one of these categories. You can open a checking or savings account with as little as $5 and take advantage of the many benefits it offers. University Credit Union is open to employees and students of UCLA and other universities in California and their family members. You can apply online or visit its office located in Los Angeles, CA. All active and retired employees of the State of California, the Federal government and any military branch and their family members are welcome to join CSFECU (California State & Federal Employees Credit Union #20). It’s located in Eureka, CA and offers online banking 24 hours a day.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • State-chartered credit unions in California use state funds rather than federal funds, although they are federally insured.
