Credit Union Listing Guide
Featured: 1st Nor Cal Credit Union
1st Nor Cal Credit Union is a not- forprofit cooperative financial institution, helping its members achieve their financial goals since 1949. They offer a wide variety of products and services, backed by a commitment to the credit union’s philosophy, “people helping people”.
1st Nor Cal Credit Union does not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders, like most other financial institutions. Instead, earnings are returned to its members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees. They exist to serve their members, not to make a profit.
For more information: 888-387-8632 www.1stnorcalcu.org
Featured:
1st United Credit Union
It doesn’t get simpler, faster and friendlier than 1st United Credit Union. As one of the first credit unions in
California, 1st United Credit Union was founded in 1932 and has been thriving in the Bay Area ever since. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, or Kings Counties in California. We believe in local, neighborly banking and hope you will too.
For more information: Call 800-649-0193 or Visit www.1stunitedcu. org
Alliance Credit Union 800-232-8669 www.alliancecu.org
Featured:
Commonwealth Central Credit Union
In December 1958, Frank and Grace Coombs converted their garage into the first branch of what is now Commonwealth. Over the last 60 years, Commonwealth has grown from 10 members and $ 104 in assets to over 35,000 members and a half a billion dollars in assets. Based on principles of trust, responsibility, and local pride, Commonwealth was established to help fellow members in the Santa Clara community reach their financial goals, and these principles remain true today.
Currently, Commonwealth has 5 local branch locations, and our members can access their accounts for free at over 30,000 ATMS. We may be 60 years old, but we still know how to keep up with the times and make sure our members have the latest in banking technology and conveniences such as Online and Mobile Banking, Financial Education Modules and Seminars, Personal Finance Management Tools, and more.
Whether your dreams involve remodeling your home, planning the vacation of a lifetime, or putting a new vehicle in your garage, Commonwealth is here to help.
For more information: 800-564-1588 www. wealthcu.org
Featured:
Cooperative Federal Credit Union
As an offshoot of Consumers’ Cooperative of Berkeley Inc., Cooperative Center FCU’S roots are intertwined with those of the communities we serve. Whether it’s responding to the thorny issues of the ‘ 60s and ‘ 70s ( redlining) by creating home loan programs, or combating today’s predatory lending practices ( payday loans) by offering emergency cash infusion loans. Our mission is to continue serve our diverse group of members with cost saving products and innovative services. Credit unions, unlike big banks, are rooted in their communities, that’s why you’ ll find better service and people who care about your well- being.
For more information: (510) 845-6428 www.coopfcu.org
Featured:
Keypoint Credit Union
Keypoint Credit Union is an awardwinning credit union that continues to focus on elite member service while providing valuable products and services. Members elect the volunteer Board of Directors that runs the credit union, which is a not-for-profit organization. We are one of California’s largest credit unions with over $1.3 billion in assets and more than 60,000 members, the majority employed in the hightech industry.
They serve anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in Santa Clara County, Alameda County, El Dorado County, Placer County, San Mateo County, Sacramento County, Santa Barbara County, Contra Costa County and designated areas of Ventura County in California, or works at a Member Company (regardless of location).
For more information: 800-255-3637 www.kpcu.com
Featured:
Meriwest Credit Union
Meriwest Credit Union has been providing personal, convenient and innovative financial services to families and businesses in the South Bay for almost 60 years. With over $1.7 billion in assets, Meriwest offers above market rates on deposits, low loan rates, lower fees, and a superior banking experience.
With 11 area financial centers, a nationwide network of shared branches, online and mobile banking, a locally staffed contact center, and over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMS, Meriwest delivers easy financial access anywhere you go.
We think it’s important for all of us to take an active role in support of those in need. We see ourselves not only as a business that exists for the community’s financial benefit, but as an organization that takes a hands-on approach to making the community a better place to live through financial literacy and charitable programs.
Meriwest is a trusted partner to help you get more, and do more. Join us at Meriwest. com
Featured:
Pacific Service Credit Union
Pacific Service Credit Union was founded in 1936 by the employees of Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Today, more than 80 years later, Pacific Service CU has grown to nearly 70,000 members and surpassed $ 1 billion in assets. They are a fullservice financial institution serving anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Marin, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties.
Branch locations include San Francisco, Livermore, San Ramon, Pleasant Hill, Concord and in Fresno as well.
For more information: 888-858-6878 www.pacificservice.org
Featured: Patelco Credit Union
Patelco Credit Union was created back in 1936, with only $500 in assets by a few employees from Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company (now know as AT&T). Since then, Patelco Credit Union has grown to become a full service, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping its members and communities to prosper. Currently, with $6 billion in assets and over 325,000 members nationwide, they have become one of the largest credit unions in the nation. Even with all their growth, their purpose remains focused on their members: fueling hope and creating opportunities to build finance resiliency while empowering them to achieve financial freedom.
Patelco Credit Union can be found at locations across the Bay Area including San Francisco, Daly City, San Bruno, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo, San Leandro, Lafayette, Hayward, Redwood City, Novato, Castro Valley, Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Concord, Dublin, Fremont and Santa Clara.
800-358-8228 www.patelco.org
Featured:
Safeamerica Credit Union
Safeamerica Credit Union found its beginnings back in 1953 when two credit unions from San Francisco got together to serve
Northern California Safeway employees. Today, Safeamerica Credit Union is a $400 million communitychartered Credit Union, serving approximately 36,000 members in Northern California; principally in the San Francisco Bay Area with branches in Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Antioch and Hayward. They proudly to serve the California counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara.
For more information: 800-972-0999 www.safeamerica.com
Featured:
Stanford Federal Credit Union
Stanford Federal Credit Union was created by a group of Stanford employees back in 1959 and has grown into a $2.4 billion, full-service financial institution owned and operated by over 65,000 members of the Stanford community. Stanford Federal Credit Union primarily serves the banking needs of individuals and families who comprise the Stanford community, and the employees and family members of over 100 select employer groups throughout the Bay Area. However, they do allow others to join who are interested in being part of a locally-owned cooperative with friendly, professional personal service and convenient worldwide access. Branch locations can be found in Palo Alto and at several locations on the Stanford University campus.
For more information: 888-723-7328 www.sfcu.org
Featured:
Stanford Federal Credit Union is a notfor-profit, memberowned financial institution dedicated to improving the financial lives of its members. As with most credit unions, Stanford FCU puts the needs of its members before profits, and prioritizes financial education as a means to help members achieve their financial goals. Like all home loans, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) uses your home as collateral. This may put your home at risk if you can’t make your payment.
A HELOCIS a revolving line of credit, much like a credit card. You can borrow as much as you need, whenever you need it, by writing a check or using a credit card connected to the account. Because a HELOC is a line of credit, you make payments only on the amount you borrow. HELOCS may also give you tax advantages. Talk to a tax adviser for details.
Most HELOCS have a draw period — a period of time when you can withdraw money. Once the draw period expires, you won’t be able to borrow additional funds. In some plans, you may have to pay the balance in full. In others, you may be able to repay the balance over a period of time.
Unlike other home loans, the APR for a HELOCIS based on interest alone, anddoes not include points and financing charges. Most HELOCS have variable interest rates, which mean the payments can increase or decrease. Be sure to check and compare the terms. There will likely be limits on how often your rate can change, and how much it can increase or decrease. There is also a lifetime cap — the maximum amount that the rate can increase.
Sometimes lenders offer a temporarily discounted interest rate that’s unusually low and lasts only for an introductory period like six months. During this time your payments are also lower. After the introductory period ends, your rate and paymentswill increase.
HELOCS have many of the same fees as your original mortgage. These fees can add substantially to the cost of your loan, especially if you don’t really use your credit line. Ask upfront about the fees, or look for a “no cost” HELOC.
In addition to upfront closing costs, some lenders have an annual fee and may charge a transaction feeeach time you borrow money.
Compare lenders and read the loan documents carefully. If the HELOC isn’t what you expected or wanted, don’t sign the loan.
Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information website for more information about Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit.
Stanford Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving the Peninsula. Visit Stanford Fcu’shome Equity Loansweb page to learn more about our special limited-time no-cost HELOC up to $250,000 with a Prime minus 1% rate for the first 12 months, and Prime + 0% for the remainder of the loan.