1st Northern California Credit Union - Martinez, California

Jamie D

Do not use this bank! I've been trying to pay off a loan and the only way to talk to someone besides physically going in (I'm out of state now) is waiting a full business day for them to call you back (good luck if you miss the call like me) each and every time! And meanwhile they accrue interest. And when you try to change car title etc with them it's way more difficult than with other institutions.

UPDATE: I was contacted by
management regarding my experience which went a long way in helping my impression of the bank. I still had a couple bad experiences that doesn't change but the genuine effort they made to make things right really deserves a change to my rating. Hopefully they can fix the internal problems and fix things as they could be a good local bank. Auto loan rates were good

L. C wong

I'm a long term customer with 1st nor cal over 30 years when their name was under CCFCU. I never have any issues with 1st nor cal in the past until recently my wallet was being stolen with my debit card and deposit slip with 1st nor cal in the wallet. I was completely in shock and brain dead. Met with member service rep Jaime Permenter at Muir branch. Jaime is professional and immediately helping me with list of print out all fraudulent spending on the day, reimbursed all fraudulent spending, lists of all creditors and debtors, and issued temp checks from new account. Jaime's help eased my concerns greatly. This is my most trustworthy banker.

Carl Nishi

I've been a member of this credit union since 1997, when it was originally called Contra Costa Federal Credit Union. I've always felt like my money was safe with this credit union, the fees are good and the service has been great!
Just last week, I was locked out of my account when I entered the incorrect password online too many times. Although this was a hassle, I also realized that this lock-out feature is designed to keep my money safe. The very next day, before I even had time to call 1st Nor Cal to have my account un-locked, a representative made a pre-emptive phone call, informing me that he had already unlocked my account and it was good to go. You can't imagine how grateful I was for that call!

I will continue to use 1st Nor Cal through retirement, as they have done very well by me.

J J

I've had accounts with 1st NorCal dating back 30 years to when it was still CCFCU. They've held my home mortgage, a couple car loans, CDs, as well as checking, savings and credit cards. They've always been great. Once when TJMaxx had a credit card breach, they informed me that I had used my credit card there (because don't I always?) and they canceled and re-issued my card proactively. The bad reviews I'm reading here all seem to be from folks who have brought their troubles on themselves. Once, I got pre-approval for an auto loan but went with Honda financing because it was slightly lower than the CU's advertised rate. Reggie actually called me back within a week to ask how my car shopping was going. When he heard that I had gone with Honda financing, he went a tenth of a per cent lower, which gave me reason to bring my auto loan back to the credit union. I now live out-of-state and still keep my primary accounts with 1stNorCal because electronic banking being what it is, I don't even notice that I don't have a brick and mortar location where I am. The only very slightly inconvenient practice I have to do now is that if I receive an actual paper check from someone, I have to put it in an envelope and mail it to the CU for them to process a deposit. Hasn't been an issue in 4 years, just a mail delay for a week or so. Even Docusign is easy now, if you need to process official paperwork. I came from Wells Fargo a looong time ago, and have stayed with the CU because they're so friendly, personal and professional. I've watched quite a few of the younger tellers move up and promote to more responsible positions within the CU as the years have gone by. Love to see the longterm employees, adds to the hometown feel.
No, nobody paid me to write this. The moral of this story is: Take care of your banking business and they will take care of you!

Sarah J

When I initially talked about opening an account, the woman was very sweet and excited to speak to me. After I applied and due to recently moving to the area/new job among other things did not qualify, the tone of her voice became condescending, defensive, and unprofessional. I was taken aback at the difference and the poor customer service.

Alaina Julian

Horrendous service.
They sent me a new card because they made an update to their card system. The letter that came with it said that my original card would continue to work for the next month.
When I tried to set up the new card,, the automated phone system said they were unable to activate my card. Which is fine, because my original card was working just fine…. Except that it wasn’t.
Next thing I know, I’m in the check out line buying work supplies that I need to have delivered to a job in the next hour and my card is declined. I just checked my balance and had more than enough funds.
I contacted card services and their only solution is to have someone call me the next day.

I need a credit union I can trust. I use this card for business purchases and when I travel. What happened when I’m 1000 miles away from home with no access to my funds because they’ve canceled my cards without warning?

Summer Marten

Stay as far away from this credit union as possible! I moved out of the area and away from a branch and thought it would be fine to keep my accounts because I could call in to customer service or a brand. I have been trying to get in contact with them for the entire day (this has happened a handful of times in the past too keep in mind) about a serious matter regarding my accounts. I get connected to their call center and was legitimately told that they are "too overwhelmed" at the local branches by all the phone calls so they have a call center and the call center cannot help all they can do is put in a message for someone to call you back within one business day. Sorry, that is too bad in my opinion. Hire more people. But do not, not answer your member's calls. I have left multiple messages and also requested call backs - absolutely zero communication. This is so incredibly concerning and I will be closing my accounts. Hoping someone in leadership sees this message and fixes the problem. This is absolute insanity!

Arturo Bautista

Trying to pay my car loan was a nightmare. Long story short, I didn't have my membership number. The coupons they provided to pay the car bill are useless. They don’t have a membership number but they do have a reference number that is also useless.

Finally, I Requested to speak to a supervisor to file a complaint and express my concern with their lack of security questions options, which without, you can’t retrieve your membership number to pay your bill.
I spoke to a supervisor who was no help. I answered all the requested questions and then was told he didn’t have the access to retrieve my membership number. I asked
him to transfer me back to the original person I spoke with. He was going to retrieve it in the first place. The supervisor told me he didn't have the capability to do that either. I terminated the conversation and wasnt able to pay my car bill. Obviously he was incompetent.

I called back and spoke to another person who resolved the matter within 5mins. I was probably on the phone over an hour with them.