CEFCU - San Jose, California

Konstantinos Moshogiannis

CEFCU, which advertises itself as "not a bank, it's better," seems to have a different definition of "better." If "better" means not having full control over your money, then this is the establishment you want to do business with.

I recently opened a checking and savings account with them and was asked if I wanted an ATM card. I said yes, and they handed me an ATM card. When I asked about the withdrawal limit, the representative mentioned it was a couple of hundred dollars, which didn't seem like a big deal at the time. She also mentioned that I could ask for an increase after six months.

However, the next day, when I attempted to make a deposit via the ATM, the machine indicated that the transaction was not allowed. Upon calling the bank, I was informed that my card had "limited functions." When I asked why my card had limited functions, I did not receive a straightforward answer.

After further investigation, they mentioned that the decision was based on the cash checks system, where banks report customers' negative or non-negative transaction histories. I obtained a free report online within seconds and found zero negative information.

I have been banking with Capital One for over twenty years, never wrote a bad check, never deposited a bad check, always paid my bills online, and have full access to my bank account. Now that's what I call a bank.

Having limited access to your money is flat out ridiculous. CEFCU should be ashamed of themselves. If you're looking for a financial institution that respects your financial autonomy and provides full access to your funds, you might want to look elsewhere.

Sasha Martin

I've been with Cefcu for over 10 years.I live in the valley and there is no Cefcu out here and I refuse to shut my account.I keep money in my account
because they are simply the best. If you want to keep your money safe and not get fee after fee Bank with Cefcu.Best in California. It's not a bank it's waaaaaaaaay better.

C C

Staff very nice, inside is very clean and inviting.
However, when the main lobby is closed and cannot rely on the A1 customer service, I use the ATM.

Deposits on the ATM are unnecessarily difficult. The money collector mechanism is very finicky.

Money must be inserted perfectly while reciting a prayer, the planets are aligned and the moon is new. That, or the machine is faulty.

After failing to collect my deposit, the machine asks if I want to make another transaction, to which I touch yes and the ATM instructs me to remove my card. (?)
This has happened every single time I use the ATM since I joined this credit union more than 5 years ago. The screen is reminiscent of a MS DOS computer. Seems the machine is stuck in the 1980's.
I have witnessed multiple people leave in frustration after not being able to complete their deposit using the on-site atm.
Also ATM does not give $1, $5, or $10 bills

Tldr; Very nice staff, wish they were open longer so I don't have to use that dreaded ATM

Rosalie Govek

I am a long time customer of this credit union. I have used many of their services and have never had any issues! Located in a very convenient location too! Customer service is exceptional!

Brent Farris

Great and Friendly Staff. Treat you more like family than a Large Commercial Banks, but CEFCU is just as powerful and if you ask me, even better. I mean 150% better and they will give it straight to you, NO running you around just to find-out that your answer is NO. Whatever it takes, with-in reason, CEFCU will stand behind clients/customers without fail.

oscar zamora-bautista

Very first time here and I am impressed. The customer service representative was very very patient and knowledgeable. She answered all my questions and even gave me more information about the things that I came to get more information on. Was it fake based on reviews that I have read about this place before ? I have no idea. This is just a score based on my first experience with them. Another bonus of this is that she did not try to rush me or force me to open up any accounts. If I do happen to open up an account, I will definitely post back more Information on further experiences.

Roland Francisco

Decent credit union. Person handling our car lease paperwork made several mistakes.

Albert Candelario

The ATM machine here sucks to deposit cash UPDATE theybhave new atm machines