SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

All Schools first credit unions are awesome to do business with but this one in Huntington Beach is by far the best. Ray the bank manager is always there to greet customers and remembers your name, asks how you’re doing, takes time to really care, has anyone ever known their bank manager at other banks let alone chat with them, a true gem. And Ava, Sara, Tony and Kathryn always say «hi» and know me by name, ask how you’re doing, again never had that at any other Bank. And to know four employees names myself again a rare thing at other banks, and I know I’ll know the rests names soon.
I have to say this bank is truly the best Bank anywhere not just in OC. They go above and beyond to make banking a great experience. I always walk out of there with a smile.

Thank you Tina! Your help today was a perfect example of customer service at its best. We appreciate you and your business.

SchoolsFirst is hands down the best bank ever! And I’m saying this from experience, since I’ve had accounts at several other banks over the years and another credit union. Been a member for years and looking forward to many more years to come!
What I like :
* Free coin counting machine. Coinstar takes like 10% from your total. SchoolsFirst gives you all of your total and you can deposit it to your account or cash it out.
* Awesome mobile banking — so I can do more banking by my phone and even deposit my checks that way (saves time).
* Free checking really means free checking. There’s no minimum balance I have to keep, no direct deposit expectations and if a fee pops up (rarely) that is unfamiliar or unwarranted, they are quick to resolve it.
* Low loan rates — I have a credit card here and in the past, had a computer loan as well.
* ATM access almost everywhere. OMG, this perk alone is like stand-​out-​awesome-​sauce — I know a ton of people rag on credit unions because they are small, but what these people fail to realize is the credit union atm access network is huge. I’m able to withdraw my cash from pretty much any credit union ATM in the country and at most atms at 7−11s as well. Even my college campus has a SchoolsFirst ATM, so they really make it easy for you to access your money whenever you need it.
* Rarely any fees. I didn’t have to pay a fee to open my account, no atm fees, no minimum balance fees, no loan application fees, no annual credit card membership fee.
The Huntington Beach branch is awesome — I love how I’m able to get in and out in a pretty efficient manner.
What’s even more awesome, is how everyone here remembers my name — it really sets the tone that I’m more than just some guy that has an account here.
I stopped by today to get some checks printed and take some cash out and Tony was extremely efficient throughout the process. He remembered me from my previous visits and managed to strike up a pleasant conversation while completing my transaction. I like how there is someone that greets you as you walk into the door too — sorta sets the tone from the beginning that it is a welcoming place. Every other staff person seemed genuinely friendly again. Far cry from my experience at the Nuvision credit union down the street (see my review for that one).
If you can qualify for membership, even if you think you might not need another bank account, just open a savings here so you can get the membership (just in case you don’t qualify anymore in the future). I know tons of people who have tried to get a membership here but aren’t able to because they don’t qualify and have to end up at «lesser» credit unions or one of the big evil banks.
There’s two ATMs up front and what people don’t know is there’s yet ANOTHER SchoolsFirst ATM in the shopping center — it’s inside Stater Brothers next to the Redbox machines — by the way, there’s a SchoolsFirst ATM inside every Stater Bros. location in Socal.
Parking is easy, I’ve never had any trouble finding a spot upfront or along the side. Hours are awesome, they open an hour later on Fridays.
BEST BANK EVER!!!

Schools first is one of the best credit unions I have been to. Their customer service is the best their always so friendly. I go twice a month to deposit my checks. I love this place I will recommend it to my friends.

No better bank in the world. Great customer service with the best rates going. Loyal customer since 2000.

I have been with Schools First for about 15 years, and I really love them. Their customer service is above and beyond. I’ve never had a situation where I walked out thinking, «Boy, they were kinda grouchy!». I have several different accounts with them, and I like that they are always looking out for me. If there is an account that would serve me better, they make sure I know about it. I cannot recommend any banking institution higher than this one. No games, and everyone knows their job very well.

I have been a member for more than 15 years, I always had good experience until I tried to get a home loan. Joseph Potts has no idea what he is doing. It took him approximately 1 week to pre-​approve us for a home loan. He never returned our phone calls and rarely responded to emails. My husband had to go sit in the branch office and wait to meet with him in order to get a response. His normal answer, «Maybe later today, or tomorrow.»
He almost lost us the property because he wanted to take over 45 days for escrow, after taking almost 2 weeks to review HOA docs. We ultimately went with another company for our loan.
I am giving two stars as I still like the banking side of things. Just would not recommend for a loan of any type.

Love this location. Been coming here since my dad opened me an account when I was 16, 24 now :). The change machine that doesn’t tax you IF your a member is awesome. Staff is awesome! All personable and make you feel welcomed.

I had previously left a negative review about a bad experience I had with the schools first. I was contacted by an associate to resolve the issue. I spoke with Muhammad and have to say was very impressed with the level of service that I received from him. A lot of businesses don’t go out of their way to correct issues and this 1 did so I’m changing my rating to 5 stars because I feel like I owe it to him for his quick and easy resolution of my issue.

I love this place and their friendly service. Oh and the FREE change machine – no 10% fee here.
I am moving all my money to this bank. They are the Best!

I’ve had an account here for 20+ years. Always great service. On ⁷⁄₅ our teller was Heidi and she was very helpful — took the time to tell me about their free coins tar service and talked to me about opening accounts for my kids. Excellent customer service!

Credit Unions are awesome, just wish this location was better staffed. Without fail there always seems to be like 10+ people in line with two tellers. Oh well, not like I’m gonna stop coming here, just had to give my two cents cause I can.
But seriously School’s First, please staff yourselves you’ll run into less cranky customers and your day will probably be better.
All the employees I’ve encountered however have been awesome!

This branch & others are open Saturdays now for your convenience. Print free checks when you need them for those pesky places that don’t accept online transactions. Service has been good here ever since I’ve started coming here since it’s the closest branch near my work. Only downside is they don’t do business accounts. Haven’t had any issues with lost checks or accounts errors since I banked with them as I did with formerly WAMU and BofA.

Great bank, they take care of their valued customers. They are helpful and extremely friendly, quite warming.

I recently bought my first car and was fairly nervous about the process. I knew how the process worked but never had to do it myself. Suffice it to say, I had questions. The SchoolsFirst staff @ Warner helped me out and it definitely put me at ease. The funding for the loan, the credit line increase (woohoo!!) and even the follow up for the car insurance. They were able to take the confusion out of the process and get me pointed in the right direction.
Thank you SchoolsFirst! You’ve been the best bank ever. Always above and beyond!

The best financial institution in the known world. Great staff. Usually best rates. Courteous and honest.

I’ve been here a few times and because I used to work for this credit union, I try to be ninja coming here LOL. The staff is friendly and I have a friend and one former co-​worker working here. The branch itself is relatively small and not too many representatives are working at the desks. There are two ATMS on the outside of the branch that members can use. Parking can be hectic, but if you turn to the side of the branch, there is additional parking, instead of just the front of the branch.

Needed to purchase tickets for the USA vs. Chile soccer match next weekend at the Home Depot Center (thank you Unilocal!) for the 12 Year Old Jr. Foodie’s birthday (Tomorrow will be 13 Year Old Teenage Foodie– GASP!) When I entered my debit card number, they transferred me to my credit union screen for an additional security code. I didn’t know what this was and after entering the numbers on the back of the card, was informed I was now «locked out» by my credit union. I called up customer service, explained the problem and told them I literally had 5 minutes and 40 seconds to fix this before I lost my tickets.
After getting my security info, I was placed on hold so the agent could have someone else working on unlocking my card while she was walking me through setting up the secondary security code. She said let’s get this done before you lose those tickets! Apparently Ticket Master is one of a few that require this extra security code/​authentication. I had 1 second to go and missed it… not because of the agent, but because I forgot a «1» in my phone number… sigh…epic fail… but wait! The agent offered to wait on the phone with me while I reentered the Ticket Master transaction to be sure the new code works properly. Really?
I reentered, got the same tickets and the new code worked like a charm. When I was done, she even asked if I got the same tickets as she would feel bad if I missed them! Now THAT is customer service, people!

Always fast service inside! I never have to wait long… just wish they had 1 more ATM outside!

Two outside ATM machines. Parking lot can get full but there always seems to be spot close by. The wait can be a bit long inside. It really is hit or miss when you come here. Sometimes you find yourself waiting in line longer than expected. Customer service here is pretty attentive overall.