California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With nearly 200,000 members and assets of over $4.5 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego countries. The credit union operates in San Diego Country as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading- edge online and mobile banking.
However, lets continue reading as we get to see the best Credit Unions in California
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Best Credit Unions In California
There are various credit unions in California that you can join as we speak. They include the following:
1. Alliant Credit Union
Alliant is among the best credit unions for personal loans. It gives you checking and savings options. Its free High-Interest Checking account gives you a 0.25% APY that you can rely on to grow your money. However, you need to meet various qualifications to qualify for the APY.
The account has no monthly service fees, and you can be sure to preserve a lot of money when you open one and start saving. There are over 5,000 ATMS around the state that you can use to withdraw money. Interestingly, Alliant has a savings account that pays a 0.55% APY.
2. Golden 1 Credit Union
Golden 1 credit union has easy-to-meet membership requirements for people living in California. You can get low interest rates on basic accounts. The credit union charges overdraft fees up to six times a day. Again, the credit union requires $0 to open a primary checking accountant and $1 for basic savings.
If you like the in-person assistance, then the Golden 1 Credit union suits you. You can also get a debit card to link to your account and access money in various ATMs around. The union is one of the best credit unions for small businesses.
3. First Tech Federal Credit Union
The credit union is best for user experience. Also, it is the 3rd largest in California. It is a member-owned credit union that provides financial services to its customers. It serves manufacturing employees and their close family members. The credit union has an app that offers easy access to banking services.
You can also get a credit card from the union and use it for various kinds of transactions. Customer care is always available, and you can call (855) 855-8805. You can also visit their website and get help.
4. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
It is the largest credit union in California, serving thousands of customers. The cooperative union is a member-owned credit union that allows members to get education services to members as a community. Immediate members of the family can join the credit union.
You will also benefit from debit cards to help you when making transactions either online or in-store. You can get services at the office any day of the week except on Sundays.
5. Star One Credit Union
Being the 4th largest credit union in California, Star One Credit Union serves the members diligently. The union has more than 113,000 members and assets of total $10.23 Billion. Furthermore, the credit union is member-owned, and the immediate family members can also join.
Various reviews rate this credit union, 4-5 stars, meaning that it is a financial institution you can rely on. As a member, you take loans such as Mortgage loans, car loans, and so on.
Best Banks In California
If you are searching for the best bank in California to open an account with, then any of the following will be of great importance.
1. Ally Bank
The bank is an online financial institution with one of the best online savings accounts with 0.50% APY that offers excellent growth potential. The minimum deposit for the account is $0. There are no fees or minimums for the account. If you love online banking, then this might be the best bank to go for.
Furthermore, Ally Bank is interested in checking accounts so long as you have a daily minimum of $15,000. Interestingly, Ally Bank has an ATM locator, mobile check deposit, digital account statements, and automatic bill pay, which you can access right from the app using your smartphone.
It also works with Zelle so that you can send and receive money from friends and relatives. Additionally, Ally Bank offers $10 fee reimbursements per statement cycle when you use an out-of-network ATM.
2. Bank of the West
You can have a savings account with 0.01% APY and earn something out of your saved money. However, you need a minimum deposit of $25 to get started. You will also need to part with a $5 monthly fee for the account. You can operate your bank account online over the user-friendly website and mobile app. Furthermore, the bank offers in-person services, and thus you can speak one on one with customer care to get any necessary assistance.
The Bank of the West also offers mobile banking services that allow you to track your transactions, check balances, pay online, and send money to others. You can also get a money market account at the bank and start earning from your money.
3. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is among the best banks you can ever find in California. The bank offers a checking account with 0.01% APY. You require a minimum deposit of $25. Even though the APYs are low, the bank has many branches across California where account holders can access services. It has around 1,000 branch locations in the whole state. You will also get a wide range of savings options. If you want a large and popular bank, Wells Fargo might be the best choice.
There are multiple checking and savings accounts that you can get at Wells Fargo. The bank also has credit cards and various kinds of loans that you can get for personal development. You can also run your account online using a mobile app.
4. CIT Bank Savings Builder Account
Open the Savings Builder Account and earn 0.40% APY. The bank is one of the high-paying banks on one’s savings. However, you will need a minimum of $100 to make interest on the account. You can also opt to maintain a minimum balance of $25,000 to earn the APY. Interestingly, the account has no monthly fees. You will therefore save a substantial amount of money for other transactions.
The CIT Bank has a mobile money app that you can use to carry out various kinds of transactions. You can get the app for both Apple and Android devices from the respective websites and get started. If you have a large amount of cash to save, this is the best account.
5. U.S. Bank
The U.S. Bank is best for customer service. It has a savings account that earns 0.01% APY. You need a minimum of $25 to open an account with the bank. For customers who may wish to bank in person, then the bank is very suitable for them. It has hundreds of branches in California, and thus it is a very convenient bank to work with.
Furthermore, the US Bank has different products such as checking accounts and money market accounts. That can as well help you with various financial transactions. You can also get credit cards and various kinds of loans for your economic growth.
Conclusion
Banks and credit unions provide financial services to people with accounts in such institutions. Credit unions have savings accounts that earn more APYs compared to banks. However, banks are good for checking accounts since they are uniformly distributed around the state and the country in particular. Like banks, credit unions allow you to have debit cards to use for your day-to-day transactions.