Golden 1 takes pride in their work and their customers. The Golden 1 Credit Union's main focus is on the following core values - Service Excellence: They are a member-focused organization committed to exceeding expectations in everything they do. Respect: They are a caring organization that respects and values their members, employees, and communities. Integrity: They will earn your trust by being responsible, honest, and accountable. Financial Stability: They want their customers to be able to rely on them for their financial strength and security.

Eligibility

Golden 1 Credit Union has a variety of ways to be eligible to join their credit union. Anyone who lives or works in 38 of California's 58 counties is eligible to join, working in pretty much any occupation.

Rates

They offer loan rates on cars that are comparable with other credit unions, with rates for cars starting around 2.79%. Their free checking really is free without any hidden fees, and you will have access to 30,000 ATMs. Their savings account have a .20% APY with a minimum balance of $100, and their free basic checking also comes with the following:

Online banking
Online bill pay
Mobile deposits
Mobile and text banking
Visa debit card and many
No monthly maintenance fee
No minimum deposit or balance amount
Online statements
Free box of first checks

Classes

They even offer educational classes for their customers through webinars. Classes vary in topics from credit cards use/how to and building credit, to getting out of debt and saving money, and living on a budget. These webinars are very informative.

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The Bad

Broad information
Increasing your money
Credit cards

Their motto "people helping people" is not original, it is the slogan in general for credit unions. However, most credit unions still want to come up with their own mantra. Which leads to questioning if they really have something special about them that makes them stand out against other credit unions.

Broad Information

So far nothing has been extremely impressive. Much of the information they have provided about their products and services is vague in detail and lacks information that would give a customer a better feel about who they really are as a credit union.

Increasing Your Money

They do not offer dividends on a basic free checking account while many credit unions on average offer a small APY of at least .10% on free checking. Also, their rates for their premium checking and money market accounts are less than desirable. You will still get some perks with their basic savings account APY at .20% but don't count on your money growing very quickly. Even then, signing up for a premium account or a money market account will not get you many financial gains either. Not even with a savings certificate. Their rates for premium accounts, money market accounts and savings certificates compared to other credit unions is on the lower end and rate increases are tiered based off of the minimal amount in the account which is also has a higher requirement than most banks.

Credit Cards

Lastly, their options for credit cards are extremely limited. They offer one type of card, but they do allow for customers to choose what option they want with their card, but it looks like one card isn't good for multiple benefits.

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The Bottom Line

They are accredited and you would get some returns which is nice, but not much. If there are other credit unions in your area it would be wise to look elsewhere if you are looking for a basic credit union. Based off of what you get for returns for checking and saving accounts their rates are low and you have to get higher up in the checking and savings with a minimum balance usually around $1,000 in order to see any type of return on your investment. They don't even offer dividends for their basic free checking and savings accounts. This company is not highly recommended if you are looking for a credit union, even if they are the sixth largest in California. It would be better to go with one of the larger companies as they seem to have a little more ability to work with rates and get you a smarter return on your investments and start a basic checking and savings account with the .20%.

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Peggy

I would recommend that you steer clear of Golden 1. They tried to illegally foreclose on my home. I got into some financial trouble during the recession and did fall behind on my payments. When I contacted Golden 1 to offer to settle the debt or begin payments again they refused to deal with me and said I COULD NOT make payments because of the bankruptcy I had to utilize due to the recession. I explained to them that they accepted payments for quite a while after my bankruptcy, but they would not listen. I received a notice of foreclosure. Pursuant to California law Civil Code section 2924c you are able to cure a default by paying the arrears and any fees. I went to Golden 1 with a check covering all the amounts in 2924c and they said I could not cure the default because of my prior bankruptcy. I argued with them and even cited the correct statutory law, but they would not budge. I left their office and hired a lawyer. Guess what happened? They agreed to accept the money and let me start making payments again. I have gotten back on track and have refinanced so I will never have to deal with this credit union again. How many people in my situation did not realize the law was on their side and let Golden 1 foreclose on their homes? I can't imagine that I was the only one. Think about that if you ever consider banking with this credit union. They obviously were playing the odds that I wouldn't hire a lawyer or know my rights. The alternative is that they were too ignorant to realize they were violating my statutory rights. Either choice is unacceptable.

9 years ago

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Kate Kornkven Casper, WY

Terrible bank, extremely deceptive about account requirements to avoid fees. They're fees are ridiculously high , horrible Customer service.

8 years ago