1st United Services Credit Union

I had a very good experience with a call to find out how to join this credit union. I am confident now that they can help me transfer my business over to them. Thank you!

A Fresh Start
Breaking up can be hard to do, but, in some cases, it’s downright easy.
My wife and I went here yesterday for the first time.
Last year, we started going to the San Leandro branch after the Union City one became an ATM-​only location.
Neither of us, though, liked going there.
On the 25^th, a change went into effect («Cash deposits and withdrawals at ATM only»), prompting us to check out this branch.
Some of the branches aren’t open on Saturdays, but this one is (from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., which is the norm).
It’s very nice inside (I would have taken a picture had there not been so many people around), and the tellers were quick to activate the doors (I only saw 1 customer who had to wait a few seconds).
At the San Leandro branch, customers were sometimes left waiting a bit.
I understand why this branch is averaging 4.5 stars.
I can’t give it 5 stars, but all of the reasons are minor (most of them have to do with there being limited space).
1) There’s only 1 ATM (it’s outside).
2) The parking lot is kind of tight (my wife commented on this after we left).
3) It’s not very spacious inside.
We were standing by the doors right when we entered (if there are about 6 people ahead of you, you’ll be standing by the doors, and the line can be about 12 deep before there’s really no room).
4) There’s not much room by the stations.
I was careful where I stood because the woman to my right was pretty close to me.
I felt a little cramped while my wife and I were being helped by our teller.
Another issue regarding this point is that customers leaving and customers approaching really have to watch out for each other.
Some Positives:
1) The lines kind of snake around (the space is utilized well). This makes being in a long line more bearable.
2) Great location.
Chipotle is right next door (I was surprised that it was somewhat busy– I expected to see people running out with food poisoning).
Lucky and Walgreens are in the immediate area, and so are a number of eateries.
3) The parking lot is shared with Chipotle, but there are about 40 spots (some of them are strictly reserved for Credit Union customers).
At the San Leandro branch, there are only about 7 spots (because of where we had to park on the 16^th, my wife and I walked over 5 minutes in the rain to get to the entrance).
4) To illustrate how nice it is inside, the waiting area features 2 leather chairs (there’s also a small workstation where you can do your banking).
5) Cookies and coffee were available.
6) 4 tellers were initially at the stations (after a few minutes, one of them had to help a customer in one of the two side rooms).
At the San Leandro branch, there were often only 2 tellers at the stations (the staff isn’t to blame for this, but customers who need to be helped in one of the side rooms seem to flock to that branch).
7) Bonus points for 2 of the tellers being fairly attractive (I tried not to stare at the one my wife and I had). Hehe.
8) Our teller was friendly and fast (I know some tellers who bull — - too much).
I was also impressed by the male teller on the right. He seemed to be perpetually happy. I really liked his enthusiasm.
Overall, I like how this branch looks, and the staff here is excellent.

I am not a client here, yet accidentally found out what an excellent organization they are.

Definitely giving this a place 5 stars. Kudos to Jessica for making our visit smooth, pleasant, and friendly.

We have had accounts with 1^st United for several years. For the last few years, we have used the Castro Valley location almost exclusively. They are always very helpful and friendly. I definitely recommend 1^st United Services in general, and the Castro Valley location in particular.

The Service Specialist are great and the service is fast. I received excellent service from Alina @ the Castro Valley Office.

I am blown away by the service of this bank.
First off, the building was easy to find via Google maps. I was immediately «buzzed» in to the office. The service specialist I worked with was very polite, relaxed and not intimidating, unlike some other financial establishments can be.
The lobby area was very clean, open feeling and welcoming. The other staff members were polite and courteous. Over all this financial establishment felt less like a business transaction and more like seeing old friends.
Thank you!

I visited this branch to find out what their «membership requirements» are (since they are a credit union) and to possibly give them my custom. It was a little hard to get to, thanks to the rather screwy way this part of Castro Valley is set up after the road construction, but I don’t hold that against the branch.
What I do hold against them, though, is the inability for someone to get into the actual building. You get to the first door and see a «wait for the blue light» sign. Odd, and a little off putting. You then enter into a little square glass cube and are unable to get into the actual credit union. After waiting in limbo for a brief while, I just turned around and walked out. They obviously do not want or need anyone to actually use the branch since they don’t let people in.
Note also that the people you speak to when you call the 800 number are not on the same page. I called once and was told by «Partick» that I could only bank with 1^st United if I worked for Alameda County, i.e., only employees of the County or County Government can apply for membership. I called back later (accidentally dialing the same number from a list of numbers I had compiled) and spoke to «Rebecca» who said that anyone who lives, works, or attends church in Alameda or Contra Costa counties are eligible for membership. And so I was told two very different things by two people. Apparently, the people who work for this credit union don’t know much of anything about the credit union.
And so, due to the confusion of the credit union’s employees and the sheer inability of people to get into the branch in order to open or even inquire about opening an account, I have to give this branch the lowest possible rating.

I have been a member of this 1^st United Services Credit Union since 2000. I love it here… The staff is always courteous and willing to help. They always have suggestions and promotions to help you. I have a credit card through them with a low interest rate as well as a car loan at a good rate. It is a wonderful banking experience. Alina is great — she knows my name when I come in, service is fast and professional. Dennis is also great, he knows alot about loans and depending on your needs will direct you to the right loan and if the bank does not have what you need they will refer you to someone who might be able to help! I would never change banks! I highly recommend it!!! Thanks Alina & Dennis… You keep me coming back lol!!!

I really enjoy this bank, I have always gone to a credit union so I don’t know much about the differences except the fees are almost non existent and interested rates are low. I love the friendliness and helpfulness of the employees as well how convenient and quick their services are.

Staff is friendly… i love that it isnt buys like most banks

Credit unions in general are far better than regular banks. They tend to know their customers by name and treat them like people not a number. This credit union holds my car note and I stop by here once a month to pay my bill. They are pretty nice, open on Saturdays, and have pretty good rates.
The only strange thing is they are not on the co-​op side of my car note, so I actually cannot go to another credit union to pay this bill. I have to go here. Thankfully, there is a branch in Castro Valley near my house. It saves a stamp!
Oh, and another thing, I’ve tried to make deposits to my usual credit union in the ATM and they never seem to have envelopes… what a pain! This is the reason for one star off!