American First Credit Union

I’m responding to the bank managers response to my original review. As a member of the credit union system utilizing this branch as a shared branch I am therefore a member and not a guest. As I don’t see how this is different than having a gym membership at one gym and going to another branch of the same gym I am not a guest. As a bank does not produce anything and just shuffles money service is the only value he can truly provide. This Magermai color it as she wants but the bottom line is there is no service here. All these folks really wanted was my money and they were not ashamed to ask for it. Beyond that they were not willing to offer any service whatsoever and indicated that in a very poor manner. Too many financial institutions out there to have to settle on this one.

I rated American First Credit Union a «10». I would definitely apply for another loan from them. Applying for my loan was easier than expected.

Very unhappy with their business!

Debit card was cancelled due to fraudulent activity so I came here to get cash. Don’t see why the doors are locked at 4:30 when the website says 9 – 5 Monday-​Thursday and the hours on the door say the same. Thanks for nothing!

Great rates, very good price, low fees. Trust this bank. Always good rates and good service. Linked with my other accounts.
This is the best place to bank if you want the best rates and great customer service. If you are are around 20 years old like I was, this bank never charged too much for overdraft, way less then all those big banks. As a 40 something, they have the best rates and customer service. I refinanced my house and took out two car loans with them. Never had a problem. Been with them for over 20 years. Best place for your financial future.

Updated 10/21/2015…I was in a car accident and needed to pay off the old loan and borrow for a new one. Once again, American First came through! I always get excellent service! The American First team made it easy to make the change. Transition was straight forward. I liked that all of American First’s Associates took a personal interest and were knowledgeable. Lisa was a big help!
I saw the other review that said you can only pay electronically if you have a checking account with them. That is not true. I only have a savings account and they deduct the payment directly from savings. I have it set up so they transfer a set amount from my checking account (elsewhere) a few days before my loan is due. I have also paid them electronically from my bank.
Again, I’ve never been in a branch but they’ve done a few loans for me now. The process is smooth. Since they have done so well by me I’m starting to keep a little more money there every month :)

Steer clear if you are looking for a loan.
Loan payments cannot be made online unless you have a checking account with them. Otherwise you have to wait for them to mail you your payment notice, which usually arrives a week late and sometimes doesn’t come at all, and then write a physical check and mail it back. Sure, they offer ‘modern technology’ like paying by check over the phone, but they charge $ 10 to do so. Your payment notices will only reflect principle balance and not actual loan balances, so you have no clue what dollar amount of interest you are paying until you get a statement once a year.
After paying off my loan (over the phone mind you, with a $ 10 charge, because I live 1.5 hrs from the nearest branch and they were unable to tell me how much I could write a check for to pay off the loan) I was issued the fond farewell of, «Okay, bye.»
Overall I was very unimpressed. Internet lenders have more courtesy.

Always been treated right. Was just super easy. Easy to work with. Kristina Camarillo was very helpful.

I’m so glad that I switched from Chase to American First Credit Union. First off I love the new mobile banking app it’s so much more convenient and easier to use than the original app plus all the new features are awesome. I also love the staff at this branch they’re always so cheerful and glad to assist me with whatever my needs are, this isn’t the closest branch to where I live but I make the drive because of the staff. After joining American First I don’t ever think I’ll go back to a traditional bank!

The vehicle loan dept. took great care of me. Had an answer on approval within 15 minutes. Paperwork was very easy. Everything was done by phone and e-​mail. Brooke always called me back within a reasonable amount of time. I Never felt like I was forgotten. I would definitely use them again. Rates were great also. :) Janice A.

Financed a vehicle again, this time with Brooke. We spoke over the phone, e-​mailed and faxed. She made things very simple and it was done.
I had someone who did her job well and made my part easy.

Been a member for many years. This is a great credit union with always a warm family friendly welcome. Would recommend to anyone!

Worst customer service! Purchased a vehicle who assigned me to American First Credit Union for the financing. Over a week later, received a call from Bridget Estrada, Indirect Loan Officer, who left message indicating that I was required to complete a mandatory finance interview. I’ve financed vehicles through Orange County Teachers’ Credit Union, Long Beach Financial Credit Union and Nuvision Federal Credit Union, as well as been an Administrative Assistant to 3+ chief officers while employed at Nuvision FCU and have never heard of this kind of «requirement»; however, I cooperated as requested by returning all 4 telephone calls and responding to several emails for the next 3 days only to be advised that American First Credit Union was returning my financial paperwork back to the dealership. Bridget referred me to theConsumer Lending Director, Michael Williams, who gave the impression like he didn’t care that I was extremely dissatisfied. Honestly, after reading the reviews regarding American First Credit Union, I strongly believe Bridget and Michael did me a tremendous favor by not wanting my business. Luckily, the Chevrolet dealership looked into my complaint and agreed to no longer finance any of their customers through American Credit Union due to the poor reviews on Unilocal.Also, I was refinanced with a much lower interest rate and an entire year was removed from the loan due to the inconveniences I experienced with American First Credit Union. It’s unfortunate that I’m not able to give American First Credit Union a negative rating on Unilocal since they clearly do not even deserve 1 star and it amazes me that they are still in business. The reply from this complaint on Unilocal,their Board of Directors and employees are a joke — no professional since they say one thing then act differently –actions definitely speak louder than words!

I have been a member of other credit unions before but AFCU La Habra and its staff are by far the most professional, helpful and friendliest that I have ever encountered. They are always available to answer my every question in a pleasant and expedient fashion. Other institutions can definitely take a page from AFCU La Habra on how customers should be treated.

****poor loan practices, poor customer service & poor banking practices**** :(only three branches, best of luck! ! !

I love this credit union. Been with them for almost 3 years and have never had an issue. Just got approved for a great auto loan, and the customer service was great over the phone and when I went into the branch. Very happy here.

Was very pleased with this credit unions service. Provided me with great member service and options for my banking needs.
There was no pressure by the associates there compared to my experience in banks. I highly recommend it to the community for their financial needs.

American First Credit Union (only two branches main office in La Habra & Orange) has the worst lending practices. Don’t run into a financial hardship due to your wife losing her job or you for that matter and receive assistance. This lender would rather you lose your vehicle, house, pretty much everything than to work with you. I see a modification as a win win situation for both customer and consumer, (Customer gets a payment more affordable due to their financial situation and Consumer still gets paid until the remaining balance on the loan is paid off) however this Credit Union is in desperate need of money. Stay clear from this Credit Union, there are other lenders out there that will not have you jump through hoops. Lenders that understand your situation and will assist you with your financial difficulties.

Bad loan service! I’ve been a member for over 16 yrs now, I’ve applied for four small loan to pay off CCs and ZERO have been approved or counter offered. Biggest disappointment was the lack customer service over the phone with the loan dept, repeated everything the loan letter read, I asked to speak to a loan officer to review my application and she wouldn’t help, stay away! I might take my money and loyalty of 16 yrs somewhere where it’s appreciated…

Stay away! These people are unprofessional and handled a loan very poorly. Enzo had very poor communication skills and I had to leave several messages with various people to get any help.
If you value your money and time I recommend any other credit union.