CommonWealth Central Credit Union

common wealth cu is overall just a horrible bank. There’s ALWAYS a problem. It’s either they randomly slap a few charges on my account (not small ones either, $ 32!!!) not to mention if I want to transfer money it HAS to be on their terms when they can, and there’s a limit on how many times I transfer from my phone, really? That’s ridiculous! What if I’m around people who I dont want to know I’m transferring money, if the bank is closed and I’ve used my «six transfers» I can’t transfer money AT ALL. How ridiculous is that?! This bank is VERY inconvenient I am currently in the process of changing my bank.

I just recently started a new job in the area and needed a local bank to have my checks deposited to. This was the highest rated credit union in the area.
Everyone seemed friendly as I came in to setup my account but unfortunately their card machine was broken and they couldn’t make me an atm card as I opened my account, but they could get me a small booklet of starter checks which is what I most needed. The banker who helped me assured me that it would be fixed soon and that by next week I should be able to get a card, that was three weeks ago, went I went in last Sat the machine was still broken. I have been told I can get a card at another branch but the nearest one I see is in south San Jose.
Today, I got paid for the first time, but it seems that my work could not deposit my paycheck because my routing number on my check was too long for their system, so I was provided a paper check to deposit this time. I work 9am to 5:30pm, and the banks hours are supposed to be 9am to 6pm. So with my first paycheck in hand today I rushed to make it to the bank before it closed, doing everything I could do inside the constraints of courtesy and the law. But upon arriving at the bank at 5:58 pm I found the doors had already been locked and while the teller was helping a customer inside that had made it in earlier, I was not allowed in, and I was not willing to force my way in as he left.
Instead I looked to the teller who looked back and me smiled, shrugged and mouthed «we are closed» back at me as I stood there pathetically first paycheck I’m hand unable to deposit it, or more importantly get a working atm card or some cash back. I held the check up trying to make it clear that I really needed help and that the atm could not help me but was still just shrugged off with a smile.
Having had varied customer service jobs in life I understand not wanting to leave the doors open until the exact listed time, but to work at a job that is as important as a bank to someone’s life and to dismiss someone desperate at the door when you have clearly locked up before your posted hours is down right mean. I am disappointed and upset.

I’m a new member and have had 2 bad experiences already. I’m not ready to leave quite yet but I am bothered.
First, I was issued 10 temporary checks for my new account that were printed at the branch office. After writing and mailing out 5 checks for the mortgage and bills I discovered the ink on the checks easily wiped right off. Just a gentle swipe with the palm of my hand and my account number was completely gone.
I called the Credit Union and complained. I asked what would happen if the checks I just mailed bounced because the ink rubbed off and I was told they would not be responsible for any fees due to the faulty checks they gave me.
The 2^nd, and somewhat minor issue is that I opened my account in person at their branch office. When I was asked for my personal information to open the account I was asked to choose between free e-​statements or paying for paper statements. I chose the free e-​statements.
They started sending me paper statements and I called to complain. I explained that I chose e-​statements when I signed up face-​to-​face at their branch office. Their response was that they had no idea what I was told but that I did not sign up for e-​statements.
I suppose you can draw your own conclusions but for me I raises concerns about integrity and trust. If they make a mistake that costs me a lot of money I would expect a similar response. Not good.

Helpful and always friendly. I’ve never had a long wait in the lobby. I do wish there were more branches but I like the small bank appeal.

I’ve been on and off with this credit union since I was in high school. I opened my first bank account with them. They are always very friendly but I don’t think they are always proactive in helping there customers very much (might just be me). One huge inconvenience for me is that they are so far away! I live in Santa Clara and have to drive out to Milpitas in order to get certain things done but I do love that they are open on Saturdays, so not too bad.

4 stars for great service +1 star for being open on Saturdays. There has never been a line during my Saturday visits and the tellers are always prompt, friendly, and not pushy with sales.

Friendliness staff around. It is always an easy transaction here. Parking can be crowded during certain areas, but there is a large parking area just around the corner.

Scenery.
If you have been to one commonwealth then you have been to them all. Same friendly service and all that jazz, but this branch has some amazing scenery.
Guys, go see for yourself. And while you are there, open up an account and stop supporting our corrupt public banking industry.
Did i mention the views?

The staff is here is extremely friendly every time I go in to do a transaction they greet you with a smile and are very proactive about helping their customers out. There is a huge difference when you walk in because people are not trying to sell you any type of service, I get in and out within 5 mins. Awesome service, keep it up.

Small branch. Came here on a Credit Union thang, trying to deposit money into my bank account through this bank.
But they don’t have the usual Credit Union ATM thing I’ve seen in other credit unions. The ATM outside was for Commonwealth Central customers only, and I was in too much of a rush to wait in line to speak to a teller.
Other than that, it’s a small branch, with a couple glass offices, a waiting area and a kids area with a TV and movie playing. Looks clean and all, but parking might be a hassle.

this is the best credit union around! especially this location! the staff is very friendly and helpful!

This has been my bank since the seventies and it was located in the old town hall. It has moved twice since then and no resides around the corner from the new Safeway facility and Peet’s coffee on Calaveras, next to city hall.
The place has had a change of personel quite a few times over the years but they still get things done quickly. In my opinion they are way up on the service ratings in comparrison with Wells Fargo or Chase. For long term savings, I still prefer online banks to get the much higher interest rates, but this is a great facility and their online interface for banking and bill pay is easy to use.