California Coast Credit Union

I switched to CCCU about 2 years ago after being with Wells Fargo and hating the experience there. I love being with this bank they are always nice, friendly and very willing to help.
I recently needed to refinance my car and was helped by Juni Signer and it couldn’t have been easier. She was very helpful and knowledgeable and with only a few e mails and boom it was done. Simple, professional and I am very glad I had them do my re fi.

This is not exactly a review for the Hillcrest location itself, but since it’s my home branch, I figured this is a good place to review the loan process.
I recently applied and was approved for an auto loan. The process of applying was simple, easy and painless. I did it all online. I never had to walk into the branch. I was given a very good rate with easy terms to follow.
When I called or emailed to ask questions regarding the loan, my funding specialist, Jacquelynne was very easy to get a hold of. She was also patient, friendly, personable and knowledgeable.
At the dealership, when I was picking up the car and signing some final paperwork, the finance manager gave me some trouble. However, I contacted Cal Coast, and Jacquelynne took over the process of speaking to the finance manager for me. She was able to iron out the situation, and I walked away with the keys minutes later. Overall, it was a GREAT experience. Thanks Jacquelynne!

I came here after being with Hells Fargo for seven years. Only after many overdraft fees, monthly fees and high interest rates did I switch. Overall I have been very happy. I feel my money is managed better. My only complaint would be with one teller in particular; I was making a cash deposit and accidentally miscounted. Not sure why she couldn’t just tell me that. Instead she says, «I can only accept this much.» For a second I was confused, like the machine wouldn’t accept all my money? Oh, I miscounted… it was just a mild tone.

So after hearing their huge marketing campaign of how much they care and help– I had to write. What I will always remember is when my husband passed away– he had a credit card and bank account at the Balboa/​Genesee location; I never went to this branch before but I remember telling the woman that I needed to close my husband’s account– I provided her his info including his death certificate– she showed no compassion; not even a «sorry for your loss»… She just put $ 34.63 on the table. I just grabbed it and left. I guess since the account was «nothing «she really didn’t care. I couldn’t believe the coldness– that in her eyes, we weren’t worth much. I felt so sad especially since I had experienced so much kindness from so many people, that I think I was a bit in shock. In my opinion, these ads are hypocritical– I would never bank there and I hope no one has the misfortune of dealing with such an insensitive employee who represents this bank!

Great customer service. However, they criteria to qualify for anything is much too high.

Not sure where Amber Tenneson, Loan Specialist is located, but she’s really a true asset to the credit union. I’ve contacted her about my loan and personal account and she’s able to resolve my matters promptly. I’m thankful to be a member just because I have someone like her to assist my needs. Thank you again Amber. You are greatly appreciated.

Currently I bank with Chase & US Bank both of which cannot compare to the great customer service and appreciation I get from this Cal Coast location. It’s a great feeling to work with a bank that genuinely cares for the well-​being of its customers. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this branch be sure to ask for Trinity, she will always go above and beyond for you.

Wow Cal Coast, you have seriously disappointed me. I loved your company… UNTIL TODAY.
I just got your e-​mail offer today for extra value checking for $ 3.95 per month — and for $ 3.95 a month, you’re going to «protect my identity.» This is a «big bank BS» move!
So, if I stick with free checking, does that mean you are doing nothing to protect my identity? As a credit union holding our money, you have a responsibility to protect our money and our information — so, WHY do I have to PAY FOR THAT NOW?
This is nothing but old fashioned extortion. You are no different than the mafia collecting money from local businesses and then offering to «protect them.» Funny how the ones that didn’t pay always seemed to suffer the losses.
Time to start looking for another credit union…

Would give them zero stars if I could. Had a minor paperwork issue with a new loan. Took 2 weeks and 10 phone calls to solve. Horrible customer service…

This is my go to bank because everyone has such a welcoming attitude and they get your business done in a short amount of time.

Unfortunately, this branch is my home branch and it’s so awful that I actually go out of my way to go to the Clairemont branch (see review). There’s one (not mentioning names) male teller here who has got to be the rudest, nastiest and most unprofessional «crew member» I’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with in my life. I sent an email to the branch manager regarding this person and his unprofessional and obnoxious behavior and all I got in return was some b.s. form-​letter response stating that I should seek her out next time I’m in the branch so she can apologize to me. Whatever.
How about talking to the employee about his unprofessional behavior?
The manager here is only to be seen rarely — always with her back turned or her head down — in stark contrast to the Clairemont branch manager, Jane, who always seems to be out front and many times seen working the teller windows when it’s busy. But not here. Just bad service and very poor management. I’d give this place ZERO stars if I could.

Absolutely disgusting «courtesy» fee practices. $ 25 per transaction debit, $ 35 per bill pay. They will say you opt’d in to this, make sure you do not opt in. That doesn’t even solve the problem though. If a bill pay is scheduled and you do not have the funds available after you opt’d out of all of the fee programs… you will still get a «insufficient funds fee».
I joined a credit union to escape the mess of fees from bigger banks, and here I am in the same tornado again.

I can’t recommend this credit union enough to people! I had been a member of BofA since my first bank account, but after a few run-​ins with hidden fees and other restrictions I had had enough and decided to switch banks. Walked into this branch and was immediately seen by a staff member. I opened two checking accounts and a savings account with absolutely no hassle! They even printed me a debit card on the spot! No waiting 2 – 3 weeks like at BofA! I also set up a great deal on a car loan at the same time. The whole process took maybe 15 mins. The staff was all VERY friendly and the services CCCU provides is just what I want in a bank — ATM locations everywhere (more than BofA), no hidden fees, and mobile/​online banking. If you’ve had a bad experience at a big bank and are thinking of switching to a credit union look no further!

California coast has horrible policy /​procedures for placing holds on deposits. The first time I experienced this was back in September when I made a deposit of a check for $ 10,000 and had a hold placed on it for 10 days until the check clear. I spoke to several different people and ultimately spoke with an account specialist named Millie who was the manager. She explained to me that since I had not previously deposited a check of this amount from this particular company they were unable to release the funds any sooner than that. She explained to me that as I deposited more checks from this company and develop the history there hold process would be relaxed. Unfortunately today I discovered their policy is not relaxed. I made two deposits yesterday two separate checks each for $ 2000. They were on hold until the 29^th of January which is tomorrow. This morning I deposited another check in the amount of $ 2000 and it had a hold placed on it until January 30^th. About 7 hours later I logged into my account to see if any other items had cleared for the day and I noticed the two holds that were due to expire tomorrow on the 29^th had disappeared but the funds were still showing as unavailable. In addition the hold that was due to expire on the 30^th was also missing. I called California coast credit union to inquire why the holds had disappeared but the funds were still not showing available. I was told at that time that because I had deposited a total of six thousand dollars worth of checks someone had reviewed the account and decided extended holds needes to be placed on the funds. No one bothered to call me and notify me of this they just arbitrarily went in and removed the existing holds placing longer holds on the checks. In spite of the fact that I have deposited more than 12 checks from this very same company since September. I spent about 45 minutes on the phone speaking to several different people and got no resolution other than they were going to release one of the $ 2000 checks but there was nothing that could be done for the other two. I hung up the phone and in less than 2 minutes I received a call from Alejandra the manager, saying that someone tried to call the issuer of the check at 11 o’clock that morning and was unable to reach anyone to verify the funds and so that’s why the holds placed on it. I find it quite comical that they would call the issuer of the check but not called a member to explain the situation or to try and get any information. I then received another call within a few minutes asking if I had another number for the issue of the checks that they could call and verify the funds. As it just so happens I did they were able to get in touch with that person and lo and behold the funds will be released within 5 minutes. So my question is California coast credit union, why didn’t you call me in the first place and try to get another number and explain to me what you were doing instead of underhandedly removing the holds that I was expecting and placing an extended hold on the funds without notifying me. As this is the second time this is happened I think it’s time to go looking for another credit union. Very very very disgusted with the way this is been handled after being a customer for over 10 years who has not once ever made made a deposit that didn’t clear.

After an initial bad experience when opening the account, things have gotten much better. I have had no further problems.
There’s never a long wait to make your transaction, the employees are extremely friendly and helpful. I don’t dread going to the bank when I have to, because I know I’m going to be in and out quickly.

I love California coast iv had this account with them for 6 years! And don’t plan to change to any other bank anytime soon! Any branch I go to always greats me every time I go in and helps me out with any of my concerns:)

Great experience! The banker that helped us was awesome! We refinanced two auto loans and the interest rates we received were very reasonable and competitive. I recommend this credit union.

The tellers always apologize if there is a wait in line which I appreciate. The parking can be a bit difficult in the Ralph’s parking lot. Staff is always courteous and fast. I’ve been a member for many years and will continue to be one!

Originally from Washington State and madly in love with my credit union back home, it took me 5 years to switch to a local bank in San Diego.
It was finally worth my while when I was turned on to California Coast Credit Union.
I opened an account at their Hillcrest location several months ago.
Super simple, checking and savings account. No bells, no whistles… just the way I like it.
As a server, I’m in the bank almost daily making deposits. I’m always greeted with a smile and EVERYONE knows my name. This is the Cheers of banks.
Quick and easy service… that’s what she said.

So far, so good. Refinancing my car through CCCU at a friend’s recommendation. Turn around time between online application and in person paperwork processing was quick, and Jinny at the Hillcrest branch was really nice. Process was painless and smooth. Dig it.