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Stanford Federal Credit Union
Category: Financial Services Banks & Credit Unions Banks & Credit Unions [Edit]
525 University AveStanford, CA 94305
(650) 723-2509
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 5 pm
Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 3 pm
About This Business:
Open a new membership with us today and we will waive your membership fee and make your first $5.00 deposit! Visit us at http://www.national1st... or… read more »
26 reviews for Stanford Federal Credit Union
26 reviews in English
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Review from Sangjun L.
Berkeley, CA
10/28/2011
I've been a member for nearly 25 years and after also banking with many banks "too big to fail" I've really come to appreciate the qualities and quirks of this place like an old friend. SFCU is the only place where I feel like I don't have to worry about getting screwed by ridiculous hidden fees, where things that shouldn't cost $25, don't, iike automatically transfering money from my savings account or line-of-credit (does anyone else offer a line of credit these days?) to cover a check.
SFCU doesn't have an extensive ATM network but these days online access and internet connectivity is the most important to me. And yes, the web interface, esp. BillPayer, is embarrassingly long-in-the-tooth in some regards. But looking past that, in many ways it's also superior to the big guys. Statements are very easy to understand and accessible for many years, and I've never had trouble getting Quicken or Mint or other systems to interface.
I've always appreciated the ability to get a hold of a real person on the phone without jumping through hoops. Probably the biggest drawback I face with SFCU is the lack of ATM access compared to the bigger players, esp. overseas, but that can be overcome with sufficient preparation and planning. -
Review from Rob S.
Pasadena, CA
7/27/2011
Ugh, 5 years ago, I went in to close my account, and made it clear that I wouldn't use the account at all.
But, like fellow reviewer Kiesha, and *specifically based on a service representative's suggestion*, I was convinced to leave $50 (the alleged minimum) in my savings account after graduating "to keep the account open in case I wanted to get an auto loan down the line". However, upon checking in a few years later, I discover that they have been charging me "inactivity fees", depleting the balance below the threshold, which then activated a death spiral of other fees, resulting in a balance well into negative figures.
After talking to the manager and relating the story that I was specifically told that I could leave that money in to keep it open, he refused to refund the fees and generally had a bad attitude. You are not doing Stanford's brand any favors.
Students: I wouldn't trust these folks with your money, they'll find a way to chisel it away with sneaky fees.
Get a Schwab online banking account and be done with it. -
Review from Firefly G.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011
Came in to open a new account here last week, and the snooty teller looked down her nose at me and asked, "And how are you affilated with Stanford Credit Union?", like it was some kind of exclusive club.
When I reminded her of their policy for all members to donate $15 to the library to get an account, she seemed angry that I knew about it, and so I promptly walked out and took my business and money over to Provident Credit Union, where I was welcomed with superior customer service. -
Review from lefteye j.
Sherman Oaks, CA
1/4/2012
These douchebags had me send in documents for membership then rejected me due to chexsystems, which I had confirmed that there are no negative information on my report. The person that had processed my application had told me that they had overlooked some information on the report and there was something bad on it, which is a lie.
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Review from Joseph H.
San Mateo, CA
9/16/2011
Applying for an auto loan. SFCU had the highest rates offered to me, and w/ the strictest conditions. Tried negotiating and they wouldn't budge. Wells Fargo and San Mateo Credit Union is much better. Check http://bankrate.com to make sure you're getting something within market range.
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Review from Bradley N.
Missoula, MT
10/19/2010
SFCU: tetracycle haiku*
(a)
Change of the seasons.
My money, it waits
For snowflakes never to fall.
(b)
ATM in repose
On a fall's quiet morn.
I enter four numbers, then hesitate.
(c)
To work days and nights
In winter, spring, fall
For electronic transfers: for nothing at all.
(d)
Past money made sounds.
Coins falling like leaves
Flow in aether light.
(*) Dedicated (1 of 3) to Jennifer L., who reminded me to Yelp something real.Listed in: Haiku for Daily Living
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Review from Dee R.
San Mateo, CA
8/18/2010
This bank is really frustrating. The online banking has a lag, so despite having payed for my visa online, I was overdraft. I then called to make a payment and it bounced although I had the credit. They refunded the overdraft fee but the whole thing took several calls for over two months. I'm now paying everything cash.
They are very nice people, but the quality of "everyday banking" is extremely low. -
Review from Kiesha R.
8/9/2008
Shame on you, SFCU! I joined as a member way back when as a freshman at Stanford as a way of procuring a loan for my laptop. That was a proud moment for me, as it was by far the largest purchase I'd ever made on my own.
Even though I had a Wells Fargo account that still serves as my primary source, and I've since established ING and Smith Barney accounts as well for savings purposes, I held on to my trusty SFCU account. It just seemed like a good thing to do. My mother's long-ago statement, "It's just good to belong to a credit union" seemed reasonable, so I kept my requisite $50 in there just to keep it alive.
Had it not been for my husband's due diligence in actually combing through the statement, I'd never have noticed they were skimming money off the top of my account! It seems after your account has been inactive for an undisclosed period, they assess a "dormancy fee" of $2.00. And, well, that took me right below the $50 minimum, which slapped me with an "under the minimum" fee of $4.00. These fees only hit my account for the last couple of months, but by the time I called them and closed my account (which I could only do by scanning an email to them), my sad little check for the remaining balance only amounted to $36.68!
Obviously, it's not the money that irritates me - in the grand scheme of things, that's not a whole lot. But the fact that they never contacted me about the dormancy (perhaps they might have asked why I wasn't using the account in the first place?), and just started charging me money without any notification, is infuriating.
SFCU, is the economy really THAT bad for you? -
Review from Tiffany L.
Saratoga, CA
2/4/2010
My boyfriend banks here and I've seen him more irritated and frustrated than not whenever he has to deal with anything beyond the ATM. If you have an eChecking account or try to contact the staff via email, be prepared for multiple email exchanges because they literally parrot your question back to you and think they have resolved your question. If you try to get a clearer answer, they switch to a condescending tone and reword their "answer" which answers nothing. I've read over the bf's shoulder enough times now to know that if your answer is anything beyond what can be answered in a basic list of FAQs, it will take a few days to find out what you need.
The bf came back a while back after stopping by their Tresidder location to fill out some paperwork. He had already looked up what forms he needed online. The guy in the inside office (not the counter, there's one with an actual desk) 1) didn't give him the right form, 2) stared at the form and said something along the lines of, "Uh, I guess you fill this part out," and 3) took a personal call while the bf was there waiting and chit chatted without apologizing afterwards.
It's like our own Stanford branded USPS/DMV bureacracy, ineptitude, and customer service at times! What customer service? What knowledge? What efficiency? The bf is researching banks to switch away to. -
Review from Capra C.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2010
I have been an active member of this Credit Union for almost 30 years. I have supported and suggested that co-works consider this as their primary source for banking. In fact have been one of their Customer Ambassadors, helping to promote their services.
However I am sorry to say that this positive attitude has turned very negative. I requested to have a document Notarized and was refused on the grounds that it was for a mortgage from another company. This truly threw me for a loop-they as they would not assist me with a service because it involved a competitive banking firm! I actually asked why they had this policy and was told because it was to complicated. I pointed out that they were simply Notarizing that I Signed the page, nothing more. They had no comment to this.
This is clearly not the level of service I expect and am very sad to see such an attitude. Very Very disappointed! -
Review from Linda W.
Boulder Creek, CA
10/24/2011
The service I've received has been 5 star for over 10 years. I use no other bank because through experience I've learned that the SFCU gives excellent service, personal and quick. I have savings, checking, home loan, car loan and bill pay and credit card. It is an awesome credit union. I was getting so frustrated with my former bank that I moved to this credit union and haven't regretted it.
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Review from Alissa S.
Menlo Park, CA
2/8/2008
They are so helpful and nice here! They helped me get a loan. Real, actual people answer the phone! They have drive-thru teller, and when you go in the branch, they have this cool machine that spits out the money for the tellers. Nifty.
People here always seem to have the time to answer your questions. They hold seminars for first time home buyers, send email updates and the online checking is very nice.Listed in: The Stanford area list
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Review from Kevin F.
Palo Alto, CA
7/1/2011
The Online BIllpayer service is a joke. It goes down about once a week for various IT-related problems. This has been going on for at least 6 months. I am seriously considering withdrawing all of my funds. If you want to avoid a bunch of headaches getting online access to your money, go to a real bank.
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Review from Sarah B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/20/2010
This is a decent SFCU location and much, much better than the one on Stanford's campus. I went there to see about getting a personal loan and they were very friendly, helpful, and cheerful. It was a good experience and worth the drive in comparison to being treated like crap at the location on campus.
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Review from Simone M.
Santa Monica, CA
6/10/2009
I don't bank with SFCU, but we went in there this morning to talk with Steven Finn about possibly financing our mortgage and this guy was seriously the most upfront, kind person we've met in the whole process of trying to buy a house. We told him our situation, which was that we're shopping around for good rates and when he heard the rate we were getting from a competing bank, he basically told us we shouldn't bother with SFCU if we were locked in with the rate we quoted at another lender. We really got the sense that he was looking out for our interests and considerate of what was best for us, far above trying to recruit us as customers. How often do you find that in ANY business, let alone home loans?
His candor was much appreciated and we walked away delighted with the service we got. If the loan falls through with the other bank, SFCU is way up on our list of backup banks after this morning. This man deserves a raise. -
Review from Homer S.
Palo Alto, CA
5/14/2011
Wow, I'm a little surprised at all the negative reviews here. My experience is based solely on their credit card services and share certificates. I still maintain a Bank of America account for convenience.
1) Doing business with them has been super-easy. I've never had to physically go to a branch! Online ACH transfers to and from BofA cost nothing (BofA charges you for this if you initiate a transfer from the BofA website) Yes, their online banking system is a little bit archaic, but I can live with it.
2) Their rates on share certificates have historically been much better than CDs offered by the big banks. They're not so great right now.
3) With BofA, it's actually impossible to call a branch! You can only call a call center, and you never get to build a personal relationship with a banker. With SFCU, I can just e-mail a human being, and they usually respond within minutes to hours if it's on a business day. That's been amazingly useful for me.
4) Their credit card program is awesome. No fees, no foreign exchange fees - I love this! BofA charges 3% on foreign exchange on top of the exchange conversion spread charged by Visa. That's nonsense.
I don't ever use an SFCU debit card or ever really use their checking services for anything. From the sounds of these other reviews, it looks like their customer service record on these matters is pretty poor. I do like how they waive all non-SFCU ATM usage fees now though.Comment from Indiana O. of Stanford Federal Credit Union 6/2/2011
We appreciate your business and are happy to hear of your… More » -
Review from Barbara M.
Sebastopol, CA
5/5/2010
I'm so frustrated by this organization every single time I have to deal with them. Simply put, they are completely incompetent. I just closed my IRA account and took a tax hit just so I wouldn't have to deal with them any more. If you enjoy spending hours on the phone cleaning up the messes incompetent people make, than this is your institution!
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Review from Ervin A.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/24/2011
sfcu sucks! don't come here! they won't even change my address because they dont want me getting the bills so they can make me pay penalties!!! thieves!!!!
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Review from Sam M.
Menlo Park, CA
12/4/2008
Horrible. They were once friendly and competent. Not any longer.
For that reason I'm finally departing this bank.
I have a ton of money in my account and they constantly freeze my card for 'security precautions'. That is my money. I don't appreciate it being frozen while you are closed after hours. I have been routinely embarassed by them with merchants.
Also, they make mistakes all the time. They take forever to fix them. Their ATM locations are sparse. You will pay fees everytime you are outside the city.
Move to bank of america. Their ATMs actually count your money and deposit right away.
SFCU - you were once great. But have you lost your touch. -
Review from Lindy S.
Palo Alto, CA
2/21/2010
I have banked with SFCU for years and had thought it was safe to use their accounts and online bill pay as they state 24/7 access. This is not the case. If have have any password issues on your log-in your account will be frozen and you are unable to access your account or billpay until normal business hours. So, if you are paying bills or making electronic transfers, forget it.
There is no 24 hour access and you can't pay anything from your account, and the person answering their 24/7 access line says they have nothing to do with the online accounts. I will need to find another bank. This is dangerous! -
Review from Hao L.
Mountain View, CA
3/10/2006 25 Check-ins Here
This is my bank. Have been with them ever since 1998, when they gave me a computer loan. I get interest on my savings account, which I like. I go to the Pampas Lane branch, off Serra St.
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Review from Ben R.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
2/18/2008
Good: their cards are classy
Bad: they made too many mistakes. I was a member in 1981-2 because it was conveniently on-campus, but left them in 1985 when I joined Hughes Aircraft's Credit Union (now called Kinecta FCU). I heard they were investigated in the 1990s and it resulted in their being unable to issue Mastercard and Visa credit cards. They reformed since then. Now that I've moved back to the area near Stanford, I tried SFCU out again in 2002, but by 2007 they did the last straw: mistakenly changed my mailing address.
To make a long story short, after an internal nvestigation and many claims that the problem was resolved while my mail was still going elsewhere, the reason was found: a data entry person had my account's screen open while looking at another person's change-of-address form. -
Review from C D.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/28/2007
I like this Credit union, it is the only one I've dealt with though. The customer service is good, but the phone system really sucks, they seriously need to upgrade the menus so you don't have to hit so many buttons to get to your balance. They recently partnered with a chain of credit unions, so there is now free accress to your money all over.
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Review from Zach C.
Palo Alto, CA
8/10/2008
Hands down the best financial institution I have ever done business with.
Exceptional customer service. Notary public services for members. That's a key concept here: one is a member of a credit union, which is not the same as a bank per se -- it's better. Think about it, banks are publicly traded, therefore have a profit-motive, and therefore do not necessarily do the best by their customers. If you can join a credit union, do it. Besides, just look at their rates.
I have a debit account, savings account, and car loan through SFCU. -
Review from Jena W.
Mountain View, CA
6/30/2009
Good luck reaching Maribel if you are assigned to her! I've complained to the manager because she will absolutely NOT return my calls. What awful customer service. If they didn't have such good rates I'd stop trying to call, but I want a good deal. We'll see if Maribel will ever give me a chance to get one!
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Review from Ryan T.
Mountain View, CA
2/10/2007
great financial institution, great service. they have helped alert me to anyone trying to commit fraud in using my visa-debit card number. very simple to finance my auto through them.
