Bank Local | Become a Member | AltaOne Federal Credit Union (2024)

At AltaOne Federal Credit Union, banking local means investing in you.

Banking local with AltaOne Federal Credit Union is like giving a warm hug to your community! When you bank with us, you're actually fueling local growth, helping create jobs, and supporting small businesses - it's a win-win for everyone!

AltaOne is not a huge, impersonal, for-profit corporate banking giant. We're a friendly not-for-profit financial cooperative, owned by the folks who bank with us. Becoming a member is as easy as saying "hello" with a simple application and a $25 deposit. And guess what? This membership comes with awesome benefits like competitive rates on accounts, loans that make you smile, and a bunch of other great perks and discounts you'll love. So come on and join AltaOne - we can't wait to welcome you to our financial family.

Why Choose AltaOne?

Community Vibes: We are community-oriented. We’re owned by our members, which means you're not a customer, you’re a member/owner. We’re not a faceless giant corporation; we’re your local small business owners and next-door neighbors partnering together to help each other reach their financial goals.

Personal Touch: We offer a more personalized experience. You're not just a number; we actually get to know you and care about your financial goals and life plans.

Great Rates, Lower Fees: We offer better deals on loans, credit cards, and checking accounts that help you keep more money in your pocket!

Local Focus: We reinvest in the local community. We fund local projects, support charities, and help out small businesses. So, by banking with us, you’re giving an economic boost to the community.

Profit = You: Banks are for-profit corporations that are all about making a profit for their shareholders. We are a not-for-profit financial cooperative that is focused on our members' well-being. Profits circle back to you in the form of better rates, lower fees, and expanded services.

What’s the difference between a Credit Union and a Bank?

Credit unions are community-oriented financial institutions that are not-for-profit organizations owned by their members (that's you!). Since they're not driven by making a big profit, they offer more personalized services and have lower fees and better interest rates on savings and loans.

Banks are for-profit financial institutions that have the goal of making the most money they can for their shareholders (not you).

Although banks may have a lot of branches and ATMs, AltaOne has banded together with other credit unions to offer more than 33,000 Co-Op surcharge-free ATMs and 5,300 Co-Op Shared Branches which is more than most large national banks.

We give back!

We're all about giving back and volunteering because, well, it just feels right, you know? We believe that success isn't just about numbers; it's about making a positive impact on our community. So, our awesome team loves to get out there and pitch in at local charities, schools, and community shindigs. We're not just your typical financial folks; we're here to help make our hometowns even more awesome. And hey, with our members by our side, we're all in this together, making our communities brighter and better.

People like us! They really, really like us!

We’ve been voted one of the best financial institutions over and over again in Kern County! It's not just about the awards, but what they represent - trust and satisfaction. Our dedicated team has been working tirelessly to provide our members and communities with top-notch financial services that meet their needs, and we're grateful that our efforts have been recognized. We're committed to continuing to serve with the same dedication and passion that got us here.

Eligibility

You are eligible to become an AltaOne member if you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties and selected communities in northern San Bernardino County or are an immediate family member of an AltaOne member.

Once a member, always a member!

Moving out of the area? Don’t worry, we’re part of the Co-Op ATM & Shared Branch network with locations coast-to-coast. You can keep your AltaOne membership and all your membership benefits if you live locally or across the country. Find the nearest AltaOne or Co-Op Shared Branch.

Important Information

Funds Availability Policy

Our general policy is to allow you to withdraw funds deposited in your account on the same business day we receive the deposit. In some cases, we may delay your ability to withdraw funds beyond the business day of the deposit. The funds will generally be available no later than the fifth business day after the deposit.

Procedures for Opening a New Account

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money-laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each individual or entity that opens an account.

What this Means for You
When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information, which allows us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents. In addition, on legal entity accounts, we will require identification for Beneficial Owners and Controlling Persons.

All New Accounts are Opened Using ChexSystems

ChexSystems, Inc. is a nationwide specialty consumer reporting agency and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of FIS.

Bank Local | Become a Member | AltaOne Federal Credit Union (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to be local to join a credit union? ›

Credit unions only allow membership if you belong to a particular organization, work for a certain employer, or live, work, attend school or religious services in a certain geographical area, such as a city or county.

What is the difference between a federal credit union and a local credit union? ›

The main difference is whether the permit to do business as a credit union was granted by the state government or the federal government. Whenever a new credit union is established, the organizers apply for either a state or national (federal) credit union charter.

What makes you a member of a credit union? ›

Many credit unions serve anyone that lives, works, worships or attends school in a particular geographic area. Membership in a group, such as a place of worship, school, labor union or homeowners' association may qualify you to join.

What's the difference between a regular bank and a federal credit union? ›

Banks are typically for-profit entities owned by shareholders who expect to earn dividends. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives that are committed to the financial success of the individuals, families, and communities they serve.

What is the easiest credit union to join? ›

Credit Unions With Easy Membership Requirements
  1. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. ...
  2. Alliant Credit Union. Alliant Credit Union. ...
  3. Bethpage Federal Credit Union. ...
  4. Blue Federal Credit Union. ...
  5. Connexus Credit Union. ...
  6. Consumers Credit Union. ...
  7. Credit Human Federal Credit Union. ...
  8. Dow Credit Union.
May 2, 2024

Does joining a credit union affect your credit score? ›

Joining a credit union won't help build your credit score on its own, but it can be a good first step toward building your credit. Here are a few other ways that you can build your credit score: Use a credit card cosigner to increase your approval odds. Apply for a secured credit card, which requires making a deposit.

Why do banks not like credit unions? ›

First, bankers believe it is unfair that credit unions are exempt from federal taxation while the taxes that banks pay represent a significant fraction of their earnings—33 percent last year. Second, bankers believe that credit unions have been allowed to expand far beyond their original purpose.

Is it better to be a member of a credit union or a bank? ›

Credit unions can be ideal for a low-interest loan, lower mortgage closing costs, or reduced fees, but you'll need to qualify for membership. Larger banks may offer you more choices regarding products, apps, and international or commercial products and services, and anyone can join.

What are three ways for credit union membership? ›

As set forth in the Act and Chartering Manual, there are three types of federal credit union charters: single common bond (one occupational or associational group), multiple common bond (multiple groups), and community.

Are federal credit unions safer than banks? ›

Like banks, which are federally insured by the FDIC, credit unions are insured by the NCUA, making them just as safe as banks.

What is the best credit union to bank with? ›

Choosing the best credit union: Where to begin
Brand nameBest forAPY*
AlliantOverallUp to 3.10%
PenFedRewards credit cardUp to 3%
First Tech Federal Credit UnionLow-interest credit cardUp to 5%
Consumers Credit UnionDeposit account varietyUp to 3%
4 more rows
May 22, 2024

What is the advantage of a federal credit union? ›

If a credit union is a member of the National Credit Union Administration, members' deposits are federally insured by the NCUA's Share Insurance Fund for up to $250,000 per depositor. More personal service. Credit unions are usually local or regional, which means service may be more personal. Educational resources.

What is the downside of banking with a credit union? ›

Credit unions tend to have fewer branches than traditional banks. A credit union may not be close to where you live or work, which could be a problem unless your credit union is part of a shared branch network and/or a large ATM network such as Allpoint or MoneyPass. May offer fewer products and services.

How to choose a local credit union? ›

How to choose the best credit union: 5 things to consider
  1. Membership requirements.
  2. Range of products and services.
  3. Fees and account requirements.
  4. Dividends.
  5. Customer service and accessibility.
Jun 8, 2023

How does credit union work in California? ›

As a cooperative, a credit union conducts its business for the mutual benefit and general welfare of its members with the earnings, savings, benefits, or services of the credit union being distributed to its members as patrons.

Can anyone join Space Coast credit union? ›

SCCU serves 600,000+ members in 34 counties in Florida. So, if you're searching for a “credit union near me,” and you live or work in one of these counties, we'd love to have you as a member! You can become an SCCU member by opening an account online or at one of our 65 branch locations.

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