America First Credit Union Services and Features Overview

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America First Credit Union offers a wide range of services and features to its members. With over 1 million members and 127 branches, they have a significant presence in the financial industry.

They provide financial products and services that cater to various needs, including checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment services. Members can also access online banking and mobile banking services for convenient account management.

America First Credit Union is a not-for-profit cooperative, which means that any profits are returned to the members in the form of better rates, lower fees, and improved services. This business model allows them to offer competitive rates and terms to their members.

Their commitment to community involvement is also notable, with a strong focus on supporting local businesses and organizations through sponsorships and donations.

Membership and Services

America First Credit Union offers membership to individuals who live, work, or attend school in specific areas across several states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah.

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If you're interested in joining, you can check if your location is eligible by looking at the list of approved areas. For example, in Arizona, you're eligible if you live in Maricopa or Mohave counties, or in other areas like Page, Pima, or St. Johns.

The credit union has a range of services available to its members, including 24/7 ATM access, withdrawals, and deposits. You can also use a Coinstar Machine or receive a new debit card on the spot. Other services include Medallion Signature Services, transfers and loan payments, and prepaid gift cards.

Field of Membership

America First Credit Union has a wide field of membership, allowing individuals to join from various areas. They are approved by the National Credit Union Administration to accept members who live, work, regularly conduct business, worship, volunteer, or attend school in specific states.

To be eligible, you must reside in one of the following states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, or Utah. Members can also join if they work, conduct business, worship, volunteer, or attend school in these states.

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Here's a breakdown of the eligible areas within each state:

The credit union also sponsors several venues, including the America First Event Center, America First Field, and the America First Center in Henderson, Nevada.

Services

Services are a crucial part of what makes a membership valuable. You can access a 24/7 ATM, making it convenient to manage your finances.

The membership also offers a range of services, including withdrawals, deposits, and transfers & loan payments. These services are essential for managing your account and making financial transactions.

You can also use Medallion Signature Services, which is a convenient way to make transactions. Coinstar Machine is another service available, allowing you to deposit coins easily.

If you need a new debit card, you can receive one on the spot. This is a great feature for members who need a replacement card quickly. You can also order checks and apply for a loan through the membership services.

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Credit: pexels.com, White offroad vehicle parked on a city street near a credit union in Toronto. Urban and vibrant.

Other services include prepaid gift cards and the ability to open an account. These services are designed to make managing your finances as easy as possible.

Here's a list of some of the services available:

  • 24/7 ATM
  • Withdrawals
  • Deposits
  • Medallion Signature Services
  • Coinstar Machine
  • Receive a New Debit Card On the Spot
  • Order Checks
  • Apply for a Loan
  • Prepaid Gift Cards
  • Open an Account
  • Transfers & Loan Payments

Adapting Quickly

Adapting quickly is crucial for any organization, especially when it comes to implementing new programs or services. AFCU's experience with Awardco is a great example of this.

AFCU had already successfully implemented Awardco for their service award programs in October 2019. This laid the groundwork for them to adapt quickly to new challenges.

AFCU approached Awardco to see if they could use the platform to facilitate their semi-annual bonus program. Awardco was able to come up with a unique digital solution within a matter of days.

This solution was rolled out to AFCU's entire workforce within two weeks, demonstrating the speed and efficiency of Awardco's team.

Credit Card and Loans

America First Credit Union offers a range of credit card options, including cash back and rewards cards.

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With rates as low as 12.99% APR, you can save money on interest charges.

Their credit card options also offer features like 0% introductory APR and no annual fees.

Their loan options include personal loans, auto loans, and home equity loans, with competitive rates and flexible repayment terms.

You can borrow up to $50,000 with a personal loan, which can be used for anything from consolidating debt to funding a big purchase.

Their loan application process is quick and easy, with online applications available.

Getting Card Guard

Getting Card Guard is a breeze. You can download the mobile banking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Just log in with the same credentials you use for online banking, and you're good to go. Card Guard is free, which is a nice perk.

With Card Guard, you can enable or disable your card with just a few taps. This is super helpful if you lose your card or suspect it's been stolen.

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You can also set spending limits and review transaction details to stay on top of your finances. This feature is a great way to manage your card on the go.

Card Guard even allows you to deny purchases above a certain amount, which can help you stick to your budget.

Time Savings—With Interest

Using Awardco, AFCU was able to save an entire department's worth of time and logistical headaches by streamlining their bonus program.

Before implementing Awardco, AFCU's bonus program required an entire department to stop work for a day, twice a year. Now, the program can be managed by just two people in a few hours.

AFCU's experience is a testament to the time-saving potential of digital recognition programs. With Awardco, managers can connect with employees through personal messages, bonuses can be distributed, and employees still receive a high-touch treatment – all digitally.

Before Awardco, AFCU had no idea how many gift cards were going out or when, but now they have real-time budgetary updates. This level of transparency has been a game changer for their recognition programs.

AFCU's experience shows that digital recognition programs can be a game changer for businesses, saving time and providing valuable insights into their programs.

PPP Lender?

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America First Credit Union was a PPP lender, providing access to the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program portal to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic.

This program ended on May 31, 2021.

You don't need to make a direct deposit to open an America First Free Checking account, and there is no minimum opening balance required for this account.

Customer Experience

AFCU's customer service has taken a hit in the eyes of some members. One member had a frustrating experience when they accidentally tried to make a credit card payment from their business account, but due to a technical issue, the payment went through anyway, resulting in $50 in overdraft fees.

Limited customer support hours can lead to trouble for members. Members have reported that they can only get help during business hours and may have to wait one to two hours for assistance.

Best Customer Ever

A customer like this one is a dream come true for any business. They've been a member of the credit union for almost 30 years, a testament to the excellent service they've received.

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The customer service at this credit union is truly great, with no fees and good interest rates. This is a huge plus for customers who want to save money.

This customer is extremely happy with their switch from Wells Fargo, and it's clear why - the credit union is straight up with everything, with no hidden fees or charges. They're also impressed with the $1 opening fee, which is a fraction of what other credit unions charge.

The credit union's online features are also a hit with this customer, who loves the chat feature and does everything through chat and messages. They even have several certificate accounts, which they can easily manage online.

One of the standout features of this credit union is their willingness to offer perks to their customers, such as a free life insurance policy just for becoming a member. This kind of loyalty and appreciation is hard to find in the banking world.

This customer is so happy with their credit union that they'd give them 10 stars if they could - that's the ultimate endorsement.

Poor Service. Lack of Understanding

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A single mistake, like accidentally adding an extra zero to a payment, can lead to a nightmare of fees and frustration. The customer, who only used their AFCU account for a side business, tried to call AFCU to stop the payment, but they said they couldn't.

Two days later, the charge went through, along with another bill, and the customer was hit with $50 in overdraft fees. They called AFCU again to explain the situation, but were told there was nothing they could do.

It's not just the fees that are the problem, but the lack of understanding and empathy from the customer service team. The customer felt like they were dealing with "crooks" who only worked 9 to 5 and didn't care about their situation.

Unique Aspects

America First Credit Union is known for its unique aspects that set it apart from other financial institutions. They have a strong commitment to serving their members and the community.

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Their membership requirements are more flexible than many other credit unions, allowing anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in their service area to join. This makes it easy for people to become members and start benefiting from their services.

America First Credit Union has a wide range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment options. They also offer a mobile banking app that makes it easy to manage your finances on the go.

Their financial education resources and financial planning tools are designed to help members make informed decisions about their money. This includes online calculators and budgeting tools that can be accessed through their website.

America First Credit Union has a strong commitment to serving their members and the community, with a focus on financial education and empowerment. They offer financial literacy workshops and other resources to help members improve their financial well-being.

Krystal Bogisich

Lead Writer

Krystal Bogisich is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a versatile writer capable of tackling a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, where she has developed a particular interest in actuarial careers.

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