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December 2020 by Dayna V.
I have been using Schools first for several years and have been very happy with their wonderful and above the mark customer service..... UNTIL, during the past month, I have had 2 issues and it took many hours to reach a customer service person. In one case, I ended up going to the branch and sitting there until it was resolved. Then today, I discovered that a check I wrote to a relative back in April was debited from my account TWICE - once in April and again 2 weeks ago. My relative did NOT deposit it twice and if someone DID attempt to deposit a check twice, I trust my financial institution to insure the funds are not withdrawn twice. So I waited for 2 + hours for a call, and once I got one, spent another 2 hours speaking with a representative and on hold as they investigated. The bottom line was this: Schools First doesn't appear to have any system to insure this doesn't happen. If I had not gone through my account, I would have lost $1200. I asked what protected members from this and there is nothing. He claimed "it happens". Time to find a new credit union. So bummed.
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September 2020 by Mayra E.
Getting to know Daniel was such a pleasure for our family. He lightened up our day every time we went into the Oceanside location with his uplifting personality. He always made sure to take care of my dad and my dad would always make sure to look or ask for him whenever we visited this location. He was a very sweet, smart, kind hearted man. My dad and him immediately had a bond when they met. Daniel would always make sure to ask my father about his plans for the week and actually make conversation and was interested and did not treat him or any of us like just another customer. Not only did he help my father but, they also had a nice friendship & some memorable conversations which I know my dad really appreciated. I could tell how happy my dad would be whenever Daniel was there to help him. He really knew how to welcome customers in with his great personality and positivity. We never felt like we were going to the bank. It was more like visiting a close family friend whenever we saw Daniel. We were all happy to see Daniel and he always strived to give us the most excellent service as he always did. My family enjoyed his presence and great personality. My dad was recently informed about his absence because my father always asked for Daniel and he continued to wonder about his whereabouts but every time he went Daniel just wasn't there. Which was all he knew for a while. Finally 2 months go by and he was informed by an employee for good and obvious reasons so my father wouldn't have to ask or wonder about his absence any longer. We were all greatly saddened to hear this news and just couldn't believe it. Our condolences to his family and anyone else that is suffering from any type of pain. I'm sure he would've only wanted the best for everyone. Although, he will be greatly missed, we're sure he filled tons of other peoples lives with the same positivity and light that he shared with our family. We will continue to remember him as the strongly driven, kind-hearted, positive, caring person he was and we are glad to have gotten to meet an exceptional gentleman. We will cherish and carry on the memories we shared. Thank you Daniel!
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July 2020 by Eileen H.
Over the top fantastic service and amazing staff! I've been with SchoolsFirst for years and I have depended on them to help and they improved my credit too!
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September 2019 by James U.
Again disappointed after being a member since 1982. Applied for a simple loan $13,000 with a fico score in the high 700's and always paying all loans on time. I was declined and was offered a different loan and was directed to the real estate dept. This after being approved for a car loan of $50,000.After complaining was told I could get the original simply loan. Very disappointed .
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July 2019 by Gigi P.
Went in for help on a refinancing mortgage applied online and been having problem to contact the loan officer. Kristina offered to contact the OC main office since she said this branch does not do real estate. She went into her computer using my account ID and CA State ID to look up something for a while then went around helping others for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally she came out to say that she will use the phone to connect the main office for me or she gives me the extension, so I can call them by myself. Why did you have to look up my account with my IDs and gave me the extension to the loan office, of which is posted all over the net or SFCU web site,? I could do that myself at home.
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June 2019 by Ryan D.
This place is a great alternative from big banking. I've never felt like I was a number when visiting this branch. My grandparents, parents and I have been members for decades. They've always had top notch customer service and competitive rates on loans/credit cards. Their CD rates are also the best I've seen from a brick and mortar bank/credit union. This is an Orange County based credit union and their reach here in San Diego is limited. It's rare that I need to go to a branch but a little frustrating that there is only one branch here in the county. They don't carry a lot of cash on hand which makes it difficult when buying a car with cash. This branch has to order in the money in advance if you plan on buying a car with cash instead of a check. I was told that they could give me a large amount of cash if I drove up to Orange County at another branch which is an hour away. Other than the lack of branch network in the county, this place is great. All of the staff at Oceanside is always attentive and makes you feel like they care. I don't use them as much as I used to but I would definitely come back if they expand more into the county.
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January 2019 by Nicole S.
Felt an updated review was necessary after SchoolsFirst helped me with the purchase of my first car. Visited the branch to discuss with a representative how the whole process works prior to heading out to the dealership. The in branch representative was extremely helpful and mentioned if I needed additional help while car shopping to call the hotline which I did before making my purchase final. Telephone representative was very helpful as well and even gave me tips for how to get the price where I wanted to ensure I was paying the fair price. Going into car shopping I had a lot of anxiety especially being I had never done it before - SchoolsFirst made the process simple and stress free. Thanks again for the outstanding customer service.
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December 2018 by Jennifer C.
Applied for an auto loan, was approved within a couple hours. Went into the branch to finalize the paperwork and had the pleasure of working with Daniel! He explained everything so I could understand what I was getting myself into. Very knowledgeable and a genuinely nice guy!
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August 2018 by Nicole S.
So grateful I am a member of SchoolsFirst. This is my primary branch, but I can speak for them all..excellent customer service! Whether it's on the phone or in person every representative has gone above and beyond to assist me with any and all of my needs and does so with a patient and great attitude. Thank you SchoolsFirst!
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March 2018 by H W.
All Schools First credit unions have fabulous customer service in my experience. However this one is EXCEPTIONAL! The staff was friendly, quick and helpful. They were on the ball and knew what they were doing. The location was clean, the staff made me feel comfortable and assured that all my needs were met. Very happy to be banking here and plan to for a long time. Thanks Oceanside location, you're awesome
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January 2018 by Joey Babcock
Not sure this exists
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March 2017 by Inigo M.
I've been a School First customer since it was OCTFCU. To say the least I was beyond excited when this branch popped up across the street from my current home. I've had nothing but a great experience every time I've come to this location. A few weeks ago I even opened an account for my daughter and they were beyond helpful and amazing.
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January 2017 by Trevor R.
I'm not one to write reviews on Yelp, but after coming in a little earlier and receiving such unconditional kindness and care, I really felt compelled to write something! To start off, I've been a member with School's First/Teacher's First since I was in high school, and the customer service has always been good if not great. Today though (I feel so rude I did not catch her name), I was helped way beyond the "call of duty" and it was taken to a level of true human compassion. I will have to apologize as to not going into more detail due to embarrassment of the situation, but I'm grateful the lord has put this amazing human being in this branch and though she felt like she didn't do that much, she truely helped me/us more than she will ever know...
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October 2016 by Layla H.
I received exceptional customer service from Enrique, the Assistant Branch Manager. After coming from downtown San Diego and being stuck in traffic, Enrique didn't hesitant in assisting me, even though I arrived right after the branch closed. He understood my need to make a car payment that day and provided options for me. He exemplified patience and kindness and he reaffirmed why I've chosen Schools First for my third car loan within my 10 years as a member. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU Enrique!
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September 2016 by Raquel L.
I live in Southbay area Chula Vista. I don't mind the drive because the customer service they have is awesome.. Thank you even though I do wish a closer one will open up;)"
