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LAST UPDATED: January 31st, 2021

Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Telhio Credit Union claims to be "one of the largest and most trusted credit unions in Central Ohio." Telhio is a not-for-profit institution with six locations that offer the same benefits as a traditional bank, including offerings in personal banking, business banking, loans/credit, and investment planning. The credit union claims to be the "#1 SBA credit union" and a top-10 overall banking institution. Telhio is open to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Franklin, Fairfield, Delaware, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties in Ohio. Consumers that choose Telhio should remember that they must have a credit score of 550 or higher.

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The Good

  • Member Service
  • Variety of Loan Options

Member Service

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives between people who share a common bond, such as an employer, an association or a community group. Members can borrow from pooled deposits at low-interest rates and are entitled to a say in how the credit union is run. In addition, Telhio offers members discounts on a number of restaurants, retailers, auto dealers, insurers and more.

Variety of Loan Options

Telhio's lending department offers a variety of business loans, including:

  • Commercial and business real estate loans
  • Small business association (SBA) 7a loans
  • Small business association (SBA) 504 loans
  • Business lines of credit
  • Business credit cards
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The Bad

  • Must Speak to a Representative
  • Regional Institution

Must Speak to a Representative

While Telhio touts great member benefits like low-interest rates and customer service, it is difficult to actually get real numbers without speaking to a representative on the phone (we also tried the "live chat" feature to no avail). Though the most basic information was curated in a quick, four-minute conversation, the nearly 20-minute wait leading up to this is not a mark of speedy or helpful customer service.

Regional Institution

While some prefer the local business service and charm regional credit unions offer, institutions like Telhio are often limited by location-in this case, seven branches in Central Ohio. In addition, many online reviews claim that Telhio's "hands-off approach" in putting the onus on customers-another side effect of regional credit unions-is actually detrimental and often results in little transparency and "hidden" fees.

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The Bottom Line

There are definitely a large number of consumers who prefer the service of regional credit unions versus large banking institutions. However, Telhio is lacking a great deal of information that we find important. We do not recommend working with Telhio at this time.

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Charlie ,

Telhio doesn't care about customers. Telhio has terrible policies. An example is about a deposited check. It took 3 days for less than 1/2 the money. 10 days for over half to be credited. I called a Telhio rep. I asked them to credit the money. I was told that a computer decided when money would be credited. She said the money might not be in my account yet. I told he that I'd called the other bank. Telhio had the money. She said she wasn't saying the money wasn't there. The computer decides when money will be available. Here's the best service offer I ever got. I said that I was considering closing my accounts. Immediately, the rep asked if she could help me with that. I was in a drive thru lane. 3rd in line. The 1st car had already sent the tune in. My wait was 21 minutes. Telhio SUCKS!! I've had accounts since 1972. Goodbye Telhio!!

3 years ago