Golden 1
Is This Your Business?1.0
1.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
LAST UPDATED: June 27th, 2019
Golden 1 started with a group of 11 California State employees in 1933 and a vision. This vision included the philosophy of “people helping people” which is the standard for many other credit unions. They have a strong desire to make high-quality products and services available to others all while strengthening their community. Golden 1 is California’s leading financial cooperative and the sixth largest credit union in the U.S. with over $9 billion in assets and 700,000 members. Golden 1 has about 80 branches and 30,000 ATM locations. Golden 1 is member-owned and offers a wide range of low-to-no fee financial products and services that offer higher yields on savings, lower rates on loans, and unmatched member service. Member deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Eligibility
- Rates
- Classes
Eligibility
Golden 1 Credit Union has a variety of ways to be eligible to join their credit union. Anyone who lives or works in 38 of California's 58 counties is eligible to join, working in pretty much any occupation.Rates
They offer loan rates on cars that are comparable with other credit unions, with rates for cars starting around 2.79%. Their free checking really is free without any hidden fees, and you will have access to 30,000 ATMs. Their savings account have a .20% APY with a minimum balance of $100, and their free basic checking also comes with the following:- Online banking
- Online bill pay
- Mobile deposits
- Mobile and text banking
- Visa debit card and many
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No minimum deposit or balance amount
- Online statements
- Free box of first checks
Classes
They even offer educational classes for their customers through webinars. Classes vary in topics from credit cards use/how to and building credit, to getting out of debt and saving money, and living on a budget. These webinars are very informative.The Bad
- Broad information
- Increasing your money
- Credit cards
Broad Information
So far nothing has been extremely impressive. Much of the information they have provided about their products and services is vague in detail and lacks information that would give a customer a better feel about who they really are as a credit union.Increasing Your Money
They do not offer dividends on a basic free checking account while many credit unions on average offer a small APY of at least .10% on free checking. Also, their rates for their premium checking and money market accounts are less than desirable. You will still get some perks with their basic savings account APY at .20% but don't count on your money growing very quickly. Even then, signing up for a premium account or a money market account will not get you many financial gains either. Not even with a savings certificate. Their rates for premium accounts, money market accounts and savings certificates compared to other credit unions is on the lower end and rate increases are tiered based off of the minimal amount in the account which is also has a higher requirement than most banks.Credit Cards
Lastly, their options for credit cards are extremely limited. They offer one type of card, but they do allow for customers to choose what option they want with their card, but it looks like one card isn't good for multiple benefits.The Bottom Line
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Peggy
I would recommend that you steer clear of Golden 1. They tried to illegally foreclose on my home. I got into some financial trouble during the recession and did fall behind on my payments. When I contacted Golden 1 to offer to settle the debt or begin payments again they refused to deal with me and said I COULD NOT make payments because of the bankruptcy I had to utilize due to the recession. I explained to them that they accepted payments for quite a while after my bankruptcy, but they would not listen. I received a notice of foreclosure. Pursuant to California law Civil Code section 2924c you are able to cure a default by paying the arrears and any fees. I went to Golden 1 with a check covering all the amounts in 2924c and they said I could not cure the default because of my prior bankruptcy. I argued with them and even cited the correct statutory law, but they would not budge. I left their office and hired a lawyer. Guess what happened? They agreed to accept the money and let me start making payments again. I have gotten back on track and have refinanced so I will never have to deal with this credit union again. How many people in my situation did not realize the law was on their side and let Golden 1 foreclose on their homes? I can't imagine that I was the only one. Think about that if you ever consider banking with this credit union. They obviously were playing the odds that I wouldn't hire a lawyer or know my rights. The alternative is that they were too ignorant to realize they were violating my statutory rights. Either choice is unacceptable.
7 years ago
Kate Kornkven Casper, WY
Terrible bank, extremely deceptive about account requirements to avoid fees. They're fees are ridiculously high , horrible Customer service.
6 years ago
