First Entertainment Credit Union

First Entertainment
- barbyann - Sunday, June 3, 2012 - 1:45 AM

We went to the Wilshire branch today to have money wired to our bank in France and a signature guarantee on a document.  I was told I need to come back for the guarantee - no one there to help - and after about 10 minutes of looking over the information for the wire transfer, the teller informed us that she couldn't do anything without a swift code so we need to come back for that too - so much for the special trip to the bank.  When I got home I googled swift code BNP and immediately found that it is also known as a BIC code. The BIC code is what we showed the teller on our wire instruction sheet from BNP but she was convinced that it needed to be a "swift" code, so we left.  

The tellers at First Entertainment seem to be lacking the most basic knowledge of how their bank (or any bank) functions. From the day we first set up our account 4 years ago, I have had concerns and it just keeps getting worse. I have gotten wrong or conflicting information every time I have tried to do anything other than a simple deposit or withdrawal

I am looking for another bank, any recommendations would be appreciated.

First Entertainment Federal Credit Union -- Good Service
- me1004 - Friday, June 18, 2010 - 2:50 PM

My experience with First Entertainment FCU in Hollywood was good. They were clear and informative about the products, fees, anything else they offer. I went into the branch to open my membership and to open a CD. All went smoothly. 

I note, they are part of the shared branch system under which various credit unions agree to let other credit union's members make transactions. I consider this a major benefit as it provides a lot more options all over the country to go to a branch to take care of some of your transactions. 

The only issue I have found with the shared branch system is some limits on withdrawals -- seems they normally won't let you withdrawal more than about $500 of cash -- and fees if you want your withdrawal in check form, which would be necessary for larger withdrawals. But I have found no limits or fees on deposits.

First Entertainment had good service in person and on the Internet. Their rates are not always very high, though, but every once in a while they have a good promotion to grab.

Average Service
- calisaver - Monday, April 22, 2013 - 1:04 AM

Their branch service is inconsistent and depends on which branch you use.  The Main Office and Studio City employees are rude and indifferent.  The Burbank and Encino staff are better trained and appear to be more interested in helping members.  Their phone service is inconsistent as well and depends on when you call.  After hours service is handled by an outside company and they are limited in what they can do.  I have a savings and loan with them.  The rates are average.  I use their Encino Branch to make deposits and withdrawals to another credit union I belong too as they participate in a share branching program. I have had no problems with the shared branching.  Every time I compare their services I find a better deal somewhere else.  I have kept the account because I have had it for years and joined when they were Columbia-Warner FCU.  They used to be a friendly place but not so these days.