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Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 8:41 PM
(3 stars)
OK Credit Union
Northwest Federal Credit Union
(3 stars)I recently opened a Northwest Federal Credit Union and here are my thoughts so far. The online process was fine for the most part, except when I didn't check off the right box for how I qualified to be a member. Because of this, my application was in limbo until I called them to ask a question on what they call the "signature page" that you have to print out upon completion of the application, sign and mail back to them. Okay, step one completed. I had checked off that I wanted to apply for their credit card. Again, that was in limbo too. More than a week past until I again called and they took additional information from me to process the credit card. They had asked how much I credit did I want. They said if I didn't state how much then I would get the automatic $2000. $2000??? Considering I have excellent and established credit, I was a bit insulted. It wasn't worth it to open a credit card for that amount. Again, I get more paperwork in the mail to sign and return. I finally get my debit card in the mail. Had to wait a bit to get my PIN. Then I tried to change my address, but their policy is that you can't change your address within 30 days from opening a new account for security reasons. Then I try to link up this account to another external bank account. I was having a tough time and called their customer service number. The rep was nice and friendly, but didn't know the answer nor did she try to problem solve. So here is the bottom line. NWFCU has nice customer service and you don't have to press a gazillion numbers when you call their call center to speak to a rep. NWFCU was highly recommended by a friend and I was told they have good credit card rewards and that's my primary reason for opening the account. However, compared to other banks and credit unions, they are a bit ancient in today's standards with technology and efficiency. I am a member of 2 other banks and NWFCU has the least robust website and online banking. They need a serious online banking upgrade. In my other credit union, to qualify for free checking, you just have to meet 2 out of 3 of their criteria, both of which are very reasonable. With NWFC, you have to meet all their criteria and I believe there are 5. If you are looking for VERY basic online service and have patience - give them a shot. If you want more capabilities from a bank - consider other options. I probably won't used them for my primary banking transactions, but I thought I would give them a try.
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2. Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 3:20 PM
I'm currently an NWFCU member, but with only a "keep alive" deposit at this time. In the past I had over half my net worth with them and interacted with them a lot.
It's a decent enough CU, but the OP's comment regarding technology is spot on. They are not up to speed with their technology. I didn't find that a deal breaker, however. I left because NWFCU interest rates, at the time I left, were not up to competition.
I would put more money into NWFCU if the interest rates were more competitive. The people are good to work with, within the limitations of their step-behind technical support. Bottom line, I would recommend NWFCU gently. It's an OK CU. It's not Alliant . . . but very few credit unions can match Alliant.
It's a decent enough CU, but the OP's comment regarding technology is spot on. They are not up to speed with their technology. I didn't find that a deal breaker, however. I left because NWFCU interest rates, at the time I left, were not up to competition.
I would put more money into NWFCU if the interest rates were more competitive. The people are good to work with, within the limitations of their step-behind technical support. Bottom line, I would recommend NWFCU gently. It's an OK CU. It's not Alliant . . . but very few credit unions can match Alliant.
3
