Arrowhead Credit Union is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga and is the 28th largest credit union in the state of California. It is also the 180th largest credit union in the nation. It was established in 1949 and as of December of 2022, it had grown to 401 employees and 188,063 members at 20 locations. Arrowhead Credit Union's CD rates are 3X the national average, and it has an A health rating.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Membership in Arrowhead Credit Union is open the following: 1) those who live, work or worship in San Bernardino or Riverside Counties in California or select cities in southern Los Angeles County; 2) anyone employed by the State of California; 3) immediate family member of a current member.
See current membership details
Why go big when you can go small?
Walking into an Arrowhead Credit Union feels just like walking into any other bank though this one seems more down to earth, sometimes there are children's doodles on the walls or random, thrifty decorations for holidays. You're greeted not just by some employee but rather someone from the community and while you wait in line, it feels like you can chat with others about any local news. This feeling of homeliness is amazing when it comes to a financial institution. This is certainly a place that takes care of you and does it well, rather than write you off, the tellers feel like they teach you something when you have questions rather than just "get it done." Though simple, the loans are easy to navigate and the accounts are beyond easy to set up. It's a small organization with a coherent enough app but something without all the bells and whistles is a good sacrifice for a bank that will take your needs into account. It feels like their level of commitment to the customer means that you're walking hand in hand with this bank rather than being some disposable number. I recommend anyone in the area to this institution as there are so many fed up with normal big banks.
A lovely, local institution
Arrowhead Credit Union has been an institution my family has been with for a number of years so, naturally, when it was my time to open a checking account, I figured I would start there. They made the process of getting started very easy and their lack of almost any fees whatsoever was really motivating in that it encourages you to keep banking with them without the discouragement of seeing a certain amount taken out of your account every month for what seems like no reason. Their debit cards can be used anywhere and they're always quick to make money available and though it is a local institution, they have plenty of branches in this area. The only parts that are unfortunate is that while their mobile and online presence is well maintained, it is still a small operation which also coincides with wanting to speak to representatives. The service you get will be excellent when you can actually get it. Though these inconveniences may be frustrating at any given moment you experience them, it is definitely worth it when compared to larger, national banks who only seem out to get you, levy you with constant hidden charges, and see you as nothing more than a number. I've recommended Arrowhead to plenty of friends who come back to me with similar, happy results.
Arrowhead Credit Union
Arrowhead Credit Union offers memberships available to residents of San Bernardino County or Riverside County in Southern California. I have been a member of this credit union for 13 years, and have extensively used their basic checking and savings products. We direct deposit funds in to our Arrowhead Credit Union checking account each month and use various bill pay and ACH services to pay our monthly bills. Customer service is always very professional, and when we had an issue with one of our debit cards, Arrowhead employees were very efficient in providing a replacement card same day. This did require me to visit a local branch, but the face to face experience was very smooth and satisfying. Their branch locations are very professionally managed, clean and welcoming. They even interacted with my children to make it a fascinating experience for them as well, even for such a simple visit. My only complaint would be the automatic transfer fees that are charged when you have the overdraft protection set up on your account. Typically, we deposit funds into our savings account, and will transfer the amount we need into the checking account to pay bills or make other purchases. Should we run low, Arrowhead will initiate the appropriate transfer for you, but they will charge $3 each time. This adds up for something that is done electronically without human involvement. So we keep a much closer eye on our accounts to avoid this. Other than that, Arrowhead does have additional services and products (loans, etc.) that are very competitive add ons, though we have not had personal experience with these.
Arrowhead Credit Union Review
I have been banking with Arrowhead Credit Union for over 16 years and have never had an issue to complain about. From opening my first checking and savings account, to deposits and withdrawals (both in person and through ATMs), to mobile online banking, they are a full service credit union that leaves you feeling comfortable and valued every time you come in contact. When I first started banking with them I had to physically go into the bank weekly to deposit checks - reps were always very courteous and helpful and I never had to wait long. Now I have direct deposit (and have for many years), but if I have an odd check to deposit I'll utilize one of their many partner credit union ATMs in the area for no fees or their new mobile deposit feature.
If I do have to make a trip into the bank (replacement card, etc.) the wait times are short and reps are always more than helpful. Their website is easy to use and functional -- my bank statements are always readily available online and they very rarely have downtime for maintenance on the website. Products are offered at competitive rates (I've looked at credit cards, auto and home loans through them) and their fraud department is excellent. The few times I have had to deal with fraud on the account, Arrowhead caught it first and protected me from additional loss.
The only negative with Arrowhead is the % of interest yield on my savings account. It is relatively low compared to accounts I could get elsewhere but all of the other pluses about Arrowhead are what keep me there.
Data as of Q4 2022
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 60700 |
| Year Chartered | 1949 |
| Employees | 401 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 0.95% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 11.81% |
| Annual Interest Income | $50.7MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $2.42B$2.24B |
| Loans | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $993.9MM$680.7MM |
| Deposits | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $2.06B$1.99B |
| Equity Capital | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $190.0MM$223.3MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $9.1MM$9.5MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $4.1MM$2.3MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $0$0 |
