CEFCU is headquartered in Peoria and is the 2nd largest credit union in the state of Illinois. It is also the 26th largest credit union in the nation. It was established in 1937 and as of December of 2018, it had grown to 882 employees and 337,569 members at 28 locations. CEFCU's money market rates are 2X the national average, and it has an A health rating.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Membership in Citizens Equity First Credit Union is open to those who live or work in Knox, Fulton, Logan, Livingston, Macon, McLean, Mason, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Sangamon, Stark, Tazewell, or Woodford counties in Illinois, to those who live, worship or work in Contra Costa, Alameda, or Santa Clara Counties in California. Membership is also open to employees or retirees of Caterpiller, Inc., its dealerships and subsidiaries and to other partner companies (membership requirements are listed in the credit union's online application).
See current membership details
Related Posts
2/14/12 - More Publicity on CEFCU's CD Early Withdrawal Penalty Change
1/20/12 - Another Credit Union Increases Early Withdrawal Penalty on Existing CDs
4/28/10 - Top Long-Term CD Rates at CEF Credit Union in IL & CA - Local Only
2/4/10 - Great Place To Put Your Money
12/2/09 - 3.50% 60-Month CD at CEF Credit Union in IL & CA - Local Only
3/10/09 - 3.10% 24-Month CD at CEFCU in California and Illinois
8/9/07 - 5.55% 5-Month CD at an Illinois Credit Union (CEFCU)
8/7/06 - 6.00% 7-Month CD at an Illinois CU (CEFCU)
Great experience at local credit union.
I recently paid off my car loan through CEFCU, my local credit union. Working with CEFCU was easy. My rates were better than any of the big banks and the customer servive was top notch. Not only were fees virtually nonexistant, but I received a dividend as a contributor to their profits. The online portal made it easy to check my loan balance and make payments. When I wanted to make payments in person, it was just as easy. They have several conveniently located locations in my area. The tellers are always courtious and I never seem to have to wait in line. I will definitely consider CEFCU as my first choice for my next car loan.
Review Of Cefco Credit Union
This is a great Credit Union. I have been with them many years. They even pay back profits to owners at year end. This year I got a check for 1350.00. They also have a good Visa card. Their rates may not be the highest in the country; but they are close.
20 Year Member
I have been a member of CEFCU for over 20 years. I have a checking account and savings account established there. I feel like it took a longer time for CEFCU to advance with the technology required in today's banks, but they have finally come around to providing quality products that have current technology. The ability to also walk into any local branch and talk to a qualified individual about my banking needs is very refreshing in these times of only speaking through technology as well. I have established my teenage son his own accounts there as well to build him a solid banking history and establish good habits.
Good bank but could use a better website.
This bank is pretty reliable and accessible. Every time I try to talk to support they are very nice and help me with my problems fairly quickly. The longest time I actually had to go into the bank was when my debit card was declined at a gas station. I went in for a couple minutes and by the time I got out it was done and I had access to my debit card again. The only problem I have with it is the website is a bit clunky and hard to log in to but once you get past that the website works great.
A good credit union, but not perfect
We have been CEFCU customers for a few years now. We have had a good experience banking with them, and have never had any mix-ups with our accounts or information. They have quite a few branches and good office hours. However, there have been a few things prove to be inconvenient. First, the website is very touchy. Every time our computer does an update, the website no longer recognizes our computer and requires an extra identity check via a text sent to my phone. Also, my husband opened this account prior to us being married, and I was added as a joint account holder later on. However, since he is the primary member, everything comes to him. my debit card pin came in the mail addressed to him. Then, when I called to activate my debit card and entered part of my SSN for verification, the system said it wasn't valid and I had to wait and speak with an employee. What they wanted was my husband's information, even though the card is in my name. It can be confusing at times. CEFCU is a decent credit union, but it has proved frustrating for us at times.
Excellent Bank But High Overdraw Fees
I've used Cefcu for years and have been very happy with the service I've received. Customer support is very kind and understanding. If you have a problem they will solve it for you as quickly as they possibly can. Their website is very easy to use. Everything you could want to do is available to you. Transfers between accounts are instant. The only problem I've had with Cefcu is that a month ago an overdraft fee was applied to my account due to an error on their part. The fee was $60 which is more taht I expected. However, after a quick call to customer support the fee was removed from my account. The service itself is down very rarely (Usually around 3am CST) If you're looking for a bank you can't go wrong with Cefcu.
My experience with cefcu.com
I am a customer of cefcu.com for last 5 years.My experience with cefcu.com is overall satisfactory.It allows later deposit which helps me to have fewer overdrafts and fees associated with them. Their customer service is better. This customer service is not excellent but satisfactory so far. Their iphone app is ok but they need to improve more customer friendly. However their website is good and informative. They have very good products which meet customer expectation. Their fees are reasonable and competitive.I would definitely recommend this credit union to my friends and relatives.
Service Is Great
I joined this credit union recently because the have a track record of returning some of their excess income in the form of special dividend payments each year. This dividend is paid to borrowers and savers. I applied for a basic savings which has an ok rate of .30%. I also applied for a no annual fee VISA and was approved the same day. The loan officer also noted that they could refinance my car at a rate that was 2% lower than I was currently paying. So I also was able to lower my car payment without extending the term. The only problem I experienced was that they forgot to send my VISA card which after I called them was promptly sent
Data as of Q4 2018
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 68448 |
| Year Chartered | 1937 |
| Employees | 882 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 0.51% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 5.31% |
| Annual Interest Income | $211.4MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q4 2018vs Q4 2017 | $5.95B$5.81B |
| Loans | Q4 2018vs Q4 2017 | $4.44B$4.22B |
| Deposits | Q4 2018vs Q4 2017 | $5.25B$5.13B |
| Equity Capital | Q4 2018vs Q4 2017 | $571.9MM$556.8MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q4 2018vs Q4 2017 | $27.7MM$25.8MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q4 2018vs Q4 2017 | $19.8MM$19.3MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q4 2018vs Q4 2017 | $472.00K$1.7MM |
Always verify rates and promotions with the bank or credit union. We are not CEFCU; we are a rate comparison website and cannot provide official rates or promotions.
* The APY shown varies based on the deposit amount. Expand the listing to see APYs for other deposit amounts.
CEFCU Savings Account Rates
CEFCU Money Market Rates
| APY | MIN | MAX | ACCOUNT NAME | VIEW DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.90%* | $100k* | - | Insured Money Market Account | ||
| OTHER TIERS: 0.45% → $2.5k - $25k | 0.60% → $25k - $50k | 0.75% → $50k - $100k | |||||
CEFCU Checking Account Rates
| APY | MIN | MAX | ACCOUNT NAME | VIEW DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10% | $2.5k | - | Dividend Checking |
