First Financial Credit Union is headquartered in Pasadena and is the 74th largest credit union in the state of California. It is also the 530th largest credit union in the nation. It was established in 1974 and as of December of 2022, it had grown to 123 employees and 34,570 members at 8 locations. First Financial Credit Union's CD rates are 5X the national average, but it has a C health rating.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Membership in First Financial Credit Union is open to active and retired members of the California Teachers Association (CTA) and its subsidiaries, as well as employees of CTA; members of six California education associations; and (2) employees of Spectrum Communications, Three Valleys Municipal Water District, and over 70 area Select Employer Groups (a full list is posted on the credit union's website). Family and household members of the credit union are also eligible.
See current membership details
First Financial satisfied customer
Although my local physical branch closed down and the remaining branches are inconveniently located, this credit union shares access with tons of other credit unions' ATM's, so that hasn't been a problem. And since I do most of my banking online, and their system is adequate, I haven't needed a physical branch anyway. If I have any issues, I can always contact customer service by phone and they take care of everything. I recently took out an auto loan and the process was simple and easy over the phone and through email. I've always had helpful and cheerful experiences with customer service. I've had terrible experiences with several of the major banks in the past, which is why I switched to First Financial Credit Union in the first place. I've been a satisfied customer ever since.
Beware Of This Credit Union
Poorly run, poorly managed, extremely high turn over in staff and management. Expenses and overhead are out of control. Very difficult to get a loan approved and funded. Getting a simple task done from the call center is a ordeal mainly due to management and staff unprepared and unable to perform the tasks. They staff lacks training and tenure with the company to handle the most remedial function. Beware, do not open an account or take a loan out with this poorly managed credit union. You will regret it.
Data as of Q4 2022
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 24875 |
| Year Chartered | 1974 |
| Employees | 123 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 0.09% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 12.22% |
| Annual Interest Income | $23.4MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $778.9MM$804.3MM |
| Loans | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $384.5MM$339.7MM |
| Deposits | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $730.3MM$746.3MM |
| Equity Capital | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $5.7MM$55.4MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $1.7MM$1.8MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $1.4MM$1.1MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q4 2022vs Q4 2021 | $0$0 |