Safe 1 Credit Union is headquartered in Bakersfield and is the 64th largest credit union in the state of California. It is also the 450th largest credit union in the nation. It was established in 1952 and as of December of 2024, it had grown to 135 employees and 84,124 members at 9 locations. Safe 1 Credit Union's money market rates are 5X the national average, and it boasts an A+ health rating.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Membership is open to those who live or work in Kings, Kern, Fresno, or Tulare Counties in California.
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Safe 1 Credit Union
I've been a member of this bank for years. Recently my phone got hacked and they got access to my debit card from Safe 1.The hackers stole money from me and bought crypto currency. Safe 1 said they would investigate and they refunded my money while they were investigating. I know they didn't investigate at all. They took the money back. I got robbed by hackers, and then again by Unsafe 1. They were rude and dismissive on the phone. Do not put your money in this bank. They are not on your side.
Safe 1 WORST CREDIT UNION
Safe 1 should truly focus on customer service. Primarily at your Mill Rock location. Ms. Lety & Ms. Maria (manager) lack professionalism and they don't know how to empathize with your members. I assist my elderly uncle who doesn't speak English, has vision problems, and he's 74 yrs old. We have always called 661-327-3818 for assistance and with my uncle's verbal permission and security questions (Usually 3), we speak to someone, and they handle his issue. However, speaking with Ms. Maria was unfortunate. She refused to speak to my uncle or to me and simply said it goes against company policy and whomever else I spoke with did not follow protocol. I wasn't happy and asked why, when and how, etc. Instead of an explanation, Ms. Maria (a manager) hung up on me.
I work with clients all day long. I primarily deal with immigrants who can't speak English, can't read or write, or who are elderly. I empathize with them. I am patient with them, and I aim to help, not hinder. When they have a family member assisting them, I understand. I get the logic behind that.
I always get permission from the client due to legal liability but I'm never rude nor do I hang up on a client who is frustrated or upset.
I find a person any client/customer who is frustrated to be a challenge. I look to calm them down, and kindly, and in a soft tone, explain the reason for such a change in policy. Most clients calm down and are apologetic.
Ms. Maria shouldn't be a manager if she has thin skin and can't handle an upset caller.
I hope you discuss this matter with your employees. I called back and spoke to Lety. She was just following Ms. Maria's lead. She made it more complicated than necessary for my uncle by asking about 7 security questions. Name, address, phone #, SSN, Safe 1 account #, account balance and lastly his DL #. Security screening should be no more than 3 questions.
Be kind. You know good and well that people such as my uncle exist and are simply trying to handle their business. Shame on you.
I've emailed, left VM, and posted on their social media and not 1 person has had the decency to call me back or reply. Customer Service is a rarity. Be careful who you trust your money with. & They're DINOSAUR when it comes to the up to date technology. A simple address change is agonizing.
Data as of Q4 2024
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 61598 |
| Year Chartered | 1952 |
| Employees | 135 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 1.37% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 8.94% |
| Annual Interest Income | $47MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q4 2024vs Q4 2023 | $1B$1.04B |
| Loans | Q4 2024vs Q4 2023 | $754.5MM$731.3MM |
| Deposits | Q4 2024vs Q4 2023 | $840MM$784.7MM |
| Equity Capital | Q4 2024vs Q4 2023 | $151.6MM$135.5MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q4 2024vs Q4 2023 | $6.8MM$5.5MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q4 2024vs Q4 2023 | $4.1MM$3.4MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q4 2024vs Q4 2023 | $0$0 |