Question 1

What is Valley Oak Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Valley Oak Credit Union is a community-focused financial cooperative serving residents and select employee groups in California's Central Valley. Headquartered in Three Rivers, California, the credit union holds approximately $81.8 million in total assets and serves nearly 6,000 members across Tulare and Madera Counties.

Established to serve agricultural workers, Valley Oak Credit Union has grown from its humble beginnings to operate three full-service branch locations. The credit union maintains a strong commitment to the cooperative principles of "people helping people" and provides personalized financial services to its member-owners.

Question 2

When was Valley Oak Credit Union founded?

Accepted Answer

Valley Oak Credit Union was founded on June 27, 1944, by George Burcham, a local co-op grocer in Three Rivers, California. The credit union was established during World War II with the specific purpose of serving agricultural workers in Tulare County and the surrounding communities.

In the early days, the credit union operated out of a garage—a humble start that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of many successful financial cooperatives. Over the past 80 years, Valley Oak Credit Union has evolved from serving a small group of agricultural workers to providing comprehensive financial services to thousands of members across multiple counties. The credit union celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2024 with community celebrations and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce.

Question 3

Where is Valley Oak Credit Union headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Valley Oak Credit Union is headquartered in Three Rivers, California, with its main office located at 40870 Sierra Drive. Three Rivers is a small community in Tulare County, situated near the entrance to Sequoia National Park in California's Central Valley.

The mailing address for the credit union is PO Box 279, Three Rivers, CA 93271.

Question 4

Where does Valley Oak Credit Union operate?

Accepted Answer

Valley Oak Credit Union operates three branch locations throughout California's Central Valley:

Three Rivers Branch (Headquarters): 40870 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Visalia Branch: 600 W Main Street, Visalia, CA 93291

Tulare Branch: 255 E King Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274

Membership is open to any person who resides in Tulare County or Madera County, as well as thousands of employees who work for select employee groups within these two counties. The credit union maintains limited branch hours, with locations typically open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. All branches are closed on weekends.

Question 5

What services does Valley Oak Credit Union offer?

Accepted Answer

Valley Oak Credit Union provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services, including:

Deposit Accounts: Share accounts (savings), checking accounts, share term certificates (CDs), and IRA certificates for retirement savings.

Lending Services: Personal loans, auto loans, home equity loans, and mortgage products. The credit union offers competitive rates with features such as no money down, no closing costs, and no prepayment penalties on select loan products.

Digital Banking: The credit union offers robust digital services including online banking, mobile banking apps for iOS and Android devices, mobile check deposit, bill pay services, external transfers between financial institutions, eStatements, and mobile wallet integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Additional Services: Debit cards, ATM access through shared branching networks, financial education programs, and energy-efficiency loans. The credit union also provides special savings programs that turn everyday debit card purchases into automatic savings.

Question 6

What makes Valley Oak Credit Union unique?

Accepted Answer

Valley Oak Credit Union distinguishes itself through its deep agricultural roots and commitment to serving the rural communities of California's Central Valley. Founded specifically to serve agricultural workers in 1944, the credit union has maintained this community-focused mission for 80 years.

The credit union emphasizes personalized member service through its "people helping people" philosophy. As a not-for-profit cooperative, all earnings are returned to members through lower fees, competitive loan rates, and higher savings rates. The Board of Directors is elected democratically by the membership, with each member receiving one vote regardless of account balance, and all directors serve as volunteers without compensation.

Valley Oak Credit Union maintains strong community ties, including commissioning local artist Joseph Cabello to create a mural honoring the Visalia community. The credit union also demonstrates commitment to member financial wellness by offering specialized assistance during economic challenges, such as government shutdowns, and provides comprehensive cyber security and fraud prevention education to protect members.

With a low-income designation from the NCUA, Valley Oak Credit Union serves communities that may have limited access to traditional banking services, fulfilling an important role in promoting financial inclusion in rural California.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Valley Oak Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Valley Oak Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union regulated by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The credit union operates under charter number 64122.

As a credit union, Valley Oak is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members rather than outside shareholders. This member-owned structure means that anyone who opens an account becomes a part-owner with voting rights in credit union governance. All members are eligible to run for the volunteer Board of Directors, ensuring democratic control and accountability.

Deposits at Valley Oak Credit Union are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government—providing the same level of federal protection as the FDIC insurance offered by banks.

The credit union's cooperative structure and tax-exempt status allow it to focus on member service rather than maximizing profits for external investors, typically resulting in lower fees, better loan rates, and higher savings rates compared to traditional for-profit banks.

Valley Oak Credit Union

in the United States 🇺🇸

Crypto-Friendliness

All done!

About Valley Oak Credit Union in the United States