Question 1

What is First California Federal Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

First California Federal Credit Union (First Cal FCU) is a federal credit union headquartered in Fresno, California, serving over 9,200 members with approximately $108 million in total assets. Established as the first credit union ever chartered in California, First Cal FCU primarily serves federal civil service employees, active and retired military personnel, and individuals residing in several Central California counties through membership in the Fresno Consumer Council. The credit union offers comprehensive financial services with a focus on personalized member service and community engagement.

Question 2

When was First California Federal Credit Union founded?

Accepted Answer

First California Federal Credit Union was established on November 18, 1924, originally as Fresno Postal Employees Credit Union, Limited. At its inception, there were no federal or state laws governing credit unions in California, so it was chartered under the provisions of Canadian Credit Union Law, making it a pioneering institution in the state's financial landscape.

The credit union was founded to serve postal employees in Fresno County. In 1962, the field of membership expanded to encompass all U.S. Government Employees residing in Fresno County, including classified civil service employees, wage board employees, and their families. To reflect this broader membership base, the name was changed to U.S. Employees Credit Union of Fresno County, California.

In 1982, the credit union converted to a federal charter. As part of this conversion process, the institution adopted its current name—First California Federal Credit Union—to highlight its unique distinction as the first credit union established in California. For over 100 years, the credit union has served its members through the Great Depression, World War II, and numerous economic cycles while maintaining its commitment to cooperative financial services.

Question 3

Where is First California Federal Credit Union headquartered?

Accepted Answer

First California Federal Credit Union is headquartered at 2525 E Shields Avenue in Fresno, California.

Question 4

Where does First California Federal Credit Union operate?

Accepted Answer

First California Federal Credit Union primarily operates in Fresno County, California, with its main office in Fresno. The credit union's membership reach extends throughout Central California.

Membership is available to active or retired federal civil service employees, active or retired military personnel, immediate family members of current members, and individuals living in the same household as eligible members. Additionally, membership can be obtained through the Fresno Consumer Council (FCC), a non-profit consumer education organization. Through the FCC, residents who live, work, or worship in the counties of Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Inyo, Mono, Madera, San Benito, Kern, Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Calaveras, and San Joaquin can join the credit union.

Question 5

What services does First California Federal Credit Union offer?

Accepted Answer

First California Federal Credit Union provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to meet member needs:

Deposit Accounts: Share savings accounts, checking accounts with no annual fees, youth accounts, and certificates of deposit with competitive rates.

Lending Services: Home equity loans with promotional fixed rates, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), personal loans, auto loans, and mortgage services. The credit union offers attractive terms including no origination fees, no application fees, and no prepayment penalties on home equity products.

Credit Cards: Visa Classic Credit Card featuring a low-interest rate, no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, 1% cash back on all purchases, and no-cost travel accident insurance.

Digital Banking: The First Cal FCU mobile app provides 24/7 account access, including balance inquiries, fund transfers, loan payments, mobile check deposit, and bill pay services. Members can access Virtual Branch Online Banking from any computer or mobile device to manage their accounts securely.

Additional Services: E-statements for secure and convenient document access, automatic bill pay to avoid late fees, and member referral rewards programs.

Question 6

What makes First California Federal Credit Union unique?

Accepted Answer

First California Federal Credit Union holds the historic distinction of being the first credit union ever established in California, founded in 1924 before either state or federal credit union laws existed in California.

With over 100 years of continuous operation, the credit union has demonstrated remarkable stability and commitment to its members, having survived the Great Depression, World War II, and numerous economic challenges while maintaining its cooperative structure. This longevity reflects the institution's sound financial management and dedication to member service.

The credit union maintains an accessible membership model through its partnership with the Fresno Consumer Council, allowing residents across 14 Central California counties to join. This approach expands access to credit union services beyond traditional employment-based membership restrictions while maintaining the institution's community focus.

First Cal FCU offers competitive rates and fee structures, including promotional home equity loans at 6.0% APR with no origination or application fees, and a Visa credit card with 1% cash back and no annual fee. The credit union requires only a $5 minimum deposit to become a member, making membership accessible to the community it serves.

The institution emphasizes personal service and community engagement, with a mission to provide members with quality financial products and services through efficient service, teamwork, and technology with a professional and personal touch.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is First California Federal Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

First California Federal Credit Union is a federal credit union, regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). As a federally chartered credit union since 1982, it operates under federal credit union laws and regulations.

Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives. Unlike banks that operate for shareholder profit, credit unions exist to serve their members' financial needs. Members are both customers and owners, with each member having an equal vote in credit union governance regardless of account balance.

Membership at First Cal FCU is based on common bonds, including employment as federal civil service employees, military service, family relationships to existing members, or residence within specified counties through the Fresno Consumer Council. Member deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

The cooperative structure means that earnings are returned to members through competitive rates on deposits, lower fees, and reduced loan rates rather than distributed to outside shareholders.

First California Federal Credit Union (First Cal FCU)

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About First California Federal Credit Union (First Cal FCU) in the United States