Financial: Best Credit Union

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER SchoolsFirst FCU has 66 branches — 20 in Orange County — and more than 1.1 million members. 1. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

Multiple locations; schoolsfirstfcu.com

A previous Best Credit Union winner, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union serves the education community with a wide range of services including checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, insurance, retirement accounts, mobile banking, webinars and workshops, and more.

SchoolsFirst FCU also offers financial plans for the unique needs of educators, like the Summer Saver or Paycheck Planner programs to help members set aside money for summer months when they don’t receive a paycheck.

SchoolsFirst FCU has 66 branches — 20 in Orange County — and more than 1.1 million members. “We are truly grateful to our members for all they do to help build a stronger future for our communities. Thank you for recognizing us as one of the best credit unions in Orange County,” said Bill Cheney, the credit union’s president and CEO.

The COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters created financial hardships for many members. Staying true to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” SchoolsFirst FCU provided emergency assistance on loan balances totaling over $1.28 billion and reversed more than $4 million in fees.

SchoolsFirst FCU began during the Depression, in 1934, as the Orange County Teachers Credit Union. Back then, 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established their own financial institution based in Santa Ana. By 1983, it was the largest teachers’ credit union nationwide and the fifth biggest in California. It was renamed SchoolsFirst FCU in 2008.

2. Wescom Credit Union

Multiple locations, Wescom.org

Wescom Credit Union currently has seven branches in Orange County: in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, La Habra, Orange and Tustin. About 22 percent of Wescom’s 200,000 members, or 44,000 people, are served by the Orange County branches.

Anyone can be a member of Wescom and enjoy lower loan rates, higher savings yields, reduced fees on products and services, online and mobile banking, access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, and more.

Wescom has a long tradition of supporting the communities it serves under its #WescomKindness program. Past kindness events in Orange County have included food and beverage giveaways at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations on the Sunday morning that Daylight Saving Time begins, and surprising local families with free Christmas trees around the holidays.

Last year’s efforts focused on supporting those impacted by COVID-19, by donating meals to health care workers, providing funds to Southern California area food banks, supporting teachers, students and their families.

Orange County’s Credit Union was established in 1938 and today serves more than 120,000 members, with more than $2 billion in assets.

As a not-for-profit financial services provider, Orange County’s Credit Union is owned by members, not shareholders, which means its profits are returned to members in the form of fewer fees, lower loan rates, and enhanced products and services.

Orange County’s Credit Union offers services including checking and savings, mobile banking, and retirement accounts, as well as auto, small business, and home loans.

Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. There are 10 branches located throughout Orange County.

“We thank the community for recognizing our rich history of providing ethical and secure banking services for our members through all their life stages, from youth accounts to mortgage lending and investment services,” said the credit union’s CEO, Shruti Miyashiro. “We are with you all the way.”

3. Orange County’s Credit Union

Multiple locations; orangecountyscu.org