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March 2024 by Krys C.
I was searching for a bank in Santa Cruz County that did not have or manage investments in oil and gas, and Bay Fed was the only one that I could find. I had an account there that I had not used in years and found, once going there in person, that they had changed their policies to give people good interest rates for various types of accounts without penalties for going below the original level of investment. This was told to me by a very cordial and knowledgeable teller named Yisah, and she recmmended that i talk further with another person, Andrew Leon, whom she alerted and who was instantly available. He informed my spouse and I of what we could do to change our accounts for better interest and recommended that we talk with another person about CD's, etc. Mr. Leon also gave a message to that other person to please call me. This is far more helpful assistance than I got from a large brokerage firm. Both Yisah and Mr. Leon were exceedingly enthusiastic about their work and had people skills to be much admired. I could not have learned more or have been treated more kindly anywhere.
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February 2024 by Blu F.
We used to bank with them years ago and closed the account because we moved. Recently we have been shopping for a local bank again and were interested in banking with Bay Federal again, but we need to have a safe deposit box. I hunted around their website and eventually called to ask if they offer them because they do not have any info on their websites and there is no way to ask them online or via email. About half an hour later I finally got through to an operator just to find out the answer to this simple question was "no." I find it annoying that in this day an age (with so many forms of communication available) it takes that long to get an answer to a simple question, and I do see this as a red flag for the level of customer service that we should expect if we had any bigger problems with an account there should we decide to do business with them.
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January 2024 by Rob A.
Great Staff but WEAK Technology. I've had secondary accounts here for a very long time and been pleased with them over the years. Recently I moved my primary checking account to BayFed and learning that their online banking system technology is a decade behind. I am going through much frustrations in setting up my checking account for online bill payment. 1) Signing up for ebill is not fluid compared to my previous experience. I think I signed up but it doesn't appear to be truly linked for ebill. 2) In the Pay From account option, it only shows another account that belongs to my son. The checking account we opened a month ago that I can view online is not showing as an option. I had to call support and they tried to add it but after I logged off and on, it still does not show. They are going get back to me. 3) Why do I and my wife have to maintain a token Savings account with a $5 balance in order to have other MM accounts? This is asinine. Why in this age of AI does it require me to contact support in order to add another account that I have access to online, as a source for bill payment? It's especially frustrating for those who rely heavily on banking online.
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April 2023 by Jennifer C.
I recently refinanced a car loan with Elsa at Bay Federal and her service was exceptional. Her efficiency, depth of knowledge, accessibility and experience are unmatched. Elsa is a life long local, is friendly, relatable, informative and kind. She knew just what I needed and recommended additional options for future financial decisions and we will be returning to use her services again very soon. She is amazing. I highly recommend contacting Elsa for any of your banking needs ! If I could give her ten stars I would !
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April 2023 by Steven P.
I was looking to purchase a new vehicle and Elsa recommended that I get a prequalification letter to make the process smoother. She took my information and gave me all the details and options available. I went to the dealership on Sunday and they looked at the rates and compared them to all the Credit Unions and told me that nobody could beat the rate. So, thankfully, I got to start my loan through Bay Federal Credit Union.Now to say Elsa Limas is the BEST . . . is truly an understatement of her abilities to deliver customer service. I don't think I've ever seen her not smiling and being helpful and gracious. Elsa made me feel special as a customer of the Credit Union and that she truly cared about how I financed my vehicle.I'm am extremely happy to be a member of Bay Federal Credit Union and a customer of Elsa's! THANK YOU!!
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January 2023 by Robert P.
Very responsive on transferring money market to a 4% 1 year CD at the river street branch which was very busy but they prioritized the customers and handled15 people very efficiently..I plan to go to the Capitola branch and convert some more
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August 2022 by Donna V.
I love this credit union. I've been with them for over 20 years or more. They helped me rebuild my credit with secured loans, they bend over backwards to help. I wasn't so impressed with the Freedom Branch, but they were not bad. Santa Cruz just spoiled me.
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July 2022 by Joseph G.
Charlotte is the best customer service rep I have had the pleasure to meet in a long time. I don't pay my car payment online so I get the chance to come in and experience her smile and her way of doing business. I am the manager at a local VW dealer and because of Charlotte I will recommend that people become members there ! I can't wait until my next car payment!
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April 2022 by Helene J.
I simply love this bank. I always feel welcome. Personnel go the extra mile to help. They are friendly and efficient. It feels like a trusted family.
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March 2022 by Kory Asfour
This is a reverse bank robbery... Bayfed blocked my credit card payment without explanation, which triggered a bounced check fee from my CC issuer. I then attempted to transfer the funds from my mickey mouse Bayfed account into a fully functional one to make the CC payment. Bayfed's system returned the vague error "Recipient could not be verified. Please contact us or try again later."Looks like I'll need to withdraw my balance in cash to get the money out? Ironically I deposited cash with Bayfed in the first place out of convenience hoping I could then use it.
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December 2021 by Donna C.
I loved this credit union. I always payed on time. Car loans payed off, loans, credit cards, kept on paying despite lost income and pandemic. I was told I'd be eligible for a covid relief waiver for several months. I kept calling in, asking the same person the status, askimg if they need anything. I got screwed? What happened to this great credit union? Four months later I get a letter stating I was denied covid program because I failed to provide requested paper work/bank statements. No one ever mentioned any needed papers when I asked. I called regularly. The woman never called me back. I was told not to worry about late fees, they'd be reversed. All lies. I have late fees, no one followed up as promised, they reported it to the credit bureau. I was a perfect customer for 20 or more years. Very neglectful on customer service. I'm leaving and they can stuff it in the credit card of thars how tou treat a loyal customer who pays on time and pays off! What the hell happened to this credit union??
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November 2021 by Tyler O.
I've heard so many wonderful things from colleagues and friends in the community about Bay Federal Credit Union. As a teacher, it was important for me to find a local banking alternative to my distant corporate bank and I'm happy to say I found it in Bay Federal! The service was superbly friendly, very helpful, and all of the staff were knowledgeable about the services provided. In particular, Frank Sanchez was kind and professional. I can already tell I made the right choice moving to Bay Federal!
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July 2021 by GhostHunter831 ..
This Bay Federal has really bad management. Yesterday I went in got greeted by the tellers which who are always friendly. I was waiting in line and was asked to remove my glasses by Mikaela who is a manager at this bank. I explained to her these glasses are used for my vision, I am blind from one eye. Mikaela refused to listen to me and raised her voice and again I tried explaining to her and she interrupted and asked me to leave! I ended up leaving and not planning on banking here again. Treating an elderly veteran like this is just not OK..
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June 2021 by Talia L.
I cannot express how much I love this credit union. I have been a member for 10+ years and I can't think of a time I was disappointed in them. A special shout out HAS to go to Corey at River street. She is a dream to work with. I went in the other day to do a transaction and she was so happy, helpful and knowledgeable. She let me know the process of refinancing my car and my home, but didn't make me feel pressured or obligated. She just planted the seed and carried on. I LOVED that. I hate going somewhere and feeling awkward when you decline a service and have reservations about going back and running into them again. I cannot wait to go back in and seeing her. Even if it's just a wave she makes me feel special and valued. Thank you Bayfed and thank you Corey for always making my banking pleasurable.
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March 2021 by Desiree F.
We live in Brookdale and have refinanced 2 vehicles through Bay Federal. Our financial officer is Juan Carlos Valtierra. He used to work at the Scotts Valley location but transferred to River St. Santa Cruz. Although this is a 40 minute trip from our house we make the drive to this location to see Juan because he is the best, and goes the extra mile to get you what you need. He is trust worthy. He listens to his clients worries and situation's. He figures out the best loan for you. When borrowing a big amount of money you need to be able to trust your financial officer 100%. And they also need to know what they are talking about. Juan is that guy! I just finished up my second refinance for my Toyota tundra and I'm very happy with the outcome. I will be buying another car and looking into buying a home and I will continue to do business with Juan Carlos. He knows his stuff! I highly recommend him for loans or any financial services that you need. Thank you BayFederal for having such a kind, caring, understanding employee. And thank you Juan for fixing our situation.
