Difficulty getting a Valid POA Approved and Failure to Reimburse Fee's Charged by our Attorney to get it enforced

Every time I call in to resolve an issue, I consistently receive the exact outcome I'm expecting. Today, I had multiple matters that required assistance, and London handled each one promptly with no wait time. They clearly explained each process with professionalism and excellent communication. I'm never disappointed many thanks to the Community First team for their continued outstanding service. read more

I was denied an initially approved loan of $45k with a high income and great credit. After trying to call into a local branch to inquire about an auto loan application (docs needed and time it would take to complete and get a decision), I could only get in touch with the corporate headquarters. They pushed me to complete the application over the phone versus in branch which I did to save time. I completed the application over the phone on Wednesday morning. They said I should hear back by end of day. I didn't. I called back the next morning and they said "great, you're approved for the $45k!" They just needed some additional documents which was just supposed to be due diligence, 2 years tax returns. No problem, I uploaded this by early afternoon Thursday. They said they would be in touch shortly. No response Thursday or even Friday morning. I had to call back and see what the hold up was, to which they said the application was still pending and under review. They were going to reach out to their underwriting department and see if they could speed it up and I should have the final decision by end of day. They close at 7. I called at 6:45 as I still hadn't received a callback or any update on my loan. I've been getting ready to go car shopping all week! They said it still was in review but I could call an express team the next morning. I call back in the morning and they say "oh yes, the underwriters have a counter offer of $30k". I'm shocked!! $30k after getting approved for $45k? They tried to say it was because of the average income over 2 years, but whoever is doing the underwriting clearly doesn't understand 1040 tax returns or self-employed. The goal isn't to try and show the highest income possible (so you can be taxed on that number) but rather any deduction that is used for business should be deducted from the total income. However, the gross income before taxes clearly show a high income, or true income rather in this case and personal income is net of all eligible deductions. Absolutely unacceptable. And then to make it worse, they left my application as pending while they went home for the weekend and I'd have to *hopefully* wait to hear about the results on Monday as no one had called me to update me about the process. I'm ashamed of what community first has become. Vystar has been the worst as they've shown in the past few years but unfortunately, it looks like the service that set Community First apart from the competition is no more. I'm glad I never ended up opening a business account here and definitely never will. That's another thing I just realized: in my previous car purchase, the dealership needed to see my bank statements with a total figure. I was with Vystar at the time and they needed me to come in multiple times for them add up my total deposits for 3 months BY HAND because their online banking didn't have a simple Total deposits or withdrawals metric for statements. I had gone to CF to see if they did and they also didn't have this simple function. To the underwriting team at CF, to your counter offer, I say you need to get more training and do better at your job. read more

Karen with the loan department helped me get approved for a loan to buy a new car. She went over and beyond. She even helped me negotiate with the car salesman's. Because of her I feel valued and protected with community first. Karen if you're seeing this, thank you so much!!! read more

Community first credit Union is a great, great place to bank. They have great rates. Great customer service and I've been super happy with their service. read more

Great experience. I've been with the credit union for over 17 years. Love the mobile app and all the features. read more

We opened checking and Savings accounts in April. It's been past 90 days and my bonus is still not credited. Called the customer service, no use or no action yet. Not happy !!! Update: 7/16/25: This issue has been resolved. Thank you for prompt action on my previous review. read more

I have been banking at the Orange Park location for a long time Today was the first time in at least 15 years that no one greeted me when I walked in. The loan guy we saw was great. Ever since the the old BM got fired I don't even k ow if they have 1 or not. I don't even know if there is an ABM. What was once my favorite bank that I had even been too. It is now just a place where I go to do my banking. Not sure what happened, but it's just another box bank now. what a shame read more

Long time member of VyStar and liked them. Circumstaces had me move to CFCU. CFCU I feel has a more 'One on One' astmosphere. Very pleased with service. Loan rates, extremily competitive. Deborah Green at the Mandarin branch has been ecxeptional read more

Horrible card number was stolen and i done everything they told me to do and they are sticking me the charges. Go to vystar or one of the other local credit unions horrible customer service. read more

they are not big with working with clients on payments I got a month behind and they send you to the next step beware

I applied to join the "community first" (HAHAHA) credit union yesterday. I also applied for one of their credit cards, and was approved immediately with an astronomical $16,200 limit. Wow! I received a confirmation call today, which I totally expected, and was told I just had to open a member share to proceed. I related I already did that, and was just waiting for my member number. Were they able to see what was going on and expedite the process? I was told I would have to speak to member services. I dialed the different number I was given, and was oddly told they couldn't find my social nor application number, which I had handy. On to a member specialist. I had waited 22 minutes at this point, only to be told they were denying me membership. In a credit union?!?! Why you might ask, dear reader? Because I had opened a few other credit union accounts. Reason 1: to shop for the best bank for my needs and 2: to place some current savings funds (where interest rates were quickly dropping) into guaranteed rate CDs. Credit Unions have higher rates, but you have to open a member share and they famously have a limit of funds you can deposit. Thus you are forced to shop different banks for the best rates; as well as utilize a few to get your funds into various CDs. So: because I have more than a few accounts at other credit unions --- all in good standing and with thousands of dollars --- I was a FRAUD RISK according to "community first" credit union. I asked for a supervisor and was given a branch manager after more hold time. She was unswayed and sounded like she had a child nearby during business hours. She refused to even consider an appeal or looking into my finances to see I am in no way a "fraud risk", she just gave an out of hand rejection. Pardon me! There are hundreds of banks I can use, but I really wanted to stay in my home state, and they had a really nice new account bonus. Too bad for me, a fiscally responsible single person trying to make the best use of her hard earned funds in a situation where interest rates are tanking. How dare I want to give "community first" credit union the chance to use my money! The worst part is I took hits to my previously 812 credit score for absolutely nothing, as well as wasted a lot of time and energy. They withdrew their previous credit card approval, but not the ding on my credit report. What a fine how do you do! I invite you to save yourself this kind of treatment by going any where else instead of bothering with this place. read more

DO NOT BANK HERE.... I have had my account for several years. Tried to get a credit card- Denied, car loan -denied...left and went to another credit union. That credit union refinanced my car, gave me a credit card, and the promotion they were running, they gave me $250 for refinancing. Keep in mind, I was a new account holder. Community first is not committed to helping their members. Worst credit union in Jacksonville. read more

Been a member of community first for 6 years- after a month long battle with a branch manager & fraud department, I'm closing all of my accounts after they allowed over $400 to be stolen from me. I will no longer bank with an establishment that doesn't protect my money. Save yourself the headache & bank elsewhere. read more

Their software "forgot" my payment details. It takes 3-5 days to add the details THEY deleted. Try to make a payment over the phone and they want a $5.00 "service" fee. Call their help line and nobody answers. This bank SUCKS read more

I first became a member of this credit union 28 years ago, then my husband and I opened a joint account not long after. I am retired, my husband still works. We received a pre-approved offer in the mail last week from CFCU. Their interest rate for a credit card balance transfer is a whopping 50% less than we are currently paying, so we discussed it and agreed to apply. I phoned this afternoon, to take them up on their offer. After answering a few questions, I was informed that I would not qualify for the aforementioned "pre-approved offer". Because the only automatic deposit I personally receive is from the government, and because this offer was only directed to me, my husband's income (joint account, remember!) does not count. I would have to be - now, follow along, kiddies - PRE-APPROVED to be Pre-Approved and eligible for their very kind offer. I think we'll shop around for another credit union. read more

I've been trying for over an hour to contact someone in the mortgage department, but there's still no answer. I go through this with their phone system every time I call, but I eventually get through after answering the same questions a few times. Today, it's worse. I called the main line and they keep sending me to the same recording. When I pay them off, I'll NEVER get a mortgage loan with them again! Terrible service! read more

The customer service at the Edgewood, Jacksonville FL branch is horrible. The fact that they are still putting a hold on checks that I deposit for repairs and petty cash from my company is wild. I have been depositing these same checks for 3 months..... then it takes an hour to speak with the manager or customer service.... I hate I even have an account here now!! read more

I work crazy hours and it seems like every time I go to the ATM to make a cash deposit it is always down I go to work at 10 and now I have to try like crazy to be back by 9am to put this cash in the bank...can you please try and fix this read more

I applied 2x for vehicle refinancing and was declined; but the 1st time I had a ridiculous counter offer where they wanted me to pay several thousand dollars before the would even consider. The 3rd x I applied for a line of credit because the collections representative from that dept recommended that I do that just in case of an overdraft. Needless to say I was sent the "Unfortunately ltr". This response is for these 2- separate depts. I don't know why they don't have a pre-qualification prior to a hard pull on your credit. At this time I have (3) inquiry from Community First CU on my credit report. read more

NEVER HAVE I EVER!!!!! NEVER HAVE I EVER AS AN ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBER BEEN TREATED THIS BADLY BY A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. On January 27, 2023 I contacted Community First Credit Union in attempt to request SCRA benefits on a credit card that I had as a younger enlisted soldier. Community First was my first bank account at 18 years old. Upon attempting to request the information to request SCRA benefits I spoke with Andrew in Escalations. Andrew proceeded to tell me that I did not qualify for SCRA benefits on a closed account which is absolutely inaccurate. SCRA benefits are RETROACTIVE and any interest paid over 6% is to be forgiven. Andrew proceeded to argue with me and was extremely rude. In addition, he stated that he is an expert on SCRA laws. If that's the case, he should know it's retroactive. No where in the law does it state that the account has to be opened. I have also had my request honored by multiple financial institutions with no issue. I understand that I am dealing with a smaller credit union however this is no way waives your obligation to abide by SCRA laws. I am also requesting extending benefits through the State of Ohio. I will be filing a complaint with the DOJ, CFPB, military legal office and my local government agencies. Your company has opened itself to many violations and fines as well as bad publicity once this gets out. Legally, requests have to be submitted within 180 days of the end of my active duty, I am still serving so I am well within my rights. 7.1. Interest Rate Cap To help ease financial burdens created by active military service, Section 527 of the SCRA provides service members with a 6% interest cap on all debts incurred prior to active duty, including federally insured guaranteed student loans.164 Note that Ohio extends the 6% interest cap on all debts, not just those incurred prior to active duty. Ohio Law Note. The Ohio Rev. Code states, "no creditor in connection with an obligation entered into on or after the effective date of this section shall charge or collect from a person, or spouse of a person, who is deployed on active duty interest or finance charges exceeding six per cent per annum during the period that the person is on active duty." Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 1343.031 (West 2004). The Ohio Law does not provide a 6% interest rate cap on closely held business Any interest incurred during active military service in excess of the SCRA's mandated 6% cap shall be forgiven, and the servicemember does not owe any deficiency resulting from the interest reduction. Nor should a creditor issue an IRS Form 1099 reflecting "income" to the servicemember from the forgiveness of interest or cancellation of the debt. read more

I received some of the worst service ever for a business that uses community in their name. I deposited a check on a Thursday from the state of Florida, the cashier placed a 5 day hold on the check because apparently people are making fraudulent checks from the state of Florida (BS). who does this? 5 days later still a hold on the check. I called one local office and spoke to a rude woman who I refuse to deal with because she would let me ask a question so I called customer care. Customer care instructed me to call the branch in which I visited as to the teller decides how long a hold can be placed,smh. I called that branch and a loan officer answered and stopped me mid sentence and stated that I needed to call customer care because there is no way to speak to teller. Seems each branch is independent and this group is not a corporation. This is the worst credit union for customer service . I have seen better service at a garage sale. I will not using them for busines. read more

Consumer Beware! Joined less than a month ago having multiple issues that are all apparently my fault. They could not be any more rude with horrible attitudes and mean dispositions...... It was a very short relationship due to zero resolution on any of the issues. They didnt even try or intend to from the begining. read more

Used community first for a car loan several years ago. Had excellent experience at that time, so decided to use them again this time around. Big mistake! The initial loan application and approval process was similarly painless to my first experience, however, everything since then has been a complete pain in the ass. They did not mention upfront that payment to the dealership would be held until all taxes and title fees were pre-paid to the branch office. I found this out three weeks after I bought the car, when the dealer was threatening legal action for nonpayment. Once I pre-paid the taxes, and fees, based on their estimate, for which I still have no receipts, or other information on the titling, the dealer got paid. I, however, I'm still waiting on a tag and registration for more than three months now! How does it take three months to get a tag and registration for a car??? I pay my monthly payment on time or early, I cannot drive the car, because it doesn't have a registration or a license plate, and on top of that, I am being threatened with $8000 in additional fees, because there is a dispute over insurance coverage on the car, which I totally have, and have provided them with proof of insurance. Despite this, they continue to hassle me. Will not use ever again, and cannot recommend. read more

It's very disappointing what has happened to this credit union. Customer service representatives on the whole range from unhelpful to defensive. I am very frustrated from the customer service at this institution. An alternative to this company would be a breath of fresh air. read more

Very poor customer service very poor management supervisor call back. When I asked to speak to a supervisor never any available. I gave the service rep my account number 3 times no account found then when I received a call back from Gary the supervisor he advised me that he cannot always take a supervisor call. I would have to wait 24 to 48 hours so where do I go when a service representative cannot bring up my account number when I say it clear and consistently who do I talk to regarding my account apparently they don't have enough time for their customers. What if I wanted to give a good review on a service rep. I know they don't have time for that either. You folks need to wake up your going to loose hard working customers that use your service. I have two direct deposits that go into your credit union. That will change soon !!! You won't have to worry about me asking for a supervisor Gary! read more

Recently I have experienced issues with BillPay through my financial institution. Until recently my creditors who I paid through my financial institution's BillPay service would receive payment and credit my account with 72 hours of funds being removed from my account. However that has changed in the last 2 months. My mortgage company assessed me a late fee because the payment, taken from my account on the 2nd didn't reach them and was not credited to my account until the 19th. If the money was taken out if my account on the 2nd and not recieved by mu mortgage company for 17 days...exactly where was that money? It was in an account somewhere earing interest for someone other than me. I am sure that the interest on that money is tiny...but if BillPay is doing this they are doing this to a LOT of people and that interest adds up. Wake up people!! I am telling you this to warn you that trusting BillPay may not be in your best interests. That late payment caused by BillPay's processes can negatively impact my credit report in addition to costing late fees. I strongly recommend everyone check with their creditors to be sure bills are being paid (received by the creditors) in a timely fashion. The BillPay rep I spoke with about the matter assured me that the date the money is removed from my account is not important to BillPay. I think it is...again that money was somewhere, in some account earning interest FOR BILLPAY. I will pay my bills directly on creditors' websites. That is the safest, fastest way to ensure bills are paid on time and 100% at the time and date YOU choose, versus some corporation who openly admits they don't care about you, about your credit, or about paying your bills on time, while making money off of you. Wake up! BillPay is NOT a free service...if there was no money in it, no financial institution would have it. read more

overcharged by $700 I was told I would see the money back within two business days. It has been five days and still the money has not been deposited into my bank. I call and turns out it will be two weeks. Only been with this company for two months and it has been a nightmare. I miss the previous credit union I was with this place has been a joke and a nightmare so far. read more

I WOULD GIVE A 0 BUT THAT ISNT AN OPTION! OMG! I joined because another c.u. was having Major issues and this CU is close to my home. When I joined, the guy was so nice. When I tried to get an auto loan his face twisted and distorted and all he said was 'I dont think they will approve u" over and over & in a nasty way. They didnt! The 'issues bank' Jumped on it! They had the same interest and it was so easy. This is just the 1st of many times I was talked 'at' like I was less than human. NO ONE there knows where to send a credit card payment w/o ur full disclosure w/all verifications. Its not like Im asking for any info that would lead to anything other than being able to make a PAYMENT. Then every time u call-u get a diff add. I have 3 now and NO IDEA where to actually send my credit card payments to still!! I just used the general one listed online this last time and it got there-eventually. The lack of respect is horrible! They r defensive and Short with answers. I was trying to be as nice as possible and saying TY a LOT and I appreciate ur help and upon the closing statements, I said have a beautiful week and thanks again for all ur help and she just hung up! No 'ur welcome', no 'u have a nice day too' or anything! Im appalled that they are allowed to treat the people who pay their salaries (-us, the people who have our money in that institution-) like this. I'v not experienced this much...almost hostility from well...almost anywhere. Im closing the credit card and the bank accts ASAP! Im going back to the 'issues' bank. At least they r mostly nice to u. read more

Been a member for over 20 years. Took two trips and an hour to deposit a check and was accused of stealing when my wife was not with me to deposit it since it was in both names. Wife came in to the branch in 5 minutes and they still could not take the check. Then was told I could not remove people on my account with their permission. Had no issues with getting loans without these people on my account but depositing a check was like getting an act of Congress to make happen. Rethink this place. Going to check out other credit unions after this horrible experience. read more

ow does my job pay me before holidays and my bank holds it ...i do not recommend this bank better off with a pre paid card they offer perks like getting your money when its deposited!!! this is last time my money will go here ..closing my acct!!!!!!!!!!BS!!!!!! jax fl branch read more

DO NOT BANK AT CFCU! I have been a member since 2002. They are the worst. I went to the ATM and it kept my debit card. I went inside and the teller says" it takes to people to get it out and we are busy so have a seat". I sit and wait. Some time goes by and this young girl comes up and says "I'm sorry but we have to shred your card". I was not believing this was happening! I said Why??? She says ( are you ready for this?) It's not a CFCU card! I said but that makes no sense!! I have my I.D.? Are you kidding me?? She says if you'd like to see the manager she's at the counter. The manager hollers out "Im with a customer". The most mind bottling thing I have ever been through!! The whole time I am thinking, don't they know people are unemployed? Don't they know we are going through a pandemic? People need their money. Where's the humanity? What kind of bank is this?? Obviously she had it in her hand, BC she knew it wasn't a CFCU card!! She could have just checked my drivers license and been a hero! But nope!! This should be a crime! read more

Applied and approved for a Home Equity Loan, which I now regret. I should have used another financial institution. As you can see from previous reviews, this Community First totally sucks! And don't bother trying to escalate your concerns with a Manager. They will simply tell you "someone will give you a call back." The loan processor actually left me a voice mail saying that she would be out of the office for a week and she would contact me once she returns. Can you believe that? The process stops just because the processor goes on Vacation!! After the closing, the funds owed to me were deposited late. The payoff of my Auto Loan was also mishandled by them which cost me additional funds out of my pocket. Pay attention to the previous reviews on this institution and take your business elsewhere. If you don't, you'll likely regret it. The writing is on the wall my friends....just look at all of the negative reviews they received. RUN don't walk...RUN to a better Credit Union. read more

Don't do business with this credit union. They continue to report to the credit bureau incorrectly. I've spent 2 years trying to correct this issue and filed complaints with the better business bureau and FTC to NO AVAIL!!! Piss poor service and workers. I have many accounts with different financial institutions and this was by far the worst experience. Best decision I made years ago was to terminate my membership with Community First Credit Union of FL. I will recommend this financial institution for a class action lawsuit in the event others are experiencing what I'm going through with their incompetence read more

I am a firm believer in credit unions in general, but Community First has been really great for myself, and now my husband, in particular. You just can't get their kind of service from a big chain bank, and you'll pay more for it, as well. I've dealth with them on a number of things at this point [financed a car, taken out a credit card, opened my first even bank account that I still use to this day] and they are always easy to work with. What really amazes me about Community First is that they are so personal. While not all the teller's remember my name exactly, some do by now and I don't even go into the lobby that often. Try getting that at a bank. I think this just goes to show the level of care they have, and you get the feeling you're a person to them, not just a number. I've really never been happier with anyone, and I couldn't be dragged back to some of the banks I've used before. I would recommend these guys to anyone and don't think I'll ever leave. read more

I've been a member of CFCU for ~16 years (though I guess it was ECCU then) and have no complaints (aside from a rude teller at the downtown brand during a span of time). Any issue that arises is focused on immediately and handled very well. It's extremely important to me to be involved closely with my finances and CFCU is definitely a communicative and supportive credit union. I would recommended it to anyone. read more

On Thursday May 26, I applied for an increase in credit for my joint line of credit for an additional $5K and an additional $10K for a Visa Signature card. I was immediately approved for an additional $3500 for the Visa Signature but I told them I'd prefer it to go through Underwriting to review for the amount I was requesting. My credit and spouse credit were pulled for the line of credit since we are both on that account. My credit only was pulled for the the Visa Signature credit card since I am the only one on that account. I spoke with a representative by the name of Joel who initially said he thought the highest total credit I could obtain was $75K then after checking he said it was changed to $100K. He asked did I want to close the credit card that I didn't appear to be using and I advised I did not since it was an account I had for a while. He said they may want me to lower the amount, but I declined to do so. I was immediately denied an increase in credit for the credit card via email. I then called and spoke with another representative and he stated they had additional questions. They wanted to know if I wanted to decrease my balance on my other credit card that appeared to not being used. I declined again. Then he wanted to know if I wanted a Home Equity Line of Credit loan since I stated the increase in credit was for home improvements. I declined the offer. Joel (the original representative) called me back about an hour later and stated I had been denied for both increases to the accounts. I asked why since we typically keep low balances on my cards and line of credit, both of our credit scores are close to an 800, we make over $150K a year, and we both have tenure with our employers. He then said our income was not high enough and we already had what is considered a high loan total with Community First. I requested this be escalated because it didn't make sense and appeared to be that they are being selective in who they approve credit for - specifically toward people of color. I called back on Friday May 27 to follow up and was advised a supervisor would contact me. The supervisor Jeff contacted me about an hour or so later and he stated it wasn't clear why we were denied so he wanted to get an Underwriting Supervisor involved to take another look. I advised Jeff that I was told it was due to insufficient income and us having a high limit already. He couldn't understand this because we appeared to have a good income amount. I also inquired what amount of income would we need to qualify for the credit increase, and he stated there was not a set dollar amount. He stated someone name John should contact me by Tuesday May 31 since Monday was a holiday. No one has contacted me, and I recently received a letter denying our application due to income insufficient for amount of credit requested. We have been members of Community First for many years with multiple accounts. We have never defaulted on any loans with them. I'm highly disappointed in the outcome of this situation and would not recommend them to anyone. They seem to be selective in approving credit for certain applicants, specifically those of color. I wish I could give them no stars. However, VyStar Credit Union instantly approved us for $10K on our credit card with them. I'll be using them for our next home purchase and new car within a year! Your loss Community First! You definitely need to change your motto to Hate where you bank! read more

This place has good systems in place to get your business. However, once they have your business, they are close to useless. I've been trying to payoff a mortgage for over 3 weeks now. First they reject a check from my bank because it's a "personal check," then they ask me to do a wire transfer which also gets declined because their "account is closed???!!!!" This is so surreal; a bank who does not want to take your money?!!! Holy shit, what a horrible organization. I'm now on my third try. Oh, and of course they keep collecting interest this whole time. The perfect banking model. read more

Absolutely the worst mortgage company in the world. Recently, I made a mortgage payment online via their app. I also made an interest only payment. Both transactions were duplicated (in total, over $4,000). I notified them via their online message system. Two days later they responded with a phone number to call. I spoke with Devon (they won't provide surnames), after the requisite hold time and phone games they play, I was told he would correct the credit union error. He neglected to tell me that he wasn't going to credit the error back into my account. He also did not follow up via telephone as I had requested. Five days later, I called to find out what was going on. After the phone games, I was told by Seth, that a check was mailed out. This was on November 6. Credit union error occurred October 27. It is now November 27. No check has arrived. This enterprise will hijack your money. Please bank elsewhere. One star rating because no stars was not an option. Joe S. read more

I have been a member for several years of Community First Credit Union, for the first time ever, I filed a fraudulent purchase claim for just under 100.00 and they refused to protect me. It was a fake paypal site and a fake e commerce site advertising on FaceBook Market Place. What is the purpose of a VISA BRANDED Debit card if the bank refuses to protect me? I have spent more than one hour combined on the phone because of long hold times... to file this claim combined... and finally went to my local branch. He said so sorry we cannot and will not help you. DO NOT TRUST YOUR MONEY WITH COMMUNITY FIRST CREDIT UNION !!!! So much for loyalty to customers or protecting them from fraud. TIME TO CLOSE MY ACCOUNTS AND TAKE MY MONEY ELSEWHERE. read more