I enjoy going into this bank. The in-person experience here is great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I will say they could perhaps use some of the staff in this branch to work the phones rather than relying on phone systems so much.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, I still enjoy the experience of a smaller banking experience over a large-scale bank where you don't know anyone. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I own a business and the branch manager here knows me they never place holds on my checks.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You still need to go there to have that relationship. The bigger banks also need to have that relationship in order for a Branch manager to do this that I believe is the same everywhere. There is no perfect bank and have tried this and big banks and prefer the smaller environment to a bigger branch. They also did a great job on a loan for equipment I used for my business so that experience was in person and Carly did a great job. read more

Easy and convenient location. I only use the atm but it always is functioning. Credit unions are great to use I noticed the fees are less.and their services like a safety deposit box is cheaper than big banks. read more

Please note the comment back from Desert Financial in response to my comments here typifies their silo mentality. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A representive from the company called me in April saying the same language of how they wanted to correct issues.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Their staff does not realize they had reached out to me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] In the phone conversation they had no remedy for the points I stated, only that the would try to pass on the info. What a joke...people get paid for doing nothing. Stay away from this credit union! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]THEY JUST NEVER DO ANYTHING WELL. THIS TIME IT WAS THEIR WRETCHED PHONE SYSTEM.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I have had a checking and savings account for many years, with many auto-payments attached. I'm also moving, so with relief I will change banks, just not until I move. Yesterday I remotely deposited two checks. One check was from the same company from which I have been depositing monthly for three years. The other was from an investment firm. Both less than $5k. Neither check's funds are available yet. Usually, the one I regularly deposit is available within an hour of deposit. [[HIGHLIGHT]]So I was going to call to find out when they will clear the checks. I figured that with a conversation, they might immediately clear the one I deposit regularly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Being disabled, it's a huge difficulty for me to walk into a branch. So I phoned 602-433-7000, which is one of two numbers posted for any contact. No branch numbers. [[HIGHLIGHT]]After clicking through a maze of options, I reached the "AI Assistant." She insisted on the last four digits of my SS#. For a simple question[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. After that, she required my driver's license identification. I reiterate, for a simple question. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The additional layers of bureaucracy they have added to their phone system are outrageous even by today's standards. And, wow, do they smell like fraud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They especially make it difficult for ADA-dependent people. They have made a lot of interest off me over the years. I will no longer continue to allow it. read more

I've been with Desert Financial off and on for around 20 years, and I remember when it was Desert Schools--the service was far better back then. Our recent experience started about 45 days ago, and we ultimately ended up working with Manager Matt McDonald. It's hard to believe the level of incompetence we experienced over the last 45 days--something they acknowledged but took no accountability for rectifying. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We went in to sign for a HELOC, and to our surprise, during the signing, we realized they were trying to consolidate our vehicle loans into the HELOC. Matt never mentioned this to us at any point during the process, so we decided to pass on the loan.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Matt called me a day later to apologize and offered us another option: either we could take around half the approved loan amount with no conditions, or the full amount with the condition that we pay off the vehicle loans.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were ready to move on from Desert Financial, but Matt reached out again, stating that our application was about to expire and that a senior underwriter had reviewed our file. He said we could borrow the full amount we were approved for with no conditions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I verified with Matt multiple times that afternoon to confirm that everything was correct and he assured me it was correct. I was understandably skeptical, given the number of errors throughout the process.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Matt repeatedly confirmed over several calls that afternoon we were cleared for the highest loan amount with no conditions, and he scheduled us to sign.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We went in to sign for the second time, only to find that the auto loans were once again included as conditions for the loan. Since Matt was off that day, we spoke to another team member, who said it was an error and would have the condition removed. After the condition was removed and we started signing the documents, we noticed that the loan amount had been reduced to nearly half of what we were originally told by Matt. At that point, we were informed that if we wanted the full amount, we would have to pay off the auto loans. Confused about how they could make the same mistake again, we walked out of the signing for a second time and later that day I spoke to another manager Jorge Marin. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Jorge reviewed my calls with Matt and confirmed that Matt had indeed told us we were approved for the full amount with no conditions, but that was not the case.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A few days later, Matt called me after returning from his time off and said, "I have no explanation for how I got that wrong, I'm sorry." He offered no explanation for how he came to tell us we were approved with no conditions--just a simple apology. Matt then said the best he could offer was half of the original loan amount, but with the condition that we pay off other debts with that option. It seemed that every time Matt revisited our file, the situation got worse. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I emailed Jorge and asked him to call me but never heard back from him.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I could understand one mistake from a new team member, but for a manager to make this many errors on a single file was shocking. There was zero accountability throughout the process. While I specifically mention Matt because he dropped the ball, there were others we dealt with who seemed equally confused about what was happening. I would strongly recommend using any other financial institution, Desert Financial isn't what it once was. read more

Turned in rolled coin for deposit and associate was very kind and patient. Made two deposits and two withdrawals and associate was professional and courteous. Loved my visit. read more

RAY and DOBSON ATM never works... complained for 8 months To manager and nothing gets fixed read more

I am very disappointed in Desert Financial Credit Union. I have been a customer with them with multiple accounts for a long time. Unfortunately, I was scammed, and someone sold me fraudulent Fiesta Bowl Tickets. I have an email from Eventbrite stating I was a victim of fraud and the tickets i purchased were not real, they instructed me to contact my financial institution. When I made a dispute with Desert Financial, I included a copy of the email from Eventbrite. Desert financial responded in a very demeaning and condescending way and declined my dispute and in a roundabout way told me I was out of luck, and they were not going to help me recover the $450 I was scammed out of. I am closing my accounts and going elsewhere for my financial needs. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]was a customer for years which means nothing to them.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] willingly gave my money to online scammers a month after the funds had already been returned to my account. their fraud department is a joke, currently in the process of closing my accounts and credit cards. [[HIGHLIGHT]]went to their corporate office and no one would see me, will never use this bank ever again.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]next time I feel like depositing money into their bank I'll just toss it out the window of my car instead.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Clear blue arrows to guide you , once you look down. Lol. Friendly and helpful branch. Lots of protection for employees and patrons. Parking is the not so favorite part, it when it is cooler a walk to sprouts is nice. read more

Absolutely terrible customer service! I had fraud on my card so I needed to cancel mine and get a new one and it's Saturday they close at 1:00 and it's 12:45, I rush there as I can't be without a card until Monday and I get there at 12:55. I made it in time and the lady obviously wanting to get out of there is rushing me as I'm explaining the fraud situation. (Whatever I get it, it's Saturday and you want to go home) so she gives me a new card says it's active and to call the number to activate my pin. In my car in the parking lot I try the number three times and the new card number won't register. I go to the door, it's locked, I knock she opens it and I tell her, she says no the cards active, I said we'll it's not registering in your system to set up the pin, clearly annoyed she takes the card and says she'll be back. Another lady comes back with the card said it wasn't active before for some reason but it is now. I thank her, go back to my car and call the number again, and the card number still won't register in the system. I get out of my car and all three of the employees are walking out I tell her it's still not working. She said no its active, and I said we'll that's what you told me last time and clearly it wasn't. She said no it is I called the number and it took me all the way to enter your pin. I told her well it doesnt do that when i call. She says we'll we are closed now. I told her I was here before you closed and you still havent finished helping me. Her response was well the grocery store branches are open till 2:00. Are you kidding me!? Absolutely ridiculous, terrible, and unacceptable customer service. Now I have to rush to find and get to a grocery store location before 2 all because this lady didn't want to do her job. Clearly she cared more about getting out of there then helping a customer that was there before you closed. I told her thanks for nothing and got in my car to rush to a grocery store branch. I barely make it and when I get there low and behold they try calling the number and it doesn't work. So obviously this lady was lying to me telling me it worked when she called as it didn't work for me and it didn't work for the other branch when they called. Lying to your customers to get them to leave so you can go home. Great practices lady. Anyways at the new branch they have to issue me a new card and that one works right away when they call to set up the pin. This once again just proves I was lied to multiple times by someone who had no interest in helping me so she could go home 5 minutes earlier. That's all it took was five minutes to get a new card and call the number at the other branch. But it was a huge stress on me having to rush again and drive 20 minutes to the next location hoping to make it in time once again as I already did that to get to the first location on time. I could not be without a card for the rest of the weekend I had important things I needed my card for. I explained that to her when I originally arrived at the first location but she obviously didn't care. I have been a member of Desert Financial for over 20 years and this is how I'm treated!? Unacceptable! read more

Well I just went in to make cash a s check with my father. Whether that be signing over to him or opening a bank account to do so. So immediately on approach to the counter sherwreen had attitude and immediately disregarded us and said nope sorry can't help you. And continued on with her day like we weren't there. She never offered us any options to get a check cashed. Right then and there I knew I didn't wanna open a bank account here due to her. Rudest person I think I have ever encountered in my life. Luckily carmelle was very sweet and got us going in and account in 5 mins and all set up. Carmelle is the only reason I opened an account and will continue to use desert financial. We get it sherweenie. You hate your job, but that doesn't mean you can take it out on everybody that comes in to the branch. Since I opened an account, if I come into the branch I will not be using sherwreen at all. I will let somebody go ahead of me to wait for the next clerk. read more

I have been a member of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union since I was 17. I have always been happy with my service. I used to come to this branch all the time when I lived close by. The customer service is good. I will say that when I got divorced and had no credit, they would not give me a credit card. They had no programs for women like me. I ended up going to another bank to get a secured credit card. I was disappointed but my own bank did not have this option for me. Fortunately that secured credit card option at the other bank worked out and I built my credit. Now desert schools offers me credit cards all the time. Silly banks! read more

LOVE Desert Financial! I switched to DF from Wells Fargo after they pulled a shady switcheroo on my mortgage. I have been very happy so far with Desert Financial! Most recently, I had to cash in quite a few savings bonds. My teller Kali, was knowledgeable, patient, and funny too! She explained the whole process to me, and even gave me an estimate of how long I would be at the bank. This place rocks. I totally get the hype of switching from a big bank to a credit union! read more

I went into the branch at Ray and Dobson last weekend. I was concerned about my Daughter in Illinois and wanted to get her some money. I was lucky enough to get Zachary Britton as my Member Advocate. I would give him 10 stars! He was so kind and professional. He helped me figure out the fastest and safest way to get her money immediately! Then he told me about an awesome credit line and I signed on for that! Awesome service and awesome products! Thanks again Zachary! Dawn read more

This is the most unprofessional credit union. The bank clerk, Matt, needs a lot training. He is unable to send a simple wire transfer. He screwed up the whole transfer and I lost money because of the time sensitivity of my need. There is no accountability nor checks and balances of their banking. Wire finally went through and I closed my accounts the same day. Never doing business with them again. I deposited my cash into my primary Chase bank. Never a problem there. Chase bank is extremely professional. read more

I went to this branch to open an HSA and felt happy to give my business to a locally-owned spot. Ugh. I forgot I had freezes on my credit due to some fraudulent activity recently. There was no cell service in the building, so I had to go outside to get on my phone and remove the freeze. It was nearly 110 in the Valley today, so this wasn't the highlight of my day. As soon as I sat back down inside, the banker informed me that the freeze was still there. I asked if we could wait a few moments for the system to update, but she simply read the screen back to me for the second time and basically sent me on my way. There was no one behind me, and it would have been nice of her to wait a bit and try again instead of telling me to come back another time. This was, at best, a mediocre experience with customer service and left me with a bad taste in my mouth. read more

Matt S helped me open a Checking and saving account in 10 min. Quick and simple. No extra questions about my life and my day which I like. He sent me the agreement disclosure to my email so I didn't have to touch the pin pad due to covid. Thanks Matt! read more

I don't really think you can be a huge fan of a bank but in all retrospects Desert Schools is not among the worst. Some pros: Friendly service Easy to set up a bank account for your kids Personal service feeling Cons: Sometimes really slow service Fraud department will freeze account frequently if you go shopping, for example, we frequently go to Tucson to go shopping and on one particular trip we spent a couple of hundred dollars on some clothing stores. Two days later we were trying to buy the newest Xbox at the Chandler Walmart and we were not able to due to the account being frozen. Okay, so we purchase the very next morning after speaking with them. Fast forward to a week later and we were trying to buy a game, again the same thing. Apparently there is a number you are supposed to call where you can review your charges and let them know it's okay to unfreeze your account. This has happened countless times and the phone automation thing sometimes will take forever to unfreeze your account. No real convenient locations They have joined the big boys and charge just as much in fees for those things you need. read more

I'm a new member. I've been to the branch twice, once to start my savings account and the second time to finish opening my checking account. I met with the same representative each time. The first time I got the impression he had never opened an account before. The second time (now) I am convinced he was never even trained. I have waited for about 10 min while the rep finished his personal call. I could hear it clearly from the waiting area. Then I sat and waited another 10min for him to figure out how to open my checking account. It got so bad he is on the phone now with another branch asking them how to do it. I've been here for 35 min and my account is still not open. Slowest bank ever. I've had good experiences over the phone getting my auto loan and this is the reason I don't give two stars. My other bank is Chase, and they are always fast. I guess credit unions just don't move with the same level of urgency. read more

Went in to pay off a loan via shared branching. Needed to have them fax confirmation of cash payment to my credit union to expedite a title release. I've now called five times and still not had the confirmation sent to the proper receiving party. When I called the fifth time, I reached a central hub and spoke with an extremely rude female who hung up on me when I requested to be transferred to someone at the specific branch I'd gone to earlier in the day. Long story short: I will NEVER do business with this institution again. I know financial institutions are notorious for bad customer service, and I've dealt with my fair share of banks and credit unions in the past; this one takes the cake for absolute worst customer service. read more

This may be a credit union, but they are just as bad as a big bank. They charge fees for everything you could imagine and will never work with you. We recently had fraud show up on our account, which lead to fees being assessed. They refused to waive the fees, saying it was an error on their part. Go to a legit credit union, not one that has been sued for its shady practices (google it). read more

Nicest crew and super helpful! Forget the huge chains, these guys get my business from here on out! The best read more

This branch of Desert Financial is one of the best I have ever been to! Branch Manager Angie has gone above and beyond for me and I couldn't be more thankful. Everyone there does their best to know me and that to me is the essence of excellent customer service! Keep doing what your are doing and you will have customers like me for life! read more

hello my fellow Yelpers! So, you're looking for a new bank and you thought you might check out a credit union ? Ask yourself why you want a credit union. Is it because it used to be onlly "special" people are allowed to bank there... "Members"? Or because you want a "small town" type bank? DESERT SCHOOLS is neither! Anyone can become a member and they are NOT small. The Bank Managers have very LITTLE authority to make decisions... Everything seems to have to go through a district manager in this case "Shawn Mitchell".who by the way feels his members are not important enough to return a call to. My beef is with the fact that they charge for most everything! Don't have direct deposit?... Charge! Need a check from your own account?... One in 5? Years .... Charge! Stupid little things that "small town type credit unions" should provide. The employees have always been pleasant and professional My husband and I both closed our accounts recently and as I sat with the bank rep I used his scissors to cut up my bank card I had a feeling of freedom! We are done with a desert Schools! I used to bank with a credit union for many years and loved it but this credit union just doesn't deserve our business! We found a small local bank with free banking, free checks, free ATM reimbursement , better hours and real personalized service. Good luck to all and think of all your options out there before you join! Always remember to live for today! read more

No more shared branching and very rude tellers. With all the options available for credit unions, I won't be back

Don't go to this branch! The manager Angie hates customer service and trains her employees to be as rude as possible. I had my card compromised and turned off and the employees at this branch were super rude and made it nearly impossible to get a replacement card issued. They basically held my money hostage! I complained through the general service phone number and Angie called me personally to tell me i am a liar and am not valued as a customer. I will take this review down when Desert Schools gives me an apology. If you are reading this then they care as little about their customers as Angie does. read more

I am very disappointed in Desert Financial Credit Union. They have changed their name and want to become a valuable banking entity. When my husband and I have been making automatic deposits for over two years, we expected a reasonable treatment when I deposited a larger than normal sum into the bank from part of an inheritance. The bankmanager with a smirk on his face told me none of it will be available to me for 8 banking days. That is so not a revelant financial institution! Not a bank who you want on your team or in your financial picture! I checked around on the internet to see what other financial institutions hold time is, no one was 8 days! Not staying around long Desert Financial Credit Union, we can do much better, my husband and I have credit ratings in the 800 range, have been excellently responsible with our finances. We are not a credit risk. You so do not "know your customer!" read more

I've been with Desert Schools for years and when we moved I was happy to find this branch. I've read the other reviews and I've not had had the same experience. Everyone I've encountered is friendly, respectful and very helpful. They also have an atm at this location. So far, I'm very happy with this branch. read more

Today I came in with my boyfriend to start off his account with desert schools and to deposit a check. The teller which was a younger girl and I think her name started with a k helped us and she was actually really nice and helpful with the whole process and offered for us to have a joint savings account for bills which was a great idea! We then sat down with Matthew who helped my boyfriend set up an account, set up our new rent savings account, and got me and my bf new debt cards. He also added the referral program info so we could get some extra cash! He was super helpful, caring, and funny!! He has an awesome personality and it was a pleasure talking to him. We enjoyed coming in today and felt in no way rushed or unhappy. Everything is now taken care of that we needed and we will definitely be coming back whenever we need anything else!! read more

I switched to DF last year, and I couldn't be happier. They have gone out of their way to meet all my needs and expectations from a bank. I really appreciate the small town feel of personal service provided. I also love how committed they are to helping the community they serve through programs like "the year of giving". read more

DO NOT OPEN A CHECKING ACCOUNT HERE WITH PRIVILEGE PAY!!! This credit union sucks and they will financially ruin your life by offering Privilege Pay for overdrafts on your account that they will pay. What they don't tell you upfront and don't even notify you by mail is when they arbitrarily yank it from your account for no reason told to you (if you actually use it) then everything bounces from your account! Then when you call them they lie and say they tried to call you but you didnt answer - really? No voice mail, nothing on the phone's call log. Lies lies lies. Stick with a real bank that doesn't offer a scam. Desert Financial SUCKS!!! read more

This is for desert schools in general. They suck. I have had a credit union in ca for 25 years no issues and wanted to open a separate cu account in AZ while I'm out here temporarily so thought I'd come here. This credit union is more like a big bank. I used to work for Wells Fargo and a lot of the way the company handles situations reminds me of them- not in a good way. Wish I had never opened an account here. They have taken so much of my money and now it is a nightmare just trying to close my account. I loaaaatthheee you desert schools! read more

OMG, what have they done? I had to reset all of my bill pay after their recent on line banking upgrade, it was a good thing I caught it in time. An email telling me they're are sorry is not satisfactory and an insult. Now when I use Bill Pay another window pops up, who thought that was a good idea. Trying to reset my alerts and they don't even have an alert for transactions. It's like taking a step back a decade or so. If you do on line banking stay away until they get their act together. Arizona Federal is much better. I am seriously considering how this upgrade was handled to take my business elsewhere. read more

My review is about the computer LOG-ON. Called the help line and they were nice but useless.

I will never use a big bank and have always been a member of credit unions. However, after my main credit union had cut shared branching services, I had to start pulling cash from the atm, so I could go to a credit union that offered shared branching just so I could pay my car payment to ANOTHER credit union that was out of state. After visiting Desert Schools and seeing their lower interest rates, I applied for an auto refinance. I got approved at such a low rate that I moved all my accounts to Desert Schools, and love it! The lower rate has in turn helped me pay off my car sooner and now I finally own it, yay! I am just happy to have all my banking in one place. read more

Bill pay: The one payment I needed them to send, still hasn't arrived five days after the "deliver by date". I had to replace the payment with another check of mine but they already withdrew the funds from my account, even though the check has not been cashed that was sent via bill pay. I asked them to just return the funds and cancel that payment, and they want to charge me a $35 fee. Several calls to the phone banking center snd one trip to this branch, and they're still not willing to waive the $35 fee to cancel the check that never got to the party. They are able to waive the $35 fee, but they wanted me to "give it one more day". That sounds wonderful- making another trip during my workday to handle something that they didn't handle. I have been a desert schools member for years, but the disregard of the value of my time is inexcusable. Once this matter clears up, I will end this relationship. read more

This bank has the worst customer service ever. They recently changed their computer system so that it is even slower than before. They blame they "system" for everything including the fact that they now require ID for every transaction including a straight deposit. I am a senior and I have been a customer for over 25 years but no one ever acknowledges that fact. They address me by my first name even though they always want ID. Simple courtesy should dictate that they at least address me as Mrs._______. When I repeatedly pointed this out, they said "It's our system." If you happen to get a new teller (which is often because their turnover is frequent), you get even worse service. read more

I've been a member for about 3 years and my experiences over these years has worsened. Countless times I have tried to make large purchases through major companies like Amazon to buy books for graduate school and many times my card has been declined. The funds were ready and available but due to the decisions made by upper management and members of the board certain restrictions are set that place purchase limits on members' availability of funds. I became distrustful because if I couldn't purchase books what would happen if I had a major car issue or breakdown and I needed to use my card for towing and/or other car emergency, or what would happen if me or my dogs had an emergency medical expense, would my card be declined again?? I pursued answers to why this was happening and filed a case with NCUA. Upper management from Desert contacted me and explained that board members set restrictions that even he couldn't do anything about and that he would definitely take my NCUA case and written complaints to the board. I'm taking my funds elsewhere because this happened again after filing a complaint. I can no longer trust this credit union and things like this worry me. I never know when my card will be declined and worry about needing to use it when the credit union is closed and I can not contact anyone. read more