Went in to apply for a loan, at face value the customer service was great, but as time went on the service became less and less accommodating. I was told that the approval rate is vast and my chances of acceptance were high. I explained my situation on what i was looking at and why i was trying to buy what i needed. As i was giving more of my personal information the criteria became more and more strict. I was then told that what i was buying was out of the question for that loan type and i was in need of a personal loan with a much higher interest rate. i reluctantly opted for that option as it was my only choice at that point. Days later after giving all of my information and lots of time on the phone i was then denied. If i were to recommend any other place for a loa, it would be any other credit union but Desert Financial. Doesn't surprise that the reviews are as low as they are. read more

Sarai was an incredible banker, and I have nothing but positive things to say about her. She was professional, respectful, helpful, and genuinely the one bright spot in an otherwise very disappointing experience with Desert Financial. Unfortunately, my experience with Desert Financial above the branch level was completely different. Everyone I dealt with beyond the branch treated me in a dismissive and condescending way, as though I was not capable of making my own financial decisions. I was attempting to complete a documented business transaction, but Desert Financial created a narrative that I might be the victim of a romance scam and used that as the basis to interfere with the transaction. That explanation was inaccurate, insulting, and deeply frustrating. The transaction involved a real business, formal documentation, and available verification, but instead of handling it through a serious diligence process, Desert Financial treated me like a child. To be clear, this review is not a criticism of Sarai. She was excellent. If the rest of Desert Financial had handled the situation with the professionalism and respect she showed, I would have been happy to remain a customer. Unfortunately, the conduct above the branch level made that impossible. read more

They are very selective when I file a dispute, they either grant or deny dispute, no consistency.

I would like to start off by saying that I came to this credit union for an adoption loan. I have an excellent credit score and very little debt. I was counter offered a smaller loan amount becuase apparently I didn't have enough credit history with loans. So you're telling me having excellent credit history and a loan (car loan) is not enough? Unbelievable, and to wait so many days to hear back from you as well. I will NEVER go to this organization for banking or any financial needs. An absolute joke. read more

Shauna at customer service for the credit card center is very rude and condescending towards customers and will hang up on you!!!

The transfers online take so long. My car note is due on the 18th of the month. I transfers funds on the 13th and it still hasn't gone through. Every mo th i have to transfer the money at least a week and a few days advance if I want it to get to my account on time to pay my car note. Any other bank or financial institution takes 1-2 days tops. Not this credit union. Thats why I dont do anything but pay my car note with them. And it caused an overdraft fee that I still dont understand why because the funds were there. read more

I gave this place ONE LAST chance! Tried moving all my financials to this institution and for the first time in my 56 years was denied refinancing my Jeep. I honestly wouldn't waste my time trying to bank here. My goal this week is to find a new Credit Union. Previous to retirement I was in a high ranking position at a bank for years. I can't imagine how this CU has members. Hughes was far better it's just too far away. I hate leaving reviews like this, however, if you don't treat your members like they're deserving then you don't deserve members. read more

I got a decent rate on a loan, only after playing phone tag the last few days. Don't underestimate their ability to make you jump through hoops. Doesn't help when some staff is sassy. Do not recommend if you have little patience. Perfect if you enjoy making phone calls and driving back and fourth for fun. read more

This bank is a nightmare. I switched a direct deposit and the bank never posted it. I have another direct deposit coming, after that I will close it. Absolutely horrible!!!! read more

Let me start off by saying when I first came into the branch near Ray and Alma, I was treated very well and set up my account in under 30 minutes. I have very minimal experience in setting up financial accounts and the lady I worked with (I think her name was Gia) was very helpful and swift. I deposited an initial check of about 6,000$ and was told it would clear in the morning. The next morning, I was confused to see the check was declined when I was told to take a picture and mobile deposit it AT the branch the day I set up the account. I called the branch, and was connected with Liz on the fraud department. She was very dismissive and told me right off the bat that my check was cashed sometime in May, and because of this my account was considered "high risk and fraudulent" and Desert Financial will no longer be working with me. I was shocked, because I didn't get the check until last week (it's now August) due to mailing, communication, and time constraint issues, so I had no idea what she meant that it was cashed on May 27th. I asked if I could have more information and she said she can't tell me anything else and I am no longer a customer with Desert Financial. I was in complete panic mode because she made me feel like some sort of criminal and I was so confused and left with no answers or explanations, and my online account and debit card were IMMEDIATELY terminated so I could not get any more information or contact anyone through the app. After calling the payroll manager of the school district where I had got my final check (the one for ~6,000$), she said the check was still outstanding and had no idea why Liz said it was cashed. She also said the only thing that happened on May 27th was that the check was ISSUED to me. So as someone who was trying to set up their first bank account as an adult by themselves and feeling proud and accomplished of taking initiative, to the next day being accused of being a fraud and immediately losing access to that same account and dismissed with no information of go off of, my experience was miserable and honestly hurtful. read more

The service inside is great, but please go back to PAL. The current virtual assistant, "Dee" is so hard to deal with. Not happy about the change. Conducting business over the automated phone system used to be so much easier. read more

Desert Financial Credit Union appears to be padding its books with overdraft fees. Unlike what most would expect, these fees are applied based on the account balance at the time of authorization--not when the transaction clears. This includes fraudulent charges, which still trigger overdraft fees. Customer service is disappointing at best. They rely on third-party companies that have access to your financial information, raising serious privacy concerns. I strongly recommend avoiding this credit union. If you've had a similar experience, you can file a complaint with the NCUA at mycreditunion.gov. read more

Worst bank ever! Came in for a bank deposit and get some change. Gave the clerk $60 And she doesn't count it and put into her machine and then proceeds to tell me I only have her $50. I ask to speak to the manager and suggest they check their camera to see how much I gave her. Ask the manager to call me after their findings. No call and see $10 deposited into my account later the next day. No phone call to apologize and felt like my business wasn't anything to them. When I had lefter the bank with $50 dollars and not the $60 that I came in with. Poor customer service! read more

This branch customer service bad. Takes forever to get help even though never busy. Sitting forever In uncomfortable lobby.

Desert Financial does not do what they say they'll do. They made arrangements with me on a settlement and my house burnt down the next day. I was told by the Dept Mgr Tony they'd honor the settlement when the house was rebuild. Now Tony is no longer with them and Jeff Mueller will not honor the settlement. They are being very mean to me about it! This is a huge hardship for my family. Shame on you, for not being a business that agrees to do what they say! Be warned! read more

Switched banks and had set up a direct deposit for my job. But they closed my account due to inactivity, without notifying me, the same week my first check was supposed to be deposited! Now I have almost no money and have to wait at lease a week or so for my paycheck to be mailed to me... Very poor communication! read more

I had to cash a check here from a friend. I don't have an account. They actually had the audacity to charge me 7.00 blah blah dollars to cash the check! Are you KIDDING ME???? I would not recommend this bank for any one for any reason. read more

Only a sucker would entrust their monies to this so-called financial institution. As someone who will be relocating to Arizona in the very near future, I called the Ahwatukee branch to get answers about transferring funds ahead of any move and one other matter. For whatever reason, the person I spoke with wasn't equipped to provide information, and she suggested I speak with a wealth management specialist or financial advisor. Fine, I agreed. Five days later.....no return call. I again TRIED to reach the Ahwatukee branch but this time I couldn't get past the call center. Run far, run deep, and keep running away from Desert Financial. read more

STAY AWAY!! Absolutely awful experience. The loan officers at this credit union were completely disorganized, poor communication, 3rd party lenders in a different time zone, no sense of urgency, etc. From the start, they dropped the ball repeatedly--requesting new conditions one after another, as if they weren't keeping track of anything. Every time we thought we were making progress, they delayed us again. The process dragged on far longer than it should have. This level of incompetence is unacceptable, especially when dealing with something as important as a loan. read more

After 38 years of banking with desert financial, I can honestly say this should be the last bank to go with on your list. They've canceled have canceled my debit card on "accident" and refused to let me take money out of my account til they figured out why, locked the vault a day too long which kept me from getting money I ordered, then gave the money I ordered away to someone else when I came to pick it up, took a month for a car loan because of a lack of communication between employees, and took 2 months to get me money back after fraudulent checks with my name and account number not even being correct. The good news... I've received a crisp "we're sorry" each time they screw up read more

Visited the branch at 15505 Hayden. Can't say enough good things about it! Chelsea was a HUGE HELP! This is why I've been with them since I was in my 20's...I'm now 59. The services offered and the customer service and care that they always provide is stellar!! Thank you DSFCU! I'm a customer for life. read more

Bad customer service! We've sent in auto insurance documentation since they decided to add their own even after we emailed the items they requested. 9mos later, still being charged. The last person I talked to over a week ago said it was taken care of and that I'd be reimbursed everything they charged me. This still hasn't happened yet. read more

Is there anything lower than 1 start? New to area and set up appointment to open account. Got there and was told it would be 20 min. After 30 min still waiting... Lots of employees walking around and only 1 person that could help us was busy. What's the point of an appointment. TERRIBLE. read more

This is the worst Car loan company I have ever had. Their skip a payment option is very deceiving/confusing as far as the details of how you get accepted the skip a payment offer for the holiday season. Specifically being in the email sent to me it states a $30 deferment fee per applicable auto loan will be charged to the account of your choosing, which how I read that is I can pay how I'd like thru my bank that I use on a regular basis. But nope you can ONLY use a desert financial credit union account... my loan is through this bank I do not use nor would I ever use this bank. I get a saving account as part of my car loan, I don't need it, I don't use it! Ridiculous way to "help" your customers thru a holiday season as making more work just to pay you $30 to " help me" . Let me take 5-10 more steps activate an account ill never use , go to the bank to deposit or link my bank to this bank to transfer funds which take 3-5 business days... then while on the phone with customer service as she explains to me how I can't pay the $30 with my card or bank, she states that they have no address on file for me...make that make sense when I get mail from them.... Not everyone needs more than 1 bank account, poor way to give out an option to your " valued customer" I guess that's only accurate for customers who bank and loan through them. read more

Don't bother depositing a Cashiers Check at Desert Financial. They will make you wait to verify the check is "good" to cash. this Credit Union clearly doesn't understand how Cashier Check work. Cashier Checks are good by the bank bank that made it read more

An awful place to bank. If you have a problem, you are strictly on your own. I've banked with them for 16 years. I'm done.

ZERO STARS. **The worst bank---EVER!!!** I opened an account and tried to fund it by adding external US Bank account. They flagged me for fraud. I couldn't even login to see my account. I called them multiple times and sent them my driving license and other verification. Last week they said to send them a bank statement of the Bank account that I was trying to connect to my DF account. I sent them recent bank statements via email. Still nothing and could not get into my account. I called today again today and after such a LONG wait got to this person who transfer me to another department. OMG. The person that I talked to was LIZ (She refused to give me her full name or agent id). She was EXTREEMLY RUDE, INSULTING and literally was YELLING at me. Telling me "I have decided to close your account." I asked the reason and she gave me a vague answer and abruptly ended the call by saying the money in the account will be sent to my address on file. I have never have experienced this kind of insult and treatment ever before. I have bank accounts and people respect me when I try to call for banking. This credit union is unbelievably UNFROFESSIONAL and MISTREAT people. Stay away from them. May be they have too much business and have no need for additional clients. SHAME ON YOU LIZ FOR INSULTING AND YELLING AT ME AND SHAME ON DESERT FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION FOR HIRING PEOPLE LIKE LIZ. read more

My service request was Excellent and above reproach. The Quality was Right on Target. The following review, is based on 27 Years in The United States Air Force. The following members need to be recognized for there kindness and the professionalizam when they take care of the members of the Desert Financial Credit Union. The value is how the following people need to be recognized. They are; Marina, Magda, Mariana, Leslie, Amber & Celeste who go above and Beyond the call of duty. Alan B. Copeman, CMSGT, USAF RETIRED read more

There fine for checking & savings And maybe a car loan But for mortgage & equity line No very professional & I not Going to tell you my story but It's the 1 hand saying No The Other hand say we can do this !! To old for that crap 820 FICO score read more

Do NOT, under ANY circumstances, use Desert Financial for a vehicle loan. Their system will screw you over and they don't care enough to correct it. Their system didn't autopay the last payment on my vehicle loan because it was A DOLLAR LESS than my normal payment, which resulted in a late fee and a 100 point drop in my 30-year perfect credit score. The funds were available, their system just refused to take them. Every agent we've spoken to has been rude and unhelpful, each one claiming that this is totally normal and it's our fault we didn't know their autopay system was this moronic. My wife and I set up our Desert Schools account 24 years ago after we were first married. And they have repaid my loyalty by costing me thousands of dollars with this unfair credit score hit. Please learn from my mistake and bank with anybody else. read more

I have business and personal accounts with DFCU and I tell you they are terrible. Their online banking is horrible! I've tried adding external accounts, error, error and more error messages. Same thing with trying to transfer money, or make a payment on my business LOC. Never had to deal with so much frustration. The only reason I stay with them is the LOC. Otherwise I'd dump these idiots in a heartbeat. read more

Horrible bank. I opened an account with a check issued by my employer who holds a business account with them and they still decided to put a hold on my account for 10 days. Absurd, and now I am trying to order things on amazon and they are rejecting my payments, even for uber. I didn't know depositing money in this bank meant, they will control every aspect of how you spend it. I will cancel my account with them this week. read more

desert finance is horrible at communication. we talked to our finance manager every week and he told us we were currenton our payments. We got a call from Desert Finance threatening to repo our car. either one they are stealing our money or they are trying to screw their customers. we had not received a call from anyone stating we weren't current. I would recommend no one uses this credit union. Luis screwed up our account. Anna doesn't understand how work their system or answer basic questions read more

Our family has been trying to get assistance with several matters for months. No one follows through or calls back with updates. Every time I speak with another person and go through lengthy explanations, I hear that the notes on our accounts are minimal and not helpful to the new person. I'm still waiting for information/call backs from the Alma school branch manager from our 5/6/25 conversation, auto loan approval from the business loan department (that they have been pushing us to do something about), ( why does it takes weeks), and a document approval from the Will and Trust department that was notarized in the branch on 4/11/2025! I have been a member since 1981 and have referred many, many people who are now also members. I used to go in, they knew you by name, and every customer felt important, but that is no longer the case. I have to give credit to the Greenfield and McKellips branch for being on top of my accounts and documents (and remembering me)! I noticed a difference when they changed the name, and everyone who had been there for years was suddenly no longer there! Very disappointing and no more referrals until something changes! read more

I have banked and been a member for over twenty seven years. I loved all the branches but especially east bell near thirty seconds street. Always helpful friendly and very good rates and service. read more

DO NOT open an account or do business with them. Due to needing an auto loan, I had to open a savings account with them. I was told there was no charge or fees for the Savings account. Once my car loan was paid in full, without any notification, they started to charge me maintenance fees for the Savings account due to "Inactivity". They only notified me when my Savings account balance went into negative balance. When I called to resolve the issue, I was told they cannot refund me any of the "fees" they deducted out of my Savings account. They basically stole my money out of my Savings account. read more

I have been with Desert schools since the late 1980's. I got a text from fraud prevention yesterday to call them. So I Did! Filed a fraud claim with them which took a bit. He then told me they could not mail my new card to me that I had to go to the bank and see the teller which I did. After a 20 min wait I went back and the rep told me she could not see my fraud claim I might have to wait until it clears. WTH your bank text me I call them I file and now there is no claim YET! What is the point of them text and me calling and filing! Her comment I joke you not oh they are a third party I have no idea. WHATEVER!!! I then let her no how much this bank is behind other institutions. If my company deposits my check early B OF A puts it in my account. DSFCU you wait until the normal date. It is sad how down hill and behind they are now. Have a great day all! read more

No customer service anymore. You are just a number not a member in their eyes. It used to be about members and customer service, now it's about the bottom line. Don't really care how you're treated. Been a member for over 15 years and recommended many to this CU. but not anymore. Will be closing my accounts and switching to AZ One for my future business. read more

I've been with desert financial over 10 years, horrible customer service. Long hold, transfer after transfers. Hang ups, nobody knows anything!. read more

I have always been greeted in a friendly manner. When there is a problem with my account, it is usually because I did not know how the bank handled the situation. One I was informed, the problem was resolved easily. When I am going to travel, I tell them so my card doesn't get denied when out of state. I am sorry others have had bad experiences. I have not had that kind of service. It has always been helpful and timely. read more