This is totally incredible. The bank website says it's open on Saturday. The door says it's open on Saturday. I drive a whole half an hour out of my way because I need to withdraw à larger amount than my daily withdrawal allowance!!! let's see how long it takes somebody to answer this because the last time it took nine months for somebody from the bank to Notice There Was a Bad review read more

First Entertainment Credit Union - Says open Saturday - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Studio City, California

I had been with 1st Entertainment for over 20 years and in the beginning, they were a dream to deal with. They were friendly waited on. You made sure that your needs were met and I actually looked forward to doing my banking as time went on. I could see, they were struggling with the growth they were having after they opened it up to all people, and you could feel the strain on the employees when you went in not to mention the wait times which were crazy. I ended up, leaving under not so great circumstances. But it was actually a good thing because I ended up finding another Credit Union that I've been very happy with ever since. read more

Wait times for customer service on the phone is an hour or more. All calls are now handled overseas.

That the first SIX Yelp review scores (now 7, with mine) are so low that this organization had to publicly post apologies, and that you actually have to scroll back to 2024 to find a 5-star review, truthfully says it all. The idiots at First Entertainment are not bankers, they're transitory employees who in six months may be working at Target or Urban Outfitters. I've had an issue of importance - which I won't disclose here - that I've directed not only to the "team" via phone and the website, but actually came in and spoke with Sarah, a "manager" at the Studio City branch. It's a simple issue to resolve, and three weeks later it remains neglected. Worse, I have not heard back from anyone at First Entertainment since speaking with the "manager." I decided to wait until today to give them more than ample time to respond before posting public complaint. If my issue isn't addressed (to be clear, that's all I'm asking - it may not be resolved in my favor, but at least I should get some response from them, and I made that very clear to the "manager" who assured me I'd hear from them in 48 hours.) If this post doesn't elicit a response from an appropriate team member soon (and I don't mean the fucking idiots who post "sorry to hear about your experience" responses at Yelp) I'll send details of the issue to at talktotheceo@firstent.org. It's astonishing that in this era of social media First Entertainment is not only so incompetent, but so indifferent. read more

I've been a customer of FECU for several years. I've used them twice for car loans because their rates are great. They also have very good customer service. I stopped in this branch because it's open on Saturday, and I wanted to pay off my current car loan. The lady who assisted me was an absolute doll. We had an enjoyable conversation while she was processing my transaction. She also answered my questions and helped me with another transaction. This branch is nice and welcoming. It's adjacent to a shopping center so there is plenty of parking. It's a bit out of the way but I would come back. read more

If i could give them 0 stars I would! This branch should be ashamed of themselves! Employees are highly uneducated & brainless... I stood in line to get to the teller when I did get to one I let the lady know that I am taking all my moneys out & taking it somewhere else. When all was set and done I walked away from the counter while waiting 4 an agent to take me inside an office to make that happen... Well.. the same agent from the back of the counter yelled out " Mam you want to take out$10,000... Right...? I was livid,.. She announced that in front of ppl that were standing in line... People kill for money when they know how much you have on you... Stupid sees or in this case doesn't.. Stupid does... When I, finally, got to the inside of an office, no apologies, no nothing... No asking me why I terminated my business with them, the manager was just as stupid or maybe ignorant, maybe both! But, if, you know what's best for you... Either take your money out of there or don't bank there at all! Figuratively speaking you m8ght get stucked or worse yet killed! If you get my drift... Just stay away from this branch, they think nothing of you! They are too comfortable to care... read more

2 years ago I obtained an auto loan with First Entertainment. I was rear ended, van was totaled and I went back to First Entertainment to finance my replacement vehicle and was refused. Loan was for under $6,000 dollars and I had impeccable payment history with my prior loan. I work as a set painter and the banker would not consider any of the income coming into my account from direct deposit from various employers, only physical paystubs. Bankers were not friendly. It felt like I was having to prove I was not some sort of scam artist. I am going to close my checking account which I have never used because when I opened my account a banker at the Forest Lawn location told me it could take up to 90 days for a check to clear. Scary. read more

One person seems to have an aversion for people of color. Only says hello and welcome to non people of color. Makes the people of color wait when he could be assisting them. I think this is my last time coming into this branch. It breaks my heart. read more

I've been a long time member and have had very positive experiences with this branch. Very fast and friendly service, parking lot sometimes can be busy. read more

Terrible rates, zero locations, very limited customer support, offer a credit card that they do not service. I would not not use First Entertainment Credit Union they're terrible read more

The individual CSRs are friendly, but on whole, I am very unhappy with the customer service when it came to straightening out an issue on my Visa card re: it erroneously telling me I'm past due. I've spent the past week trying to straighten this out, calling over half a dozen times and it's still not resolved even after multiple promises that it would be. I'll be looking at other credit unions to move my account to soon. read more

The customer service at this bank is horrible. when I needed to talk to the executive office or a manager is worthless. They feel they don't care about their customers. They tell you one thing that when call CS. then they hold on your check when CS said there wouldn't and then when you complain about it, they don't ever contact you. I would not recommend first entertainment credit union at all as they don't not value you. And CS is nonexistent and I've been with this bank for over 25 years, Sad I had to resort to complaining on Yelp read more

You'd get better customer service from a meth dealer. I claimed unemployment while on hiatus and this was paid on a Mastercard debit card. First Entertainment are unable to transfer money from that card to my checking account. The best solution that could give me was to go to an ATM everyday and draw out the maximum amount of cash allowed and then go to my branch in person and deposit it. Seriously, what year is this? This is just the latest debacle I've had to endure with First Entertainment. I honestly think it's time I went and did my banking with a proper grown up financial institution. read more

Excellent branch! I love coming here and appreciate the employees. I have various products from this bank and have been using them exclusively since December 2010. read more

Been a member for 30+ years, they are making a mistake deleting automated teller option for checking your account balance. Time to leave. Got an app for that? read more

Somehow I've overlooked that this location existed. Scheduling an appointment was a breeze. Plenty of parking. Excellent service and the problem we had spent too much time trying to figure out on the phone was solved within a few minutes! read more

You shouldn't bank with First Entertainment Credit Union. They are incompetent and sloppy with basic administrative tasks and will waste your money and time as a result. Trust me - I was a member for ten years. I'll explain. In early April of 2023, I set up a funds transfer from my First Entertainment account to max out my Roth IRA ahead of the April 15th deadline. A few days after the 15th, I noticed that the money was still in my account. Digging deeper, I found out that First Entertainment had cancelled the funds transfer because the account I was transferring from was a few bucks short. Fine, understandable - BUT THEY NEVER NOTIFIED ME THAT THE TRANSFER HAD BEEN CANCELLED, so I was unable to correct the error until it was too late to contribute to my Roth for the year. When I contacted First Entertainment's customer service to ask them why they'd never notified me that my transaction didn't go through, their response was something to the tune of, "Due to a glitch in our system, a notification email was not sent." So, because First Entertainment doesn't maintain its systems properly, I'll be missing out on thousands of dollars of retirement savings over the next 50 years. Whoops! I was pretty upset about this, so I set about moving my money to a different credit union. At some point, the amount of money in my First Entertainment checking account fell below the minimum required balance, and First Entertainment began charging me penalty fees for having too low of a balance. However, they once again DID NOT NOTIFY ME THAT CHARGES WERE BEING APPLIED, so I was unaware that anything was even wrong until months later when they sent me a stern letter about the $50 in penalty fees that had piled up. In September of 2023 I went into the Studio City branch, paid off all my charges, and formally asked them to close my account and cancel my First Entertainment Visa card. The teller confirmed for me that my account had been closed and my Visa card had been cancelled. I left, confident that my troubles with First Entertainment Credit Union were finally in the rearview mirror. Until the beginning of this year, when I received two sternly-worded letters from First Entertainment on the same day, informing me that I had missed multiple payments on my credit card and was racking up late fees and interest. Upon further investigation, it turns out that FIRST ENTERTAINMENT NEVER CANCELLED MY CREDIT CARD EVEN THOUGH THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD, and a couple of annual subscriptions had charged to the card. Naturally, in true First Entertainment style, they didn't inform me about the charges until they had been overdue long enough to endanger my credit score. I went into the Studio City branch a week ago to try and get my card cancelled and the charges forgiven. The employee I spoke with assured me that everything was taken care of. A few days later, I received a call from First Entertainment customer service telling me that everything had NOT been taken care of, and I was still on the hook for the fees. I went in today and spent another half hour watching an employee click around on their computer, who then informed me that everything was taken care of. I'm sure I'll receive yet another letter or phone call in the next few days informing me of First Entertainment's latest screwup that I am somehow on the hook to pay for. By the way, there's two words I've never heard in any of my many interactions with First Entertainment Credit Union's employees throughout this saga: "We're sorry." Every time I explain to First Entertainment's representatives how this credit union's incompetence has cost me money, wasted my time, and abused my trust, I receive nothing in return but a dead-eyed stare and a mumbled, "Let me look into that." Don't trust these people with your money. If they're not able to complete simple tasks like sending an email when a transaction is cancelled or processing a cancellation when a member asks for it, there's no telling what other stuff they're screwing up when it comes to cybersecurity or protecting your personal information. It's not hard to find a credit union with an actual commitment to professionalism and customer service. It IS very hard to get First Entertainment Credit Union to cancel your account - so learn from my mistakes and never open an account with them in the first place. read more

I opened this account a few months in anticipation of possibly relocating to SoCal. I have never used the account. I received a call from a guy in the collections department named Andre, who wanted to know if I was prepared to pay $6 past due for 19 days. $6. Six dollars. 19 days past due. I explained I have not used this account at all. I have not received any notice by any communication the account was past due. I asked Andre what the $6 charge was for. He did not know. I explained I'd be happy to pay $6 if he would tell me what it was for. Andre said he did not know and reiterated this call was collection of $6. I said I would call Customer Service the tomorrow and find out what the $6 was for. Like a recording, Andre said his call was for the purpose of collection.; For $6. Called Customer Service and discovered the $6 was the fee for a paper bank statement. The woman i spoke to said I could only change it myself online. Done. Got the $6 waved and have gone paperless. read more

Great credit union. So much better than a bank. I highly recommend. Good job. Keep up the good work read more

First Entertainment Credit Union - Transaction area - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Studio City, California

They closed the only branch in the west valley so I drove to the Studio City branch to get a new atm card and speak to someone about my son's account, only to find that you have to have an appt. for anything other than teller services. Went online to make an appointments but the only appts are phone appts. So what exactly are we supposed to do if we need to actually speak to someone? This bank is becoming completely useless to me. read more

I've been a member since closing my accounts at one of the "big banks" that tanked the economy in 2008, and I'm so glad I did! I've had nothing but positive experiences. I've recommended First Entertainment to several friends who are now happy members, too. read more

In looking at some of the reviews here I wonder if people go to the same place I bank at. I am a contractor and get paid by multiple clients and could bank online or thru the app, but enjoy coming in and doing business directly with the Team here, all of whom are professional and friendly and helpful. If one of the tellers can't answer a question or resolve an issue they send me up the ladder to someone who can. Greg, the branch manager, is never too busy to help if needed or just say hi and schmooze if approached. If there's one issue that's a challenge it's the parking lot, as there's a Von's and a real estate agency next door which has somehow has commandeered 30 or so parking spots that used to be available to all. On the other hand, parking further away does give me some exercise . I've been a member of First Entertainment since before they went public and plan on staying with them, and this branch. read more

First Entertainment Credit Union - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Studio City, California

Awful experience with a car loan. It's like they've never done it before. So many mistakes, miscommunications, total lack of communication in some cases. Loan was funded in November, and it wasn't until I tried to renew my car registration in February that I discovered (they didn't tell me) that there was a delay in one piece of paperwork from the dealer (that they didn't actually need to complete the transfer of title). They sent me to AAA to do the work they should have done, only to discover the dealer had put the wrong date on the transfer (which they didn't notice two months previous when they received it). So, transfer STILL not done. Also, they apparently work remotely and only go into the office one or two days a week -- even though there are some services they can only provide *in the office.* So, even with urgent matters, you have to wait until they decide to go into the office. And I haven't been able to speak to anyone in management. Long, long wait times at the call center, and then they only transfer me to the exact person I've been having trouble with, or transfer me to the loan department to be put back on hold. read more

I am so thankful I stumbled upon this bank. I've never loved a bank in my life. I can't say enough good things about my experience or know where to start. They are always polite. Always helpful, resourceful. Always offered water or fresh coffee/ cappacino. One cool feature is need a new atm card done on the spot in 5 min. They can assist with improving your credit or best ways to save if your not good with that. Most people don't know they can be a member. All you need to be is a resident in California. Primarily it is individuals in the entertainment industry but naturally that's not the only type of people. A draw back might be that they don't have a ton of branches but they have a lot of atms that they have partnered with and offer all those locations on the website. If you shy away from banks. Give them a try they have Zelle available for you and can accommodate your needs. I forgot to mention how much support they offered members during the strike. They are good like that. . Your a part of something big. read more

I've always used credit unions and a client recommended this one to me. It's the same people there, and they have always made me feel comfortable. No one hovering, no one telling me I can't have my money or giving me a hard time. Ive been to other banks that tried to deny me my money. Quick to take it and sign you up for a account, then you can't take out what you want. It's a little ridiculous. Happy this ain't that. I only give 4 stars because the car insurance they hooked me up with ain't SHIT. Their customer service is unwanted and they don't need that kind of job. If they can't answer basic questions and not be flip flops. The teller and the black guy. Sorry idk your names. Are great also Toni from the other location. read more

I never take the time to write a review, however I feel like I owe Daniel Becerra the branch Manager some sincere feedback for always taking the time to help me with my banking issues with a smile on his face and a energy of actually given a care and not just going through the motions like some at other banks. I would recommend anyone to go to the First Entertainment bank in Studio City for your banking needs. read more

Sad to write this review.  Five year client. Overall, great. But my experiences in August lacked compassion, were full of attitude, and I wondered if people forgot they were at work? Basically, the system closed my account over a whole $2.50 overdraft!  As others have mentioned, no notification. I could have easily remedied it on the 1st but instead, I discovered it on the 8th when a direct deposit was sent in to the ether and nobody knows nothin' no more. As others have mentioned, there's a severe lack of listening in the call center. My second to last call on this matter (manager Chase said he would call me back, but he never did). a follow up call on the weekend led to Jamie who immediately jumped down my throat and kept telling me becasue my account was closed, because my account was closed over and over again.  Her reaction as soon as I said my name, which led me to believe there was gossip amongst them about me, was very disconcerting.  She said all these things to me BEFORE verifying my account information.  That's a severe privacy violation. I finally got a word in edgewise and told her it's a date I'm looking for, not account status. She started shouting at me: "Do you want to talk to brenda?  Did brinda TELL you [xyz]?" Then she put me on a long hold. Such hostility. Which brings me to Brenda, a good example of a non listener, and who was a hostile nightmare to work with.  She gave me contradictory information saying first my account will close in 48 hours, then she turned around and told me it will close end of business day today and she polished it off with a threat that "we won't open your account again!". She went in to my history and elaborated. Ugh! Brenda interrupted me multiple times.  She didn't listen to my questions.  She had her responses seemingly already formed in her head. jamie kept me holding for 8+ minutes then came back on the phone with an improved attitude, a professional one, and simply provided me with the information I requested (what day did they returned the money to my employer due to an erroneous system closure of my account with no notification 8 days prior). Jamie said all that before she verified my info.  Made me feel they've been talking about me as a problem client. Brenda said "it's up to you if you tell your employer", not listening, because I already told them of these recent (no one could tell me when) changes to what info goes in to direct deposit database.  I remained calm and professional.  However the lack of compassion and professionalism actually brought me to tears. So we got this all resolved, I talked to Courtney to order a new debit card, she said I can't have one, I clarified an ATM card, she said she can't do that either then put me on hold came back said OK, did not apologize for misinformation, then ordered my card which is yet to arrive. Why? read more

I've been a First Entertainment customer for over 20 yrs. I've been coming to this branch for most of those years. And I have to say that I enjoy this branch most of all. They've made lots of staff changes over the years. More than I am comfortable with. It's nice when you know the staff. However, this crew has Asya and Oscar! And they are very personable and professional and it always a joy to see then when I come into the bank. I hope that they stay for a while. PS. Torian was also a fave of mine. I was devastated when I saw that he was no longer there. I often wonder what happened to him. read more

Leaving First Entertainment because I'm done with their fees. I accidentally paid a bill twice before vacation and not only did they charge me an NSF fee, but they added on $5 a day for my account being over drafted even though I had no idea. Reading the other reviews here the consensus is they're way too aggressive over really small amounts of money. It's not just me. A couple problems with this. First, credit union member are supposed to be the OWNERS. Why then would we charge punitive fees to ourselves? It didn't COST them $5 so why charge me for something that had no cost? My last bank had no fees but then they were acquired so I thought I'd try a credit union. So deeply disappointed. Switching to Ally bank for NO FEES! Also, they should merge with SAG/AFTRA credit union, they're both too small on their own. Get rid of the fees, when commercial banks get rid of them before credit unions there's something seriously wrong. And if you don't get rid of them, at LEAST waive them when customers bring them up! read more

The location. If you see someone running to the door and it just turned 5pm. Let them in when it hasn't even passed a minute. Passed 2min I understand. That's ridiculous. Especially when no one is inside. Security your wrong!!! See me running to the door it's 5pm not 5:01 have a little heart! read more

Pretty good service is trash most times don't call for anything or leave a message. They will make it a point NOT to call you back, otherwise good loan rates. read more

This bank is absolutely abysmal. I called, trying to correct an apparent fraudulent purchase, which happened to be a subscription, however, they didn't resolve the problem at all. They said that they would reactivate my account, but instead they deactivated it and now I can't even use it. I'm currently stuck in Berkeley California with no bank card and no way of them sending it to me because my home address is back in Los Angeles. This is the worst bank that I've ever dealt with, and I will be switching services immediately. read more

We have been so let down by FECU this year. From the beginning of COVID when they said they were offering emergency loans and then said they actually didn't have any less than a week later and had sent no update to let us know that, making an already scary and bad situation worse, to lowering the APY on the first 500 savings accounts by 4% in response to a 1% drop by the fed, to complete incompetence replacing a credit card which has taken a month and a half - meaning my partner had no CC through the whole holiday season... I don't know why they've gone so precipitously downhill, as we were very satisfied before, but in this already very difficult year they've just dropped ball after ball. I'd say consider other credit unions if you're looking for one. read more

Jay is the best! They have great account options including a no-fee checking account. They give you a voice to vote in matters that involve the credit union, I'm a member for life! read more

First Entertainment Credit Union - Cat at the Credit Union - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Studio City, California

It appears that in the good 'ole US of A, everyone has to be apart of a club of some sort to get perks. Teenagers want to be the "captain" of one squad or another, business men want to be on the "board", and even Yelpers want to be "Elite". This is just how the cookie crumbles. So, can one really be THAT surprised when even banks want you to be part of some special crowd in order to bank with them? Perhaps, but again, it is just the way it is. Apologizing to the non-entertainment industry readers out there; this credit union caters to the "Hollywood elite". Whether behind the scenes or in front, this is the special club for anyone related to entertainment in some way or another. You CAN bank with First Entertainment if you are a spouse or direct kin, but this requires approval, which is not always granted. However, once you are part of this varsity squad, it is worth it. First Entertainment is has its ups and downs like any other special club. The customer service is (usually) rather terrific. Staff is helpful, polite, and fast-moving with the lines that sometimes add up. There have been some mistakes here and there but they are quick to fix it (this happens at any bank). One of my favorite aspects of this bank is the free coffee and bottled water they offer at your leisure. You just go to the little "snack bar" and serve yourself. They also offer coupons to local businesses. Not bank related but I like perks! My boyfriend grabs coffee, I grab water, we grab a coupon, and everyone is happy! There are some lows, however. First, there is no ATM at this location. Um, how does a bank not have an ATM?! Or maybe I am blind but seriously, I have never seen one. First Entertainment also takes longer than other banks to process funds, export, etc. The waiting game is easy to figure out (3 days for checks, usually), but certainly not welcome. Overall, a nice bank for entertainment personnel to settle their funds in. Much of their loans also have great rates. Unfortunately, it isn't for everyone and some are left out in the dust. Just the way of the world... read more

I will always be loyal to this bank. Took care of my financial needs. Customer service is excellent. I highly recommend them to my friends and family. read more

I have so much appreciation for Frederick at First Entertainment! I came in to finalize a car loan for a new car after a recent accident. I came in feeling a lot of anxiety about my new addition to my debt, and he worked with me to not only get my car loan approved at a very good interest rate, but he also set me up with a debt consolidation loan to help me get out from under the thumb of a very high interest card, using the same credit check as my car loan so it didn't ding my credit either. This is why I use a CU instead of a bank, because they actually give me a fighting chance at getting debt free! read more

If you're in the market for a financial institution that care about your every financial need, look no further than First Entertainment Credit Union, Studio City, CA. You'll be greeted with an AMAZING group of professionals, waiting to assist you with friendly smiles. read more

Just got our accounts transferred and opened here as my son is now officially "in the biz!!". This is truly a hidden gem of a credit union. Opening the accounts was quick and easy with the assistance of Zamora, backed up by Gregory! Thank you two for processing us event though it was 4:50pm (side note, the branch closes at 5p). Looking forward to exploring the other products and options they offer, ESPECIALLY THE DIVIDENDS! read more

If you need to open a Coogan account for your child then this is the place to go! Super helpful staff that guides you through each step. THANK YOU! read more