Over five years ago, I opened an account with the Freedom First Credit Union at their Downtown…read moreRoanoke branch. Since then, they have given me excellent customer service, treating me like a member of the credit union more than just a customer like many other large banks do. Today, I happened to be in the Vinton area, and I decided to give their branch there a visit to check it out and to test the consistency of their customer service. It is conveniently located at 120 West Virginia Ave in a relatively small building but with a nice size parking and a drive-through as well. On the entrance glass doors, there are listed their days and hours of operation. It was decorated very simple with one open meeting room near the entrance and another enclosed with glass walls for more privacy. I noticed some literature was written in Spanish: "Encuentra tu Libertad con Freedom First." Which translates Find your Freedom with Freedom First. Another literature was about a relationship review to allow a credit union representative to meet with you to help you reach your financial goals. And yet another was about Freedom@Work. Helping businesses employees with financial knowledge. Just by reading these few literature one can realize that Freedom First Credit Union cares about people in the community. Their Mission is "Helping People Prosper- Helping Communities Thrive." At the back of this branch is located the main counter with their clerks ready to assist you with your business for the day. I approached the clerk on the left, whose name was Joshua, and he greeted me with a friendly hello and a "How I can I help you." I gave him my Credit Union Card and told him I wished to withdraw from my checking account $40 and would like it in four rolls of quarters. After checking my account in good standing, he asked me for my birthday to make sure it was me and relieve me from having to pull out a picture ID. He then had me sign for the transaction on an electronic touch pad. This was my first time in this branch, yet Jacob made me feel at home there, and this is something that I highly value about Freedom First. I have also used the service of their Financial Empowerment Center, and they have helped me with my setting goals, savings, investing, and improving my credit scores. I highly recommend Freedom First Credit Union for all those who are starting out to open a checking and savings account or who are not satisfied with their current bank or financial institution, and by experience, I can assure you that you will be better off because Freedom First truly has your best interest in mind.

The lynchburg virginia store Seems unorganized. I closed my account. I live out of state and…read moregetting access online was very difficult. Example: i never received my debit card in the msil. The checks I ordered arrived days after i closed the account!

I was a loyal Member One customer for years, but ever since the merger with Virginia Credit Union,…read moremy experience has been nothing short of a disaster. Their customer service has been incredibly disappointing. They returned my SSDI direct deposit over what appeared to be unnecessary account issues, putting my livelihood at risk and causing needless stress. As if that weren't enough, they also held $200 from a deposit I made because of a hold they placed on a completely separate check. The entire transition has been frustrating and poorly managed. Instead of making banking easier, it's created one problem after another. I no longer feel like they value or care about their members.

Do not bank with Wells Fargo. Shelly at the Vinton Branch is rude and will tell you lies. She…read morewould not let me withdraw my money from my account. Had to drive to another branch to withdraw all of my money out. Went to Bank of Botetourt. Employees there were really nice.