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.

Updated Review - 4 Stars…read more I'm keeping my review at 4 stars because overall I'm still happy with Virginia Credit Union, and I greatly appreciate that they reopened my account. I genuinely want to continue banking with them and maintaining a positive relationship. My only disappointment right now is the lack of follow-up communication. On August 7, 2026, a very nice lady from the compliance department called me regarding my request to reconsider the ChexSystems reporting and whether a smaller personal line of credit might be possible. She told me she would call me back the following week. It has now been three weeks, and I haven't received a call, email, or update. I completely understand that things can get busy and something may simply have been overlooked or forgotten. If that happened, I'm not upset with anyone personally. I just feel that some type of reminder or follow-up should have been made so I wasn't left wondering what the final decisions were. Even if both requests were denied, I would have appreciated being told that. Since my account was reopened, I've kept it in good standing and have had no overdrafts. I'm also still disappointed that the previous charge-off was reported to ChexSystems because I made the balance good within a reasonable amount of time and paid Virginia Credit Union directly. I'm very willing to work with them, whether that means reconsidering the ChexSystems reporting, offering a smaller line of credit, or simply discussing what options may be available. I'm not asking for special treatment--I'd just appreciate communication and the opportunity to work toward a reasonable solution. Overall, I'm still grateful they reopened my account, which is why my review remains at 4 stars. Hopefully I can update this again with a positive resolution.

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.