The La Mesa Branch was very helpful in getting me my auto loan! Everyone was super communicative and willing to answer any questions I had along the process! Huge shoutouts to Don and Summer for helping me finance my first car!! read more

Every time I've gone to this branch, there are never enough people working. Every time I've been told that someone is "running late" and I've had to wait a long time for help to open an account, apply for a loan, etc. I even tried to complete a car loan application online to avoid going in, and after they asked for my communication preference, via email, they insisted on me calling them to get more info, instead of just sending me an email. Why did you ask my preference if you were just going to disregard my choice? Their lending policies are ridiculous with regard to income documentation for a car loan for a customer with excellent credit, especially since I have my business and personal accounts with the branch, and they can see how much money moves through the account every month. I regret having anything to do with NICU. I'd rather pay high fees at a real bank and get some service. Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time. Just take your business elsewhere. I will. Update. Even though I have clearly stated I do not prefer to be contacted by phone, they keep calling me. These people are awful. read more

Don Dulay did an amazing job helping and guiding me through my refinancing process. He explained everything thoroughly and to my best interest, definitely recommend and overall very happy with my experience. read more

They reached out and reversed the charge. I guess loyalty matters. Think I'll stay after all. Thanks NICU!

Horrible customer service. Impossible to get through. Wasted an hour on phone and never got to an agent. Drove to my local branch and IT IS CLOSED! No mention in the reams of marketing junk mail this disorganized credit union sends out. If you cannot reach customer service what good is it? Go anywhere else for y9our financial needs. read more

Lesson learned, if the teller is performing a cash advance for you, make sure they WRITE THE AMOUNT DOWN. They take your ID and debit card and charge it in another room (sketchy in itself, easy way to steal debit #s) without any way to reference your amount. Mildly inconvenient that I went here to make a payment toward my auto loan but the teller entered the value incorrectly. She was off by $10 and initially said she could run my debit for that amount. She came back and voided the transaction without my permission and said I needed to run my debit for the full value again (even though the initial payment of $334 was already pending/withdrawn on my account). It's been 5 business days and the voided transaction has not cleared or been refunded. I would rather have been given more options than the transaction voided without my consent--voided transactions take way too long to process in any capacity. Luckily I have funds to cover the excess but had it been a week I was paycheck to paycheck, I would have been screwed. Also for anyone interested in their auto loans--I got a refinance auto loan rate of 3.75% with a credit score above 750 this time last year. This rate sucks to me, dealerships have 0% financing for top tier scores if they have their own financing institution (mine did not unfortunately). read more

Melvina and the entire staff at the North Island Credit Union in La Mesa, provide excellent, outstanding and personal customer service! Thank You Joe Green (USN/RET) read more

I went into this branch to cash a $3,000 check from a friend. I was greeted by a nice young woman in a blush colored blouse. I told her about my situation and I was willing to open an account. She told me to wait and someone would help me establish an account there. The person that was suppose to help me walked by me several times. I then jumped back in line because I felt ignored. I was told that they were about to close and they didn't have enough time to open an account for me. My check was then passed to a Hispanic woman at the back desk and then FROM HER DESK SHE YELLED, are you sure this check is good? (My check was from long standing members of this credit union) I was so embarrassed by this outburst. She not only did it once but twice. I decided to not only just cash my check but I refused to do business with a place that treated me like a thief. I do not have an account with this place and if you're a minority I would take my money elsewhere....they are not kind to people of COLOR. THEYRE TERRIBLE. Someone reached out to me to try and fix the RACIST situation but I had already been burned. This is not a good place read more

Wow!!!! Fantastic auto loan rates, wicked fast response. Applied, approved, funded in one day!!! Exceptional rate on extended mechanical service agreement on my loan (50% of dealer's offering). Jesus Hernandez and Alicia Isbell gave STELLAR Service and El Cajon office cut the check speedily!! Thank you all so much! read more

I've been banking with North Island for many years, but rarely have to go to a branch because I've had limited issues with my banking. Today, I came in with an issue and Madeline proactively offered to help me after I described my situation. She was kind and super helpful. What a lifesaver this team was! Thank you all! read more

Thank you so much to Antoine. My grandfather just passed away so my grandmother had to change a bunch of things with their accounts. He went above and beyond to help us with everything. We appreciate him so much!!! read more

I stay here because of inertia, that thing that makes you repeat bad habits over and over and over. You know, the account is 25 years old, I use the billpay feature to automatically make my regular payments, subscriptions pull their bills from the account, etc. Changing just seems, well, a hassle. Accounting is generally accurate, but that's not hard and, frankly, don't you expect that at any bank? The online service is great as well, with billpay feature paying some bills by the next day. But the in-bank experience is terrible. When I was young banks were only open during limited hours (hence the term "banker's hours") and there was always a line because of the limited time period and lack of an internet or direct deposit. This place is open longer hours, but almost every time there is a long line, and only two or three of the teller windows are open. How hard is it to properly staff the place? I've been there early in the month, when the line can be a half hour or longer, and watched the line plod along. Tellers leave on their break, and a collective groan comes from the crowd. Supervisors sit at desks, studying computer monitors that could be Solitaire for all I know. Two supervisors for four tellers? Here's a tip: when someone goes on break have one of the supervisors open another window. Here's another tip: make sure that the pens at the counter actually have ink in them. I only visit once or twice a month, and yet it seems I'm always getting the counter where the pen doesn't work. (OK, maybe that only happens 1/3 of the time, but each time is an "again?" moment. I've had several car loans through the credit union, which were seamless. read more

I have been in and out of NICU for a number of years. I really see no benefit in North Island. There interest rates are the worse in the country for Savings and CDs. As for auto loans, I suggest you shop around, you just might find a better rate at the dealer especially in this economy. Am I harsh, yes and for a reason. I was recently charged a $4.00 maintenance fee for an inactive checking account. Was I notified of this action, NO, did I read the small print, no, who does? I won't ever go back there under any circumstances, they stole my money and then I think they charge a $5 member fee just to join, which is lame in my opinion. The simple solution is NOT to pay ANY bank a cent, that should be your goal. They all want your money and as much as they can get. Your goal should be to ONLY MAKE MONEY off of banks. read more

Let me begin by saying who likes standing in line at a bank nobody does I used to bank with a well known bank and they started going down the tubes, customer service fell off 20 min lines etc etc. So I opened a bank account with north island credit union so I thought this is no brainer smaller bank better customer service I thought right customer service is awesome at this branch even though they have a line they run through it like well oiled machine the tellers are awesome and knowledgeable the managers go over and beyond and know there stuff every question I had they had an answer this location rocks. I will drive out of my way just to come to this location thanks again for every thing. read more

Came here after reaching the boiling point with BofA 7 years ago and I will never leave. The tellers are always very friendly. When I bought my car they gave me a loan at an incredible rate, and when the salesman at the dealer tried to renege on the price I had negotiated our loan officer actually called him, reamed his ass out, and re-secured the price I had negotiated. I read a review complaining about the lines but I have never experienced more than 5-6 people in front of me. Lines were always much longer at BofA, as were the endless fees. read more

I'd give 6 stars if I could to Antoine, a loan officer at North Island Credit Union in La Mesa. He pushed my HELOC through in record time. No loan fee's and the interest rate was half of what my two personal banks offered me. Thank you!! read more

I recently needed to buy a new vehicle. It was awful timing because work was super busy so I was pressed for time. I walked in to apply for an auto loan and received help immediately. Mimi answered all my questions and within an hour I was approved for an auto loan with a low interest rate. I went car shopping with the loan approval letter. Mimi recommended we try Enterprise car sales. After looking at several places, it was clear that Enterprise had what we needed at the right price. The North Island pre approval process made signing all the vehicle paperwork at Enterprise super easy. I later returned to NICU to finalize the loan contract with Mimi. After a few hours, everything was done. I hope to not need another auto loan soon, but if I do, I'll have peace of mind knowing that I got a great rate and great service from NICU. read more

Never before have I been so hassled when I go to make any kind of transaction. Being a minor must be the worst thing in the eyes of their employees. I felt extremely disrespected when I tried to cash or deposit checks I had gotten from family members, and was very insulted by their comments. In result of this, I pulled my money from their bank and will never go back. read more

I got my car loan through them and that's why I opened an account. I did my shopping around to various other banks/credit unions and found that (in 2007) their interest rate was the best deal. Fast forward to now and I have paid off my loan and I continue to still use my checking account here that I had opened for my loan. I've really had no problems with them at all. This account is my main checking and that is because I like dealing with them. They're transactions actually go through faster than those at BofA and if there have been any issues with my account, they always let me know. The downside is that it is hard to find one with a drive thru atm, and this El Cajon Blvd location does not have one either. I like having the option of doing that because I don't have to leave my car and can make deposits on the go. Usually I just go inside the bank because if I have to get out of my car and walk up to the building, I might as well go inside and deal with a person. There are also long lines in this branch which is kind of a bummer, especially when you're in a hurry and the location isn't the most convenient. But I do like their online banking and everything else, hence why they get the a-ok rating from me. read more

I went in the other day to get a name change and a new card. Debbie Thompson helped me and was very kind and patient (I imagine she had other work to do). I was prepared with all the necessary documents and it was a smooth process save for the card printer not wanting to work. Even with that delay, I was in and out in all of 35 minutes (I was expecting to be there longer so it was a good day!) Thanks Debbie for your outstanding customer service, I hope I get treated the same when I go in for another new card today (long story). :) read more

Branch manager Joshua Newsom is the sole reason I'm taking my business elsewhere. I have a potty training 2yr old and he wouldn't let us use the employee restroom today (its when I went to make a deposit. I'm a long time customer with 30k in my savings and I begged to use the restroom and he wouldn't even listen to me. I told him he will loose our business and he snorted "ok" TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!! read more

I've been a member of the island for 20+ years and I've used this branch for the last 15. I've always had good service although, I've never gotten to "know" anyone over those years, I prefer anonymity over sales pitches and telemarketing and I online bank anyway. The staff has always been helpful and approachable and recently their new manager, Greg Hutchins sat through a pile of notary work I needed done and although we both complained, it was all in good fun! I'm a customer who balances her accounts monthly and in all of my dealings, I've never had a discrepancy. I did have an instance where they charged a service fee on one of my accounts for insufficient online bill pay, which they retracted and fixed for ongoing. If I've ever had to call for anything, the service line is better than Chase and B of A for sure, they answer, you don't wait and they can help you! The only complaint I have over all these years is the island has always been on the cutting edge technology wise until lately. I find the website needs some updates with a "green" approach. Who prints stuff anymore?? I just want to download and not go through 10 screens or have to do each month and account individually. It's also quite painful to look up a check by number, you have to go to the statement the check is on. There used to be a way but it went away. Minimize keystrokes...ok now I'm sounding lazy right! Other than the website update, I'm a happy customer and have recommended the Island to many friends & relatives. read more

If you are ever in the market for a home or car, go see Myron at the La Mesa Branch. I have worked with him on two auto loans now and he has been so helpful. read more

Friendly and willing to help transfer my car lien to the buyer but didn't do anything correctly or inform me that there were issues completing the transfer. It's been over two months without any updates from North Island and payments are still coming out of my account for my old car. Overall lack of competence and terrible communication. Very disappointed and definitely would not recommend this credit union for a loan. read more

Customer service over the phone in the loan department is horrible. Billing statements on my loan have consistanly been off for a few dollars. Which i then get a late charge of $133.00 for my payment being shorted by $8. However im going by the statements provided. Not like i would short my own payment on purpose to get a late payment. read more

Opened my business account roughly a month ago. Debit card was not ordered, still don't have a member number to log in to my account on-line and when my debit card finally did arrive 3 weeks later after someone finally ordered me one, it declined my first purchase because North Island forgot to activate it. Mind you, I did call in to activate the card. Visa activated the card. The bank...forgot. Just like they forgot everything else regarding my account. ***Edit to previous review. Laurel from the La Mesa branch called me right after I posted the previous review. She took down all of my information regarding what had happened. She gave me all of the information I needed and vowed that they will do everything in their power to make it right. Thank you Laurel!!! I'm a happy camper again! My first order for my new business just went through and I am looking forward to a long business relationship with NICU. read more

I've been banking here for over ten years and as far as the experience I had today I couldn't be more impressed with them... Last night before bed I pulled up my online banking and noticed there were weird charges so I called and had my card turned off this morning I have them a call to dispute the Charges and get a claim filed I had planned on going in tomorrow to get a new debit card and follow up, now I checked my account just now and the money has already been replaced into my account! I was planning on struggling for the next 7-10 days but it is back and available to me and I couldn't be happier awesome service I couldn't ask for anything more. read more

Refinance car loan. Paper took less than 15 minutes, Debbie Thompson was very prepared and very helpful.

When it comes to banks, this one is at the bottom of the chain with customer service. They actually give you a $26 fee to your account for "pending" to be in the negative, even if that pend NEVER goes thru. Some accounts that you may set up for a free trial will pend the amount of the item/membership in order to verify that you have the funds and an active account and then the money is never taken out, however NICU will fine you for that! They are money hungry snakes and they don't care who they hurt in the process. I will be switching banks after trying to deal with them for over 2 years! NOT RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE! read more

I recently refinanced my car loan through the La Mesa branch. Debbie Thompson called me to set it all up. She was absolutely amazing, so helpful, knowledgable, patient and efficient! I have never been so impressed with a customer service experience. I will highly recommend her to friends and I'm so thankful for people like her who make what could be a painful process so pleasant. Thanks Debbie, because of you my entire month is better :) read more

Manuel is an great asset to this place very friendly so happy to banked here fast kuddos

Although I just closed my account (which BTW, was totally hassle free), this is a great bank. Super easy cash deposits, friendly and helpful tellers, accessible parking, relatively short lines, decent hours. I closed my account only because I have another credit union that I've had for over 20 years and I just don't need to manage 2 accounts. Other than that, great experience. read more

Laurel Cruz and her team are wonderful to work with, extremely helpful on all occasions. I really like North Island--they are honest and always make me feel appreciated as a customer. read more

North Island has been our personal and business banker for the past 8 years. I heartily recommend them. They are friendly and call you by name. We have also used them for auto loans and a line of credit. I can't say enough about Laurel Cruz, the manager and her team. read more

Glory to God for North Island Credit Union for excellent car refinancing percentages for good credit!!! Furthermore, thank you to Ms. Pamela Manke for her professionalism and working late to make sure that she took care of me. I feel much better... Thank you again. God bless... read more

My entire family has used this credit union for years. They were great until the recent merger with California Credit Union out of LA. Now, the customer service is horrible. I went to pay my mortgage and the system didn't work. After several days I sent them an email - their response was yeah we know it's not working - go into a branch. If they knew it wasn't working why didn't they notify their customers or have something up on the site to let people know it wasn't working? From what I've found out California Credit Union has one of the lowest ratings in LA! I'm looking into finding a new financial institution. read more

I recently went into the bank the exchange a $100 dollar bill for $20's. I am not a member, but am a member. I am a member of a credit union, but it is far from La Mesa. I was told by the lady at the county that since I was not a member of that credit union, she could not exchange the bills. I understand if it is something other then just exchanging bill,,,, but come on. I'm I really causing a disruption of the bank, or costing them money. The transaction would have taken all of 30 seconds. I some way, it shouldn't surprise me. God help them if they need to help out a neighbor, or just a fellow human. I qualify to be a member at this bank, but never will be after this experience. read more

DO NOT speak to Pam about a loan. After months of seeing info on the "holiday recovery" loan (up to $50k, 6.99%, 120 months) I looked into one to consolidate debt/lower my repayment interest rate. Pam told me (incorrectly) that "we don't offer loans for 120 months" and despite having great credit, I didn't qualify because "this loan wouldn't help you." Sorry, but you don't know me well enough to say what would or wouldn't help me. I've never spoken to ANYONE so condescending. I've been with NICU over 20 years, but I'm looking to move my accounts elsewhere. read more

They care nothing for their customers. They closed my debit card and issued another with a different number because they got hacked. Unfortunetly, my debit card was used to pay all my bills and online services. I found out about it when my creditors notified me that my card was declined. It took me 8 months to "convert" over to autopay with my debit card, all my bills. Now I "get" to start over, "thats all you have to do"..just go thru your statements and figure out which ones were paid with said card and redo. UNEXCEPTABLE..too many good institutions out there to indure this shoddy treatment. I will take my family elsewhere. read more

Came into this bank today to make a deposit. There was a long line and only a couple of tellers. The lady from the merchant booth came out and was taking people with straight deposits, cash or check which is fine. When it became my turn, after at least 15 minutes in line, a man walked right in front of me and I was told he's a merchant, and this wasn't even the merchant teller. After the rude teller told me this I went back to my place in line feeling like my business was totally unimportant to your bank. One of the ladies in back of me quipped. "Well, you don't make as much money as him, so he's more important than you." Even the customers in back of me noticed how incredibly rude it was. Right after that, the nonmerchant teller put up a sign that said "back up merchant teller." This was incredibly dishonest and deceptive. She obviously knew she made a mistake and wanted to cover it up. She just did not want to wait on me. You people obviously don't care about my business and know nothing about customer service. You don't take a merchant in a non-merchant line after a regular customer has been waiting over 15 minutes. Poor, poor, poor. read more