We started coming to this bank, thinking that it would help us refinance a car and every time we have tried, they've denied us. They say wait. Six more months wait six more months but every time you wait it doesn't matter they still deny you. Meanwhile, we already have a totally different car. So now we were staying with this bank just for the convenience because it's across the street. But whenever you go to deposit cash in the ATM, it spits it back at you and it does not allow you to deposit it. Sometimes it says they're full and it's just all around not usable. You can wait in line behind 15 cars by the time you get to the front of the drive-through ATM there's always a problem with it being broken somehow. So our next step is to leave the bank. read more

Unfortunately the ATMS are almost always out of some kind of service: no deposits at this time, out of service, try again or basically go inside. This makes banking old fashioned and difficult to use. read more

Valley Strong Credit Union - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Jorge guided us today with information for our best interest! He is very polite and patient and kind, we really appreciated all the information and guidance to make a positive impact on our choices! Thank you very much Jorge! You're the best! Jorge is at the Ming branch, we will definitely be reaching out to him for our banking needs in the future! Yvonne and Vincent read more

I would advise listening to the reviews. Don't come to this location. They are extremely slow. How do you have 5 tellers and I'm still waiting in line for 30 mins with no line. Not a single smile or greeting when I came in. Seems like everyone hates their job. I feel a complete overhaul of staff and employees needs to be done. I don't want to feel like you're already annoyed at me over something I didn't do. At least if this was my business I would do something about it. I won't be coming back here and will be advising people to avoid it. read more

Update on previous review they were very prompt in replying back to review and it was resolved very quickly. Good people. I would recommend this business. read more

There's always long lines but it usually always goes pretty fast I don't know I like the bank and there is a walk up ATM outside but there is only one so keep that in mind there's about 6 or 3 to 4 in the drive through not sure if operating hours read more

Easy check-in. Great options for opening a "rocky" account. Friendly staff. Fast transactions. read more

Valley Strong Credit Union - With a financial services officer. - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Always a line. Never enough tellers. If you go in this location expect at least a 30 minute wait in the middle of a Monday-Thurs and an hour on Fridays. If I regularly used this location I would switch banks. read more

DO NOT GO TO THIS CREDIT UNION. This is a long time coming but I think it is time for my review of this place. This used to be my go-to credit union, however they messed up BADLY. I moved to Sacramento and thought it would to nice to keep this as my credit union since they were serving me well. One day when I tried to use my debit card, it was rejected. I keep my information private so it caught me off guard on how my information was compromised for this rejection. I looked into my bank statements and found out that some new debit card was issued under my account and more than 500 dollars was used! I had major panic and anxiety of these fraudulent charges. I immediately changed all my passwords and googled all the ways to lock up your information. I was all in my head on how my information was compromised. I called customer support and they said that did not know what is going on, they suggested for me to talk to my family. After calling my family, I learned that this bank issued the new card to my FATHER. I called back and they locked the card. They did not know how my dad got a new card issued under my name since they ask for ID when reporting a lost card/issue a new one. They mailed me a new card which took a few days to arrive. So I was out of a debit card for a few days along with the panic I had. They returned the money that my dad used and charged him instead. Not only that this was extremely inconvenient to me and my father, all this bank said was "sorry". I will be cancelling my membership to this credit union soon. I can't stand that they did nothing to address the inconvenience. If the branch looks into my description of my case, they will know exactly who I am. I did talk to Shonna at the time of incident. All she said was that they will train their staff so that this kind of mistake will not happen again. Nothing to address my inconvenience. read more

Horrible customer service. When you apply for a loan, they do not reach out to you and ask further questions if needed they will just decline your application. When I called to check on it and explained things to the representative she would just pause and not say anything but "you can re apply" if they actually had conversations and went over peoples credit reports and income with them and got full explanations and sent back to the UW for review then declined it then that would be a better experience. But no calls or emails regarding the application for 3 days is poor quality of customer service. I applied elsewhere and was approved for $8k more that I requested with no issues. I thank you all for such horrible service. read more

Loan Department sucks, they take days to return calls. This Credit Union has gotten to big to fast and customer service went out the window. Time to move my accounts elsewhere. Very poor customer service read more

Our car was broken into, wallet stolen with the business KSFCU card in it. I was absolutely shocked to discover that they have NO SYSTEM IN PLACE to report a stolen business debit card when the bank itself is closed. Personal debit yes, but we had to wait until the next day, when they were open, to report the card. Oh yes, I called the 800 number on the back, but that is ONLY for personal debit cards. Those folks couldn't even locate our account. We spent the evening watching the thieves use our card and drain our account This is unacceptable! read more

First time checking into this place as my husband wanted to open an account here and I'm not too pleased. Rick in member services in teller #1 was not in a good mood. No smile... Usually when you are a customer somewhere you want friendly and welcoming service, right? Well if that's what you want then you better turn around and walk somewhere else. I tried to crack a joke to break the ice... But nothing... *crickets chirping in the background* I hope we are not just a number here and we are treated w friendly faces... I'm hoping Rick was just having a bad day and not his normal attitude... We shall see.. read more

Went through valley strong to get a car loan. I had been communicating with them for a week, getting documents filled out and such. When it was time to go to my appointment to fill out papers in person, I had a horrible experience. The loan officer was completely rude, horrible customer service and has been a long time employee. Everything was unorganized and no communication between branches. Really disappointed read more

Horrible customer service! They take forever and aren't even able to help you most of the time, also if your money gets stolen they take 2+ weeks to give you provisional credit which is bullshit!!! read more

The lines here are soooooo long and only 2 tellers! Drive thru is always wrapped around the building and the parking lot is funky. I only come here once every 2 months for business reasons and I dread every time it's my turn to run deposits! read more

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union is one of the worst possible financial institutions that I have ever dealt with. They charged me for not having proof of insurance, even after I mailed them the proof. Granted, it might have gotten lost in the mail. But what is their excuse when you hand deliver it to them? They don't want to work with me after I have provided the proof. I do believe that they only want to charge for every little bit and don't care if you have submitted the proof. On the forms I submitted are phone numbers and names of contact people, it only takes a minute to contact to verify but they will take an hour typing up the bill rather than making that one phone call, and then they say that it's up to the consumer to contact the insurance company to provide them with proof. If we (the consumer) are to do all their work for them, then we should be charging the financial institution for time we take from our busy schedules. Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, expect my bill for doing your job. Poor business practices. read more

I've actually banked at Kern Schools for years and years and I've never really had any major complaints...I mean they've had their issues with technology like everyone else and they come and go definitely much better now but no major issues. I mean really i hardly ever even have to go to the bank unless it's the occasional trip to the atm for cash before i leave town..literally you can even deposit checks thru the app Yay!! My youngest son has been begging to open his own account for a while now and i finally got around to taking him on Saturday. little did i know or remember from the last son lol that they need 2 forms of ID so back home we went for the soc sec card. We signed in and waited just a few minutes and were called back. Super nice lady and geez i am sooo mad at myself for not remembering her name!!!! But what a smooth experience this was and she had the best personality completely made my son comfortable and not nervous like he was at first lol. Btw their Kappa accounts are free to students and include checking and savings including their visa debit card. Everything was totally painless and actually an enjoyable experience-for both of us :) read more

Why would I give a bank 5 stars? One reason, I have not been inside the bank in about a year which says I have not had any problems what so ever! do all my banking on-line. There's times I do go to drive-thru teller which is convenient since I live blocks from the bank. There has been a few times I had transactions on my account that were not mine and they took care of it over the phone and put my money back, I highly recommend banking with them. read more

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union has became a joke lately. their new data net is horrible, now you have to deal with some DMI company that we don't know who they are (ghost company?) They don't answer the phone, if you leave a message, they don't call back, There is just to much to describe , i have visited the branch on Ming Ave to ask for help , it hasn't work , I'm very frustrated, but definitely not an institution you can trust, at least not now. read more

This is the closest branch to my house so the one i frequent the most. Customer service has always been exceptional. There is a drive thru, but I've never used it ( I don't like drive thrus)... There are two atms in front, so if you just wanna get cash its usually pretty simple and easy. read more

Valley Strong Credit Union - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I went in for the first time to make my 1st car payment, and stood in line.. I then asked the receptionist "if i am making a car payment, do I stand in this line?" He stated no, I can help you here..." (very nice thank you) He then started to process my payment, and then I stated that I also was told to bring in a verification of insurance which I had... so he excused himself to go to the back.... he came back and stated "she is asking for a declaration of insurance.? I asked what is that? he then was typing on the computer im assuming asking my question to someone via email... he then told me its paperwork for the insurance.. I then asked what does it consist of... then he started typing again.... waited a few minutes.. no response, so he called someone and spoke to someone named "Roxanne" then he said it showns who the lien holder was... which was on the verification of insurance... and the coverage.. which was on the verification also.... then I was really getting agitated and stated if the person that he was talking to can come over so I can go over more questions, and I was sort of ignored and given a fax number to give to my insurance company to fax over a declaration page to them... I left by saying that that was very bad customer service... I would not deal with this bank if it was my choice... unfortunately my car if financed by this so called bank... but as soon as I am able to do a pay off or refinance, I am getting as far away as possible... very VERY impersonal!!! The worst bank EVER!!! read more

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union on Panama Lane While I never write reviews I had to stop and say this branch has consistently since it opened many years ago gone above and beyond - How many Branch Managers would personally take care of customers - THE LAST 3 have done this time and time again, NOT when it is just a busy time (and they can get busy) but often when there are just a few people. Today the Branch Manager was working the front desk and assistend with a safety deposit box just to help speed up service, there may have been 10 people in the bank. We do all our banking with them because they go well above and beyond to take care of us. read more

they had amazing customer service ! Helped me with my loan same day and got approved !

Wanted to open up a savings account here. Got seen my Linda Marquez and she was so sweet! Very helpful and made the whole process very quick and easy! read more

Bad customer service. There is nothing I like about this bank. I have prescription sunglasses and I cant wear it in the bank so I have to suffer. Security gaurd doesnt care. I can wear them at Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of the West. Also I tried calling the HELOC dept took me weeks with lots of messages to Amber. When I did a loan it took an unreasonable amount of time to get a payoff demand. Then I have to wait on hold for long period of times. Plus they dont have locations out of town. There is no upside to banking with them. read more

During 100 degree weather the bank only has two tellers open. Line out the door wrapped around the building. They obviously don't care about there customers. Poor planning, poor service! read more

Best financial institution around. Friendly staff and personal attention to each member makes them a great place to bank!

I am in the transition of changing banks due and decided to go with Kern Schools. I came here on a Saturday which I didn't know they were open, just happened to be passing by. I was looking to open an account but that day they were extremely busy both for the tellers and opening new accounts, which tells me that this place has to be pretty good. I returned during the week after work and within about 10 minutes was sitting down with an Account Specialist to help me open both a Savings and Checking account. The Account Specialist was very friendly and provided clear information about the benefits of having an account with Kern Schools. She also provided information on how to ensure no checking fees would be incurred and that is by signing up for direct deposit, signing up for E-Bill for statements and that I would use my debit card at least 10 times per month. The whole process took a little over an hour and it is only because there was an issue with their system of creating the account. A quick call to their Help Desk and the issue was resolved within minutes and the processed continued. Also at the time they had local representative marketing their app on the Google Store/Apple Store for online banking, etc. And when you take the 10 minute training on how to sign up, deposit a check using their app and signing up for Bill Pay they deposit $10.00 into your checking account. Now that is free money there!! The overall experience of opening the accounts was better than I initially thought and they provided the Visa Debit card before I left home which surprised me because with my current bank, it took weeks to receive it and a new card when one would expire. So far I am happy with Kern Schools but will update my review if that changes over time whether for the good or the bad. read more

Terrible customer service. This place is unorganized and understaffed. Its common for people here to get cut in line, 50% of the tellers need training, and the staff will give preferential treatment to anyone they see that they went to high school with. Avoid this place if you have any other options. read more

When I needed a loan, they made it a fast and simple process. The loan officer, Jennifer Hollenbeck, was professional, kind, and showed she actually cared about my financial situation. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! read more

I'm hating this bank right now. It's super busy and there is very little staff helping out.

My life was nearly ruined by this bank. I deposited around 500 dollars just for the atm to tell me that I deposited nothing. I then go to the front desk lady and she tells me that if I go to member services they'll credit me right away, and That I'd need to file a dispute. I then go there and tell her what the lady told me, and she tells me she's wrong. That I need to file a dispute with my bank (co op), and they have no control over it. All they can do is balance the atm. Which seems simple and common sense right? No. They took the money and now I'm not getting anything and my bank has to cover it! I don't get it for two weeks! If I didn't have someone able to lend me the 500 I wouldn't have a place to live. read more

Alma helped me with my RV loan over the phone(not sure which branch she works out of). She's friendly, polite, courteous and helpful with all phases of the loan process. She e-mailed the paperwork to the Chester Ave branch exactly when she told me she would. The seller and I both signed a few things with a nice and helpful young lady(sorry, I didn't get her name) and we were both on our way in about 10 minutes. I've been a member for about 20 years. A few bumps along the way but they always handle it quickly. Michael M. George is the man, always willing to help with anything and answer all questions. read more

I have banked with Kern schools for over 15 years and I'm very happy with the service I get when I go in and I need credit card or a loan or just checking on bank statements are opening a New account or changing my accounts they've been very accommodating Pretty understanding and making the process very easy and I thank them and will continue to bank with them in the future read more

I like this branch. It is always busy but the lines move fast. Their drive-thru is also set up conveniently, wrapping around the back side so traffic flows quickly. read more

This credit union is so amazing! I decided to refinance my car,I was able to do this by phone,they took all the information and said they would call back in a few hours,with in a hour they had approved me and said since I was already a member they could give me a excellent interest rate,which I accept w/o any hesitation, they stated that the papers could be sent to the bank closest to me,I was able to go in and was seen with in 5mins. again everything was explained to my satisfaction so that I was in and out with in 20m.I will definitely recommend this credit union too friends,and co-workers. read more

Everyone in the bank is always friendly but the wait is always way too long. There can be a line to the door or only 3 people in line and they will make sure you still have to wait 20 minutes to see a teller. Make sure you clear your plans for the day if you want to talk to a loan officer read more

Kern Schools Credit Union had the best home loan mortgage staff 12 years ago and I highly recommended their product. Easily 5 star. A year ago my wife wrote a check to the IRS for $35k and it bounced (ouch!) even though we had more than $400,000 in other accounts with them. Yes, it was our mistake not to track that checking account first. Alternatively, a customer oriented bank would have notified us or covered the check with funds in a different account of ours, especially when it was to the IRS. Kern Schools Credit Union staff never took courtesy to give an explanation or reply to my enquiry. So, we are moving to a bank with higher rates. Customer service was unacceptable and I would give 1 star. read more

The wait is terrible! Time is gold! If you have all the time to waste, go to this bank! Not any person is following up for you. Totally wasted an hour! Smh! read more