When I moved to California one of the first things I needed to do was find a bank. With a banker as a father, I was pretty familiar with banks but not credit unions. He had instilled in me that a bank should be about the customers and that's exactly what I found with Interfaith Federal Credit Union. Members matter and providing services to those members is the mission. I knew it was a good decision.
In 2023, after years of only hoping that I might be able to purchase a home, circumstances made that a possibility. Being a member of Interfaith FCU, I reached out to explore the loan options. They knew me and were willing to work with me. I could not have asked for more or been more pleased. IFCU staff worked with me at every step along the way. I will be forever grateful to Interfaith FCU and its staff for all they have done to make my longtime dream of owning my own home become a reality.
Our church is glad to be part of the IFCU, and the auto loan is an excellent program supporting the church's mission beyond denomination and location. Based on the well-managed stewardship of its financial resources with IFCU, our church could continue to be driven by a deep commitment to the Word of God and passionately foster a community that reads, believes, and obediently follows its teaching, cultivating unwavering faith and spiritual growth through worship and praise services.
I would like to let you know how grateful I am for Interfaith Federal Credit Union. As Pastors we give our lives to ministry and with that commitment comes changes, which include relocation. I recently moved over 300 miles, from one state to another. I incurred some debt with this change that put me in a bind. I am so grateful and blessed Interfaith FCU helped me establish my account and get me approved for a loan that will allow me to catch up with my bills. I never felt at any moment that I was a charity case; they treated me with respect and dignity. God Bless you Interfaith FCU.
My sister, Carol, and I have been members for 72 years. We’ve seen substantial growth in the institution as well as worthwhile and valuable benefits for our members. Kudos to the IFCU staff!
I have been a member of Interfaith Federal Credit union for more than three decades and have used it for my business account. The credit union staff’s assistance as I learned to use the website made all the difference. I appreciate the expansion to “Interfaith” as my work has become more interfaith. I value the added services as well, such as the great rate I obtained for an auto loan and ease in making the payments. The Interfaith Federal Credit Union is truly a treasure for people of faith!
My husband and I applied for a home mortgage loan through Interfaith Federal Credit Union (IFCU). Working with Rebecca and Judy in the corporate headquarters made the process easy. They answered all our questions quickly, helped with documentation, and procedures. They were easily accessible by phone and email. We appreciated how quickly the decision was made to approve our mortgage loan. We are pleased with our choice to use IFCU for our loan.
I cannot express my gratitude fully for the work the lending department and Tennessee Branch have done. I know you are just doing your job, but it has made such a difference for my family. I am glad to be a member of the credit union, knowing the staff is committed to the well-being of the members.
I have been a member for over 30 years and have always appreciated the personal attention from the staff of Interfaith FCU. When I call they are friendly and responsive, always trying to resolve any issue. Most of the churches I work with are also members, primarily because Interfaith FCU understand the unique needs and procedures churches have. While it is possible to have banking with lots of financial institutions, it is comforting to be part of one that shares our values.
Well managed credit cards are a useful tool for ministry. Churches can manage this tool by creating a card use policy, monitoring purchases at least monthly and paying off balances quickly. Each transaction is tracked, providing more transparency than cash. When well-managed, credit becomes a positive financial stewardship resource for ministries. I am glad our IFCU encourages responsible use of credit cards to expand congregational financial tools.
The IFCU Church Visa Program has served me, my current and previous congregation well. The convenience of a credit card makes church programing purchases much easier and eliminates the time-consuming reimbursement process. It is good practical and connectional sense. In short, it is a win-win for the United Methodist movement by supporting our credit union while adding efficiency to our local church ministry.
As a longtime member in Missouri, I want to say the credit union was a great resource during my early years of ministry (40 years), especially with the needs of a young family. Additionally, several of my children and grandchildren started their credit by becoming a member. The staff has always been very personable, eager to serve me and my family. A long-standing part of your family’s financial portfolio.
We are happy with these needed funds to complete the installation of our solar panel energy efficient and money saving project. This is our second loan with IFCU and we appreciate the competitive rates, terms and great member service.
IFCU President and CEO, Ramon Noperi, congratulates 1st UMC of Upland for it’s solar panel church loan. Maxine Sawtell and Andy Parsons from 1st UMC Upland, accept the loan.
We are happy that IFCU provided a church loan at very reasonable rates and terms. This loan will allow us to make needed property improvements for the congregation and community to enjoy.
Favorite part about being a member of Interfaith FCU is the personal attention provided by Helen Russell and her sense of th e customer.
Summer 2015 we needed a loan for our new home to our new residence in Cheney, WA. After using a mortgage broker recommended by our real estate agent as the best, we were receiving the run around and all sorts of demands that’ll seemed crazy for a loan. We had a large down payment from our home in So California sale that IFCU had funded so we called to discover if IFCU would be interested in a loan in WA. Helen walked the entire way with us and together IFCU and their underwriter got it done. I appreciate all that Helen did and continues to do to help our family. She is a fine representative of IFCU and one they should be very proud of. Personal attention causes members to be and remain loyal, they are key to any organizations success, Helen will be referred to many relatives and friends, another key to organizational success.
Overall Customer Service = 9
Competitive Loan Rates = 9
Usefulness of Online Tools & Services = 6
Testimonial of a Great Financial Relationship:
In 1998, I attended a presentation at Creighton UMC in Phoenix provided by IFCU. They were explaining all the financial services available to church members. They also held a drawing for a starting savings account with them for $25. I did not realize at the time that I was very lucky to not only have won that initial $25 account, but also lucky to have started a relationship that is now almost at the 20 year mark.
I first established a relationship with one of your vice-presidents, Virginia Harrison, and later with Hellen Russell once Virginia left. I found that I could call and ask for advice on loans, interest rates, the best accounts for me and would always be able to reach them or have an instant call back if I left a message. And they always remember who I am – kind of like the “Cheers” of banking – where everyone knows your name. How refreshing in this world where to most other financial institutions, you never talk to the same person twice and you are just a number to them.
Over the years, I believe I have financed used cars, two HELOC loans, in addition to my regular checking/savings/Visa card. And by the way, your Visa card is the best deal around. With rates lower than the norm even without the occasional promotions, being able to pay off other cards or take cash advances without additional bank fees has certainly has come in handy over the years. It is always my go-to Visa card.
I recently started using Bill-Pay and ran into a glitch immediately. The bill pay people said to contact my financial institution since they couldn’t see why it hadn’t gone through. I didn’t realize that when I had switched to Golden Checking in the last year or so, that my account number had changed. When I put in the old number, the Bill-Pay system didn’t recognize it. One quick call to IFCU and the young man who handles that system found the problem immediately, explained it very thoroughly to me and we had it fixed in a minute. I shudder to think of how many calls that would have taken to resolve anywhere else.
Other firms might have a branch on every corner, but with the flexibility of depositing either at the one location of IFCU here in Phoenix (which also has delightful people working there) or at most other credit union ATMs, I find all my banking needs are met by IFCU. I hope our relationship lasts another 20+ years!!
Sincerely,
Vikki S – very happy member
I wanted to obtain a $40,000 HELOC on a second home that my son lives in. I have a net worth of $500,000, annual income of $120,000, no debt other than three mortgages, and a FICO score of 812. I applied for a HELOC at a large commercial bank. They appraised the house at $200,000. The mortgage balance on the house was $120,000. After a long, painful process of supplying multiple documents, my HELOC was denied because the house was less than 50 miles from my primary residence.
I was surprised and disappointed. I was already a member of the Interfaith Federal Credit Union but it never occurred to me that the CU would make HELOC loans. One day I was browsing your website and I saw HELOC. I called Hellen Russell and explained my situation. She said obtaining a HELOC from the CU on a second home should be no problem. In summary, Hellen was a delight to work with. My application was approved in record time with a minimum of red tape. I was so impressed with the service that I am in the process of transferring my main checking account to the CU.
What specifically, is your favorite part about being a member of IFCU?
The Credit Union isn’t a big bank.
How would you rate our Credit Union in Providing the Following:
Overall Customer Service = 10 (highest)
Competitive Loan Rates = 10 (highest)
Usefulness of Online Tools & Services = 10 (highest)
Twice in the past 9 years there have been attempts to access my funds through wire transfers. Each time, IFCU staff have seen the irregularity and contacted me, protecting my funds.
I love the early notice on the web site changes, as I don’t easily adjust to changes. Having explanations of how, when why helps me through that.
IFCU online services are stellar! In 20+ years with IFCU there has never been a hitch or glitch in accessing or transferring funds. In comparison, I use an e-bank in Uganda and have had many issues in the pasr4 years.
Many thanks to each of staff members who make it all work smoothly…and to Directors and Management to ensure solid training and planning behind the scenes.
Overall Customer Service = 10 (highest)
Competitive Loan Rates = 9
Usefulness of Online Tools & Services = 10 (highest)
What, specifically, is your favorite part about being a member of Interfaith FCU?
Ease of use of the website and e-banking for those like me who are not tech savvy
Automatic bill payment
Easy, understandable loan processing
Protection of funds from fraudulent transfers
Ease of replacing credit/debit cards
Rapid answers to questions
Without the above, I would not be able to live overseas, confident that my bills are paid timely and readily accessible thru ATMs where I live.
The personal service is my favorite part about being a member of IFCU. I had made a ACH transfer for an employee. I accidentally added an additional digit to the account number. When I realized my error, I called Sandra at our Westbrook office and she contacted the main office. They were able to apply the money to the correct account. Try getting that service from a large national or regional bank.
Overall Customer Service = 10 (highest)
Competitive Loan Rates = 9
Usefulness of Online Tools & Services = 9
Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church (SCVUMC) in Sahuarita, Arizona spent our first decade meeting in school gymnasiums. We hauled all of our equipment and supplies into and out of a guy every Sunday morning. We were anxious to find our own building, but in a new town, no existing space was available. We began planning to purchase land and constructions of our own house of worship.
After a successful 3 year fundraising campaign, and finding the perfect building site, we were ready to being construction as soon as we could acquire a loan for the remainder of funds needed. That proved to be quite a challenge, since it was the beginning of the recession and banks were not interested in making a loan to a small congregation. We were disappointed and were beginning to lose hope of finding a lender when the Interfaith Federal Credit Union agreed to talk with us. With support from the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church, and God’s help, we quickly met requirements for acquiring a loan from IFCU and were delighted congregation when the loan approval was given.
We began construction in November, 2010 and held our first worship service in our new building on May 22, 2011. We appreciate the credit union’s trust in us at a time when it appeared that construction may have to be delayed until economic conditions improved. Our congregation saw our dream, realized and prayers answered, and will forever be thankful that the Interfaith Federal Credit Union as instrumental in making our church him possible.
In faith,
Wanda B
I have been asked IFCU to provide an open letter of recommendation, so I am taking this opportunity to do that.
IFCU has been the financial institution for the Conference office for the past 20 years. We have been very satisfied with their professionalism and service, and we foresee continuing our relationship with them for years to come. There are many reasons we “bank” with IFCU:
Their fees are consistently lower than those of commercial banks, and the interest rates we earn with them are competitive with those available at commercial banks.
Using them is convenient. Obviously, having a branch office in our building sure beats driving to the bank every day. But beyond that, we use their on-line banking almost everyday to determine our account activity and conduct payment and transfer transactions. The ability to use other credit union branches and the U.S. mail also enhances convenience.
They are part of our connectional system. They are here to serve us as their members, not to make a profit for shareholders. That makes me feel good about using them.
They provide a high level of personal service. We’ve all had the unfortunate experience of calling a bank’s 800 number and talking to a new help desk person every time we call. Not so with IFCU. We talk to a real person and almost always the same person every time.They know us and value us as a customer. It’s a breath of fresh air in today’s impersonal environment.
IFCU may or may not be the right financial institution for you or your church. But I encourage you to consider them, check them out, talk to them, and see what they have to offer. They may just be the right fit for you. And if you have any questions as you consider them, feel free to contact me.
