USE Credit Union
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
USE Credit Union
Our financial products and services are specifically designed to support your quality of life. We always have your back, acting in your best interest to help you step forward with confidence. Known at the time as "California State Employees Credit Union #17," we quickly grew to serve many other state employees, including faculty and staff of many of California's colleges and universities.

In 1971, we changed our name to University and State Employees Credit Union (USECU), reflecting our greatly expanded field of membership. Fast forward to the new millennium.
Services
It looks like there weren't any search parameters in the locations search field. Located at the corner of Shattuck and Durant, we're just a block or so from UC Berkeley and surrounded by our community's unique and diverse cultural and culinary attractions. Stop by and let's get acquainted!

Life is good in our beautiful and quiet neighborhood of Carmel Mountain, and we're all about doing everything we can to help make it even better for you and your family.A diverse population, established neighborhoods, historic downtown and vibrant business community all make our area a magnet for both families and employers.
In addition to our own branches and ATMs, we have more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 6,000 shared branches across the country. Wherever you go, we're there. USECU offers competitive rates and fewer fees than you'll find at a bank, and with a full suite of financial offerings all under one roof, we've got you covered.
Set up text or email alerts to track what you need to know, and get all your account statements electronically. Our debit cards are equipped with EMV chip technology to protect your money - and your identity. Want to get your money faster? At USECU, setting up direct deposit with your employer (or other income provider) is really easy.
Our credit cards come with low non-variable rates that speak for themselves-take a look and see. No matter which card you pick, you'll be able to redeem points for fun, travel, gift cards and more. Equipped with chip technology, your credit card has the best defenses available in card security. By using your rewards points on gift cards or statement credits, you can convert them into cash.
Buy things in-store using your mobile phone, without having to get out your debit or credit card. The points you earn with mobile wallet purchases using your USECU credit card can be redeemed for fun, travel, gift cards and more. Mobile wallet never shares your card data with merchants, so your account is safe even if they get hacked.
Reviews (23)
Norm O.
Norm O.
Aug 04, 2021
Report
These people hire others who don't know what they are doing. I can't tell you the number of times they refused to do something fairly easy because they had their own regulations. Recently, I tried to rollover an IRA from an institution in the Midwest and I got nothing but crap. I had to write a note and complain before they would do something. Another time I tried to cash a check and it had signatures from both of ours on the back. They refused to cash it because both of the names were not on the account that we wanted to use. There have been a number of other times when they didn
Elizabeth E.
Elizabeth E.
Mar 24, 2021
Report
I've been going to this branch for 10 years now and have always had a good experience with them. Everyone here is always very helpful and I couldn't feel more satisfied about where I keep my money.
Kathryn Kelner
Kathryn Kelner
Feb 21, 2021
Report
This is literally the worst bank, and location of any bank I have used. You always wait in line for long periods. With Covid, it is even worse. They have it set up so you are forced to wait in a line outside. I waited for over 45 minutes when it was freezing out! I had surgery six weeks ago, and there is no option to sit. Your standing on an unbalanced incline on top of it. Ironically, I have lower APR on my credit cards with Wells Fargo and B of A. Look else where if you are considering this bank! Not a lot of locations either, but avoid the one on UCSD’s campus, unless you want to wait forever
Chase Morgan
Chase Morgan
Jan 08, 2020
Report
Staff are as helpful as they can be, but there are some serious systemic issues with this bank. I had a typo on my application for a checking account that prevented me from accessing my debit card and online banking. After 6 lengthy phone calls and multiple form submissions, I decided it was easier to bank elsewhere than try to fix the problem. If this is how poorly they handle the tiny issue of a typo, I can't imagine what would happen if I had more serious issues.
Nils Rundquist
Nils Rundquist
Nov 15, 2019
Report
They make their money by exploiting in-debt former students.
I was a member here for several years, but when switching which account my student loans draw from, my student loan company erroneously attempted to draw from account without enough money in it here. They attempted this twice - and USE Credit Union refuses to reverse the charges despite the fact that I had nothing to do with it and the account switch has since gone through.
I will be cancelling my account as soon as the transfer to cover my now-negative balance (because of the fees this union charged) goes through on the account I had
Alan Williams
Alan Williams
Nov 03, 2019
Report
Janara was terrific - she helped me set up several accounts quickly and was extremely helpful. I would recommend this bank/branch for students.
Sam Bahramzi
Sam Bahramzi
Jun 12, 2019
Report
Always a great experience coming into this location, everyones extremely helpful and positive Highly Recommend!
Isis C.
Isis C.
May 02, 2019
Report
Overall i guess I am ok with this bank. However im not happy that they charge $5 for cashier's check. It seems a bit steep. It's the only bank that I know that does that for one cashier's check a month. Another draw back is this locations customer service. A Caucasian gentleman ...I'm upset that i forgot to get his name but simply bad, privileged, type of attitude. He acted a bit extra like a diva type attitude. Leave that attitude at home honey and learn to be professional in the work place.
Ava F.
Ava F.
Feb 23, 2019
Report
I wanted to take time out to mention an employee at the campus branch at UCSD. His name is
Albert Marquez. He is the reason I am giving this branch 5 stars. He was so nice and has the best personality. He made a stressful situation for me, less stressful with his attitude, being available and so helpful. Thank you Albert Marquez
Ben M.
Ben M.
Feb 14, 2019
Report
Unbelievable, screw-you mentality that you should run away from at all costs.

I've been a ten-year customer of USE; had auto loans, direct deposit, etc all done through them. Throughout the entire time, it's been a pleasant experience, and I was very sad when I moved away and we decided we'd have to choose another bank.

Fast forward to today; with our accounts mostly transferred over, I closed out our auto loan. Naturally, with a ten-day payoff, there is often an average, in this case about $400.

I was on travel, and I use paypal for rideshare, linked to use. I said "Hmm
M. C.
M. C.
Jan 31, 2019
Report
I became a member of USE in northern California about 20 years ago, mainly because the office was located in the same building where I worked. I always appreciated the good customer service and financial opportunities offered to their customers and had a car loan and credit card with them. Slowly the offices began to close in NorCal and as the number of locations with live customer service and atms diminished so did the great service. The staff at the San Diego main location are always helpful and I have no complaints. I do have complaints about their archaic banking practices and would suggest
Nicole B.
Nicole B.
Nov 09, 2018
Report
Nobody likes change, especially changing financial institutions. However I was not thrilled by the "customer service" experience I was having with my big bank, not did I care for feeling like a number. I opened a checking with USE and slowly transitioned my banking. One day while I was making a deposit, Max Henderson asked if I knew about their credit card offers which I really hadn't thought about, but turns out They literally have lowest rates out there so I went ahead and applied. That snowballed into refinancing my car loan from 7% to 2.9%. Everyone in the branch is really courteous
Dredge K.
Dredge K.
Sep 01, 2018
Report
Excellent customer service, coffee, and better rates. They go out of their way to make things work out. I had to coordinate a house down payment transfer from overseas and they set it up flawlessly with a smile. Thanks Janara and Albert!

I was planning on using the debit card abroad as the 1% fee is much less than the 3% most charge. As I didn't use my debit card in 18 months it had been deactivated. I was leaving in 3 days so the call center sent me a new one FedEx. Enough said.

I've had so many problems with Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank I'll never use them again
Brenda T.
Brenda T.
Aug 17, 2018
Report
I've belonged to the UCSD branch for over 20 years and had great service, whether it be car loans or refinancing a home. Kathleen D. was a great help with the Refi...
Thank You USECU!
Andrew H.
Andrew H.
Aug 15, 2018
Report
Janara Bahramzi at the UCSD branch is terrific. She took time to help us get a car loan. Even the dealer said this was the lowest interest rate he'd seen. Highly recommended.
Stacy H.
Stacy H.
Aug 13, 2018
Report
This is the best bank I have ever been with hands down. They are so nice, respectful, and friendly. I have had a few issues that were resolved immediately and they went above and beyond each time. Thank you so much USE CU!!!
Karen F.
Karen F.
Jun 01, 2018
Report
I don't understand the poor reviews here. My debit card has been jacked a couple of times over 10 years and this is now (unfortunately) a common occurrence at every bank or credit union. The customer service line is 24/7 whenever the branches are closed and I have always received stellar service from whoever answers the line. Plus a text when fraud is suspected? That's pretty cool.

The app is great and easy to use, and I log in often to keep an eye on my accounts, transfer funds, find a nearby CU ATM, etc. (when I don't use the app, the web banking site is good, too).

The UC San
Jeffery P.
Jeffery P.
Nov 08, 2017
Report
Poor handling of fraud and debit card issue.

I got an automatic text when my debit card was used fraudulently, and they promptly blocked the card. I called their member services right away. I was told that it was 'automatic' that a new card would be issued and I'd receive it in 7-10 business days. I also wanted to make sure that a pending charge I made at a cafe that day would still go through, and that they'd take off the fraudulent charge, a pending iTunes transaction.
I checked back 8 business days later, as I had not received the card, and when I checked the account, the
Pablo Tamayo
Pablo Tamayo
Aug 27, 2017
Report
Highly recommended as a good place for general banking services with down-to-earth friendly employees.
J. P.
J. P.
Jul 04, 2017
Report
My experience with this USE Credit Union has been the best banking experience ever. The staff is always super friendly and helpful, and they always have good promotions and giveaways going on. Best part is they are always quick and efficient. Seriously if you go to UCSD or live in La Jolla, you should go here.
Sherimae V.
Sherimae V.
Mar 13, 2017
Report
New member

Called their customer service and card member line. Every single time I've called the call drops. Their end sounds funky, like terrible reception service. I've spoken to 5 different service agents in 10 minutes. Very, very disappointed and terrible first impression. Imagine having to explain the issue you're calling for 5 times over to 5 different people because you keep getting hung up on? Super frustrating!

Also, I signed up as a new member 2 weeks ago. I still haven't received my new debit card in the mail.

I'll give this credit union a month. Hoping to
Ella T.
Ella T.
Nov 24, 2015
Report
Ok...I know I wrote a really great review in August. I was ecstatic because a credit union actually accepted me. But that was short lived. I have NEVER had to call a bank so many times in my entire life.

First off, I was on the phone with someone setting up my accounts and she offered to send me a new debit/check card with a new chip in it...since that seems to be a new thing. I said yea sure..this was the first week of September. It's now November and I STILL haven't received that card. I had to go to the branch to get a regular debit card without the chip.

Next issue...I opened
John G.
John G.
Feb 19, 2014
Report
Every year, USE seems to celebrate my membership by inviting any number of hackers to explore my debit card and to charge it up in luxurious digs. This year: fabulous North Carolina.

I decided to keep my membership because I have specific bills that have been withdrawn from the account, and reaching the creditors is somewhat akin to Shackleton's southward journey.

Again, as is our anniversary tradition, I filed a dispute and was promised resolution within 24-48 hours. The branch I bank with certainly must exist in a wormhole, because it has been over a week, and charges to Jebb's Still