Provident Credit Union: Walnut Creek Community Branch in Walnut Creek, CA

Sarah thank you so much for the help on getting our new account started with Provident you were professional curtious and very knowledgeable on banking you made things clear and understandable. you are a credit to this banking establishment thank you for all your help. Danette & Joe Wipfli

I joined PCU about a year ago and have been very satisfied with the service I've received and the courtesy of the employees at my local branch in Walnut Creek, CA. The branch manager there is also very knowledgeable.

I think Provident Credit Union is the best. Absolutely no complaints. I was on the Board of Directors of Golden Gate Federal CU, which merged with Provident many years ago. Credit unions have advantages over banks --- no checking fees, for one. I believe Bank of America charges about $120/year for checking -- over 5 years that works out to $600! Sure there are fewer teller machines, but you can usually use any credit union teller machine without a fee. Wells Fargo once had the audacity to charge me $1 for getting my checking balance on an ATM instead of online! I like the flexibility of Provident's line of credit. There is a small annual charge ($25?), but I can take money out of my line of credit anytime, for as short or as long as I need. If I need and extra $75 one week before a paycheck, it's available, and the interest meter (7%) stops immediately when I pay back the loan. In other words, I don't get charged interest for an entire month or billing cycle, just the time I actually have the loan. I was at both Bank of America and Provident Credit Union today (Friday afternoon, a busy bank time). The Bank of America branch had only two tellers working, and the line was at least 20 people long. The Provident Credit Union branch line (Walnut Creek) at almost the same time was 3 or 4 persons long, with three tellers working, and a manager who would come out as needed. If you haven't used a credit union before, try it as a secondary account and see if it works for you. You might find that you don't need a big name bank anymore, and get better fees and rates with the credit union!

I've been a Provident member for a little over 10 years. At first it was difficult to unhook from a big bank (Chase, originally I was with WAMU,) as there were certain 24 hour features I've given up, but I don't get charged hidden fees and extra junk like that. Provident worked hard to retain my business and developed a personal relationship with me. They would explain what they could do to help resolve a feature I had before that I wasn't getting with them. I also have access to other credit union branch ATMs and ATMs throughout the country. I still miss certain features but the trade-off for personal service, no high fees and excellent rates on loans has been well worth it. If I have a credit transaction issue or stolen/lost card (knock on wood, I haven't), I have a 24 hour access line. I'm all over the Bay Area for business and personal reasons, so I stop at different branches to fulfill my financial needs. This branch is no exception to its high standards of service, always having friendly and professional tellers, managers that will answer questions the teller might not know, etc. While my main concern is getting business done, it's nice that every branch has a Kourig coffee maker I can grab a tea, coffee or hot chocolate depending on their supply. By no means does this make or break my opinion, as I go to the "bank" to complete financial transactions not free drinks, but it's a very nice and thoughtful touch to its branch members.

The Provident CU people are competent, courteous, and always make sure I have a good experience there. The round-up savings feature of their debit card make squirreling away money effortless.