UMassFive College Federal Credit Union in Hadley, MA

Only use UMASS 5 if you plan to never leave the immediate area (Hadley, Amherst). That means all you college kids/grad students/professors....stay away. I opened this account because my family members did also. The pros are that they are nice. In the branch. Super nice and friendly, and customer service in person is great. The trouble with this model is that it is NOT sustainable. You have to also be good online, remotely, over the phone, etc. The problems started when I moved. Here is the issue: I ma not sure what the beef is with technology? I have never encountered a financial institution that serves a college area (there are 5 colleges and universities in the immediate metro area)that uses technology so poorly. Presumably, a good portion of their members will move and need to use a full service online model. I am honestly upset that I have accounts with them, and am working really hard to move. Even if it means I have to pay a higher interest rate. It is just not worth the aggravation to work with this credit union that is firmly planted in 1985. You can't pay any of your loans online. The only account you can pay online is their credit card. The credit card website, doesn't display pending payments. They don't accept e-fax. So to set up EFT or modify it, you have to USE A REAL FAX MACHINE. Yes, you read that correctly. A fax machine. You can also MAIL it. Yes, as in the USPS. Or you can physically enter the branch. Too bad I am in NYC. Otherwise, I would love to astral project myself into a branch to manage the most basic of banking functions. Also, please don't ask of their customer service reps a minimally complex question about their transfer process or policies. They will not know the answer. They will become frustrated and ask you to call back. True story. The worst ever. To pay on the phone...they charge you $10. Yep. That is correct also. I opened the account 4 years ago...honestly, by now I expect to see at least online payment of loans. After I was hung up on, by the third someone who didn't know how about ACH, and kept suggesting EFT...a very nice woman called me back and said we can set up ACH, and I can email the forms to you. SHOUT OUT TO MEGAN!!! She was a shining light in the darkness. Now if only can replicate her...and have her champion technology at UMASS Five.

Best bank ever!

Best credit union ever

Friendly and convenient! Really feel like they care about me. They give the best advice. And their tech is improving!

I use the Credit Union for all my financial transactions. Service is fast and friendly, and I have never had a problem in something like 20 years. For example, if you are buying a car, you sit down and have a very pleasant conversation with a loan officer and the next day you pick up your check. I pay all my loans on line, including my credit card, and never a problem. I request checks to pay other bills, and it all goes smoothly. I no longer bank ... I'm totally credit union. A branch in Belchertown would be really convenient, but I'm not complaining.