Zeal Credit Union in Livonia, MI

When many BANKS provide better service, you know there's a problem. To be fair, I rarely use my Zeal account anymore. It's mainly a means for me to deposit checks and transfer them to my "Aspiration" (Radius Bank) accounts. Furthermore, I've not really interacted with them in quite a long time, but I was writing a review of my new bank and thought I would be fair and write one about Zeal, just to put things in perspective since I've had 3 years to "sleep on it". About a year ago or so, I applied for an auto refinance loan. After about a week, the loan department said my vehicle was too old, but that they would finance a new car. I received a loan approval amount and worked feverishly over the next month to find my next vehicle (not a choice I take lightly). The credit union was well aware that I was a 1099-based earner. After keeping in near constant touch with Zeal, I finally found the vehicle I wanted a month later. I had already negotiated a deal, put a deposit down, and all I had to do was go into the branch to sign the papers. I got there, gave them the documentation they requested, and 15 minutes later they came out and denied my application. You see, when you're a 1099, it's wise to take proper deductions for your income, within the rules of the IRS. However, those deductions (such as mileage, a huge one for me) are taken out of your income by Zeal. So while I made a comfortable salary (I take home about 10x the monthly car payment and have zero debt), because the IRS allows for about 55c per mile deduction (and I drive 30,000 miles a year), they thought I was only making $20,000 a year (despite them being able to see my deposits, what I brought home, and what I spent). And that's completely absurd. I've worked for a credit union in the past and originated loans as part of my duties as a branch manager and they accepted the amount of income reported on your 1099 -- which is the most accurate and widely-recognized income determination in such cases. Despite them being full aware of my situation and circumstances, they pulled the rug out from under me at the very last minute. I lost the deposit I had placed on the vehicle. The credit union refused to even discuss their methodology or reasonings. So while I've never been late on my car payment once, and while I make more than sufficient income, they will lead you on, make you go through hoops, and then pull the rug out from you. I would not trust them with any type of loan and certainly not with any large ones like autos or mortgages. I subsequently got a loan -- with better terms, from another local financial institution. In addition, I opened a new account with a new online organization, "Aspiration"/Radius Bank about 8 months ago. I deposit my check and it's immediately transferred to those accounts. I still have a credit card and saving/checking accounts with Zeal, but there is no activity on them (other than transferring money). And I am quite satisfied today with what I have. In addition to the loan fiasco, -They do not have "instant issue" debit cards. If something happens to your card, you'll be waiting a very long time. Their technology is ancient. -There seem to be very frequent "security breaches" which result in new cards being sent. If you don't happen to receive your new PIN (which they also reset), you CANNOT change it. You need to wait for them to send you a new one. -Their hold times are unacceptable. -Their management is unreachable. -Their hours and locations leave a lot to be desired. -They operate much more like a bank and aren't worthy of the credit union name as they do not follow the philosophy, which respects that we are all mutual owners/members of it. -Overall, there are FAR BETTER institutions out there (and real, legitimate philosophy-following credit unions) that deserve your business. If there's one thing I can guarantee, it's that--sooner or later--you'll be disappointed here. Their motto "hard working Americans bank on us" may be true about the "bank" thing, but they have no consideration for how hard you work.

Totally incompetent tellers. It seems like there is always a new teller in drive thru who doesn't know anything. This must be a training facility. They must not put notes in customers files or they are too dumb to read them. I have been cashing an out of state check from a trust account/attorney for 5 yrs. Everything is OK for a couple of months, then a new teller and they refuse to cash it and insist on putting a hold on it. I have complained to the manager and received a form letter response. The teller always says they are not familiar with the check and they have to protect themselves if it's not good. Of course they aren't familiar with it because they are new. It's not a personal check but they don't have a clue. It clearly states the attorney's name and it's written on a trust. When I opened this account I was assured there would be no hidden fees. Now, all of a sudden, if I don't have $199.99 in my checking acct, I have to either put $5 in or they will charge ME $1 to cash a check when I have an account. So MY credit union is charging ME to cash a check. Very poor business. Today was the last straw with their ignorance. I'm closing my account and going else ware. I've had an online bank account for 3 yrs and have never had a problem. Zeal is a problem every time I go there. It would be worth it to pay a check cashing company to cash my checks. Too bad the 0 star option isn't available.

They do a wonderful job with customer service. Also with customer security.

I always receive excellent service. Approvals are immediate. Calls are returned after closing time. Excellent service from all the employees.

When this was Co-Op Credit Union the service was spectacular. Just this week Zeal, apparently had a security breach. They shut down all ATM transactions with out notifications to their customers. I receive a text with every transaction and I get email updates. Nothing was sent regarding the breach. Prior to me making a special trip to the Credit Union, I got the, pass around the customer around treatment on the phone and then I was flat out disconnected after 20 minutes of being on hold. I listened to their recording about "How Important their customers are" recording, roughly 15 times. Not only is my money being held hostage this weekend, with no notice of the breach but now I'm waiting for a new card and then a new PIN. I don't have a 9-5 job that allows me to play "Catch Zeal Open" games. The same thing happened to my niece, the same day. She didn't receive notice either. Very disappointed. Well here it is 6 days since I went to the credit union and I still haven't received my debit card .