Desert Financial Credit Union Reviews 321

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 162 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their politeness, professionalism, and helpfulness, making interactions pleasant and informative. Many people highlight the outstanding customer service, noting that employees are attentive, explain things clearly, and make banking a pleasure. The service provided is often described as seamless, professional, and efficient, with consumers appreciating the ease of processes like opening accounts and getting loans. However, some customers also noted issues with payment processing, experiencing unexpected charges, withheld transactions, and overdraft fees that caused financial difficulties. A few other people also felt that customer service sometimes misinformed them or created accounts they did not want, leading to frustration.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers mention positive feedback about staff, highlighting that employees are generally friendly,... See more

Customer service

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of customer service, with many praising the professional, personable,... See more

Service

People report positive experiences with service, with many praising the excellent customer service and... See more

User experience

Customers had positive experiences with user experience, finding the purchase and account opening processes... See more

Payment

Consumers find payment to be a negative experience, with many reporting issues such as holds on funds,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Polite and informed sales team. Disappointed with the lowball estimate of our home value, which did not agree with anything we had. Including our July paid for Valuation, which was professionally done... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am a new resident of Sun City, and I needed to find a credit union, so I went to Desert Financial. Destinee C. was the first person I spoke to regarding information on becaming a credit union m... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding customer service, from the moment I walked in the door for the first time and every time after. Everyone makes banking at Desert Financial a real pleasure. All employees seem to be happy t... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

To be Frank , I have to say that my experience was really quite enjoyable.Your staff were more than simply pleasant and professional, they were down to Earth and likable. Also , I should like to say t... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Credit union
  2. Bank
  3. Financial advisor
  4. Financial Institution
  5. Non-bank financial service

Written by the company

For over 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona’s most trusted local credit union with over $9 billion in assets, 500,000+ members and over 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2025, members received $16 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.

Started by Arizonans, for Arizonans

Written by the company

85 years of service
Desert Financial was founded in 1939 to serve our members and give back to our community.
Founded by teachers
Fifteen Valley educators pooled their money together – just $78.75 – to start our credit union.
Mission-driven
Our mission to share success and create exceptional experiences is why we do what we do.
Committed to sharing success
Sharing our financial success with our members, community and team is simply the right thing to do.

Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

321 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Credit Union with Amazing Customer Service

For the past 10 years, I’ve banked with USAA, but since moving to the city, I have decided that I wanted to bank at a physical location. USAA does not offer that. Many people in town recommended that I open an account with Desert financial.

When I got to the branch, the front desk associate promptly got me checked in so that I could open a checking and savings account. The banker who helped me open my account was very nice and helpful. She explained to me the benefits of banking with a credit union and the history of the business.

The customer service that I received was phenomenal. USAA has terrible customer service, but desert financial has definitely blown them out of the park. I’m excited to bank with Desert financial.

2 June 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy you enjoyed your experience opening accounts with us, William! We appreciate you sharing your feedback regarding the service you received. We're excited to have you as a member!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Knowledgeable staff

Knowledgeable staff. Would have preferred receiving something in writing relating to free ATM locations.

30 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're glad you found our team knowledgeable. We apologize for not providing written information about free ATM locations and will consider how to provide this better in the future. Thanks for your feedback, Theresa!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The service is good.The only thing IS I…

The service is good.The only thing IS I wish they would approve me for a credit card.That way.I can build my credit or help me with a financial loan.So I could start a business

29 May 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thank you for the kind words about our service, Kyle! We’re glad to hear you’ve had a positive experience overall. We understand how important building credit and accessing financial support can be, especially when you're working toward personal or business goals. We truly appreciate you sharing this with us and will keep your feedback in mind as we look for ways to better support our members' journeys.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

"Best banking experience ".

" Love Desert Financial, makes my life with online banking so much easier to navigate with my accounts..

27 May 2025
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Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that our online banking simplifies managing your accounts. Thanks for your positive feedback!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience

Customer service was excellent and the banker was very knowledgeable and helpful with assisting me in the right direction

14 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thank you for the 5-star review, Michael! We appreciate you sharing your feedback with us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easier than I expected

Easier than I expected

26 May 2025
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Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're glad your experience was easier than you expected, Brandi! Thanks for choosing Desert Financial.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience setting up…

I had a great experience setting up accounts and a HELOC. They were very helpful and easy to work with. They are efficient and high-tech.

21 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're glad you found the account setup and HELOC process helpful and efficient. Thank you for your positive feedback!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good people on board to work with

Good people on board to work with. Always makes things easier.

12 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're glad to hear that our team makes things easier for you, Thomas! Thanks for the 5-star review.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easy to use website

Easy to use website, easy set up. Strong follow up.

21 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that the website was easy to use and the setup was simple. Thanks for the review, Nicole!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Holding checks for 6 business days is…

Holding checks for 6 business days is outdated and had I known you’d do that, I would’ve never opened an account with Desert Financial

19 May 2025
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Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thank you for your feedback, and we’re sorry to hear about your frustration. We understand that unexpected check holds can be inconvenient. Our current policy includes holding certain deposits for up to 6 business days as a precaution against potential fraud. This is a measure taken to protect both our members and the credit union.

We recognize that expectations around banking practices are evolving, and your concerns are valid. Your feedback helps us as we continue working to balance security with a smooth banking experience. If you’d like to talk more about your specific situation, please give us a call at (602) 433-7000.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Jose Gonzalez knew his products and was…

Jose Gonzalez knew his products and was very professional and helpful.

24 April 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We appreciate your positive feedback. We're glad you found our team member to be professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. Thanks!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Taylor was very attentive to my needs

Taylor was very attentive to my needs. I’m all by myself
and I need help on a lot of things, I need to complete trust. Especially since the Chase bank is blaming me of removing $19,500 from my checking account. Which I certainly did not do, I’m in the process of removing my money over to Desert Financial as fast as I can.

26 March 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thanks for choosing Desert Financial, Norma! We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I stopped into the ASU Desert Financial…

I stopped into the ASU Desert Financial and was able to establish an account and all my questions were answered. The staff member who helped me was very knowledgeable and I appreciated his kind demeanor.

25 April 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thanks for the 5-star review! We're delighted that you had a positive experience establishing your account and that all your questions were answered.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amber was very helpful and…

Amber was very helpful and knowledgeable answered all the questions I had!

3 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that our team was so helpful and knowledgeable! We appreciate your feedback.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Mostly the customer service

Mostly the customer service, Mat was very helpful with a lot of knowledge on all my questions. He even called me a few days after I open my account for any questions or concerns. Nobody does that any more.
I feel special.

14 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thanks for the review, Edgar! We're happy to hear that our service was helpful and informative. It's great to know that the follow-up call made you feel valued. We appreciate your feedback!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Thieves

I never had this experience with any other bank, even with opening a new account or being a new member. I deposited a paycheck into my account on Friday 05/16. What a huge mistake that was! Even with being new to the bank you'd think it'd be clear in a few days, like by Monday or Tuesday. That's always been my experience with other banks and credit unions I've done business with throughout the years. I called DF on Monday 05/19 to see what status was. They said it won't clear until 05/26 which is also a holiday so I'm not holding my breath on that. They also can't stop the process once started, so they are holding my money hostage until it clears. NEVER in my life have I had a financial institution have something take that long. A couple days is pretty typical and no big deal. Over 10 days is ludicrous and unacceptable. Unfortunately, I have to deal with them until they aren't holding my money hostage any more. Thank God it's just a personal account and not a business one. The only good thing is now I know where not to bring my business and personal needs.

19 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience Mike. We sincerely apologize for the frustration and inconvenience this situation has caused you. We understand how important timely access to your funds is, and we regret that your deposit experience did not meet your expectations or align with what you’ve experienced at other institutions.

As part of our commitment to account security, especially for new accounts, we sometimes place extended holds on certain deposits to mitigate the risk of fraud. While these policies are designed to protect both our members and the credit union, we understand that they can feel restrictive and inconvenient, particularly when you’re accustomed to quicker processing elsewhere.

We value your feedback and take it seriously as we continue evaluating how to balance safety with a smooth banking experience. If you’d like to speak more in-depth about your specific situation, please give us a call at (602) 433-7000. Thank you again for your candid feedback!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Stacie schible

I have been going to see Archie for years she has always been a very good listener to your needs!! Love her!!

20 May 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're so glad to hear that you've had such positive experiences! We appreciate your kind words and are delighted that you feel heard and supported. Thanks for your review!

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