First Entertainment Credit Union

I applied for a loan and went to this location to bring the paperwork required to approve my loan. Well Oscar Toledo helped me out he was very professional and asked me to e-​mail the paperwork to him. 2 weeks later I don’t hear from him so I sent him another message and until now I haven’t heard from them. So I decided not to go through with my loan because of the poor customer service. Very disappointed

We moved to First Entertainment as we didn’t want to be with the «big banks» anymore. There was some teething problems when they placed a one month hold on a cash check issued by Citibank. Fair enough if it was a personal check but this was a bank issued cashiers check. They didn’t tell us until after we made the deposit (from selling our house) so they basically held every penny we owned to ransom for a long period of time. We had to borrow money from my parents to live. We’ve been with them for a few years now and while they are mostly good and we enjoy not paying fees, their customer service is terrible. They really have no idea what’s going on or how to solve problems. It’s near impossible to get a PIN number for your ATM cards. Also, we’ve been trying to get a money wire sent in from overseas for months. First Entertainment doesn’t have an international transfer code so you have to send to a different bank, which forwards it to Western Union. It’s a complicated, convoluted process and our incoming wires are being bounced back to the sender. Customer service is completely and utterly useless. Call five times and you will be given five different pieces of information — all wrong. They have no idea why wires are being bounced and their agents are unable to confirm if the wire settings are even correct. This is a good bank if you collect a paycheck and pay household bills, but I’d advise against them if you run a business, or will be working with businesses overseas.

This branch is fine, perhaps a bit small but that happens. The people inside are friendly and very professional. Quaint little courtyard for bank customers out front. It even smells nice.
The actual credit union as a financial institution is absurdly inefficient. A thirteen (business) day hold on a paycheck? Are you f***ing kidding me? I remember when a bank verified funds by picking up a goddamn phone and calling to confirm that it wasn’t fraudulent. And that was in 1990! This is the 21^st f***ing century and you need thirteen days to confirm a payroll check?
I just got a letter informing me that another check that I deposited on the 7^th will be held for five days and will be released on the 18^th. What spectacular mathematical prowess it must take to conceive the equation 7+5=18.
I hope they try a bit harder when they count my money
Woe is he who calls customer service after 6pm. Seriously, that is the most fruitless of all labors. Anyone who has the power to do anything that you would need help with has gone home for the night, and in their place is left a crew of very charming and polite people who have zero ability to do anything beyond say… tell you your balance, maybe transfer money between accounts? Basically if you have an iPhone, the app, and thumbs, you have as much ability as the night shift to solve problems. They will be happy to have someone call you back, tomorrow. Because when I have a banking problem that needs to be solved right now, tomorrow is close enough. Right?
They have competitive rates, great savings plans and a killer auto loan program. The branches are not crowded, and the staff are as pleasant as can be. I shall miss that part. The rest of it I’m glad to be rid of.

This is the worst financial institution. Lacks real customer service. The worst phone voice recognition system. Took me 9 minutes to get to a live representative. Puts a hold on my despots for 10 days. I cannot do business this way. Go to a real bank if you want business done right.

Just finished signing for a refinance of my car loan with my Credit Union! I’ve been with them for over 15 years. They’ve always given me the greatest service. I didn’t think I’d be able to refinance, because we got hit pretty hard in the recession My teller, and the managers, Oscar and Gregory, were very helpful and encouraging. They did not make me feel ashamed of having suffered Financial losses & the subsequent decrease to our credit rating, after surviving the financial apocalypse a few years ago. They held my hand through the whole process, and got me approved. For half the interest rate I was paying through Capital One! This is just another example of the wonderful service given by my Credit Union. Credit Unions rock! And particularly, MY credit, First Entertainment, especially rocks! You should check them out. They are open to nonmembers too.

Customer service is INCREDIBLE! I have been meaning to get out of big banks for a while now. I had been researching different credit unions and ended up coming here to open up some accounts. I sat down with Gregory, who made sure to talk me through and discuss (not sell) with me every single aspect, detail, benefit etc of joining FE. I opened up more then one account and I said to him «you probably dont want to sit here and do that all over again». Gregory took off his glasses to and looked me in the eye and reassured me that the spirit of credit unions and that one in particular is community, and whatever i needed is what hed be more then happy to do. I was floored with the service from everyone at this branch.
Came in a few days later to talk to Gregory about other info, he had left for the day. Usually id leave and come back when my point guy was back, but i sat down with Trevor and got the same level of incredible service and hospitality. Thanks Gregory and Trevor, and all of the ladies behind the desk for making this transition easy and an exciting one for me!

This was my first visit to FECU for an auto loan. I came in on a Saturday and only had to wait about 15 minutes before being invited to see Oscar Toledo (branch service specialist). He was very warm and welcoming. He understood that my time was very limited on the weekend, so he took my application and promised to get an underwriter on my case as soon as possible (FYI most weekdays, they can get you approved in the same day). On the following business day I received a confirmation email, bullet pointing the approved amount, rate and term of the auto loan.
I went to see several different auto vendors and felt a sense of confidence in the fact that I had already secured the lowest rate possible with a company that I trust. I was really able to focus on the price of the vehicle instead of getting stuck negotiating monthly payments. This was a long & busy process, as I was attempting to take advantage of the holiday sales events around town. Along the way, Oscar was available to to answer any and all of my questions and concerns. There was even a point where he put me in touch with Trevor Hahn, also located at the studio city branch, who was able to assist me on the days that Oscar was with another client or had the day off. Trevor was also incredibly patient and took great care of me as a client. I felt that I had my own banking specialist team supporting me throughout the process.
If you are looking for an auto loan, personal loan or even a place to open a new checking/​savings account, I highly recommend that you go see Oscar or Trevor in the studio city branch at First entertainment credit union.

This is a great place to bank. Very personable clerks, and great loan personnel. Accessibility on busy days is tough, though, because there is no street parking, and they share a busy lot with a market and other businesses.

I have been a client of First Entertainment Credit Union for a long time. I love the service, the staff is super friendly and helpful and would never go back to a bank!

I’ve been a Credit Union member for over 25 years and this is a very good branch. The Branch has had its issues in the past as noted in the bad reviews from 2013/​2014, however it has turned around on some employees and have kept and promoted key crew members, which has proven to be working. From the Manager to the new tellers I really enjoy the services they provide. Thanks.

Love our credit union. Excellent service and staff. We are lucky!

I was looking for a credit union and after seeing the god awful reviews for SAG/​AFTRA credit union I decided to keep looking and came upon First Ent. SO glad I did! These guy are AWESOME! I dealt with Trevor (?) to open up my acct. He was soooo great! I set up a checking/​savings and CC (such better rates/fees…goodbye Capital One!!). Service was so good it made me wonder why I still have a BOA acct, lol. A day or so after I opened my acct I had trouble logging in. I called the 800 number and got the friendliest, most helpful customer service agent I’ve had in recent memory! A++++ for this bank all around!

Just got our accounts transferred and opened here as my son is now officially «in the biz!!». This is truly a hidden gem of a credit union.
Opening the accounts was quick and easy with the assistance of Zamora, backed up by Gregory! Thank you two for processing us event though it was 4:50pm (side note, the branch closes at 5p).
Looking forward to exploring the other products and options they offer, ESPECIALLY THE DIVIDENDS!

I just love coming in here. They are so laid back, and nothing ever is a problem. There are no glass partitions so it’s very personal. Love it.

I have had a checking account, savings account, a car loan and a personal loan with First Entertainment Credit Union over the past ten years. All of their bank accounts and loans are designed with the consumer in mind — to offer you low competitive interest rates (far lower than banks and loan institutions), allow you flexibility with your payment schedule, and receive online service, mobile service, accessible telephone service, and friendly, professional service when visiting their various branches.
Just last week I visited the Studio City Branch on Laurel Canyon Blvd to seek a debt consolidation loan. I walked directly into the branch manager’s office. His name is Gregory O’Brien. I have known him over the years and was greeted with a warm handshake, a friendly smile, an invitation to sit down (he even remembers my name), and a kind, «How may I be of assistance to you today?»
I frankly explained to him that I felt I needed a debt consolidation loan to better manage my obligations and he listened with interest. I DID COME PREPARED with my credit card statements and payroll stubs to facilitate the lending paperwork. Gregory studied my paperwork and immediately went online to start the application process for my loan. He told me it was his priority to see that I received a timely response to my application and asked me to please wait during the process. He reached out by telephone to loan approval officers to see if they had received my application.
While we waited, he talked to me about my credit report and existing loan rates and terms. Within roughly an hour and a half, I received my loan approval. Gregory then printed out the necessary paperwork, helped me make decisions about rate, loan term, and monthly payment date, and assisted me with signing the final papers. I WAS RELIEVED OF HIGH CREDIT CARD INTEREST RATES by making an investment of about 2 hours. Gregory O’Brien’s sincere interest, financial knowledge, and expertise in assembling my loan package was outstanding! When it is time for my next financial investment or loan, I will be contacting Gregory O’Brien of First Entertainment Credit Union.

Great place! Line is never long, always helpful. You can walk in and out fast! Will print new debit card on site! No waiting for the mail nonsense! :) My card was stolen and right away received a call stating funny activity was noticed and the money was back in my account within 2days!!!

I’ve been with First Entertainment for over10 years. The service, people, and products Re all exceptional. I recommend them to anyone who asks or who will listen for that mater. I’m currently using the Encino Branch. I would like to congratulate Jay one of the tellers there. He is friendly, proficient, and professional. The Credit Union is fortunate to have him on their team.

I opened up my savings account right after the new year as a a «resolution»
They were so helpful, quick and called me a few days after as a follow up. I love what they have to offer.

This is a horrible bank. My husband and I have been banking here for 2 years since we got married. Recently, I got an insurance check (family member died) in my married name (I don’t use my married name). The credit union gave us a hard time about accepting the check since its different. I wasn’t upset about their desire to keep the bank secure. They told us to jump through some hoops and then they would take the check. Well, we jumped through the hoops, came back another day and deposited the check. Which they accepted.
That’s when the phone calls started. I think I got 5 phone calls from Joe at the bank telling me that he was having problems with the transaction. Finally, at the end of the day he called me to say that the bank decided not to take the check because of the married name/​maiden name issue and that it would be waiting for me. I was a little inconvenienced but not too upset. I get it. There’s confusion. Whatever.
Well, I spoke to my husband and he said they wrote all over the check so … back to Joe I go. He acknowledged that the check was written all over and then told me that when I take it to the next bank I should just explain to them that the credit union refused to accept the check because … and then Joe got really vague leaving me to fill in the blank here. I am assuming that Joe wanted me to take the check into another banking institution and tell them that the check was all marked up and returned to me because the credit union suspected fraud.
I wasn’t going to say anything about this entire situation even after that … until Joe tried to make this situation my fault. If we had only brought in a check with the correct name, none of this would have happened. I flipped out. Why on earth would they say they would take the check? Then they actually TOOK the check and put it in our account. Then they decided to refuse the transaction. HOW IS ANY OF THIS MY FAULT??? Joe wasn’t even sorry. Not that I care because he totally messed up and inconvenienced me and there’s nothing he can do to fix all his mistakes.
Now, I have to get a new check from the insurance company (meaning more work around my family member’s death. Oh fun.). I had plenty of other options and thought to use First Entertainment because we like supporting the idea of smaller banks.
Well, it turns out my loyalty is not reciprocated. Horrible experience. This would never happen at Citibank or Bank of America. What a depressing thought. Needless to say, we are no longer going to be at the credit union. They are really, really horrible and do not value their customers/​members.

I’ve been a member of this credit union for almost ten years. Back when I lived in Burbank, I went to the branch on Olive and everyone there is AWESOME and take great care of me.
This branch, on the other hand…
I don’t know if the gal working yesterday was new, but she took FOREVER to process a simple deposit. Also, she wanted to place a hold on my check. I was depositing my check on a wednesday and wouldn’t have my money till Monday. Oh and this is from a vendor I routinely deposit checks from… really now?
I asked if there was a way around that, and she began nervously typing on their system, ostensibly looking up my history, but taking WAY too long to do so.
Then she suggested I take my check to Wells Fargo, get the cash and bring the cash back to deposit there. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I have a Wells account. I could have easily deposited there. I brought it to you guys because I like you guys… and you’re giving me this ridiculous work around like it’s a great idea?
I asked her to consult with the manager. She goes over to him and gives him some overly lengthy explanation. I keep my distance quietly and wait. Finally the manager approves to only hold half the check. I tell the teller that they would have never done that at my Burbank branch. She asks me if I would like to deposit it there instead. REALLY? You’re telling me to leave your branch and go to another one because you’re too inept to help me. I don’t think she even realize how rude and incompetent this was.
Also, parking at this location SUCKS ASS.
In conclusion: I like the company, but this branch is crap!