Cal State L.A. logo

Cal State L.A. in Los Angeles, CA

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Cal State LA Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit institution serving Cal State LA faculty, staff, students, and surrounding community residents since 1961.

Data compiled from public sources

Cal State L.A. Review

Cal State LA Federal Credit Union has operated as a mission-driven credit union for 65 years, founded on the principle of "people helping people." The institution is exclusive to California State University, Los Angeles employees, students, alumni, and residents of surrounding communities, maintaining a focused membership base tied to the university ecosystem. As a federally chartered credit union (NCUA-insured), it operates on a non-profit model where profits are returned to members through rate claims to verify and lower fees than traditional banks.

The credit union offers a comprehensive range of consumer financial products including auto loans, personal loans, lines of credit, Visa credit cards, and debt consolidation services. Their auto loan rates start as low as 4.74% APR, personal loans at 11.25% APR, and credit cards at 10.90% APR. Members can access online and mobile banking platforms with advanced features such as transaction limits, spending insights, travel alerts, and card lock functionality. The institution provides digital account management tools and maintains physical ATM/branch locations for member convenience.

Cal State LA FCU distinguishes itself through direct affiliation with Cal State LA, creating a community-focused identity for university-connected members. They offer free financial webinars monthly through Balancepro.org, financial calculators, tax preparation discounts via Love My Credit Union Rewards, and volunteer opportunities on their Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee. The credit union emphasizes cybersecurity education and member protection, actively reminding members about fraud prevention and offering travel notification services.

As a credit union with eligibility restrictions, Cal State LA FCU is best suited for members of the Cal State LA community rather than the general public. While their rates are competitive and services comprehensive, the institution's smaller size means fewer physical locations compared to major banks, and membership qualification represents a meaningful limitation for consumers outside the university sphere.

Services & Features

ATM/branch locator service
Auto loans (4.74% APR starting rate)
Debt consolidation loans
Financial calculators for personal planning
Free monthly financial webinars
Lines of credit (11.50% APR starting rate)
Mobile app with transaction limits and spending insights
Online banking platform with login access
Personal loans (11.25% APR starting rate)
Tax preparation discounts through partner rewards program
Travel alert and card lock features
Visa credit cards (10.90% APR starting rate)

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Auto loan rates as low as 4.74% APR with terms up to 36 months
  • Advanced mobile app with transaction limits, spending insights, travel alerts, and card lock features
  • Free monthly financial webinars available to members through Balancepro.org
  • Member discounts on tax preparation services through Love My Credit Union Rewards partnership
  • NCUA-insured deposits providing federal protection for member accounts
  • Dedicated debt consolidation loan products to simplify finances
  • 24/7 travel notification service to prevent card declines while traveling
  • Non-profit structure returns profits to members rather than shareholders

Cons

  • Membership limited to Cal State LA faculty, staff, students, alumni, and surrounding community residents—not open to general public
  • Limited branch and ATM network compared to major banks, requiring zip code search for locations
  • Credit card APR starts at 10.90%, which is not exceptionally competitive for well-borrowers who meet provider criteria
  • Personal loan rates begin at 11.25% APR, higher than some online lenders for prime borrowers
  • No evidence of listed products for business owners or commercial lending on website

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Los Angeles, CA. It does not confirm that Cal State L.A. or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)

Key state rules to check

  • Payday loans capped at $300 with maximum fee of $15 per $100 (459% APR equivalent).
  • The California Consumer Financial Protection Law grants DFPI broad enforcement authority.
  • Licensed finance lenders under the California Financing Law can charge rates above usury for loans under $10,000.

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Cal State L.A. offer?

Cal State L.A. offers 12 services including Auto loans (4.74% APR starting rate), Personal loans (11.25% APR starting rate), Visa credit cards (10.90% APR starting rate), Lines of credit (11.50% APR starting rate), Debt consolidation loans, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for Cal State L.A.?

Cal State L.A. has profile signals associated with Cal State LA employees, faculty, and staff seeking member-exclusive financial products, Cal State LA students and alumni with community banking relationships, Auto loan shoppers comparing rates within the Cal State LA community, Members interested in financial education and free monthly webinars.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Cal State L.A.?

Key strengths: Auto loan rates as low as 4.74% APR with terms up to 36 months; Advanced mobile app with transaction limits, spending insights, travel alerts, and card lock features; Free monthly financial webinars available to members through Balancepro.org. Areas to consider: Membership limited to Cal State LA faculty, staff, students, alumni, and surrounding community residents—not open to general public; Limited branch and ATM network compared to major banks, requiring zip code search for locations.

How does Cal State L.A. compare to similar companies?

In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include 1st United, Altaone, America'S Christian. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Founded
1961
Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
NCUA Insured Charter #14499
Visit Cal State L.A.

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on Cal State L.A.

Cal State LA Federal Credit Union is profiled for members of the Cal State LA community seeking rate claims to verify on auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards with an emphasis on financial education and member-focused service. The primary caveat is that membership eligibility is restricted to Cal State LA faculty, staff, students, alumni, and surrounding community residents—making it inaccessible to the general public.

Profile Signals

  • Cal State LA employees, faculty, and staff seeking member-exclusive financial products
  • Cal State LA students and alumni with community banking relationships
  • Auto loan shoppers comparing rates within the Cal State LA community
  • Members interested in financial education and free monthly webinars
Updated 2026-05-14

Similar Companies

1st United logo

1st United

1st United Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving the San Francisco Bay Area with rate claims to verify on loans, savings accounts, and mortgages.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Bay Area residents seeking community-focused banking with rate claims to verify, Members wanting personal loans with flexible terms and promotional cash incentives

Altaone logo

Altaone

AltaOne Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union offering checking, savings, loans, and wealth management services to its members.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Members seeking community-focused, not-for-profit banking with rate claims to verify and comprehensive services, First-time homebuyers interested in listed mortgage programs and down payment assistance

America'S Christian logo

America'S Christian

America's Christian Credit Union (ACCU) is a faith-based, member-owned credit union offering comprehensive banking, lending, and investment products with a Christian mission focus.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Christian families seeking values-aligned financial services, particularly those considering adoption, Credit union members wanting comprehensive lending options including specialty vehicle financing (EV, RV, motorcycle)

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Quick Summary

  • Cal State L.A. is listed as a Credit Unions provider in Los Angeles, CA on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
  • If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
  • For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.

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