California Adventist logo

California Adventist in Glendale, CA

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Member-owned federal credit union serving Seventh-day Adventist communities since 1952, offering personal and business banking with $47M+ in assets.

Data compiled from public sources

California Adventist Review

California Adventist Federal Credit Union (CAFCU) was established in 1952 as the country's first Seventh-day Adventist credit union. Operating as a not-for-profit, member-owned institution regulated by the NCUA, CAFCU has built a 73-year track record serving Adventist church members, employees of Adventist organizations, and referred community members across California.

CAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products including personal checking and savings accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, business checking accounts, loans and lines of credit, credit cards with loyalty rewards, CDs, and retirement investment services. The credit union maintains two physical branch locations in Glendale and Simi Valley, both housed within Adventist Health facilities, with staffed hours Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

The institution distinguishes itself through personalized service, emphasis on member relationships, rate claims to verify on auto loans and savings products, and a long institutional commitment to helping members improve creditworthiness over time. Member testimonials highlight accessibility for those with credit challenges, competitive auto loan rates, and knowledgeable staff. The credit union has undergone recent management transitions but maintains service consistency according to member feedback.

CAFCU's primary limitation is membership eligibility—it primarily serves Seventh-day Adventist church members and employees of Adventist organizations, with limited availability to non-Adventist referrals. As a smaller credit union with $47M in assets and only two physical branches, it may have more limited service capacity than larger financial institutions. Specific APR ranges, current rate offerings, and detailed fee schedules are not published on the website.

Services & Features

Auto loans and vehicle financing
Business checking accounts
Business loans and lines of credit
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Credit cards with rewards and low-interest options
Debit cards
Mobile banking applications
Online banking platform
Personal checking accounts
Personal savings accounts and share accounts
Retirement investment services and accounts
Visa card services

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • First Seventh-day Adventist credit union in the country with 73 years of established history and member trust
  • Competitive auto loan rates specifically noted by multiple members as a key strength
  • Personalized service model with staff trained to work with members on credit improvement and financial goals
  • NCUA insurance protection for member deposits up to $250,000
  • Mobile and online banking available for convenient account access
  • Low-interest loyalty Visa card option for qualified members
  • Willingness to work with members who have imperfect credit histories, as documented in member testimonials

Cons

  • Membership restricted primarily to Seventh-day Adventist community members and Adventist organization employees, limiting accessibility
  • Only two physical branch locations (Glendale and Simi Valley), both in Southern California, with no indication of branch expansion
  • Website does not publish specific interest rates, APRs, or fee schedules for any products, making rate comparison impossible
  • Limited asset base ($47M) compared to larger credit unions may restrict loan amounts or product availability
  • Website lacks information on business lending limits, CD terms, investment options specifics, and retirement account offerings

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Glendale, CA. It does not confirm that California Adventist 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 California Adventist offer?

California Adventist offers 12 services including Personal checking accounts, Personal savings accounts and share accounts, Debit cards, Auto loans and vehicle financing, Business checking accounts, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for California Adventist?

California Adventist has profile signals associated with Seventh-day Adventist church members seeking personalized banking with community connection, Small business owners affiliated with Adventist organizations looking for business checking and lending, Individuals with fair credit looking to improve credit history with a lender willing to work with them, Southern California residents in the Glendale or Simi Valley areas needing local branch access.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of California Adventist?

Key strengths: First Seventh-day Adventist credit union in the country with 73 years of established history and member trust; Competitive auto loan rates specifically noted by multiple members as a key strength; Personalized service model with staff trained to work with members on credit improvement and financial goals. Areas to consider: Membership restricted primarily to Seventh-day Adventist community members and Adventist organization employees, limiting accessibility; Only two physical branch locations (Glendale and Simi Valley), both in Southern California, with no indication of branch expansion.

How does California Adventist 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
1952
Headquarters
Glendale, CA
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
NCUA Insured Charter #24238
Visit California Adventist

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on California Adventist

CAFCU is profile signals for Seventh-day Adventist community members and Adventist organization employees in Southern California who value personalized service and community connection alongside rate claims to verify. The primary caveat is restrictive membership eligibility and limited geographic footprint; non-Adventist individuals should confirm membership eligibility before pursuing accounts, and those outside Southern California have no physical branch access.

Profile Signals

  • Seventh-day Adventist church members seeking personalized banking with community connection
  • Small business owners affiliated with Adventist organizations looking for business checking and lending
  • Individuals with fair credit looking to improve credit history with a lender willing to work with them
  • Southern California residents in the Glendale or Simi Valley areas needing local branch access
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

  • California Adventist is listed as a Credit Unions provider in Glendale, CA on CreditDoc.
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