North Coast logo

North Coast in Bellingham, WA

No stored Google rating available.

North Coast Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative offering savings accounts, loans, and credit products to eligible members in Washington state.

Data compiled from public sources

North Coast Review

North Coast Credit Union is a federally-chartered credit union serving members in the Pacific Northwest, with physical locations in Mount Vernon and Bellingham, Washington. As a member-owned cooperative, it operates under NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) insurance rather than FDIC coverage, distinguishing it from for-profit banks. The organization provides a full range of consumer financial services including share accounts, savings vehicles, and various loan products.

The credit union offers competitive loan products across multiple categories: auto loans (as low as 5.22% APR), personal loans (as low as 11.00% APR), recreational vehicle loans (as low as 7.25% APR), home loans, and Visa credit cards (as low as 11.99% APR). Members also have access to online banking, bill payment services, and direct deposit with early paycheck access (up to 2 days early). The organization emphasizes digital convenience through online loan applications and membership enrollment, alongside traditional in-branch services.

North Coast distinguishes itself through member-centric benefits and community involvement. The credit union hosts free financial services like document shredding events (Free Shred Day 2026), maintains rate calculators for member education, and participates in local promotional partnerships (KAFE 104.1 Dream Home Do-Over). Membership eligibility requirements are not detailed on the homepage, though the site emphasizes that "joining is easier than ever" with online application-process details. The institution presents itself as a relationship-focused alternative to traditional banking.

As a credit union, North Coast operates on a not-for-profit model where member interests theoretically take precedence over shareholder profits. However, like all financial institutions, rates and terms are determined individually based on credit evaluation and are subject to change. The website provides limited transparency on membership eligibility criteria, fee structures, or comparative advantages versus competing credit unions or banks. Members should verify current rates and terms directly given the disclaimer that rates are discretionary.

Services & Features

Auto loans
Bill payment services
Business loans
Direct deposit with early paycheck access
Financial calculators
Fraud information resources
Home loans/mortgages
Online banking platform
Personal loans
Recreational vehicle loans
Share savings accounts (member deposits)
Visa credit cards

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Competitive auto loan rates starting at 5.22% APR for qualified members
  • Early direct deposit access (up to 2 days early) for paycheck funding
  • Online loan application and membership enrollment for convenience
  • Not-for-profit structure with member ownership rather than shareholder model
  • Free financial services including document shredding events and financial calculators
  • NCUA-insured savings accounts providing federal protection
  • Multiple loan products (auto, home, personal, recreational, business)

Cons

  • Limited geographic footprint with only two physical locations (Mount Vernon and Bellingham, WA)
  • Membership eligibility criteria not disclosed on website, potentially limiting access
  • Rates and terms explicitly stated as discretionary and subject to change without notice
  • Personal loan APR floor of 11.00% is not particularly competitive compared to some alternatives
  • Limited information about fees, account minimums, or specific member benefits on homepage

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Bellingham, WA. It does not confirm that North Coast or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Washington Department of Financial Institutions

Key state rules to check

  • Payday loans capped at $700 or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less.
  • Maximum fee of 15% on first $500 and 10% above $500.
  • Borrowers limited to eight payday loans per 12-month period.

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

Mortgage Lending Transparency

North Coast processed 53 mortgage applications in 2023, with 86.8% recorded as approved across 1 states.

53

Applications

86.8%

Approval Rate

$341K

Avg Loan

1

States Served

Approval Rate by Applicant Income

Under $50K
62.5%
$50K–$100K
88.9%
$100K–$200K
100%
Over $200K
72.7%

Based on 53 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).

States With Recorded Applications

Washington 53 apps · 75.5%

Source: CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023. Applications include originated, approved, and denied loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does North Coast offer?

North Coast offers 12 services including Share savings accounts (member deposits), Auto loans, Personal loans, Home loans/mortgages, Recreational vehicle loans, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for North Coast?

North Coast has profile signals associated with Washington state residents in Mount Vernon or Bellingham areas seeking relationship banking, Borrowers with good-to-excellent credit seeking below-market auto loan rates, Members who value not-for-profit, member-owned financial institutions, Individuals wanting early direct deposit access for paycheck management.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of North Coast?

Key strengths: Competitive auto loan rates starting at 5.22% APR for qualified members; Early direct deposit access (up to 2 days early) for paycheck funding; Online loan application and membership enrollment for convenience. Areas to consider: Limited geographic footprint with only two physical locations (Mount Vernon and Bellingham, WA); Membership eligibility criteria not disclosed on website, potentially limiting access.

How does North Coast compare to similar companies?

In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include BECU credit union, Express Credit Union, Salal Credit Union – First Hill Branch. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Founded
1938
Headquarters
Bellingham, WA
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
NCUA Insured Charter #66734
Visit North Coast

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on North Coast

North Coast Credit Union is profile signals for Washington state members seeking competitive loan rates and relationship-based banking from a not-for-profit institution. The main caveat is limited geographic availability (two locations only) and membership eligibility requirements that are not publicly disclosed, requiring prospective members to contact the credit union directly to confirm qualification.

Profile Signals

  • Washington state residents in Mount Vernon or Bellingham areas seeking relationship banking
  • Borrowers with good-to-excellent credit seeking below-market auto loan rates
  • Members who value not-for-profit, member-owned financial institutions
  • Individuals wanting early direct deposit access for paycheck management
Updated 2026-05-14

Similar Companies

BECU credit union logo

BECU credit union

BECU is a Washington-based credit union offering banking services including checking, savings, and lending products to members in the Pacific Northwest.

4.0/5

Google rating from 259 reviews

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Boeing employees and eligible family members in Washington state, Pacific Northwest residents seeking credit union membership benefits

Express Credit Union logo

Express Credit Union

Express Credit Union is a community-focused credit union offering affordable checking, savings, loans, and credit-building services to underserved populations including ITIN holders.

4.6/5

Google rating from 168 reviews

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Immigrant populations and ITIN holders seeking mainstream lending alternatives to high-cost lenders, Members seeking credit-building products and financial counseling rather than short-term cash access

Salal Credit Union – First Hill Branch logo

Salal Credit Union – First Hill Branch

Salal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative offering banking services including checking, savings, and lending products to its membership base.

4.5/5

Google rating from 24 reviews

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Individuals eligible for Salal Credit Union membership seeking member-owned banking alternatives, Consumers in the First Hill area looking for local credit union services

Compare Your Needs With North Coast

Answer 3 quick questions to review category, service, and profile context.

1. What's your primary financial goal?

Quick Summary

  • North Coast is listed as a Credit Unions provider in Bellingham, WA 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.

Financial Wellness Guides

Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to North Coast and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Compensation does not determine whether a provider can be covered; visible star ratings use stored Google review ratings when available. Learn more.