No stored Google rating available.
Member-owned credit union serving Kern County, California for 75 years, offering checking, savings, loans, mortgages, and investment services to local communities.
Data compiled from public sources
Strata Credit Union (formerly Kern Federal Credit Union) has been operating in Kern County, California for 75 years, establishing itself as a community-focused financial institution. The credit union is NCUA-insured and maintains a strong commitment to local reinvestment and member relationships. They serve individuals and organizations across the region with a network of branches and ATM access.
Strata offers a comprehensive suite of consumer financial products including checking and savings accounts, youth accounts with Greenlight Cards, multiple loan types (auto, home, personal, credit builder, motorcycle/boat/RV, student loan refinance), mortgages including ITIN mortgages, home equity products, credit cards, and investment/insurance services. They provide digital banking through online and mobile platforms, bill payment services (Strata Pay), financial wellness tools, calculators, and investment advisory services. rate claims to verify are advertised: credit cards at 10.75% APR, auto loans at 5.49% APR, and mortgages at 5.000% APR.
Strata distinguishes itself through demonstrated community involvement, having sponsored athletic programs and school activities at Wasco High School and other local organizations. Member testimonials emphasize personalized service, staff friendliness, and individualized attention that differentiates the credit union from larger financial institutions. The organization actively recruits membership and promotes benefits specific to credit union membership models, such as member-owned governance and community reinvestment practices.
As a credit union, Strata is subject to NCUA regulation and operates on a not-for-profit, member-owned basis. However, specific information about membership eligibility requirements, field of membership restrictions, account minimums, and detailed fee schedules is not comprehensively disclosed on the reviewed website pages. The profile suggests strong community ties but lacks listed pricing and eligibility details typical of full financial service provider documentation.
This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Bakersfield, CA. It does not confirm that Strata or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Strata processed 238 mortgage applications in 2023, with 71.8% recorded as approved across 2 states.
238
Applications
71.8%
Approval Rate
$78K
Avg Loan
2
States Served
Based on 238 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).
Source: CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023. Applications include originated, approved, and denied loans.
Strata offers 18 services including Checking and savings accounts, Youth accounts with Greenlight Cards, Auto loans, Home purchase and refinance mortgages, ITIN mortgages and loans, and 13 more.
Strata has profile signals associated with Kern County residents seeking personalized banking with emphasis on community relationships and local reinvestment, Small business owners and organizations requiring business lending and treasury account services, Families prioritizing youth financial education through dedicated youth products and accounts, Borrowers needing listed loan products like ITIN mortgages or credit builder loans with lower rates.
Key strengths: 75-year history serving Kern County with established community trust and local presence; Multiple loan products including listed offerings like ITIN mortgages, credit builder loans, and 0% computer loans; Comprehensive digital banking including mobile app, online banking, and Strata Pay bill payment. Areas to consider: Limited geographic service area restricted to Kern County, California—not suitable for members relocating elsewhere; Website does not clearly disclose membership eligibility requirements or field of membership restrictions.
In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include CommonWealth Central Credit Union, Los Angeles Federal Credit Union, San Francisco Federal Credit Union. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Strata Credit Union is profile signals for Kern County residents who value personalized, community-focused banking and are willing to work with a regional institution rather than a national bank. Primary caveat: membership eligibility and field of membership restrictions are not transparently disclosed online, requiring direct inquiry to confirm eligibility before account opening.
CommonWealth Central Credit Union is a federally-insured credit union offering online banking, loans, and member services through multiple locations.
Google rating from 107 reviews
Profile signals: Local community members with access to CommonWealth Central Credit Union branches, Consumers seeking lower-cost banking alternatives through credit union membership
Los Angeles Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative offering banking, lending, and investment services to the LA area since 1936.
Google rating from 182 reviews
Profile signals: Los Angeles-area residents eligible for credit union membership seeking rate claims to verify on vehicle and home loans, Members interested in community-focused banking with reinvestment in local programs and scholarships
San Francisco Federal Credit Union is a membership-based credit union serving the Bay Area with six branch locations, offering checking, savings, loans, and mortgages to residents and employees of San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
Google rating from 1,077 reviews
Profile signals: Bay Area residents and employees seeking low-cost, community-focused banking with competitive auto and mortgage rates, Individuals living or working in San Francisco or San Mateo counties interested in credit union membership benefits and personal service
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