SunWest Federal Credit Union is a credit union that offers members access to extended banking services beyond their primary branch locations. As of March 1, 2024, SunWest itself no longer hosts shared branching transactions at its own branches, but members retain access to the broader CO-OP Shared Branching Network, which connects thousands of credit unions nationwide. The credit union emphasizes convenience and network access as core member benefits.
SunWest members can access their accounts through two primary networks: the CO-OP Shared Branching Network (5,600+ locations offering deposits, withdrawals, transfers, loan payments, and balance inquiries) and Allpoint's surcharge-free ATM network (30,000+ ATMs in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, and Australia at retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Circle K). Members can locate services via phone (1.888.748.3266), online locators, mobile apps, or text. All shared branching and Allpoint ATM transactions are surcharge-free for members.
SunWest distinguishes itself through partnership with Allpoint, offering 55,000+ total ATM options across multiple countries—significantly broader geographic coverage than many regional credit unions. The credit union provides multiple access methods (phone, online, app, text) to locate services and emphasizes no usage limits on shared branching visits. However, the company explicitly notes that SunWest branches are not available for shared branching; only member institutions participate in the reciprocal network.
The service model has important limitations: members must bring their member account number and valid government ID to use shared branches, deposits may be held per SunWest's policies (not shared branch policies), and foreign ATM withdrawals beyond 5 per month incur $2 fees. Large cash withdrawals ($1,000+) should be pre-verified with specific shared branch locations. This is fundamentally a network access service, not direct banking services from SunWest itself.