Beginnings Credit Union - The Commons - Ithaca (NY)

1 /5 Maureen Jakubson: The new CFCU More digital banking app is very poorly done. It is badly formated, hard to maneuver, and just frustrating. It is even difficult to make loan payments.

3 /5 Amber Donofrio: I typically go to the Meadow Street branch and always have a positive experience there, but this location on the Commons is really convenient, especially since neither branch is open on Saturdays anymore so it can be harder to fit in a visit in-between work. The issue is that CFCUs "transformation center" is confusing. After a few years, I still dont know what the term "transformation center" even means. Its nice if you just need to use the atm, but its unclear what other services the branch offers or doesnt offer, as its set up more loosely than a typical bank location. Its also sometimes unclear who to speak to and there can be a line as theres only one teller. Im happy we have a location downtown, but wish it was a more traditional branch. I will say the 24-hr atm access is very convenient, though.

1 /5 Gregory Glessner: They lost account closing paperwork, and instead of sending checks, they waited two months to send the money to the state as unclaimed property.

1 /5 Aaron Fernando: Tried to open an account with them twice. First time, there wasnt a soul to be seen in the whole building. Stuck around for 5 minutes, didnt see anyone, no one said hi, all I heard was someone puttering around in the back somewhere. Second time, there was 1 person working and a line of 6 exasperated looking customers. So, needless to say I did not open an account with them because I can see the signs that Id have an atrocious time trying to get anything done. Went across the street to Tompkins Trust instead. Someone said hi.

2 /5 Niko Tomlinson: Not customer-focused and punitive like a private corporate bank. As others have stated their online banking is abysmal and poorly designed. You have to have a piece of information only they have to be able to log in so if you forget it, theres no way to reset it and access your account until theyre open. Ridiculously bad UI on the app. Secondly, we got a home loan at their bank and had to open up an account and maintain a dummy account. Turns out they were charging me $5/month for them having the wrong address on file for me rather than reaching out to let me know for an account I only set up for the home loan. I never saw the charge because they were sending the account statements to the wrong address and would have indefinitely charged me $5 for them not having the right address on file. This is a classic predatory WellsFargo type policy at a supposed community credit union. Would at this point recommend looking elsewhere for your banking needs.