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Become a Patelco Member

Higher savings, better rates, and fewer fees. Discover how Patelco membership connects you to more.

More flexibility

Virtual or in-person banking

More service

Trusted financial advice and guidance

More opportunities

Added benefits with Patelco Free Checking

A legacy worthy of your trust

Patelco is one of the largest credit unions in the United States and headquartered in Northern California. With 36 neighborhood branches and a virtual branch, we’ve been tightly connected to our communities for more than 87 years. Our time, talent, and finances support local nonprofits across our philanthropic pillars: children’s health, food insecurity, affordable housing, and financial literacy.
 
We offer higher savings, better rates, and lower fees compared to many traditional banks. In fact, loyal Patelco members saved over $1,500 in 2024.* Our checking accounts include features and benefits that you won’t find anywhere else. We encourage you to spend some time getting to know the Patelco checking account difference and see how we’re inspired by the chance to have an impact on our members’ lives. Learn more below.

Perks of being a Patelco member

Member-first focus and service

Our member-owner model puts your needs first, not profits

Digital ease and security

24/7 access to your account with our top-rated Mobile App1 and online banking

Trust and wellness

Access to financial wellbeing tools and fraud education to ensure sustained financial health

Local community presence

Decision making based on giving back to the communities we call home

Personalized advice and guidance

Access Certified Financial Specialists free of charge — our dedication to connecting you to more

Financial value

With fewer fees, better rates and products fit to your needs, you can improve savings and lower expenses

After reading all the positive reviews, I had to come check this out for myself and see! I came here with my other half, and we were looking for a personal loan and to move banks. I was amazed at how easy and simple the process was. They are not-for-profit and are member-driven and this feels like a real credit union that actually wants to help people!” – Nelson P, Patelco Member
More savings. More protection. More possibilities.

As your trusted financial partner, we’re solely focused on helping our members build and sustain their best financial lives.

From free personalized advice to webinars, wellness resources and partner program discounts, we offer you more ways to save money and be informed and in control of your finances.

Explore membership benefits More savings. More protection. More possibilities.

How do I apply for Patelco membership?

1

Check eligibility

Make sure you’re eligible based on our basic criteria listed below. If so, you can become a member in minutes!

2

Gather information

Your Social Security Number, driver’s license of government ID, current home address, credit card or external bank account to fund your new account. Please read our Privacy Policy.

3

Open an account

Patelco’s Free Checking account is a great place to start with no monthly fees or minimums, and comes with great benefits.

Open Free Checking

Can I become a Patelco member?

We’re proud to offer Patelco membership to so many people. Our diverse membership base is what makes us so unique, and our inclusive approach means that you only need to meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for Patelco membership.
 
Do you live, work, attend school or worship in the following areas, have family members/roommates who are Patelco members or work for a Patelco sponsored company? If so, you can join Patelco directly through our website. Otherwise, you can still become a member by first joining the Financial Fitness Association.

Counties

Alameda, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Marin, Merced, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Yolo

Cities

We’re proud to extend Patelco membership to the following cities: Bakersfield, Eureka, McKinleyville and Santa Cruz

Colleges

Be enrolled or an alumnus of these schools: University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco State University, California State University, East Bay

Financial Fitness Association

When you become a member of the Financial Fitness Association (FFA), we’ll pay for your membership for the first year.2 FFA is a non-profit that improves people’s well-being with financial knowledge and tools

Family member or roommate

You’re eligible for Patelco membership if you have a family member or roommate who is a current Patelco member, or if you’re the surviving spouse or child of a deceased employee-eligible member

Patelco Sponsor Companies

How our members feel about us

My experience has been nothing but amazing – there’s no judgment. I’m really happy I walked into Patelco. It changed my thought process about finances...to have someone by your side while you’re going through the journey feels really good.

Ausundra
My experience has been nothing but amazing – there’s no judgment. I’m really happy I walked into Patelco. It changed my thought process about finances…to have someone by your side while you’re going through the journey feels really good.

I use the Mobile App and they have a little thing called ‘the savings goal’ …and they help you save. So easy.

Nadeen
I use the Mobile App and they have a little thing called ‘the savings goal’ …and they help you save. So easy.

Every time I go to Patelco with a challenge, they come back with a positive solution.

Chris
Every time I go to Patelco with a challenge, they come back with a positive solution.

When I walk into Patelco, I feel greeted, and seen, and heard.

Alicia
When I walk into Patelco, I feel greeted, and seen, and heard.

 

Want to talk to someone?

Make an appointment to visit a Patelco branch near you or meet online with our Virtual Branch. You can also contact our dedicated new membership team at 800-358-8228 x1212 M-F from 9-5pm and Saturday from 9-2pm (PT)

Schedule appointment Want to talk to someone?

Already applied for a Patelco membership?

Explore our easy-to-follow options to check the status of your application with Patelco. If you still have questions, please be sure to contact us. That’s what we’re here for!

Check status

 

Learn more about Patelco Membership

How we value your financial safety and security

Membership benefits and Patelco partner discounts

Providing financial value with better rates and lower fees

* Based on the Credit Union National Association Membership Benefits Study in Q4 2024 and rates and fees as of 03/17/2025. Assumed to have a $30,000, 60-month new auto loan, a classic credit card with an average balance of $5,000, a $200,000, 30-year fixed rate mortgage (a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is replaced with a 5-year adjustable rate mortgage if it yields a greater benefit as it is assumed more in demand), $5,000 in an interest-bearing checking account, $10,000 in a 1-year certificate account, and $2,500 in a money market account.

1 Source: over 22,000 five-star reviews on the App Store.

2 Patelco will pay for your initial FFA membership fee, giving you a whole year of access to their podcasts, articles and resources. After the first year, renewal of the FFA membership is your responsibility and is not required to maintain your Patelco membership.

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