Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union

What Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union does

Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union (CSLAFCU) is a federally chartered, not-for-profit credit union founded in 1961, headquartered in a single branch at 2445 Mariondale Ave in Los Angeles, California. It operates within an NCUA-defined field of membership covering Cal State LA faculty, staff, students, alumni, and retirees; the El Sereno neighborhood (approved 2005); and select employee groups (SEGs) including employees of Vernon, Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Maywood, and Huntington Park and corporate partners such as Goodwill Industries and Grifols. The institution reports approximately 5,000 members and $30 million in loans outstanding.

The product set spans core consumer banking — checking, savings, IRA, Coverdell, certificates, Holiday Saver, and Kid's Savings accounts — alongside a full lending menu: Visa Classic and Visa Secured credit cards (8.90-17.90% APR), unsecured personal loans (from 11.25% APR) up to $30,000, share-secured loans, overdraft protection lines, Early Payday loans up to $500 at 28% APR, auto loans (as low as 4.74% APR, up to 125% LTV), RV/motorcycle/watercraft financing, and first trust deed mortgages plus HELOCs originated through Right Choice Mortgage. Digital delivery runs on the Mobicint platform (Fiserv) for online and mobile banking, with Visa as the card network, Zelle for P2P payments, and the CO-OP shared-branch / ATM network for nationwide access. Member protection add-ons include GAP (CUMIS-administered, $689 premium), Mechanical Repair Coverage, and Debt Protection with Life Plus.

Revenue mechanics combine net interest income on the loan portfolio with transactional fee income — overdrafts ($29), wire transfers ($30-$50), stop payments ($29), share-secured loan spreads (current dividend + 3.00%), and one-time GAP premiums. Marc Jacoby has served as CEO since 2022, succeeding prior leadership. Federally insured by NCUA to $250,000 per account (with separate IRA coverage), the credit union operates as a member-owned cooperative with a volunteer Board of Directors.

Name

Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union

Legal name

Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union

Website

https://calstatela-fcu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, not-for-profit credit union founded in 1961 that serves approximately 5,000 members of the Cal State LA university community, the El Sereno neighborhood, and select municipal employee groups through a single branch and digital banking channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Credit Union / Retail Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213)

SIC

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (6035), Personal Credit Institutions (6141)

akta.pro primary industry

Student/University Credit Unions (FSABAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus) (FSABAEAA), Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment) (FSAKAAAL)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending products
• Credit union services
• Deposit accounts
• Vehicle financing

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Interest Income on Loans: The primary revenue source is interest income from various loan products including auto loans, personal loans, real estate mortgages, credit cards, and specialty loans. Rates range from 4.74% APR for auto loans to 28% APR for Early Payday loans.
2. Monthly Maintenance and Service Fees: Monthly maintenance fees ($5 for basic accounts) waived with e-Statements, direct deposit, combined balance of $1,500+, loan balance, or age exemptions. Various transaction fees apply for overdrafts ($29), wire transfers ($30-$50 domestic/international), stop payments ($29), and other services.
3. GAP and Mechanical Repair Coverage: One-time GAP policy premium of $689 for motor vehicles; higher premium for powersports, watercraft, and RVs. Mechanical repair coverage sold as add-on product.
4. Share Secured and Certificate Secured Loans: Loans secured by savings or certificate deposits, with rates based on current dividend rate plus 3.00% spread.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, not-for-profit credit union providing retail banking, lending, and deposit products to its members. Founded in 1961, it offers checking and savings accounts, certificates, IRAs, credit cards, auto and personal loans, mortgages, and related financial services to Cal State LA faculty, staff, students, alumni, El Sereno community residents, and select employee groups.

Product overview

Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, not-for-profit credit union founded in 1961 serving approximately 5,000 members. It offers a comprehensive suite of deposit and lending products centered around a Checking Account (with free e-Statements, mobile banking, and VISA Debit/ATM card) and Savings Account (required for membership). Savings products include Kid's Savings, Holiday Saver Account, Certificates (12-60 month terms), Traditional and Roth IRAs, and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. Business banking includes Basic Business Checking and Business Interest Checking. On the lending side, the credit union provides Visa Classic and Visa Secured Credit Cards, Personal Loans (including Debt Consolidation and Overdraft Protection Lines of Credit), Share Secured Loans, Early Payday Loans (up to $500 at 28% APR), Auto Loans (up to 125% LTV, as low as 4.74% APR), RV/Motorcycle/Watercraft Loans, and real estate products (First Trust Deed Mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit) originated through Right Choice Mortgage. Member protection products include Debt Protection with Life Plus, GAP, and Mechanical Repair Coverage. Convenience services include Free Online Banking & Bill Payer, Mobile Banking (iPhone/Android, powered by Mobicint/Fiserv), e-Statements, Zelle P2P payments, Wire Transfers, Automatic Deposits, Early Pay ACH acceleration, Check Reordering, Financial Calculators, and BALANCE financial counseling. Student banking and graduate auto loan rewards are also offered. The institution is NCUA-insured.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Checking Account Personal checking account with no minimum balance requirement, free e-Statements, free mobile banking, overdraft protection options, and a VISA Debit/ATM card; $5 monthly fee waived with e-Statements, direct deposit, $1,500+ combined balance, or active loan.
• Savings Account Share savings account required for credit union membership with $25 minimum balance; earns 0.10% APY on balances of $100 or more with up to 4 free withdrawals and 6 transfers per month.
• Kid's Savings Savings account designed for children, with $25 minimum opening balance and $25 minimum to earn competitive dividends.
• Holiday Saver Account Seasonal savings account with $25 minimum opening deposit and 1.00% APY on balances of $100 or more; matures on October 31 with automatic transfer to member's Savings Account.
• Certificates Term savings accounts with terms from 12 to 60 months, initial minimum deposits as low as $500, monthly-compounded dividends at 3.70%-4.07% APY; early withdrawal penalty equals three months of dividends.
• IRAs (Traditional and Roth) Individual Retirement Accounts with no maintenance fees, automatic transfer options, and NCUA insurance up to $250,000 separately from regular savings; rollover IRA services also available.
• Coverdell Education Savings Accounts Education savings accounts with no maintenance fees, initial deposits as low as $100, competitive dividends, and NCUA insurance; potential tax benefits for qualified education expenses.
• Basic Business Checking Low-cost business checking with $100 minimum to open, $1,000 minimum to avoid $8 monthly fee, and 50 free transactions per month with $0.50 per transaction thereafter.
• Business Interest Checking Business checking with $5,000 minimum to avoid $15 monthly fee, $10,000 minimum to earn dividends, and 100 free transactions per month with $0.25 per transaction thereafter.
• Visa Classic Credit Card Fixed-rate credit card with rates from 10.90% to 17.90% APR based on creditworthiness; no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, no cash advance fee, no foreign transaction fee.
• Visa Secured Credit Card Secured credit card at 8.90% APR for members establishing or rebuilding credit; credit line equals a deposit held at the credit union.
• Personal Loans Unsecured personal loans from $500 to $30,000 based on creditworthiness at 11.25% APR; terms 24-60 months; no collateral required; no prepayment penalties.
• Overdraft Protection Line of Credit Open-end line of credit providing overdraft protection for checking accounts up to a pre-approved credit limit with a $1 automatic overdraft fee per transfer.
• Debt Consolidation Loans Personal loans designed to consolidate credit card and other high-rate debt into a single, lower-rate monthly payment; no application fee; free BALANCE financial counseling included.
• Share Secured Loans Loans secured by funds held in the member's savings or certificate account designed to build or rebuild credit; rate is current dividend rate plus 3.00%.
• Early Payday Loans Short-term payday loan alternative providing up to $500 cash for emergencies at 28.00% APR with $20 application fee; requires 31+ days membership, open checking with direct deposit, and payroll deduction.
• Auto Loans New and used vehicle financing up to 125% LTV for purchases and 100% LTV for refinances, terms up to 84 months, rates as low as 4.74% APR; includes loan pre-approval and Auto Expert buying service.
• RV, Motorcycle, Watercraft Loans Financing for recreational vehicles, boats, and motorcycles for new or used purchases from private parties or dealers; rates starting at 8.00% APR for 36-84 month terms.
• First Trust Deed Mortgages Mortgage loans including fixed-rate (10, 15, 20, 30 year) and adjustable-rate (5/1, 7/1, 10/1, 40/10 ARM) products, plus government loans (VA, FHA), reverse mortgages, and programs for self-employed or post-bankruptcy borrowers; originated through Right Choice Mortgage.
• Home Equity Lines of Credit Variable-rate second trust deeds and HELOCs allowing members to access equity in their homes.
• Free Online Banking & Bill Payer Web-based banking platform enabling fund transfers, loan payments, e-Statements, account alerts, check reordering, and electronic bill payment with one-time and recurring payment options.
• Mobile Banking App iPhone and Android mobile banking application providing account access, transfers, loan payments, mobile deposit capture, Zelle P2P payments, and Early Pay feature; powered by Mobicint/Fiserv.
• e-Statements Electronic statement delivery via online banking; enrolling waives the monthly maintenance fee with statements available for 11 months online.
• VISA Debit/ATM Card Debit card deducting purchases directly from the checking account, accepted at over 16 million Visa locations worldwide with up to $500 daily ATM withdrawals and $1,500 daily point-of-sale purchases; instant issuance available at branch.
• Zelle P2P Payments Person-to-person payment service integrated into the mobile banking app enabling members to send and receive money directly from their checking account with no fees from the credit union.
• Wire Transfer Incoming and outgoing domestic and international wire transfer services with no fee to receive wires; $30 domestic outgoing and $50 international outgoing fees; requires signed Wire Transfer Agreement.
• TruStage Insurance Insurance products offered through TruStage (CMFG Life Insurance Company/CUNA Mutual Group), including auto & home, life, AD&D, and long-term care coverage available to credit union members with discounted premiums.
• Student Banking Banking products and services designed for Cal State LA students, including free checking with e-Statements, $25 minimum savings, mobile banking, and surcharge-free ATM access at campus and CO-OP locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Auto loan rates as low as 4.74% APR (vs. national average of ~7%+) - significantly below market rates for consumers
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TruStage InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTruStage insurance products (life, auto & home, AD&D, long-term care) marketed to credit union members through CSLAFCU website. CUNA Mutual Group-backed insurance programs offering competitive rates and coverage options for members.
• BALANCE Financial FitnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree financial counseling, credit report review, debt management, and homebuyer education through BALANCE partnership. BALANCE counselors provide free and confidential financial guidance to members. Service available in English and Spanish.
• Right Choice MortgagecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRight Choice Mortgage originates mortgage loans under contract with Cal State L.A. FCU, providing additional loan program options including VA, FHA, reverse mortgages, and self-employed programs not available through the credit union directly. Located at 29829 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
• CO-OP ATM NetworkcoreTechnology or IntegrationNational surcharge-free ATM network providing 30,000+ ATM locations for CSLAFCU members. Includes 5,500 ATMs in 7-Eleven stores and 9,000 deposit-taking ATMs. Text-to-locate service via 91989 (MYCOOP).
• Zelle (Early Warning Services)coreTechnology or IntegrationZelle P2P payment service integrated into mobile banking app allowing members to send and receive money with friends and family. No fees for using Zelle through the credit union app.
• Auto ExpertminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuto buying service that helps credit union members find vehicles at volume-discount pricing, averaging $1,900 in member savings. No fee to use service - handles vehicle search, dealer negotiations, and DMV paperwork.
• Enterprise Car SalesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Enterprise Car Sales offering seamless vehicle purchase experience with financing options for credit union members. Members can buy, sell, or trade vehicles through Enterprise.
• Kelley Blue BookminorOthersKelley Blue Book car pricing reference tool linked from Auto Loans page to help members research vehicle values when shopping for auto loans.
• CUMIS Insurance SocietycoreTechnology or IntegrationGAP waiver (Member's Choice) administered by CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. - provides debt cancellation for totaled or stolen vehicles, paying difference between insurance settlement and loan balance.
• SimpliSafeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHome security system partner offering credit union members free security camera plus 2 months professional monitoring ($150 value) with purchase. Part of Love My Credit Union Rewards program.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Patelco Credit Union: Large California credit union offering comprehensive consumer and small-business banking. Comparable product suite (auto loans, mortgages, Visa cards, mobile banking) at much larger asset scale, useful as a competitive benchmark.
• Kinecta Federal Credit Union: Large Southern California credit union with broad community and SEG membership. Comparable digital banking and consumer lending product mix but at substantially larger scale than Cal State LA FCU.
• SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: California's largest school-employee credit union and a much larger CSU-adjacent institution. Provides a comparable member base (California education employees) but at a far greater scale, serving as an incumbent benchmark.
• Wescom Central Credit Union: Southern California credit union serving multiple SEGs with full banking services. Overlaps with Cal State LA FCU in product breadth and SEG-driven growth strategy, though at significantly larger scale.

Emerging players

• Self-Help Federal Credit Union: Community development credit union focused on underserved communities. Comparable mission-driven positioning and El Sereno-style community focus, with explicit CDFI alignment.

Direct peers

• UCLA Federal Credit Union: Federally chartered credit union affiliated with UCLA, serving university faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Closest direct analog to Cal State LA FCU's university-affiliated, member-owned model in the Southern California higher-education segment.
• Cal Poly Federal Credit Union: Credit union serving Cal Poly Pomona and broader community members within the CSU system. Highly comparable member base, product mix, and community-charter expansion pattern.
• San Diego State University Federal Credit Union: California State University system credit union serving SDSU's faculty, staff, students, alumni, and select community groups. Operates the same CSU-affiliated credit union playbook as Cal State LA FCU.
• CalVet Federal Credit Union: California state-affiliated credit union serving veterans, military, and state employees. Comparable state-affiliated, federally chartered credit union operating a defined-field membership model.

Regional players

• First City Credit Union: Los Angeles-area community credit union serving select employee groups and residents. Comparable small-scale, single-market community credit union operating model in the same LA geography.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CSLAFCU
• Instagraminstagram.com/CalStateLAFCU
• Xx.com/calstatelafcu

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union