Cabrillo Credit Union

What Cabrillo Credit Union does

Cabrillo Credit Union is a private, not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative financial institution headquartered in La Mesa, California, operating within San Diego County. Founded in 1955 as Border Federal Credit Union to serve U.S. Border Patrol agents, the firm rebranded to Cabrillo Credit Union in 2025 to reflect its broadened community focus. The institution serves three primary segments: federal-government employees (Border Patrol and other federal agencies), Sharp HealthCare employees (via a partnership dating to 2003), and the general San Diego County public (membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the county), as well as the recently absorbed Inland Federal Credit Union members following the June 2026 merger.

The firm operates a full-service retail banking franchise spanning deposit products (checking, savings, share certificates up to 4.00% APY, IRAs, money market), lending products (auto loans at 4.54-5.79% APR, personal loans at 8.74% APR, recreational, HELOC, mortgages, C.A.R.E. emergency loans), and credit cards (Signature, Traditional, Share-Secured, with rates starting at 10.15% APR). Its Digital Banking platform, substantially upgraded in February 2026, integrates card controls, Zelle, Bill Pay, mobile check deposit, biometric login (Face ID/Touch ID), two-factor authentication with authenticator-app support, eStatements, MyCreditScore, secure messaging, and digital wallet tokenization. Underlying integrations include MeridianLink for loan origination and account opening, CO-OP Financial Services for the 30,000-ATM and 5,600-shared-branch network, Comm100 for live chat and chatbot support, and New Cars Inc for auto-buying services.

The business model is the standard credit-union net-interest-margin model: interest income on the loan portfolio is the primary revenue stream, supplemented by fee income from overdraft services, wire transfers, and card-related services. As a cooperative, surpluses are returned to members through lower loan rates, higher deposit rates, and reduced fees rather than distributed as profit. Distribution is omnichannel: five Cabrillo branches plus the Inland Credit Union division (La Mesa, Carmel Mountain, Chula Vista, Downtown, Rancho Bernardo), the digital platform (web and mobile app), employer on-site engagement, and the shared CO-OP network. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer with employer partnerships as the principal acquisition accelerant, particularly within Sharp HealthCare and federal-agency ecosystems.

Name

Cabrillo Credit Union

Legal name

Cabrillo Credit Union

Website

https://cabrillocu.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Cabrillo Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative credit union founded in 1955 in San Diego, California. It serves federal-government employees (notably Border Patrol), Sharp HealthCare staff, and all San Diego County residents with full deposit, lending, and credit-card products via five branches and a digital platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213), Credit Unions (522130), Credit Card Issuing (522210), Depository Credit Intermediation (5221)

SIC

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

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYFSABAEAA

Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus)

Financial & Insurance/Banking (Commerical, Retail & Consumer)/Community & Cooperative Banking (Credit Unions, Mutuals)

SECONDARYFSABAEAF

Cooperative Banks (Member-Owned Commercial/Retail)

Financial & Insurance/Banking (Commerical, Retail & Consumer)/Community & Cooperative Banking (Credit Unions, Mutuals)

SECONDARYFSAKAAAL

Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment)

Financial & Insurance/Lending & Consumer Finance/Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment)

SECONDARYFSAKABAJ

Subprime / Credit-Building Credit Cards

Financial & Insurance/Lending & Consumer Finance/Credit Cards & Revolving Credit

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending
• Digital banking
• Credit union services
• Deposit accounts

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Loans: Primary revenue stream from interest charged on auto loans, home equity lines of credit, personal loans, credit cards, and share certificates. Credit union model returns profits to members through lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings.
2. Fee Income: Various fee-based services including overdraft services, ATM fees (though extensive free ATM network exists), wire transfers, and other account-related services.
3. Credit Union Membership: As a member-owned cooperative, revenue supports operations and is returned to members through competitive rates and low fees. Not publicly traded; focuses on member benefit rather than profit maximization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Cabrillo Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides personal banking products and services to its members, including checking and savings accounts, share certificates, IRAs, money market accounts, auto loans, personal loans, recreational loans, home equity lines of credit, home loans, and Visa credit cards. It also operates a Digital Banking platform with mobile app access, integrated card controls, bill pay, Zelle, mobile check deposit, and biometric authentication.

Product overview

Cabrillo Credit Union operates as a member-owned financial cooperative offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and services centered around its Digital Banking platform. The core product portfolio includes deposit products (Checking, Savings, Share Certificates, IRAs, Money Market), lending products (Auto Loans, Personal Loans, Recreational Loans, Home Equity Line of Credit, Home Loans, C.A.R.E. Emergency Loan), and credit cards (Signature, Traditional, Share Secured). The Digital Banking platform serves as the unified hub integrating account management, Card Controls, Bill Pay, Zelle, Travel Alerts, My Credit Score, eStatements, Secure Messaging, and Overdraft Services. Branch locations and ATMs provide physical access, while mobile apps enable 24/7 banking. The recent February 2026 platform upgrade modernized the digital experience with enhanced security, integrated card controls, and streamlined account opening.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Checking Account Personal checking account with Visa debit card, direct deposit support, overdraft protection options, and integration with digital banking tools. For individual members.
• Savings Account Basic savings account with competitive dividend rates, providing members a secure place to store funds with easy access through digital banking.
• Share Certificates Term deposit accounts (similar to CDs) with fixed interest rates and competitive APY, available in terms ranging from 6 months to 24 months with minimum $2,000 opening deposit.
• IRAs Individual Retirement Accounts offering tax-advantaged savings with Traditional and Roth options for retirement planning.
• Money Market High-yield savings option with competitive rates, providing a balance between accessibility and earnings potential.
• Auto Loan Vehicle financing for new and used automobiles with rates starting at 4.54% APR, featuring up to 90 days with no payments for qualified borrowers and 1% cash back promotion on refinances.
• Personal Loan Unsecured personal loans for debt consolidation, major purchases, or unexpected expenses with rates starting at 8.74% APR and terms up to 60 months.
• Recreational Loan Financing for motorcycles, boats, and RVs with competitive rates and flexible terms up to 120 months for larger recreational vehicles.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Revolving credit line secured by home equity with variable rates, no fees, 10-year draw period and 15-year repayment term, allowing borrowers to access funds as needed.
• Home Loans Mortgage and home financing products for purchasing or refinancing residential property in California.
• C.A.R.E. Emergency Loan Emergency loan product designed to help members facing unexpected financial hardship with accessible terms.
• Government Shutdown Assistance Loan Loan assistance program providing financial relief to federal government employees (such as Border Patrol agents) affected by government shutdowns.
• Signature Credit Card Premium Visa credit card offering competitive rates and rewards with no annual fee for qualified applicants.
• Traditional Credit Card Standard Visa credit card with competitive rates and essential card features for everyday banking needs.
• Share Secured Credit Card Credit building card secured by a savings deposit, helping members establish or rebuild credit history.
• Cabrillo VISA Debit Card Debit card with EMV chip, contactless payment capability, and Cash Back Rewards program donating to Rady Children's Hospital.
• Digital Banking Online and mobile banking platform providing 24/7 access to accounts, featuring account management, transfers, payments, card controls, bill pay, Zelle, mobile check deposit, biometric authentication, and credit score monitoring.
• Digital Banking Mobile App

Quantifiable outcome

• 1% cash back up to $400 on auto loan refinancing
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Sharp HealthCarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Partnership since 2003 providing financial services to Sharp HealthCare employees. Cabrillo participates in new hire orientations, educates staff on financial wellness, and supports Grossmont Foundation. $100,000 pledge to Preby's Innovation and Education Center resulted in dedicated Experience Room.
• U.S. Border PatrolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1955 to serve Border Patrol agents. Primary financial institution for Border Patrol and federal agencies. Ongoing support for training facilities, Baker to Vegas sponsorship, and morale events.
• Rady Children's HospitalmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-term fundraising partner through Credit Unions for Kids. Raised $44,000 in 2022 (record), $25,000 in 2021. Current 'Every Swipe' program donates $0.05/debit and $0.10/credit transaction toward $50,000 goal.
• Baker to Vegas Border Patrol TeamsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship of Baker to Vegas relay for over a decade. Supports morale and camaraderie for Department of Homeland Security members. Provides financial assistance, chase vehicles, accommodations, team shirts, and identification materials.
• Inland Federal Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMerger approved June 2026. Inland Federal Credit Union becomes 'Inland Credit Union, a Division of Cabrillo Credit Union.' Represents significant growth opportunity and expanded member base. Full operational integration expected 2027.
• Reduce Reuse Grow (RRG)minorOthersEco-friendly printing initiative where RRG plants a tree for every printed material order. Tree planting locations in Haiti, Kenya, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Over 205 native tree species being planted.
• CO-OP Financial ServicesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides access to 30,000 ATMs and 5,600 Shared Branches nationwide. Received $10,000 grant through Miracle Match program for Rady Children's Hospital fundraising.
• Community Youth Athletic CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting at-risk youth through after-school programs. Example of community investment beyond banking services.
• Singing Hills Golf Club at SycuanminorOthersVenue for annual Partners Summit honoring community partners and law enforcement. Event includes commemoration of Agent Courtney 'Cookie' Henry.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: California-based credit union built around a defined membership constituency (school employees), operating under the same member-owned cooperative model and offering an analogous suite of deposit, lending, and digital products.
• San Diego County Credit Union: Largest credit union in San Diego County, serving a similar community-base footprint and offering a comparable retail product suite (deposits, auto, mortgage, credit cards). Direct overlap with Cabrillo in geography and target segments.
• Mission Federal Credit Union: San Diego-based member-owned credit union offering deposit, lending, and digital banking products to a similar community and employer-group membership. Closest local competitor with overlapping branch footprint.
• California Coast Credit Union: Southern California community credit union serving San Diego and surrounding counties with similar member-focused banking, lending, and digital services. Direct competitor for community membership and employer partnerships.
• Kinecta Federal Credit Union: Southern California credit union (originally serving aerospace/federal employees) with comparable member-owned cooperative model, full product suite, and digital banking. Strong analogy to Cabrillo's federal-employee founding constituency.
• Logix Federal Credit Union: Southern California credit union serving similar community and employer groups with comparable deposit, lending, HELOC, and credit card products. Operates overlapping branch and digital distribution channels.
• Patelco Credit Union: California-based member-owned credit union with a similar full-service product mix including credit cards, auto loans, HELOCs, and digital banking. Comparable scale and member-oriented operating model.
• First Northern Credit Union: Member-owned credit union with a community-banking model analogous to Cabrillo, serving a defined membership with deposits, lending, and digital channels. Useful comparable for branch economics and member growth benchmarks.

Broad incumbents

• Pacific Premier Bank: Southern California-headquartered community bank offering deposit, lending, and treasury services to similar SMB and consumer segments. Broader product portfolio (commercial banking, wealth) but overlapping regional consumer base.
• Navy Federal Credit Union: Largest U.S. military and federal-affiliated credit union, serving the same federal/military employee demographic as Cabrillo's Border Patrol base. Provides an upper-bound benchmark on what scale looks like in the federal-employee credit union niche.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cabrillocu
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@cabrillocreditunion
• Facebookfacebook.com/cabrillo55
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cabrillo-credit-union
• Instagraminstagram.com/cabrillocreditunion

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 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 Cabrillo Credit Union