Desert Financial Credit Union Reviews 266

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the exceptional customer service, highlighting the staff's friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness. Consumers appreciate the personalized attention they receive, with many noting that representatives go the extra mile to address their questions and concerns. People opening new accounts found the process smooth and efficient, often mentioning specific employees who provided outstanding support. The user-friendly app is also a plus for reviewers, who find it easy to access and manage their accounts. The convenience of having access to a local branch is valued, particularly for those who have previously relied on institutions without physical locations. While opinions on the location vary, the positive feedback on staff and service suggests a strong overall customer satisfaction.

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding! Called in for some assistance in setting up auto-pay for my car loan. Rep was courteous, professional, and treated me like a valued customer even though I am brand new. Thank You!

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding customer service, from the moment I walked in the door for the first time and every time after. Everyone makes banking at Desert Financial a real pleasure. All employees seem to be happy t... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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The relationship specialist, at North Cotton Lane, Surprise AZ did an amazing customer service! She was patient and took the time to help me even I told her why I am not as confident to open an accou... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I had a 54 year career in banking and worked my way up to VP in Commercial/Retail Sales and Branch Management and I found your bank to be knowledgeable in your banks products, had superior sales skil... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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To be Frank , I have to say that my experience was really quite enjoyable.Your staff were more than simply pleasant and professional, they were down to Earth and likable. Also , I should like to say t... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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When I enter the bank, a banker approached me and asked if I needed any help /info. He invited me to his desk and was very friendly and professional. I told him what I was looking to do with my money... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Hunter couldn’t have been any nicer and understanding of my situation of the stress I was dealing with with another facility. He explained everything in simple terms. we got all the paperwork started... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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My days are hectic, so I tried to open an account online. I received an email stating it was under review and I would get a response within 24-48 hours. The next day I received an email stating my app... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Before I opened my account, talked with the tellers very friendly n seemed very nice..but what I liked best is I can use the ATM n do banking, such as deposit money or take out money from my credit un... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Thus far every single person I’ve spoke with, whether in person or over the phone, was super helpful and supportive. Making my experience a breeze. I am grateful in every way. I look forward to workin... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Cheerful, excellent customer service liaisons! All around one-stop needs met at Desert Financial - so glad my family all have their accounts here at this establishment! Thank you Desert Financial fo... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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The representative was friendly, kind, knowledgeable and helped me make all my updates. It was a pleasure working with her. She treated me woth respect and as a human being, an individual who cared ab... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I recently just opened an account with your Apache Junction credit union! The clerk was very helpful and explained how your system works at your credit union!! Thank you for such special people caring... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I hadn't had a bank account in years and was nervous about starting a new one because I wasn't sure how to get the most out of my funds. AJ helped me get set up and explained everything in detail to a... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Invited

Our customer service girl was friendly, and she was able to handle my husband's corny one-liners. Therefore it made our transaction process a little less of a chore, and added some extra fun.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I went into the bank to open a new account. I had to sign in at the teller’s window and they were polite and friendly. I was then called to the back and the woman who helped was extremely pleasant and... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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The home town feeling where people know each other, I very much enjoy that as it's reminiscent of how things used to be , & that's worthy of much praise !

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Very nice and informative! I opened an account at Desert Financial Credit Union as I am moving to Arizona very soon. It was easy and convenient for where I will be living! Thank you for making it easy... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Taylor was very attentive to my needs. I’m all by myself and I need help on a lot of things, I need to complete trust. Especially since the Chase bank is blaming me of removing $19,500 from my ch... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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By far the best customer service I've experienced. Also setting up new account was super fast amd safe. Easy app access as well. 5/5 stars in KY book.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I met them at the Arizona Cardinals draft day party and they were able to help me sign up for an account and we’re extremely friendly the whole time. Have been in the bank itself twice for questions a... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Friendly and knowledgeable staff. They really personalize your service and make you feel welcomed. They even go the extra step to make a personal contact with you once you establish your account.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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This company took absolutely the best care of me when opening my accounts. The Staff were phenomenal and took time to show me how to work my app and set up the account correctly

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars
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The customer service was good but the ATM at Frys in Prescott Valley needs services more often. 1) Out of paper to give a receipt. 2) I went to withdraw money on the morning of May 5th and the machine... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I stopped into the ASU Desert Financial and was able to establish an account and all my questions were answered. The staff member who helped me was very knowledgeable and I appreciated his kind deme... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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My loan was approved quickly and Talia was awesome . Great customers service , she was very detailed and explained everything . She has made this go very smoothly . Thank you Talia I will recommend my... See more

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars
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Was Not told that my paper checks would not go through for up to 8 days. Having a job that pays in paper checks not having money right away is a real bummer. Wish my banker would have said something w... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I was helped by a young gentleman when I walked in. Very helpful. He then walked me to the manager who assisted me to clear up an issue I wasn't even aware of. She then opened an account for me.... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Wells Fargo didn't have time to open a new account for me but Desert Financial did it in minutes. I got a follow up call to see if I had any questions. You are even willing to print a few checks for... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I’ve always wanted to become a member of your credit union and now I understand why: you all are so helpful and kind. Online access is easy.

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars
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Holding checks for 6 business days is outdated and had I known you’d do that, I would’ve never opened an account with Desert Financial

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Mostly the customer service, Mat was very helpful with a lot of knowledge on all my questions. He even called me a few days after I open my account for any questions or concerns. Nobody does that any... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I didn’t come in to open an account, but when I was offered by the teller, to open one he was the first one to offer it to me on this my third trip to your credit union.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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All of my questions and concerns were answered and addressed. Customer service all around has made my transition to great. I highly recommend their services.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

You always know that your finances will be protected and you don’t have to worry about transfers

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Invited

It was very easy opening the account no hassles and since I didn’t want to wait until my card came through the mail I went to a branch and got one instantly everything went nice and fast thank you

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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We've been banking with USAA for a number of years. Getting access to larger sums of cash (> $1K+) has always been a challenge since USAA doesn't have local branches. My niece was buying her first... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Seamless and professional from the beginning to the end. I dealt solely with one person and the process was very simple and easy going. JR was a blessing to work with. He explained everything in simpl... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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There was no wait time to open my checking and savings accounts. The process was quick and straightforward. My Relationship Specialist was Destinee Cornejo, she is a credit to the institution. She o... See more

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars
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I had deposited a check from a Law Firm for a settlement. My deposit would then be held for 7 business days per “Policy”. Had I been informed beforehand I would have deposited it elsewhere. As a... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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As a previous member from 5 years ago, we came back to find the same caring people throughout. We were able to get all our needs as well as the same professional help always.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Leslie has been so helpful. Celeste has been great as well. Each helped us with cash advances from other credit unions until we were able to establish an account with Desert Financial l.

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Update2025-09: answers from reps are now much more helpful, useful, faster. Although their online banking can be improved, they're headed in the a better direction. Thanks!! Old 2024-09: the trend see... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Easiest applying process i have seen online. The App for my phone is excellent and have not had any issue yet. I like that they reach out to you by phone and make sure all we understand all that they... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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For the past 10 years, I’ve banked with USAA, but since moving to the city, I have decided that I wanted to bank at a physical location. USAA does not offer that. Many people in town recommended... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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I recently opened an account. The Service went well and the young woman was very knowledgeable and assisted me greatly. This was at the Desert Financial Credit Union Walmart Branch 045 Teller : P0012... See more

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Company details

  1. #6 of 7 best companies in Credit Union
  2. #15 of 28 best companies in Bank
  3. #150 of 185 best companies in Financial Consultant
  4. #67 of 107 best companies in Financial Institution
  5. #181 of 250 best companies in Non-Bank Financial Service

Written by the company

For over 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona’s most trusted local credit union with over $9 billion in assets, 450,000+ members and nearly 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2025, members received $16 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.

Started by Arizonans, for Arizonans

Written by the company

85 years of service
Desert Financial was founded in 1939 to serve our members and give back to our community.
Founded by teachers
Fifteen Valley educators pooled their money together – just $78.75 – to start our credit union.
Mission-driven
Our mission to share success and create exceptional experiences is why we do what we do.
Committed to sharing success
Sharing our financial success with our members, community and team is simply the right thing to do.

Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

266 reviews

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4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Replied to 95% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I wish I could give 10 stars out of 5…

I wish I could give 10 stars out of 5 stars. I had a frustrating and crazy experience many months ago. I applied for a HELOC on an investment property I own free and clear with SOFI. 1.I was not able to talk to a person over the phone. I only communicated by email. 2. The required documentation was more than any first mortgage I have applied for. Because I couldn't get answers to questions, I worked on the application for months. 3. Finally when it came time to sign paperwork, I discovered over $4k in up front costs. This is a HELOC. I gave up in frustration. A few months later, today, I called Desert Financial Credit Union. They took the whole application over the phone the same day with a live person in under an hour. ZERO! up front costs. And a lower interest rate. This is a shocking experience. It would be like having 2 gas stations on your street. One has gas for $20 a gallon and a line around the block and no humans working there. On the other side of the street is a station without lines and $3 a gallon and humans working there.

October 14, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bad operation and management

Well, Bank will be able to function much better if they don’t share network with scammers.

To begin with I have no option to reply properly and I am replying in original message - need improvement, right.

I received multiple security codes because I wasn’t able to log in. I don’t get paid for having you being promoted but will keep an eye on my account.

Sarina Starfish

October 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Hi Sarina, thank you for sharing your feedback with us. If there's anything specific you'd like to share about your experience or if you have any suggestions on how we can improve, please feel free to give us a call at 602-433-7000.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding

Outstanding! Called in for some assistance in setting up auto-pay for my car loan. Rep was courteous, professional, and treated me like a valued customer even though I am brand new. Thank You!

October 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that the auto-pay setup assistance was helpful! It's great to know that our team member was courteous and professional, making you feel valued as a new member. Thank you for your positive feedback, and welcome to Desert Financial!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

We are leaving Desert Financial Credit…

We are leaving Desert Financial Credit Union. DFCU has been with holding transactions going through my account for up to eleven day to charge over draft fees. I accidentally over pay a bill so it was going to leave us a little shorter than normal so we notified the bank and they could not help us stop the payment. We knew it would be tight but the bills are paid. I paid a bill for around $160 on 9/18/2025 and it showed it was pending on our account that day so I thought it had been paid. Every other previous month the payment took only 3 days to go through my account. This month it took 11 days and it didn’t go through our account until 9/30/2025. We also had a Walmart order on September 20th, showed up in our pending transaction immediately but then disappeared and didn’t go through our account until the 27th. My wife just called yesterday and they reversed 4 overdraft fees since the accidental payment caused us to be overdrawn $6, which created 4 overdraft fees. We got positive in our account and couldn’t even get gas before you put that $160 charge through now causing us to be overdrawn again. This seems very intentional.
The way you are withholding transactions is now going to cost my family hundreds of dollars.
if I could leave less stars I would. We’ve had accounts with several “big” banks like B of A and US bank and though the fees were higher they didn’t utilize these kind of tactics just to make a few dollars for a billion dollar bank that pretends to be a credit union.

September 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding customer service and products

Outstanding customer service, from the moment I walked in the door for the first time and every time after. Everyone makes banking at Desert Financial a real pleasure. All employees seem to be happy to work there. This is not to mention the excellent products offered. I look forward to a long relationship with Desert Financial and encourage anyone to bank with them. Desert Financial is local, is friendly, is a great choice!

September 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We appreciate you sharing your wonderful experience! It's great to hear that our customer service and products have made banking a pleasure. We value your business and look forward to a lasting relationship with you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bad promises and slow services

Iam their customer and didnt get the joining bonus and I was not aware that I need to make certain transactions and it had to be within 2-3 months something duration. I believe I did everything. Yet it was whole a complex process. In the end didnt get anything but a savings account.

February 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Hi, Yash! We're sorry you found the terms for the Refer-A-Friend bonus to be misleading. That is not our intention. You can find more information about this on our website: https://www.desertfinancial.com/en/who-we-are/member-benefits/refer-a-friend. If you'd like to discuss your particular situation further, please give us a call at (602) 433-7000.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

You always know that your finances will…

You always know that your finances will be protected and you don’t have to worry about transfers

August 6, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that you feel secure with your finances and transfers. It's great to know we provide you with peace of mind. Thanks for your feedback, Karen!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Dersert financial horrible customer service

Customer service misinformed me when I had to surrender my automobile , the agent did not inform me of the credit unions policies in full , had told me I would most likely have a check sent to me when all was said and done. Instead I was charged almost 1900 dollars and with no warning cleaned out my checking account causing bounced checks and returns , put me into financial worldwind. My rent , life insurance among other debts all bounced.

July 23, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We’re very sorry to hear about the stress this situation has caused you. We understand how upsetting it must have been to experience unexpected charges and the impact it had on your finances. While we can’t discuss account specifics here, we would like the opportunity to review your situation in detail and see how we can help. Please reach out to us directly at (602) 433-7000 so our team can look into your account and provide support.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Well done !

The home town feeling where people know each other, I very much enjoy that as it's reminiscent of how things used to be , & that's worthy of much praise !

May 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

Thank you for the kind words! Your appreciation means a lot to us, Keith.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

My experience with Desert Financial

I would like to post to your Desert Financial "stories" but I can't find a way to do that.
I am NOT one of your members who is already "wealthy." I'm just trying to do the best I can with what I do have.
I was turned away from trying to invest with your "wealth management" -perk- because I was only trying to invest a measly $1000. The girl behind the counter LAUGHED at me before she said "you need at least $25,000 to start."
You have hit me with over $900 in OVERDRAFT fees based on my automatic payments! Shut it down! Its a DEBT card! What is wrong with you?? I did call and you removed 5 of the 25 $30 overdraft fees, this time.. You aren't trying to "help" anyone, but those who already have it.

June 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We understand your frustration and apologize for the experience you've had. No one should feel dismissed or disrespected. While we can’t discuss account specifics here, we’d like the chance to review your situation in detail. If you're willing, please give us a call at (602) 433-7000.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Invited

great customer service and nice people…

great customer service and nice people working there

June 16, 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We are happy to hear that you had a positive experience with our team. Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Invited

Excellent customer Service provided by Daniel Edwards

Excellent customer Service provide to me from Daniel Edward’s, very professional, informative about the services Desert Financial offers. His motivation, a knowledge and understanding about what I want to accomplish when I try to refinance my vehicle was amazing experience. Thank you for continuing bringing to your organization the best.

June 27, 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that you had such a positive experience! Are happy to hear about the professionalism and knowledge displayed during your vehicle refinance. It's great to know our service met your expectations!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Invited

Perfect visit

Warm welcome, clean waiting area, great customer service

June 26, 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. Thank you for your positive feedback and for highlighting our team's efforts.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Invited

Sarai is excellent I’m glad to be a…

Sarai is excellent I’m glad to be a member again

June 23, 2025
Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Reply from Desert Financial Credit Union

We're happy to hear that you had an excellent experience! We appreciate you being a member again and your positive feedback.

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