Freedom First Credit Union - Blacksburg, Virginia

Kirsten P.

My family has been banking here for over 20 years. We’ve only ever used FFCU. We used to walk into the bank and people would know my mother by name, and everyone was so sweet. This all to say, we absolutely loved it here.

Fast forward a few years and I swear the renovations at the new branches made everyone lose their brain cells. I don’t know if they sold to corporate or what, but their new way of doing things is absolutely ridiculous for a company that is founded on community. They do not care at all about keeping customers they’ve had for decades. Sure the $7 a month thing is annoying, but what is more annoying is the workers who were pulled off the street and put in front of a computer. I won’t be naming specific employees as I think it’s wrong to call them out on a public forum.

After a few years of absolute horrendous experiences (hundreds of dollars being pulled out of the wrong accounts, entitled tellers, loan issues), I decided to *literally* take my money elsewhere. I happened to order myself a smoothie for breakfast this morning hoping today would be a good day! Apparently, my $4 smoothie created a hold on my account that won’t be released until Monday (it is currently Friday). This makes it so I can’t even take my OWN money out of my OWN, PERSONAL account, so I now have to waste gas to come back and deal with this again. I’m sure there will be another reason why they can’t release my money to me and make me jump through hoops again.

My advice: just go somewhere else. It’s not worth the battle with the tellers every single time you come in. At this point I’d rather pay $20 a month to a corporate banking company than deal with anyone from this company ever again.

*Edit- this is the same day. Since they told me I can’t close my account until Monday, I figured I could still use my debit card as my money is still in there. Went to go get gas, my card has a block on it. The gas reader literally says “account closed”. How is my account closed and I don’t have access to my money? I thought you said it wasn’t able to be closed until next week? I am retracting my statement about not saying names on a public forum. Nema, who’s a teller at the Blacksburg South Main location genuinely has no idea what she’s doing. Luckily the call center person was extremely helpful. *

Jordan D.

I've never had any issues at all. Everyone kind and helpful. Website is straightforward and easy. The new building is modern and comfortable. I figured since dissatisfied people are more likely to review, I should balance it out.

Faith

I wish I could give them -100. They were good many years ago. However, they charged me $7 maintenance fees. They claimed that they sent mails to all customers. First, I did not receive anything, Second, I chose a paperless option when I opened an account. I called them and they were rude. Kept me on the line for about 20 min. I called the headquarters who transfer my call to the local office. I closed my account. They expect people to have $2500 or they will be charged monthly. Give me a break. Can anyone fix their financial situation within a month? How someone with $100 would be able to have that amount? DO NOT BANK with them. I will not be surprised if customers closed their accounts.

Arash N.

They used to be good, but they charge left and right with fees these days.

[Update:] Today, I went to the place and discovered that I have to pay a monthly fee, so I decided to close my account. When I asked the lady if I could speak with the manager, she said the manager wasn't there. Then, someone who seemed to be the manager walked in, and the clerk couldn't stop giggling. This experience has made me reconsider whether I want to have any account with them in the future.

I still keep my 1 star because: 1) there is no zero start option, 2) At least they tried to be polite

Ian T.

Been a member here for many years, have loans, credit cards, checking and saving accounts. I love the folks at this branch but the overall company has gone way down hill. Fees on top of fees, can never get anyone on the phone, the phone robot is very aggravating and has no correct features. Will probably have to close my accounts and leave.

Brecc A.

Miserable loan experience. Could not get payoff amount over phone. Told wrong payoff at a branch. Paid correct about and told 4 weeks to get title. Won't even allow me to close the associated $5 savings account. I'm leaving the account open with paper statements (printing costs and postage will add up)

Noel Y.

Not sure if they’re trying to pay for their renovations with fees now, but I’m closing my account because they no longer have free checking. I don’t need all your BaZing features…just an account thanks!

Clark G.