Golden 1 Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings and Certificates
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Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Overview
If you live in California, Golden 1 Credit Union may shine as a solid place to do your banking. The credit union offers branches across the state and participates in a network of shared branches so members can visit and make transactions at other credit unions’ branches. Golden 1 also provides free ATM use as part of the extensive Co-op network. Great phone service hours make it easy to get help even when you’re out of state.
You’d see your money grow more quickly at competitors that offer higher interest rates (be sure to explore the best savings account options as well as higher CD rates). That said, Golden 1 doesn’t charge monthly fees on basic accounts, and nearly all accounts have low or no minimum opening deposits. Just watch out for overdraft fees — or sign up for free overdraft protection transfers from a personal loan.
No monthly fees on some checking and savings accounts.
Large, free, nationwide ATM network.
Low minimum opening deposits on savings accounts and certificates.
Low rates on some savings accounts.
Expensive overdraft fee.
Limited membership.
Product reviews
Certificates of deposit
Golden 1’s standard certificates have relatively average yields, not the worst or the best rates. The minimum opening requirement is $500, and there are several rate tiers in which reaching a higher minimum, such as $100,000, can mean slightly higher rates. Terms range from three months to five years.
Full List of Reviewed Certificate Rates
| Term | APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 3.00% | $500 |
| 6 months jumbo | 3.15% | $100,000 |
| 6 months | 3.05% | $500 |
| 1 year jumbo | 3.55% | $100,000 |
| 1 year | 3.45% | $500 |
| 1.5 years | 3.45% | $500 |
| 2 years | 3.50% | $500 |
| 2.5 years | 0.60% | $500 |
| 3 years jumbo | 3.70% | $100,000 |
| 3 years | 3.60% | $500 |
| 4 years | 3.65% | $500 |
| 5 years jumbo | 3.90% | $100,000 |
| 5 years | 3.80% | $500 |
Golden 1 Credit Union Certificate
Rating methodology
How we rate banks and credit unions
Banking writers and editors use an objective methodology to rate banks, credit unions, and other providers, and to recommend the best products.
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
We took a close look at around 100 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.
30+
Categories assessed
30+
Categories assessed
Each provider is evaluated across five weighted categories and 30 subcategories, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, customer experience, and overdraft services. For banks or credit unions without one or more types of accounts, the overall rating is modified to include only applicable categories. Institutions are not penalized if they don't offer every type of account.
60+
Data points analyzed
60+
Data points analyzed
We considered more than 60 data points for each provider. Depending on the category, these included account fees and rates (such as annual percentage yields), ATM and branch access, account features, account bonuses, customer service access and user-facing technology, such as innovative tools and mobile apps. We gathered this information for each financial institution from its website, a media representative or both.
Star rating categories
The review team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who cover personal banking deposit accounts, such as checking, savings and certificates of deposit, as well as related banking services, such as overdraft programs and ATM networks. For providers without one or more types of accounts, the overall rating is modified to include only applicable categories. Institutions are not penalized if they don't offer every type of account.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for banks and credit unions and our editorial guidelines.