Vancity Credit Union

3.5 star rating
6 reviews Rating Details

Category: Banks & Credit Unions  [Edit]

501 W 10th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K9
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
(604) 877-7000
Hours:

Mon-Thu 10 am - 5 pm

Fri 10 am - 6 pm

Sat 9:30 am - 3 pm

Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

6 reviews in English

  • Review from Maya M.

    • 10 friends
    • 55 reviews

    North Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    7/8/2010

    I have been a client of VanCity since 1988 when in elementary school I won the "Fat Cat Drawing Contest" and was awareded $25 and a savings account (Fat Cat was their mascot at the time).

    - Call Center agents are empowered to make decisions that at big banks would have to be escalated up multiple lines of Management, argued by the client without much of a chance at success
    - Vancity actually suggested that I change to a lower-cost to me bank account that better fit my needs.  Basically they offered me options that made more sense for my needs at less of a cost.  
    - They are always very polite on the phone

    I haven't gone through a mortgage or loan through Vancity before so I can't comment on that.

    I did have a very bad experience the one time I attempted to use Interac Money Transfer but instead I use Paypal and it is just as convenient and can withdraw funds from your account and put them in someone else's.  Because of my excellent experience in every other aspect with Vancity I don't hold this against them.

    Really I have nothing bad to say about these guys overall.  I would never consider switching back to a big bank after experiencing the service at Vancity.

  • Review from Lynne P.

    • 3 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    2/5/2009

    I switched over to Vancity early in 2007 and have been a fan since day one.  I do all my banking at the West End Community Branch on Robson and absolutely everyone there has been great to deal with.  Not only are they friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful but it really feels like a 'community' because the staff actually seems to make a point of getting to know their clients.  They always remember who I am and ask about my dog if she's not with me--and if she is with me she gets absolutely spoiled with pats and biscuits :)  

    From a purely banking-related standpoint, Vancity is pretty good.  The only reason I'm giving them four stars and not five is that they do not yet offer Interac Email Money Transfer, which I find inconvenient.  Vancity instead offers something called HyperWallet, which is more akin to PayPal and kind of a hassle to use.

    I have a JumpStart saving account with them and it really IS high interest:  The interest compounds monthly (not annually, as with most banks!) and the rate I got with Vancity is at least 3x higher than what I was getting at Bank of Montreal.  They have been very helpful and proactive in assisting me with switching over from Bank of Montreal and dealing with things like insurance and RRSPs.  You can use any ATM but what I like best is that I can use pretty much any credit union ATM across Canada without being charged additional fees.  For example, you can use HSBC ATMs 'ding free', and there are lots of them around.

    In the end I am paying about 60% less in fees than I was with Bank of Montreal and the service is outstanding.  Vancity also gives a lot back to the community and is very socially conscious.  I like that they are affiliated with Credential Financial and Ethical Funds as well.

    If they do add Interac Money Transfer I'll be back to add another star.  I was hesitant to join a credit union and go off the major banking grid but it's the best thing I could've done.  Yay Vancity!

  • Review from Sheila W.

    • 36 friends
    • 346 reviews

    BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/22/2008

    I get my home insurance through this Vancity branch, and it was the best deal I was able to find for insurance. I shopped around, but settled here.

    The Insurance Services lady I met with was really thorough in explaining to me the policy and took time to make sure she had all the information she needed to get me the best rates. She was able to offer me payment options (lump sum or monthly automatic payments from my account). She also quickly followed up when it was time to renew the policy.

    I'm sticking with this branch for my insurance -- best price and great service too!

  • Review from Jason D.

    • 8 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    6/2/2010

    UPDATE:
    Vancity just lost their one star for service.  I decided to close my account after having to deal with 3 independent organizations (Hyperwallet, Visa, Vancity) to do my online banking.  Vancity remains a positive example of corporate conscience.

    --------------
    The #1 reason that I opened an account with Vancity is its contributions to environmental and social programs.  It really does have an investment in the community and that's a refreshing change.

    However, the above comes at a cost because its online banking program is horrific.  I'm not sure why they chose such angry colours like orange and red (in nature, I'd know to stay away).  I also use RBC and while I hate the evil that RBC represents, their system makes my life sooooo much easier.  I don't mind paying the little extra that it does to bank with Vancity; however, Hyperwallet plain sucks.  And the fact that I can't view my Visa account along with my other accounts..well, it sucks.

    And so Vancity gets 5 stars for its role in the community but 1 star for making online banking an unpleasant and angering experience for its clients.

    I'm not convinced I'll stick it out for the ride but I'll keep you updated!

  • Review from Stacey E.

    • 56 friends
    • 423 reviews

    Fairfax, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2009

    I've been with VanCity for 8 years and have always enjoyed the best service at this branch. They were kind enough to open a chequing account with a modest overdraft for me back when I was a poor student with no credit. They helped me build the credit I have today with good advice and open communication.

    VanCity's website is fast, clean and well designed and they have 24 hour customer service over the phone with agents who understand international banking issues and who can provide timely solutions for you when you're away.

    All this AND it's a local, credit union with a board of directors who try to make socially and environmentally responsible choices for members. My enviro visa card donates money to environmental organizations so I can be bad and good at the same time...

  • Review from Evan D.

    • 3 friends
    • 68 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    1.0 star rating
    10/24/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    I'm disappointed. A credit union that makes me negotiate my mortgage rate and charges me $7 per month for a chequing account. Moving to Coastal Capital when the mortgage term is up.

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

People Viewed This After Searching For...