Skip to Content
Close Icon

Covid-19 Knowledge Center

For 70 years, our top priority has been and continues to be the financial health and well-being of our members and communities. With the evolving pandemic, we understand these are uncertain times with unplanned financial hardships. That is why we are taking even bolder steps to protect you and your loved ones. We hope it will be a comfort to know there are some things that remain constant and reliable. American First is here for you, and we are still by your side.

Branch Information

Face Coverings — Let's Protect Each Other

Beginning Wednesday, December 15, we will wear our face coverings and ask that you wear yours inside our American First branches. Whether vaccinated or not, this new requirement is a California indoor mask mandate to protect from the transmission of COVID. When visiting the branch for essential business, please remove any sunglasses or hats, practice safe social distancing, and don't forget to bring a valid form of identification.

 

Access Your Accounts Anywhere

Image of computer Online Banking Online Banking

Access your accounts, manage payments and pay your bills from almost anywhere.

Image of mobile smartphone Mobile Banking Mobile Banking

Download the American First app to manage your accounts from your smartphone or tablet.

Image of wallet Pay My Loan Pay My Loan

Make your loan payment online. Free for registered users.

Image smartphone ringing Apple Pay® Apple Pay®

Use your American First debit and credit cards to purchase and pay others from any Apple device.

Image of hand giving coin Zelle® Zelle®

Zelle is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money with friends, family, and others you trust. 

Accessing Your Money

We always offer multiple ways you can access your money. Here are a few ideas to consider:

  • Cash on Hand - There are 30,000 no-fee ATMs available to you throughout the country via the CO-OP ATM network, in addition to the ATMs at our branch locations. You can also get cashback when using your debit card for purchases. Map of locations
  • Credit & Debit Cards - Always have a back-up in case you find yourself needing access to more funds. Apply here for the American First Mastercard®.
  • Checks - It may be a good idea to have a book of checks as a backup, order yours here.
  • Mobile Deposit - Deposit checks in the comfort of your own home using the AFCU Mobile App.

Financial Wellness Service

We partner with BALANCE to provide you access to free, certified financial counselors and online financial resources. Counseling is done over the phone and at your convenience. BALANCE counselors may assist you with:

  • Budget planning
  • Debt management plans
  • Foreclosure prevention
  • Credit report review
  • Identity theft solutions

In addition, BALANCE counselors may refer you to grocery, medical, and legal services based on where you live. Again, these services are all free to you. To speak with a BALANCE counselor, call 1.800.777.7526, Monday–Thursday 7:30am to 6:00pm, Friday 7:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am to 2:00pm (Pacific Time). We recommend tool kits like Surviving a Financial Crisis and others at amerfirst.balancepro.org.

View Financial Wellness Tips

Safety and Security

There is no higher priority than the safety and security of our members, associates, and community. If you have questions or concerns, we're here for you at 800-290-1112 or send us a secure message through Online Banking.

Prevention

We have implemented enhanced cleaning in common areas, hand sanitizer, a safe social distance between members and associates, and a maximum capacity of people inside our branches to minimize the risk of person-to-person transmission of the virus. We are monitoring the latest information provided by the CDC, as well as local health officials, and will update our procedures as needed based on their recommendations and guidelines.

Your Funds are Safe and Federally Insured

We want to assure you that in times of economic challenge, your American First Credit Union deposits are safe. We are well-capitalized and strong. Your funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. You can estimate your share insurance by using the estimator tool on mycreditunion.gov.

Be Aware of COVID-19 Scams

Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the fears surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. We want to share a few tips for protecting your private information:

  • Be aware and vigilant about false information related to cures, vaccinations, product shortages, and updates about the COVID-19 virus. Do not click links on any unsolicited emails or other electronic communications related to this topic. 
  • If you are contacted and asked for online banking credentials, credit card numbers, or other Personal Identification Information (PII), be vigilant.
  • Be suspicious about any offer via email or telephone that appears too good to be true. Never provide PII on an unsolicited phone call or click any links on an unsolicited email. Always determine if the person or business you are interacting with is legitimate. If in doubt, go directly to the company's website or call a reputable number to verify any information.
  • Be careful about offers for work from home schemes, job opportunities, or any emails or texts that are about checks from the government. Government agencies do not communicate through social media outlets and will never ask you to pay a fee for a government grant.
    • Help protect yourself: Hints that the check might be a scam
      • Check is more than expected
      • There are specific instructions on how to deposit the check
      • Asked to send money back in immediate form of payment
      • Recommended to make a deposit and return money quickly 
    • Common check scams include but are not limited to:
      • Receiving a check for more than the asking price as a "mistake," and wants the overage returned.
      • A check comes in for sweepstakes winnings that is only able to claimed by sending money back
      • After a check is received, an "employer" asks to return money to cover supplies
    • Be aware of stimulus check scams: Some scammers may start using official-looking fake checks to steal money and confuse people into turning over personal information. Some examples include:
    • Checks from the government: The FTC predicts that the scammers are gearing up to take advantage of the upcoming government checks.
    • Coronavirus scams: What the FTC is Doing: The FTC has compiled some useful tips for keeping scammers at bay.

Video Resource Library

Interactive Video Player

Interactive Video Player

Interactive Video Player

Interactive Video Player

Interactive Video Player

Aa Aa Aa