FAIRWINDS Credit Union

"FAIRWINDS is the people's credit union. It has been so easy to bank with them even without there being a FAIRWINDS branch in my vicinity. Their partner banks work just as well, if not better, than a true branch, and I have had nothing but a great experience with them. They could stand to update their app's look and UI a bit (it's slightly outdated), but it makes sense that they wouldn't want to change it too much based on their core demographic."

"UPDATE: I originally left a negative review after my credit card application was declined following a hard credit inquiry. However, I want to update my review because FAIRWINDS took the time to address my concerns and completely changed my experience. I especially want to recognize Sebastian Guinard, Digital Lending Manager, for his excellent customer service. Sebastian personally contacted me, listened to my concerns, explained what documentation was needed, and gave me the opportunity to provide additional financial information for reconsideration. He submitted my application back to underwriting, kept me informed throughout the process, and ultimately helped get my application approved. What impressed me most was that Sebastian did not simply accept the initial automated decision. He took the time to look deeper into my situation and helped make sure the application received a proper review. This is exactly the kind of customer service I expect from a credit union. Sebastian turned a very disappointing initial experience into a very positive one. Thank you, Sebastian, for your professionalism, communication, and willingness to help. I am happy to update my original review and recommend FAIRWINDS based on how this situation was handled."

"Steven helped me at the Deltona Branch…. I was somewhat afraid of taking out a large amt of money so I went inside. What a pleasant relief when I encountered Steven!!! He was so sincere and reassuring on my transaction. No rush, he was just there, being himself!"

"The worst experience EVER..... All i needed was to transfer the credit card balance to pay for the main amount instead of killing the business with interest rate and they denied even to apply for the credit card...... Zero professionalism"

"I opened an account with Fairwinds. They have went above and beyond to call me ask if I had any questions or concerns about my new account. I spoke with Miguel, we spoke and even had a laugh or two. :) It really matters to me that their customer service has went above and beyond to make sure I’m ok. That’s very rare nowadays."

"Best place to bank in Central Florida Evelina at the Longwood branch is GREAT"

"I was upset that my debit card didn't work and I had to call the 800 number to order a new one but the representative was friendly and I was happy that she was able to help."

"Safe and Understanding of all transactions."

"When I walked in the door, there she was! Kimberly... so kind, so professional, so welcoming. She set an appt for me, sat me down and brought me a water. Then I met with James. Also super kind and went through my MANY questions with me in detail. He also made a very helpful suggestion about utilizing a different type of account and we set that up super quickly. Brilliant! I went out to the parking lot, but then thought of a question/concern. James already had his next appt in his office, so Kimberly assured me she would call me "only if" I needed to make a small tweak in what we did. If she didn't call me back, then everything was good "as-is." Well, because this is who Kimberly is, she called me anyway to assure me that everything was set up properly as I needed it to be. I love how Fairwinds always goes the extra step to take care of us. Thank you Kimberly and James... great job team! (I posted this here and also on Google)"

"I thought I had done my research on credit unions and banks and opened a checking account here in anticipation of moving to Orlando. When I did move, I kept my account with Fairwinds even though there was not a branch near my home because I like the CU - thinking that a credit union wouldn't have these "unexplained fees" that big banks charge. I was completely wrong about Fairwinds! Sometime recently, they've updated how they handle "pending" charges - without notification - resulting in unexplained fees that are the result of moving money around like modern life requires. These "fees" are actually punitive and theoretical because no no overdraft occurs, your ledger doesn't go negative, but according to Fairwinds, you "MIGHT" have over-drafted "IF" the pending charges went through. That's a big "IF" for charges that are pending but not scheduled to clear for a day or 2, even 3. The Customer Service even told me it's confusing. Whatever changed, they are trying to hide it - but they've lost my family as a customer for ever. Horrible and deceptive. Ruins the idea of credit unions for me. I'm opening a Truist account - my wife has a Truist checking and has ZERO problems like this."

"Would give Fairwinds 0 stars if I could. Fairwinds advertised a credit card with 0% interest for 12 months and no transaction fee. After joining credit union ($5.00 membership fee) and depositing $50 in a Fairwinds savings acct, I applied for the advertised credit card. I received an email stating someone would contact me within 1 business day. A week later, still having not received any contact, I telephone for an update, only to be grilled about my finances, all of which I had already stated in my application. Then, I was advised that my application was denied for "insufficient income to debt ratio." My husband and I have over 3 million in net worth, $13,000 per month income from pension and social security, not counting retirement investment income, virtually no debts other than a mortgage under $200,000 and approximately $7,000 on another premier credit card (from which I wanted to transfer only $5,000) plus an over 850 credit rating. Customer Service rep, Kathleen Pressler suggested that my husband apply instead of me, as Fairwinds would not consider a joint application. (Really?) I agreed. However, I received no response to my subsequent telephone calls and email, advising her to please call and arrange this with my husband. No response from her or anyone from Fairwinds. Finally, we gave up, as it became apparent that the declination of my credit card application was specious and that Fairwinds simply did not want to honor its advertised favorable credit card terms. Bad customer service did not end there. I went to website to request transfer back to my external bank account of funds I had transferred to Fairwinds savings account. The website would not allow this transfer. Fairwinds Chat was no help. The only alternative was to receive a mailed check from Fairwinds after closing my account and membership. Funny how my transfer of funds to the Fairwinds account was done in seconds by electronic transfer, but the only way to get my funds back is by a mailed check. Even with this option, the only response I received from Fairwinds was "Your request is in process." No confirmation on the site or by email or by any method that my check was in the mail or when I would receive it. We'll see if it even arrives. If it does not arrive within a reasonable time, I will be left with no option but to take further legal steps against Fairwinds to get my Fairwinds Savings Account money back. What a terrible experience. My advice? Stay far away from Fairwinds."

"I spoke with Lizandra in Spanish today, and she gave me a lot of important information that Will help manage my account. Thank you for your prompt response."

"Its employees like Tena at the Deland Branch that grounds my relationship with FWCU. The consistent kindness and effective communication, and overall professional demeanor of employees such as Tena is why we are satisfied customers with this BRAND."

"You all have great customer service, have wonderful flexibility in your mortgages, and have extremely competitive rates. I wanted to use a company that wasn't a mega bank and had a physical presence in Florida. Heather was fantastic to work with in June 2024 :-) I've called customer service a few times (to get a clarification on something related to my mortgage), and they were always very knowledgeable. I highly recommend Fairwinds."

"It’s a great bank! Great enough that Dave Ramsey endorses it. Him endorsing a bank is like a horse balancing on a tight rope (you never see it)"

"Run away now. Not recommended"

"Able to earn more interest than with an every corner brick and mortar bank that obvious more overhead a charges the custome/client because of that."