Alternatives Federal Credit Union

I’ve banked with AFCU since 1990. They do a good job with banking and do good things in the community. It’s refreshing to find a serious, robust financial enterprise that takes their community seriously, making the financial health of the members a significant priority.

I banked here from college in mid 1990’s they 2009. I received a letter in 2009 saying my account was compromised months after I told them I was missing funds from my account. I never saw any $$$$‘s returned. Bad security then.

Since I’m not from Ithaca, I don’t belong to AFCU. But, most of my local friends are really serious about Alternatives, and for what seems like good reason. The institution is all about supporting financial growth in the community, and as Rebecca said, they treat their members like human beings. They have programs for people who have had trouble with financial institutions in the past, and offer seminars and information on lots of different aspects of personal and small business finances.
AFCU also offers free income tax preparation to families that make less than $ 49,000/year, though I think that exact number probably fluctuates. I volunteered with this program this past tax season, and I was blown away by the level of service and commitment displayed by the folks who run the program. The volunteers work really hard to make sure taxpayers get the greatest possible refund; I rarely saw anyone end up owing the IRS or the state.
Ultimately, AFCU is a local community organization that’s here to protect you! If I decide to stay in Ithaca much longer I’ll definitely become a member.

I have been banking with Alternatives since I was a child. It is a good bank but I do have some issues with there funny rules. Example no hats that’s a little much, and they are a little too green/​earthy for me. But over all I have had no problems with my banking there.

I’ve been banking as a member of this credit union since I first moved to Ithaca in 2001. I have had nothing but positive experiences. I love their community focus and that they treat all of their members like real humans.