Affinity Federal Credit Union — Local services in Bernards Township

Update 7/30/2024: This is my third review of Affinity Federal Credit Union, and my experience has only reinforced my view that this institution is unreliable and predatory. I’ve been dealing with a disputed card transaction for two months. Despite submitting extensive documentation twice, Affinity ruled in favor of the merchant, claiming the merchant supplied sufficient evidence, which is far from the truth.

Today, I received an email from Affinity with their final decision, filled with inaccuracies. It was clear that no one had properly reviewed my documentation. I contacted Biyang, who had previously identified himself as the market manager. His role seems questionable, as he provided no real assistance, refused to escalate the issue, and could not provide contact information for higher management.

Here’s what to consider: Affinity’s fraud detection system is excessively sensitive. They frequently block my card for perceived fraud, even when transactions are entirely normal. Their overzealous fraud alerts disrupt my access to funds without justification. Conversely, when actual fraud occurs, Affinity offers no support, as evidenced by their handling of my current dispute.

Additionally, Affinity’s loan practices are concerning. They sold me a loan protection plan with questionable value and charged unusual fees and interest, leading me to eventually remove the plan.

Customer service is equally problematic. Every time I call, I face wait times of over half an hour. When I finally speak to a representative, they either provide incorrect information or claim they cannot help. Affinity lacks resources, their customer service is severely inadequate. Combined with their poor employee behavior—dismissive and unprofessional—this reflects a broader issue of Affinity taking significant fees from its members while failing to deliver adequate service.

Despite these issues, I’ve continued banking with Affinity due to the complexity of moving my accounts. However, after today’s experience, I have no hope left for this credit union. I’ve taken steps to make the necessary changes and am working towards severing all ties with Affinity as soon as possible.

I recommend considering other financial institutions for better support and more trustworthy practices. ——————————————————————————

Update 8/3/2023: Here we are again. I really don’t know how Affinity still exists. I called today to make a change of address and believe it or not, they’ve found a way to complicate this too. Additionally, everyone there calls themselves a manager, so you’re never going to get anything resolved with Affinity. I give up. Its time to cut ties. I’ve given them chance after chance after chance, and they just get worse. ——————————————————————————-

Had possible fraud activity to my account. Called Affinity but was treated poorly and disconnected several times. No one there seems qualified. The Millington, NJ branch is unprofessional and lazy. I have had Affinity accounts for well over 20 years now but the credit union has changed for the worse. I plan to close my accounts with Affinity after this experience. I no longer trust...

Updated:

So 4 years ago I went for 2 loans, one to Refi the mortgage, one to buy myself my first ever new car. (Yes, I spaced them out to not conflict)

The refi was denied because I had to make twice as much...to REFINANCE! At that rate I could live off credit cards for 2 years and pay off the mortgage.

The car loan was approved a week later for $125,000 (scratching head).

When they went paperless, almost all of my perks went away because I set this all up for savings, not active accounts, which was part of the system switch. But the rates were still good, credit card was ok.

I always go to the bank for a card payment because I usually get my statement 5 days before due, dont know if that is them or my Post Office. I tried to just mail it out the next morning, but that went late a few times, so off to the branch. Tried online transfer, got a bunch of fees from the transfer out of the revolving accounts at other banks into Affinity. Then, there was a conflict with one and $300 payment went missing for a month, plus the late fee, so in person at branch it is.

I go to the one in New Vernon at the country mile, and they take at least 10 minutes per transaction, and only the window is open for some reason when most other banks have their lobbys open again. Then the New Vernon Manager has the gall to tell me to use the online because they are too busy. I tried to explain that doesn't work for me, explaining this one issue and to do the online transfer doesnt work for me. So I go to Mountain View, and they are effecient, but there is a tude.

NOW, I missed a card payment, becuase these snow storms have me working 16 hour days again (essential worker here) and they called to harass me after being "24 days DELINQUENT". I MISSED LAST MONTH, big deal. They threatened collections. 20 years, a credit card I have to keep calling in to bring down my limit, because they keep raising it without my agreement and 2 car loans, and you get snippy!?!?!

Then they ask what day I will pay!?!? They respond, "this Saturday? Can we count on that?" Now I go today, PAY OFF THE CARD, and I have to submit an online request for an account rep to figure out what is going on? I asked to close my accounts, and SHE WAS EAGER to close my account. I called in, get transferred to Bedminster for some reason, got a nice woman on the phone and asked for an account rep to call me back during this coming week.

We shall see Affinity, we shall see.....

Update as follows: TWO MORE calls to Affinity, NO HELP. Go to pay my card at New Vernon, lobby is back open and they are friendly and efficient again.

Tried to refi my house again because rates are super low, get denied by them, but approved by everyone else (face palm).

Went to a mortgage broker for my refi, ONLY FOR THE BALANCE. Got a percentage in the low 2’s, lower closing costs AND a nice pocket of cash back that was accumulated during the delays of the transaction since social distance was still in play.

Just get a notice in the mail, THEY RAISED MY CREDIT LIMIT AGAIN, without my permission. What is going...

Very shady and deceitful and misleading practices I worked with Kate who was actually very nice and pleasant when assisting me with my loan process however the information and my concern regarding the closure of my accounts was something I expressed I didn’t want and asked before and after my loan was initially being processed and was told my accounts would remain open ... well of course that was not true my accounts were and are being closed. I reached out to Kate to address what we had discussed prior to the agreement and I was advised by another associate to contact the loan department to see if the accounts could remain open well that was beginning of a nightmare hell!!!!!!!! .The loan underwriter I who assisted me name was Brian well Brian was the rudest unprofessional unpleasant demeaning individual I’ve ever encountered he had no patience and spoke to me with no respect or regard to my concern. During my conversation with Brian I expressed my concern of my lack of knowledge surrounding the closure of my accounts upon receipt of payments being issued . Brian seemed to be bothered immediately with my concern and cut me off stating well you signed it states payoff and close and I ejected stating yes but solely under the impression and discussion I had with Kate who stated my accounts wouldn’t be closed otherwise I wouldn’t have agreed . Brian then stated it doesn’t matter what you were told you still signed I said yes but not in agreement to close my accounts Brian then suggested for myself to “well go and get the money back from the companies” . I then suggested to Brian to stop payment since they had not posted Brian response was a vulgar nooooo !!!! I won’t do that and I’m not ...I said even if the payments haven’t been received he said yes I’m not contacting 5 companies to stop a check noooo I’m not... I said but why ? because I’m not and you already signed so I won’t Brian proceeded to over talk me stating well it’s the end of the day and there’s nothing more I can do for you I’ll forward your concern to my Manager and he’ll contact you tomorrow. I said to Brian can you at least note to stop payments he continued to disregard my questions and said egregiously again I will forward your concern there is nothing more I can assist you with. I was looking forward to being a member and doing business with this institution but after being treated like nothing more then a quota I’ll pay my accounts and refinance my auto and close my accounts hardships are something we all face daily when looking and making financial decisions the last thing you expect is to be treated like your a bother and have no value. I have bank with liberty savings fcu as well and everyone from the tellers to the loan department is beyond a delight I’ve never experienced such disgust in my life 1 lesson learned!!!!...