Valley First — Community Banking Built on Trust
Serving California families and businesses with personal checking and savings accounts, mortgage lending, SBA loans, and secure online banking since 1998.
Trusted by California Communities
Valley First is federally insured by the NCUA and recognized by leading financial oversight organizations.
Why Members Choose Valley First
Our commitment to community-focused banking means better rates, lower fees, and service that puts you first.
Fast Decisions
Most loan applications receive a decision within 24 hours. Our local underwriting team understands California markets and works efficiently.
Apply for a loan →Low Rates
As a member-owned institution, Valley First returns earnings to members through competitive rates on loans, mortgages, and deposit accounts.
View rates →Local Service
Decisions are made locally by people who live in your community. No call centers, no automated scripts — real bankers who know your name.
Our story →Digital Access
Bank anywhere with our mobile app and online platform. Deposit checks, pay bills, transfer funds, and monitor accounts 24/7 from any device.
Go digital →Banking That Grows With You
From your first checking account to your dream home, business expansion, and retirement — Valley First is with you at every stage.
Personal Banking Tailored to California Life
Valley First checking accounts come with no monthly maintenance fees when you maintain a $500 minimum balance. Our high-yield savings accounts offer rates that consistently beat national averages, helping your money work harder for the milestones that matter most.
Every personal account includes free access to our mobile banking platform with mobile check deposit, person-to-person transfers, and customizable spending alerts. Whether you are saving for a home in Fresno or building an emergency fund in Bakersfield, Valley First provides the tools and rates you need.
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Business Solutions for California Entrepreneurs
Valley First understands the challenges facing California small business owners. Our business checking accounts include free ACH origination, remote deposit capture, and integration with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks. We process SBA 7(a) and 504 loan applications with faster turnaround than national banks because our underwriting team operates locally.
From commercial real estate financing for a warehouse expansion in Stockton to merchant services for a restaurant in Modesto, Valley First business banking advisors work one-on-one to structure solutions that fit your cash flow and growth timeline.
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Digital Banking Without Compromise
The Valley First online banking platform delivers everything you expect from a modern financial institution. Send wire transfers, schedule recurring bill payments, download e-statements, and set account alerts — all from a single dashboard that loads in under two seconds.
Our mobile app supports biometric login, mobile check deposit with instant confirmation, card controls including freeze and transaction limits, and integration with digital wallets. The platform undergoes annual NIST cybersecurity framework assessments and maintains SOC 2 Type II certification.
Explore digital banking →What Our Members Say
Real experiences from California families and business owners who bank with Valley First.
Valley First approved my SBA loan in 11 days when two big banks took over a month just to review the paperwork. The business advisor walked me through every step.
We closed on our home in Modesto three weeks early because the mortgage team at Valley First stayed on top of every deadline. The rate they offered was 0.4% below what our broker quoted.
I have been a member for 14 years. When I retired from teaching, Valley First helped me roll over my 403(b) and set up a supplemental income strategy that gives me peace of mind every month.
Ready to Experience the Valley First Difference?
Join over 180,000 California members who trust us for personal and business banking, competitive lending, and secure digital access.
Open Your Account TodayFrequently Asked Questions About Valley First
Quick answers to common questions about our accounts, services, and membership.
What personal banking services does Valley First offer?
Valley First provides a comprehensive range of personal banking services including free checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees (with $500 minimum balance), high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit with terms from 6 to 60 months, personal loans, auto loans, mortgage lending, home equity lines of credit, and individual retirement accounts.
Does Valley First provide online and mobile banking?
Yes. Valley First offers a full-featured online banking platform and mobile app available for iOS and Android. Features include mobile check deposit, bill pay, internal and external fund transfers, person-to-person payments, e-statements, account alerts, card controls including freeze and transaction limit settings, and biometric login. The platform is assessed against NIST cybersecurity standards annually.
What business banking solutions are available at Valley First?
Valley First business banking includes business checking accounts with free ACH origination, business savings, SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs, commercial real estate financing, equipment financing, business lines of credit, business credit cards, merchant services for payment processing, remote deposit capture, payroll services integration, and treasury management tools including positive pay and zero balance accounts.
How can I open a checking account with Valley First?
You can open a Valley First checking account online through our secure application portal, by visiting any of our 42 branch locations across California, or by calling member services at (559) 555-0142. The online application takes approximately 8 minutes and requires a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, and funding source. Most applications receive instant approval during business hours. There is a minimum opening deposit of $25.
Is Valley First federally insured?
Yes. Valley First deposit accounts are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. government agency, up to $250,000 per individual depositor. Additionally, Valley First carries excess share insurance through a private insurer for deposits exceeding the NCUA limit. This dual-layer protection means your money is secure regardless of account balance. The NCUA operates under the same federal backing as the FDIC for banks.
What mortgage loan options does Valley First provide?
Valley First offers a complete mortgage lending suite: conventional fixed-rate mortgages (15, 20, and 30-year terms), adjustable-rate mortgages (5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARM), FHA loans with down payments as low as 3.5%, VA loans for eligible service members and veterans, USDA rural housing loans, jumbo loans for properties exceeding conforming limits, construction-to-permanent loans, and home equity lines of credit. Our NMLS-registered loan officers provide pre-qualification decisions within 24 hours.
How do I contact Valley First customer support?
Valley First member services are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PT and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM PT at (559) 555-0142. You can also reach us through the secure messaging center within online banking, by visiting the contact form on our website, or in person at any branch location. For lost or stolen debit cards, our 24/7 emergency line is (559) 555-0199. General inquiries can be directed to support@valleyfirst.jp.net with responses typically within 4 business hours.