Most banks treat you like a number. Most credit unions move at their own pace. Frontwave is different.
This is banking for people who want faster service, smarter solutions, and real people who have their backs. No shareholders. No endless fees. Just better banking for those who expect more.
Membership Benefits
Secure Your Future
With high-yield savings accounts
No-Fee Checking
With no per-check charges
Plan For Retirement
With Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Grow Your Money Safely
With Share Certificates
Flexible Credit
With Visa® cards for maximum purchasing power
Home and RV Loans
With great rates and low fees
Auto Financing
Up to 115% for your next ride
Bank Anytime, Anywhere
With online, mobile, and toll-free access
So, Who Gets In?
Surprise. You probably do.
Live or work in San Diego, Riverside, or San Bernardino counties
Have a family member who’s already a Frontwave member
That’s it. No secret handshake. No hoops to jump through. Just smarter banking made simple.
How To Join
The form is the first step. Review the terms, click next, and you’ll be directed to complete your full application.
With a completed eligible application and a deposit of at least $50, you'll become a share-holding member. (The term "share" refers to the funds you have on deposit, and is used to compute dividends.)
More Than a Credit Union.
Banking should do more than just hold your money. It should create opportunities and strengthen communities.
That’s why we created Frontwave Give360. Every dollar raised, every partnership built, every program funded goes right back into the neighborhoods we serve. The Frontwave Foundation takes it further, providing scholarships, emergency relief, and direct financial support to those who need it most.
Why Choose
Frontwave?
Most banks and credit unions make you jump through hoops. Not here.
People who know your name, not just your account number
Get fast answers from local experts, not outsourced call centers
Decisions made by real humans, not algorithms
Full-service banking with checking, savings, loans, and credit cards
Better rates, fewer fees, and banking that works on your schedule
Banking That Moves at Your Speed
Life doesn’t wait. Neither should your money.
No slow approvals. No waiting on hold. No red tape. Just faster access, fewer delays, and real people ready to help.
Save More. Reach Your Goals Sooner.
Earn more on savings without locking up your money for years
Get predictable returns with share certificates built for your timeline
Plan for retirement with IRAs that make it simple, not stressful
Spend Smarter. No Delays. No Nonsense.
Checking that works for you with instant access and no monthly fees
Visa credit cards that put rewards in your pocket, not fine print
Skip the car-buying headache with an easy, hassle-free buying service
Borrow Without the Runaround.
Auto loans without the waiting game get approved and hit the road
Home loans that don’t drag out quick approvals, fewer headaches
Personal loans that move as fast as you do funds when you need them
Bank Anytime. Anywhere. Instantly.
Mobile banking that works when you do real-time alerts, instant transfers
24/7 account access because your money doesn’t keep office hours
Toll-free Express Line for quick banking by phone no long hold times
Checking Beyond
the Basics
Say hello to Elite Checking and Elite Plus Checking. These new accounts go beyond everyday checking with added protection, built-in savings, and perks designed to make life easier.
Open Your Accounts Setup Checking and Savings accounts with e-statements on the same day.
Set Up Direct Deposit Start a $1,000+ monthly direct deposit within your first 90 days.
Get Rewarded We'll drop $350 into your savings once you qualify. Simple as that.
No Hoops. No Hassle. Just $350 to Prove We’re Worth It.
Hear from Our Members
I switched to Frontwave a few months ago in an effort to close an account with another credit union that I'd had for years. My experience with Frontwave so far has been nothing short of positive. They've been very helpful, knowledgeable and forthcoming.
Suzanne H.
I've been with Frontwave now for 3 years. They have provided professional service and explained in details I could understand. My experience has been nothing short of perfection. In every single appointment I have felt that they were there for me and we worked together for a win win scenario. Thanks Frontwave for all your help.
Harry V.
There are many advantages to using a Credit Union over a bank, especially one like Frontwave CU. The people, Gina in particular, go out of their way to help you achieve your financial goals. You're not just a number on paper, you're a member that they want and need to help. We'll be members for life.
Randall H.
Disclaimers
* Important Information and Disclosures
How to qualify: To receive the $350 bonus, open new Frontwave Checking and Savings accounts within the same day (subject to approval), enroll in e-statements, and set up recurring external direct deposits or ACH transfers totaling $1,000 or more. The $1,000 must post within a single calendar month and within 90 days of account opening. (Example: Two $500 paychecks within the same month qualifies.) Transfers between Frontwave accounts do not qualify.
How you get paid: Bonus will be deposited into your Frontwave Savings account within 120 days if requirements are met and accounts remain in good standing.
Who’s eligible: Offer available to new Frontwave members age 18 or older who live, work, worship, or attend school in San Diego, Riverside, Imperial or San Bernardino counties, or who qualify through a Select Employer Group (SEG) or military affiliation. Not available to employees, volunteers, or anyone who has had a Frontwave account closed within the past 18 months. Limit one bonus per person.
Other important info: Offer effective as of August 1, 2025, and may change or end without notice. A 1099-INT will be issued for tax reporting purposes.
Heads up, gig workers: To qualify, your deposits must come through as standard direct deposit or ACH into your Frontwave bank account. Transfers from a debit card or wallet (like PayPal or DasherDirect) do not count.
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