People-First Banking

Better rates and lower fees.

Community-Driven

Membership that supports your community.

Not Everyone Gets In. But You Probably Do.

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

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.

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

Joining Frontwave is simple. This form is the first step. Review the terms, click next, and you’ll be directed to complete your full application.

  • Fill out our easy online application
  • Or visit any Frontwave Credit Union branch location
  • 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.)

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
  • Join a Credit Union That Works for You

More Than a Credit Union. A Team That Backs You.

Banking should do more than just hold your money. It should create opportunities, strengthen communities, and support the people who need it most.

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.

We Don’t Just Bank Here.
We Invest Here.

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.

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

Get $350* When You Switch!

  

  • Open Your Accounts
    Setup your new Checking and Savings accounts with e-statements.
  • Set Up Direct Deposit
    Start a $1,000+ monthly direct deposit within your first 90 days.
  • Get Paid
    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.

Already Banking Somewhere Else? Switching is Easy.

Moving your money should be simple. That’s why we created EasySwitch, your step-by-step guide to moving your accounts to Frontwave without the hassle.

In just a few steps, you will have your direct deposits, bill payments, and account transfers set up with zero headaches.

Make the Switch

Hear from Our Members

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.