Frequently Asked Questions About SchoolsFirst FCU Routing Numbers
Why does SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union only operate in California?
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union was founded in 1934 by Orange County school employees specifically to serve the California education community. As a federally chartered credit union, SchoolsFirst has a defined field of membership that includes employees of California public and private schools, colleges, universities, and educational organizations, along with their family members. This California-only focus allows SchoolsFirst to specialize in understanding the unique financial needs of educators, from school year payment schedules to teacher-specific loan programs. With over 1.4 million members and more than $30 billion in assets, SchoolsFirst has become California's largest credit union and the largest in the nation serving school employees.
Who is eligible to join SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union?
Membership is open to employees of California educational institutions, including public elementary and secondary schools, private schools listed in the California Department of Education Directory, community colleges, California State University campuses, University of California campuses, and other educational organizations. Certificated employees (teachers, counselors, administrators) and classified employees (support staff, maintenance, cafeteria workers) are all eligible. Additionally, immediate family members of current SchoolsFirst members can join, including spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, and grandchildren. This family membership feature means that once one educator in your family joins, everyone in the immediate family becomes eligible.
What are SchoolsFirst FCU's wire transfer fees and cutoff times?
SchoolsFirst FCU offers competitive wire transfer services with a cutoff time of 12:30 PM Pacific Time for same-day processing (both domestic and international wires). Wire transfer fees vary based on the transaction type and amount. For current fee information, contact SchoolsFirst at 1-800-462-8328 or visit any branch Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Wire transfers must be initiated in person at a branch or by phone during business hours. SchoolsFirst does not currently offer online wire transfer initiation, which helps maintain security and prevent fraud. International wires require additional information including the recipient's SWIFT code and may involve intermediary bank fees of $8-15.
How do I receive international wire transfers at SchoolsFirst FCU?
To receive an international wire transfer, provide the sending party with SchoolsFirst's information: Institution Name: SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Routing Number: 322282001, SWIFT Code: SFROUS61 (note: the "O" is a letter, not a zero), Your 12-digit account number, Your name as it appears on the account, and the credit union's address: 15332 Newport Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780-6408. International wires typically take 1-5 business days to arrive and may pass through intermediary banks that charge additional fees. Always verify the complete wiring instructions with SchoolsFirst before providing them to the sender to ensure smooth processing.
Does SchoolsFirst FCU offer early direct deposit?
Yes, SchoolsFirst FCU offers early direct deposit for eligible members. When your employer or benefits provider submits your direct deposit, SchoolsFirst may make the funds available up to two days early, depending on when the credit union receives the deposit file. This feature is particularly valuable for educators whose pay schedules can vary during school breaks or between academic years. Early direct deposit availability may vary between pay periods and is not guaranteed, but it provides faster access to your money when available. To set up direct deposit, provide your employer with SchoolsFirst's routing number (322282001) and your 12-digit account number.
