Our Story

About Meriwest Credit Union

Origin of the name: Meriwest [pronounced mer-eh-west as in America (Amer-eh-ca)]. Derived from the combination of merit and west, conveying the meaning of respect and praise, a commendable quality or act, combined with the adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit of the west.

Meriwest Credit Union delivers financial value to any individual and small business in the Greater Bay Area of California and Pima County, Arizona that is looking for above market rates on deposits, low loan rates, lower fees, product options and an experience that makes you feel good about your decision to do business with us.

If the idea of no-cost checking, free online and mobile banking with free Bill Pay, mortgages with little money down and home equity lines of credit that are competitively priced appeals to you, make your move to Meriwest.

Plus, if you need a reference, just ask our members! More than one-third of our new members are referred from friends and family who consistently rate us high in service and have rated the interaction with our employees as their greatest source of satisfaction.

Our history started on May 5, 1961 when the IBM San Jose Employees Federal Credit Union was organized. In 1975 the official name changed to Pacific IBM Employees Federal Credit Union. In 1999 Pacific IBM became Meriwest Credit Union. Today, the same great benefits of credit union membership that were once only available to the employees and families of those employed at IBM, are now available to anyone who lives or works in the Greater Bay Area of Northern California or in Pima County, Arizona.

Meriwest offers everyone the latest technologies, branch convenience and personal services to meet any financial need. Products and services range from checking and savings accounts, consumer loans, small business loans and merchant services, and investment and insurance options, all accessible through normal branch channels, via online banking, as well as the latest access through mobile banking technology.

Serving individuals, families, and area businesses with over $2 billion in assets, those who become a part of Meriwest enjoy the security of banking with an organization that's established, financially sound and has a strong local heritage.

Because Meriwest is member-owned, our members have more money in their pocket to use as they see fit through:

• Above market rates on deposits
• Lower interest rates on loans
• Fees that are more than four times lower than banks. On average, banks receive as much as 40% of their income from fees. At Meriwest, income from fees is much lower.

Meriwest's FLOW account helps parents teach their children the discipline of managing money, the value of money and the satisfaction that comes from having financial knowledge and responsibility.

Meriwest's Business Banking brings a personalized banking experience to local small businesses through benefits that are usually only offered at big banks.

• Truly free business checking and interest bearing checking
• Loans to meet all your business needs
• Merchant and Payroll Services
• Personalized service from a dedicated business banking representative