Chaffey FCU fall 2025 Newsletter
Summer is upon us, Chaffey Members!
The last three months have been busy for the team here at Chaffey FCU. In April, we held our Annual Meeting, your opportunity as a member-owner to vote for our Board of Directors and receive updates on the credit union’s position. During the month of May, our West Covina branch underwent a refresh which brightened the space and helped to open the lobby area a bit. Finally, in June, we completed an 18-month project for a technology conversion AND received approval from the NCUA to convert to a community charter credit union!
You may be asking yourself, “What is a community charter credit union, and why does it matter?” As opposed to our previous “multiple common bond” charter, which was primarily centered on educational centers, the community charter allows Chaffey FCU to provide services to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school within our charter boundaries. The new charter extends from eastern Los Angeles County into a significant portion of southwestern San Bernardino County. Chaffey FCU’s management and Board of Directors applied for the new charter because we recognize there is a need for financial education and resources for a majority of Southern California residents, and we wanted to make it easier for those who need our services to be able to access them. I saw this on Instagram recently and I feel like it summed things up pretty well:
For our members who work in education, there is no change to our product offerings, including those products that focus on educators such as our classroom supply loan.
As I write this newsletter article, I am coming off birthday party weekend for my daughter; for both of my kids, this year was the year of non-traditional birthday desserts: My older daughter had a cinnamon roll cake, and the younger one requested a chocolate-coconut pie. I don’t tend to eat much in the way of sweets, but I can see myself making these again!
From all of us at Chaffey FCU, enjoy your summer, and thank you for your membership.
PS – as an update on my lemon tree from the Spring newsletter, I have three lemons trying to grow, and I am trying to be patient!
Diane Kotlewski
Chief Executive Officer
Social Impact Award
Award Winning Community Impact
Each year, Credit Unions across California and Nevada are recognized for their achievements by the California and Nevada Credit Union League. This year Chaffey FCU is honored to be one of three credit unions receiving the Social Impact Award! This award honors credit unions that “demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members’ lives.”
Each year, we strive to create a larger impact in our community by encouraging financial health and support throughout our community. Over the last year, Chaffey FCU has:
Reached over 3,100 students with financial education classes, Bite of Reality simulations, and other workshops.
Donated over $34,000 to dozens of schools, organizations, and shelters.
Proudly launched W.I.S.E. Financial Coaching to help our Members conquer financial obstacles.
Became a Community Charter Credit Union, allowing us to offer financial services and education to more people in our community.
Strenthening Students Future
Six Weeks of Financial Education
Each school year, Chaffey FCU works with various classes and school campuses to bring to financial education courses to local students. Our most recent project: a six-week course at Etiwanda High School, hosting a variety of presentations designed to build a strong foundation of financial knowledge for seniors before graduation.
Introduction to Financial Services
Budgeting & Credit Scores
Lending Basics
Basics to Financial Wellness
Taxes Defined
Housing Expenses
And at the end of the course, we put the students’ learning to the test with a Bite of Reality simulation! A hands-on budgeting workshop, where students receive a job description, income, and credit to manage their monthly expenses: housing, transportation, groceries, savings and everything else needed to successfully get through the month.
International Credit Union Day
On October 16, 2025, Chaffey FCU Will Join Credit Unions Across the World in Celebrating the 77th Annual International Credit Union Day!
This year, International Credit Union Day is celebrated with the theme of “Cooperation for a Prosperous World”. Did you know that credit unions work together to serve their members, not make a profit? Even credit unions that may appear to compete with each other often work together in mutual support of their communities, and Chaffey FCU is no exception
All credit unions work together to share a common goal: offering access to affordable financial services to their members and providing even the most financially disadvantaged the tools and the opportunities to be financially self-sufficient. Making life choices and dreams a reality is the credit union difference that makes a real impact in our world. This year, we’ll be honoring Chaffey FCU Members and other credit unions around the world with special treats, presentations, and savings opportunities.
What’s Really Spooky?
Halloween may be our favorite spooky time of year, but scammers are hiding in plain sight all year round.
Three tips for teaching kids to spot a scam, from My First Nest Egg.
1. Don’t Take the Candy! If something seems too good to be true—like a free Roblox code or prize—it probably is. Teach kids to pause before they tap.
2. Ghostbusters Rule: Tell an Adult. If a message, pop-up, or link feels weird, the safest move is to call in backup. Encourage kids to come to you right away.
3. Spot the Costume. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust. Look closely—does the email look off? Is the message urgent and strange? Help kids learn to recognize red flags.
Do you know which scams to look out for?
When discussing scam prevention with your families, it can be helpful to know what to look out for. Read the full blog for insight on scams that typically target kids.
Visa Rewards
Earn More with Every Purchase This Holiday Season
This holiday season, make your purchases even more rewarding. With a Chaffey FCU Visa Credit Card, you can earn a variety of rewards while you shop for holiday gifts, make festive meals, and plan family travel. This season, gift yourself with cash back, travel, or merchandise when you select your Chaffey FCU Visa Credit Card for purchases.
All Credit Card holders can participate. The Chaffey FCU Visa Rewards Program is available on all Chaffey FCU Visa Credit Cards.
No Annual Fee to participate in Visa Rewards. Earn reward points at no extra expense!
Rewards on every swipe. Earn 1 point for every dollar spent.*
Convenient Rewards Access. With the CURewards portal, you can view, manage, and spend your Visa Rewards points anytime. Access your rewards account directly through the Chaffey FCU Online Banking portal or Mobile App for maximum convenience.
Effortless rewards. You pay your bills anyways - make the process more exciting and get rewarded with travel, electronics, cash back, tickets, and more!
*1 point earned for every $1 spent. Cash advances and balance transfers are not eligible. Must have a Chaffey FCU Visa Credit Card to participate in Visa Rewards. Account must be in good standing to earn Visa Rewards. Business accounts are not eligible. Points are good for 3 years. Speak with a representative or visit chaffey.com/visa-rewards.
Enjoy No Payments until 2026!
Coast through the rest of the year with a vehicle you love.
Going back to school, preparing for the holidays, or starting a new job. We understand that our Members have a lot going on. To make the rest of the year easier, we're offering no payments until 2026* on qualifying Chaffey FCU Auto Loans! Available on new and used vehicles for a limited time.
Chaffey FCU designs our Auto Loans with your financial wellness in mind.
Competitive rates from 4.99% APR** to optimize your savings
Affordable Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) & Mechanical Protection plans
Rate discounts for automatic loan payments
Combine the money-saving benefit of a Chaffey FCU Auto Loan with the convenience of No Payments for Up To 90 Days* and enjoy the upcoming holiday season stress-free.
*Offer subject to credit approval and other underwriting criteria. Payment deferral terms vary based on creditworthiness. Not all applicants will qualify for the complete deferment period. First payment due date dependent on auto loan funding date. Available on auto loans applications submitted through December 31, 2025. Offer subject to change without notice.
**Annual Percentage Rate. Advertised rate quoted as of 9/25/25, estimated payment is $29.94/month for every $1,000 borrowed at 4.99% APR for 36 months. Other rates and terms available, maximum rate is 18%. All rates and terms available at chaffey.com/rates-1. Proof of income and auto insurance is required before approval. Loan approval is subject to credit and income evaluation. Program rates, terms, conditions and services are subject to change without notice. Restrictions may apply. Rate shown includes a 0.50% discount for automatic payments. No other discounts apply. Federally insured by the NCUA.
October 2, 2025
Chaffey FCU Branch Locations
Rancho Cucamonga
11563 Foothill Blvd #101
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Upland
1024 W. Foothill Blvd.
Upland, CA 91786
West Covina
2333 S. Azusa Ave.
West Covina, CA 91792