Credit union · NCUA insured
Bay Federal Credit Union
A $1.9B credit union, the 273rd largest of 4,329, headquartered in Capitola, CA, with 97,218 members and 8 branches in California. Best rates: CDs 3.92% and savings 0.75% APY.
Bay Federal Credit Union Carrot Score
79
Carrot Score
Higher than 48% of U.S. banks and credit unions
#2 of 7 in Santa Cruz, CA metroHow the score works →
Deposits are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor.
About Bay Federal Credit Union
Bay Federal Credit Union was founded in 1957 by local teachers as a teachers' credit union.
The member-owned financial cooperative serves individuals and businesses across California's Central Coast, including Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.
- Headquarters
- 3333 Clares St, Capitola, CA 95010-2546
- NCUA charter
- 12067
Membership
Who can join
This may be incomplete or out of date, so check with the credit union before you apply.
Where you live or work
- Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Santa Cruz, San Benito, or Monterey County are eligible for membership.
Employers and groups
- Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, clubs, non-profits, or other types of businesses physically located or headquartered in Santa Cruz, San Benito, or Monterey County are eligible for membership.
Family and household
- Individuals who have an immediate family member with an account at Bay Federal, or who live in the same residence and maintain a single economic unit with a member, are eligible.
Branches
8 branches in California
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California
8 branches
Santa Cruz area · 6
- Corporate OfficeMain office3333 Clares St, Capitola, CA 95010Directions
- Aptos Branch48 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003Directions
- Freedom Branch2028 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, CA 95019Directions
- River Street420 River St Ste C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Directions
- Scotts Valley255 Mount Hermon Rd Ste C, Scotts Valley, CA 95066Directions
- Watsonville Branch1481 Main St, Watsonville, CA 95076Directions
Salinas area · 2
- Marina Branch140 10th St Ste 20, Marina, CA 93933Directions
- Salinas Main1524 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906Directions
Walk-in offices from the NCUA directory as of March 31, 2026. Directions open Google Maps. A nearby branch doesn’t mean you can join or open an account.
Financial details
| Measure | This credit union | Peers’ middle | Strongest quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| CapitalNet worth ratio | 9.85% | 10.86% | 12.59% or more |
| Troubled loans60+ days late | 0.31% | 0.70% | 0.46% or less |
| ProfitabilityReturn on assets | 0.88% | 0.82% | 1.16% or more |
| LendingLoans per $100 deposited | $71 | $88 | — |
- CapitalNet worth ratio9.85%Peers’ middle 10.86% · Top 25% 12.59%+
- Troubled loans60+ days late0.31%Peers’ middle 0.70% · Top 25% ≤0.46%
- ProfitabilityReturn on assets0.88%Peers’ middle 0.82% · Top 25% 1.16%+
- LendingLoans per $100 deposited$71Peers’ middle $88
Compared with the 479 credit unions with $1 billion or more in assets. The strongest quarter is what the best 25% of them reach: more capital and profit, fewer troubled loans. Lending has no better end.Troubled loans are loans 60 or more days late.
Regulators’ own ratings of Bay Federal Credit Union are confidential. These figures are what it reports to the NCUA each quarter, set beside its peers; they aren’t a rating.