Kern Federal Credit Union was established in 1949 by a group of Kern County employees. On February 23, 1949 Kern County Employees Federal Credit Union received its federal charter, with members of the Kern County Employees Association and full-time employees of Kern County as their field of membership. [Credit unions are allowed only to serve those who fall within their regulator-approved field of membership.] The credit union was organized to provide low-cost financial services to the employees of the County.

In 1984 the credit union changed its name to Kern Federal Credit Union to more appropriately reflect its field of membership, which now included all of the employees who worked for the city government of the incorporated cities in Kern County, with the exception of Bakersfield as they had already formed their own credit union. Since 1984 approximately 100 additional employee groups were added to the field of membership. In 2004 the field of membership grew considerably by the addition of "anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Kern County," thereby allowing us to potentially serve a greater number of people.

Today Kern Federal Credit Union has grown to over $230 million in assets and serves over 24,000 members. We currently offer two branches to our members, both located in Bakersfield. The Downtown branch has been located at Truxtun and H Street since 1980.  Our Riverlakes branch is located in the northwest at the corner of Calloway & Hagemen.

The credit union continues our strong commitment to our members in terms of offering low fees and extremely competitive interest rates on loans and deposit products. We recognize that we need to offer additional branches in order to be more convenient to our members, and we are committed to providing those additional locations.

Who is eligible to become a member?

Individuals who live, work, worship, or go to school in Kern County are eligible for membership with Kern Federal Credit Union. You are also eligible for membership if you are an employee (past or present) of one of our sponsors, or related to an eligible employee and you reside in Kern County. Your family members are also eligible to join the Credit Union and receive all the benefits of membership. Eligible family members include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other members living in the household may also be eligible to join.

How do I become a member?

With just a $50 deposit into one of our basic share/savings accounts you become a member for life.

Is my money safe?

Yes! All Credit Union deposits are Federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an independent agency of the Federal Government.