Valley Strong Credit Union Credit Cards

About Valley Strong Credit Union

Valley Strong Credit Union is the new name of the former Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. The credit union traces its roots to 1938 and a group of concerned educators looking for a better way to bank. What is now Valley Strong CU began with a handful of teachers in Bakersfield, California. As the credit union continued to grow, it kept its presence in Kern County, hence the name Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. While initially only for Kern County Schools educators, membership in the credit union eventually expanded to include all those who lived and worked in the county. In 2020, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union began an ambitious plan to extend its reach beyond its home base of Kern County. The stated goal of the credit union was to open membership to those who reside in the nearby San Joaquin Valley. This change also brought the new name, Valley Strong Credit Union. Today, Valley Strong Credit Union boasts more than 150,000 members and over $2 billion in total assets, making it one of the largest credit unions in Central California.

Membership Eligibility

Joining Valley Strong Credit Union (the former Kern Schools Credit Union) is easy. The following individuals are eligible to join the credit union:

• Anyone who lives, works, or worships in the following California counties:
  • Freson
  • Kern
  • Kings
  • Madera
  • Mariposa
  • Merced
  • San Joaquin
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Stanislaus
  • Tulare
• The immediate family of a current Valley Strong Credit Union member
• Members of the Financial Fitness Association

Those ineligible to join Valley Strong through residency can join via the Financial Fitness Association. This option requires an $8 per year fee, which Valley Strong covers for the first year.

Branch Locations

Valley Strong Credit Union currently operates ten branches and an administrative center. These offices and branches are at the following locations: Bakersfield, CA

• 11500 Bolthouse Drive (Administrative Office)
• 1341 Allen Road
• 3300 Buena Vista Road, Suite J
• 4530 Ming Avenue
• 2424 Chester Avenue
• 3901 Mount Vernon Avenue
• 5001 Panama Lane
• 6101 Coffee Road
• 8200 Stockdale Highway, Suite P

Delano, CA

• 1828 Cecil Avenue, Ste. A and B

Tehachapi, CA

• 821 Tucker Road, Ste. A and B

For more information on Valley Strong locations, including directions, hours of operation, and more, please visit the credit union’s locations page.