Stanford Federal Credit Union

About this branch

This is Stanford Federal Credit Union's branch at 525 University Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. Stanford FCU describes it as a full-service branch, including shared branch services. It sits on the main downtown street, about half a mile from the Palo Alto Caltrain station.

Stanford FCU says membership is open to everyone. That was not always so. According to Wikipedia, a group of Stanford University employees created the credit union on December 17, 1959. It opened in 1960 with its first office in Encina Hall on the Stanford campus. At first only university employees could join. Wikipedia says the field of membership widened in 1985 to include students and members and employees of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce.

This listing describes the branch and the services the credit union lists. It is not financial advice. Rates and account terms change, so check them with the credit union directly.

Services at the branch

The branch page lists these services:

• Accounts: staff can help you open checking and savings accounts.
• Loans: you can apply for a personal loan, an auto loan or a mortgage.
• Business services: business owners can ask about accounts and services.
• ATM: there is an ATM at this location.
• Shared branch services: available on weekdays but not on Saturdays.
• Coin deposits: accepted, but there are no coin counting machines, so roll your coins before you come in.
• Notary service: free for members. Bring a photo ID. Stanford FCU recommends making an appointment.

One service you will not find here is a safe deposit box. Stanford FCU says it does not have safe deposit boxes in any of its branches.

Hours and 2026 holiday schedule

The branch is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday opening is handy if you work weekdays, though shared branch services are weekday only.

The credit union posts a holiday schedule. For the rest of 2026 it lists:

• Thanksgiving: closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27.
• Christmas Eve: open until 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 24.
• Christmas Day: closed Friday, December 25.
• New Year's Eve: open until 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 31.

The branch page itself suggests checking that the branch is open before you go.

Joining and contacting the credit union

You can open an account online with a small opening deposit or apply in person at the branch. Call ahead to ask which documents to bring. Stanford FCU lists one phone number for the branch, 888-723-7328.

The credit union also promotes membership rewards on its website, such as waived ATM fees worldwide and discounts on some loans for qualifying members. The details and conditions change often, so read the current terms on its site.

Products the credit union promotes

Beyond the branch services, Stanford FCU's home page promotes a range of products. These include share certificates paired with a companion savings account, a high-yield spending checking account, auto loans, a cash-back credit card with an extra bonus for some members and a referral program for members who invite friends. Offers like these come with conditions and end dates. Some on the home page were tied to dates earlier in 2026, so read the current terms before you act on any of them.

The branch page also lists shared branch services as part of its full service, available on weekdays only. If you belong to another credit union, call before you come to confirm what you can do here.

Tips for visiting

• Book ahead for notary service rather than walking in.
• Roll coins at home before a coin deposit.
• If you need a safe deposit box, you will have to look elsewhere.
• Downtown parking has posted time limits. A short visit can fit in a street space, or use a city garage.

The branch is an easy stop on a walk along University Avenue. Our downtown Palo Alto guide covers the area. Our University Avenue shopping guide lists stores nearby. Our living in Palo Alto page covers everyday services for new residents.

Location and getting there

Stanford Federal Credit Union is at 525 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area of Palo Alto. Our Downtown guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.5 miles away. That is roughly a 13 minute walk.

Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).

Hours

Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.

What is nearby

• Blue Bottle Coffee University Avenue, cafe, under 0.1 mi
• Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, practice, under 0.1 mi
• Tamarine, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
• Joe & The Juice University Avenue, cafe, under 0.1 mi
• Capital Tax, firm, under 0.1 mi
• Johnson Park, 0.2 mi
• Cogswell Plaza, 0.3 mi
• University Avenue, 0.3 mi

Other everyday services nearby: Bank of America Lytton Avenue (under 0.1 mi); U.S. Bank University Avenue (0.1 mi); Hamilton Post Office (0.2 mi); Wells Fargo University Avenue (0.2 mi). Browse the full everyday services list.

Before you go

• Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
• Ask for a written estimate before any repair work starts.
• Bring an ID and any paperwork you may need, such as a receipt or account number.

About this listing

Checked October 29, 2026 against Stanford FCU, Palo Alto University Avenue branch; Stanford FCU home page; Stanford Federal Credit Union, Wikipedia. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Frequently asked questions