2025 in Review: Going Above and Beyond to Better Serve Member-Owners

In 2025, your favorite credit union worked even harder to recognize your achievements. No matter how big or small, SESLOC member-owners had a lot to celebrate all year long. It’s your money, your livelihood – and at every turn, SESLOC members saved more time, money, resources, or when out in the community. It’s a win-win! Here’s what we did together in 2025.

Your favorite credit union. Now more digital and accessible. 

• We added a Direct Deposit Switch tool, making it easier for you to move your banking to your favorite credit union.
• We launched the Level Up Dashboard¹ in Online Banking, letting you check your level every month, and see how you can move up in one place.
• To help you get the most out of your credit union, SESLOC launched a pre-approval program for both Auto Loans and Rewards Credit Cards, helping you get funded in record time.
• Ready to use your SESLOC Rewards points?² We redesigned SESLOCRewards.org to help you find the perfect gifts for your earned points, from today’s top merchandise to cash back.
• We refreshed Online Banking account dashboards to modernize your experience, making it easier to use than ever before.
• Our Preferred Dealer auto loanm program expanded into Fresno and Southern Santa Barbara counties, adding 22 more dealerships into our network to give you the best experience in finding a new or used vehicle.
• We transitioned our Mortgage Loan Servicing to DMI, improving your digital experience and improving the process of managing your home loan.

Ownership now comes with even more benefits.³

• Members saved big with their Save to Win 12-month Share Certificate accounts⁴, earning them entries into monthly and quarterly cash giveaways. In 2025, members won a combined total of over $19,000, while building healthy savings habits.
• Members earned more with SESLOC! From purchases made with the HomeFREE Checking™ debit card and Visa Signature^® Rewards Credit Card, you earned over 169 million SESLOC Rewards points, of which 1.7 million were bonus points earned while shopping locally with our Local Rewards participating businesses.
• We hosted our popular SESLOC Shred Days⁵ across six locations on the Central Coast and destroyed nearly 18 tons of confidential documents – a new record!

• Helping SESLOC Members Save, we offered exclusive deals and discounts*⁶ just for SESLOC Members:
  • In February 2025, members got to Sip and Save with a free coffee or fountain with the purchase of an entrée at North County Restaurant Group locations.
  • Throughout April and May 2025, members got a free 2-pack of Toffee Chocolate Sea Salt cookies from Brown Butter Cookie Company with a $12 purchase.
  • Select members received an evening of food, drinks and a question-and-answer session with professional bull riders at the Xtreme Bulls VIP Experience in June 2025.
  • Members received a 20% off indoor plants coupon at select Miner’s Hardware locations in September 2025.
  • With the SESLOC Seat Upgrade, those who took a picture in the Big Chair and shared it on social media tagging SESLOC and Cal Poly had a chance to win the ultimate upgrade at Cal Poly home football games.

•  245 members claimed their  complimentary $1,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage from TruStage⁷ – a benefit you get just for being a member.

Even more service enhancements, improving your member experience

• When the Federal Government shut down, we responded by offering low-interest Government Shutdown emergency loans* to affected employees in the spirit of people helping people.
• We updated and expanded our Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) program to include more properties⁸ and higher loan-to-value ratio options⁹, all accessible with an easy-to-use online and mobile-friendly application process.
• We added a fixed-rate investment property loan option, giving you the advantage and security of knowing your rate and monthly payment won’t change.
• We made the holidays a little easier for members by removing the processing fee on our Skip a Pay program¹⁰ and extended it through January 2026.
• For qualified members, we increased the credit limit for select Visa® credit card holders to help them increase their buying power.  

Always committed to our community, wherever you are.

• We celebrated 10 Young Change Makers to highlight the positive contributions young professionals under 40 are making in the community, which was shared on Wild 106.
• We awarded nine volunteers the SESLOC Cares for Community Award, for their valuable contributions to local nonprofits, which was shared on News Channel 12.
• Our Mortgage Loan Officers co-hosted a real estate workshop with Landmark Real Estate Group to help guide future home buyers.
• SESLOC welcomed nearly 250 new local businesses to our ranks, helping them get the banking services they need to thrive on the Central Coast.
• Our team returned to the streets to ask locals money questions to see if they have “Common Cents,” a fun segment that aired weekly on KSBY.
• We provided over 1,100 minutes of money education on both English and Spanish radio stations across the Central Coast, sharing tips on how to live a better financial life.
• We presented monthly financial education webinars to over 400 people live and on demand.
• We also offered financial education seminars to a combined 259 attendees at community groups and workplaces, plus 328 students at nine local schools.
• SESLOC hosted the fourth annual Cal Poly Student Intern program, providing an opportunity  to “Learn by Doing” with real-world experience.
• We awarded over 60 Education Grants to Central Coast school teachers, giving nearly $27,000 in 2025 to expand classroom resources.
• Over 1,200 students from 11 high schools participated in the SESLOC Financial Scholars Program, giving them critical personal finance tools through online education modules.
• Provided information on low-cost financial services and free financial education to over 500 people at seven employer resource fairs, including Atascadero State Hospital and Diablo Power Plant.
• Over 55 educational articles, eBooks, and how-to guides were published to SESLOC.org to help individuals and businesses be “money smart.”

Always celebrating you, our loyal members. 

• Thanks to our member-owners, SESLOC earned major honors across the Central Coast in 2025, including:
  • Voted the “Best Bank or Credit Union” by Santa Maria Times readers for the second year in a row.
  • Voted the “Best Bank or Credit Union” by New Times readers for the 18th consecutive year.
  • Honored as the Large Business of the Year by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber.
• Donated $116,000+ to the community – thank you for your support! Donations went to benefit:
  • Feeding our neighbors in need via the Food Banks of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
  • Helping elementary school students build their personal home libraries via the The Scripps Howard Fund’s “If You Give a Child a Book” fundraiser with KSBY.
  • Helping families have a wonderful holiday via the Family Care Network’s “Give Joy” campaign.
• Members’ generosity helped our neighbors in need through food drives in November benefiting the San Luis Obispo County Foodbank and Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and a toy drive in December as part of SLO County Child Welfare Services’ “Operation Santa.”

Your favorite credit union. Helping SESLOC members save today, and every day. 

Above all, SESLOC is a place for everyone. When we say “All for All,” we mean it. Whether you’ve been a member-owner for years or just getting started on your journey; opening an account for the first time or setting long-term savings and spending goals, we’re glad you’re here and part of our membership. SESLOC is your partner in creating smart money habits to help you get ahead for whatever life brings.

At SESLOC, Members Save today and every day of the year. It’s a win-win!

*These special offers, promotions and loan programs have ended.

1. The Level Up Member Benefits Program (“Program”) is provided by SESLOC Credit Union (“Credit Union”). The Program is available to select consumer memberships, for which the primary consumer member is eighteen (18) years in age or older and is a member in good standing with the Credit Union. The Program is automatically available to an eligible consumer membership. Please visit sesloc.org, Online Banking or any branch for the Level Up Member Benefits Program Disclosure (“Disclosure”) for more information regarding the terms and conditions of the Program. Certain restrictions and other limitations apply. By establishing or maintaining an eligible consumer membership you are accepting the terms and conditions of the Program. If you prefer not to participate in the Program you may opt-out, see the Disclosure for more details. The Program terms, conditions and benefits may be amended at the sole discretion of the Credit Union and are subject to change without notice, except where required by law.

2. SESLOC Rewards program Terms and Conditions can be found at seslocrewards.org The SESLOC Rewards program (“Program”) is a service provided by SESLOC Credit Union (“Sponsor”) and managed by ampliFI Loyalty Solutions, LLC (“Administrator”). Participation in the Program is exclusive to those who have a current HomeFREE Checking™ debit card or a SESLOC Visa Signature® Rewards credit card issued by the Sponsor. There is no pre-registration required. By making eligible transactions with a HomeFREE Checking account debit card and the SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards credit card, the cardholder is accepting the terms and conditions of the Program. See seslocrewards.org for Program terms and conditions. You retain the option to utilize these services as long as you are a HomeFREE Checking or SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards cardholder, subject to terms and conditions. Sponsor and Administrator reserves the right to modify, expand, discontinue, or retire any part of the program at any time.

3. Everyday Member Benefits are available to Credit Union members in accordance with disclosures and agreements between the Credit Union and the Consumer Member, including but not limited to the Member Application, the Member Account Agreement and Disclosure, Truth-in-Savings disclosures, all Fee Schedules, Rate Sheets and other account agreements and disclosures. For benefits including but not limited to Identity Theft Recovery + Mobile Phone Insurance, SESLOC Rewards, SESLOC Shred Days, EasyPay, insurance products through TruStage® Insurance Agency, LLC, and financial counseling through GreenPath, Inc., refer to their individual Terms and Conditions disclosures located on seslocstaging.wpengine.com or visit a SESLOC branch for more details regarding benefit terms, conditions, limits, restrictions and eligibility that apply. Some services require primary consumer member to agree to separate terms and conditions. Insurance offered through TruStage® Insurance Agency, LLC is a not a deposit and is not federally insured. The insurance coverage offered through TruStage® is not sold or guaranteed by the Credit Union.

4. Minimum opening deposit requirement is $25.00. Limit one Save to Win 12-month Share Certificate per consumer member. The account is not available to businesses, including sole proprietors, trusts and organizations. Consumer member must be 18 years or older and a resident of California to participate in the Save to Win Savings Promotion. No purchase necessary. 12-month Share Certificate account will automatically renew upon maturity. Early withdrawal incurs a penalty fee, with a limit of one withdrawal per 12-month term. Must maintain an average daily balance of $25.00 for the account to remain open. Winners agree to permit SESLOC CU to use their likeness in promotional or their materials. Membership in good standing required for all Credit Union benefits. See the Member Account Agreement and Disclosure and Fee Schedule for additional terms, conditions and fees that apply to your account. Refer to SESLOC CU Save to Win Savings Promotion Official Account and Prize Entry Rules for additional terms, conditions, eligibility and restrictions that may apply.

5. Members must be present at the event to redeem complimentary shredding services. There is no reimbursement, cash value, or voucher for services not redeemed. Value as compared to industry standard rates for personal document shredding services. Assumes shredding at maximum of 80 pounds. The health and safety of members, staff and partner employees is our top priority. SESLOC may cancel the Shred Day event due to inclement weather, threats from fire season or per the local, state and CDC guidelines for outdoor events change, or other force majeure. Upon cancellation, we will send a notification to email subscribers, or you may contact us at (805) 543-1816 during Contact Center business hours.

6. ALL EXCLUSIVE DEALS AND DISCOUNTS WERE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS AND HAVE EXPIRED. Local Rewards bonus points are earned on purchases made at participating Local Businesses only. Participating Local Businesses (“merchants”) are subject to change at any time without notice. Participation in Local Rewards does not constitute an endorsement on the part of either the merchant or SESLOC Credit Union. Purchases made at participating merchants processed through third-party services (e.g. DoorDash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats ect.) may not qualify for bonus points under Local Rewards. Local Rewards is part of the SESLOC Rewards program; see seslocrewards.org for complete terms, conditions, restrictions and eligibility that apply. For any questions regarding Local Rewards, contact SESLOC Credit Union.

7. TruStage® AD&D Insurance is offered by TruStage Insurance Agency, LLC and underwritten by CMFG Life Insurance Company. The insurance offered is not a deposit and is not federally insured or guaranteed by your credit union. For members age 18 and older. AD&D insurance costs between $10.00 & $15.00 per month for $100,000 of coverage. See additional terms, conditions, restrictions and eligibility on the TruStage website.  AD&D Base Policy Series E10-ADD-2012 and E10a-014-2012ADD-1366257.1

8. Eligible properties include: owner-occupied primary single-family residences, vacation or secondary homes, and manufactured homes on a permanent foundation. For information regarding terms and conditions that apply to eligible property types, consult a SESLOC loan representative.

9. Loan amount and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) based on underwriting criteria, including maximum loan to value (LTV) or combined loan to value (CLTV) and your credit score.

10. By submitting the Skip A Pay form, You request that SESLOC CU defer Your payment(s) as indicated. You agree and understand that: 1) Loan(s) must be current and have an on-time payment history (i.e. no late payments) for the six (6) months immediately preceding the Skip A Pay request; 2) Eligible loans include consumer: vehicle, recreational vehicle, specialized mobility vehicle and signature loans; 3) All signers on the loan(s) must agree to the terms of the Skip A Pay and sign the request form; 4) Membership must be in good standing; 5) FINANCE CHARGES will continue to accrue at the rate of Your loan agreement during the deferment period AND will increase the finance charges You pay; 6) Deferring your payment will extend the term and maturity date of Your loan; 7) You will be required to resume Your monthly payments the following month; 8) You may skip one (1) payment per qualified loan as part of the Skip A Pay program, per year, with a maximum of five (5) skips during the life of the loan. NOTE: Loans protected by GAP or Members Choice Borrower Security may have their coverage affected (it may not be extended beyond the original maturity date), please refer to your related agreement for specific details. All Skip A Pay requests are subject to SESLOC CU approval. Requests to skip a payment must be received at least ten (10) business days prior to Your November, December or January payment due date. (APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED FOR THE NOVEMBER 2025 OR DECEMBER 2025 LOAN BILLING PERIOD). Monday, January 19, 2026 is the last day to submit a form. The Skip A Pay promotion ends January 30, 2026. SESLOC reserves the right to withdraw this offer without notice. You may apply for Skip A Pay if you have previously deferred payments in 2025 due to financial hardship. Program excludes: Real Estate secured loans, HELOCs, Business Loans, Lines of Credit (LOC), Credit Cards and Instant Funds loans.