FAIRWINDS was founded in 1949 on the simple idea of people helping people. That idea still guides everything we do today. We exist for one reason: to help others take control of their money and move toward financial freedom. That means fewer payments, less stress, and more confidence about the future. It’s not the message you usually hear from a financial institution, but we’re not afraid to be different. At FAIRWINDS, members are part-owners, not customers. That means we don't answer to stockholders, and we don't chase profits. Every dollar we earn is reinvested to help members save more, eliminate debt, build wealth, and live generously. We know financial freedom doesn't happen by accident. That’s why we combine personal guidance with products designed to support real, intentional financial progress, not unnecessary borrowing. That includes: Checking accounts that support smart everyday spending Savings accounts that help build momentum towards financial goals High-Yield savings bundled with free checking to provide full clarity and convenience Business banking solutions built to grow operations without growing debt Products and solutions for members committed to living financially free Resources designed to meet you where you are — and help you move forwardAnyone in the United States is eligible to become a FAIRWINDS member. Wherever you are, whatever your journey — if you’re committed to being financially free, you’re welcome to join us! Get started today!Federally insured by the NCUA.
FAIRWINDS Credit Union (fairwinds.org) has 243 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Also known as
fairwinds.org
Website
fairwinds.org
Category
Credit & Debt Services
Location
Orlando, Florida
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
About these reviews
Replies
The company replied to 95% of reviews.
Latest
Most recent review: October 2026.
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Reviews are shown as their authors wrote them. The company can reply, but cannot edit them.
Score
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This financial institution is bias specially in certain locations. They do racial profiling and then denied it. If you want a good banking experience open an account with Navy Federal Credit Unio.
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionSep 2, 2026
At FAIRWINDS, serving you, and providing you with an exceptional experience, is at the heart of everything we do. We take your feedback very seriously and assure you that we are here to help. Unfortunately, with the information you have provided thus far, we have not been able to identify your account(s) or relationship, and we need further information to assist you. Please send an email to [email protected] with your preferred contact number and information so that we can follow up to better understand your experience and work to provide a resolution.
MA
Marcus
Poor customer service
Poor customer service , not a good credit union
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionAug 31, 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We recognize this was a discouraging experience, and we want you to know that your feelings matter to us. Our crew had the opportunity to connect with you and walk through your situation directly. While we understand the outcome may not have been what you were hoping for, please know we are always here to support you. If you have any questions at all, we encourage you to reach out to us at (800) 443-6887.
AM
Arevik M.
The worst experience EVER.....
The worst experience EVER.....
All i needed was to transfer the credit card balance to pay for the main amount instead of killing the business with interest rate and they denied even to apply for the credit card......
Zero professionalism
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionJul 16, 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Our team was in touch with you through both phone and email during your recent experience. Your online application was received and given careful consideration and review. We recognize how important this decision was for your business. Our team attempted to contact you via phone to further discuss details of your application and answers any questions that you may have had. We appreciate the opportunity to have assisted you and wish you and your business success.
TM
Tim M.
Deceptive Fees
I thought I had done my research on credit unions and banks and opened a checking account here in anticipation of moving to Orlando. When I did move, I kept my account with Fairwinds even though there was not a branch near my home because I like the CU - thinking that a credit union wouldn't have these "unexplained fees" that big banks charge. I was completely wrong about Fairwinds! Sometime recently, they've updated how they handle "pending" charges - without notification - resulting in unexplained fees that are the result of moving money around like modern life requires. These "fees" are actually punitive and theoretical because no no overdraft occurs, your ledger doesn't go negative, but according to Fairwinds, you "MIGHT" have over-drafted "IF" the pending charges went through. That's a big "IF" for charges that are pending but not scheduled to clear for a day or 2, even 3. The Customer Service even told me it's confusing. Whatever changed, they are trying to hide it - but they've lost my family as a customer for ever. Horrible and deceptive. Ruins the idea of credit unions for me. I'm opening a Truist account - my wife has a Truist checking and has ZERO problems like this.
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionJun 12, 2026
We appreciate you sharing this feedback with us. We're sorry to hear that your experience with account charges was a source of concern, and we understand how important it is to feel confident about how your banking works. Our team worked to assist you, including reviewing our service charges and the ways they can be avoided. We strive to keep this information clearly posted and ensure members receive guidance to help prevent future charges. As part of this effort, our team also provided multiple service charge refunds while taking time to share education and support to help avoid similar charges moving forward. We regret that the outcome did not align with your expectations. We're sorry to hear you've made the decision to move on. Should you ever want to reconnect, we're always here.
KM
Kathleen M W.
Received my $55 from Fairwinds today via FedEx. Everything else the same. Therefore, my prior -0- Star Review remains the same.
Would give Fairwinds 0 stars if I could. Fairwinds advertised a credit card with 0% interest for 12 months and no transaction fee. After joining credit union ($5.00 membership fee) and depositing $50 in a Fairwinds savings acct, I applied for the advertised credit card. I received an email stating someone would contact me within 1 business day. A week later, still having not received any contact, I telephone for an update, only to be grilled about my finances, all of which I had already stated in my application. Then, I was advised that my application was denied for "insufficient income to debt ratio." My husband and I have over 3 million in net worth, $13,000 per month income from pension and social security, not counting retirement investment income, virtually no debts other than a mortgage under $200,000 and approximately $7,000 on another premier credit card (from which I wanted to transfer only $5,000) plus an over 850 credit rating. Customer Service rep, Kathleen Pressler suggested that my husband apply instead of me, as Fairwinds would not consider a joint application. (Really?) I agreed. However, I received no response to my subsequent telephone calls and email, advising her to please call and arrange this with my husband. No response from her or anyone from Fairwinds. Finally, we gave up, as it became apparent that the declination of my credit card application was specious and that Fairwinds simply did not want to honor its advertised favorable credit card terms. Bad customer service did not end there. I went to website to request transfer back to my external bank account of funds I had transferred to Fairwinds savings account. The website would not allow this transfer. Fairwinds Chat was no help. The only alternative was to receive a mailed check from Fairwinds after closing my account and membership. Funny how my transfer of funds to the Fairwinds account was done in seconds by electronic transfer, but the only way to get my funds back is by a mailed check. Even with this option, the only response I received from Fairwinds was "Your request is in process." No confirmation on the site or by email or by any method that my check was in the mail or when I would receive it. We'll see if it even arrives. If it does not arrive within a reasonable time, I will be left with no option but to take further legal steps against Fairwinds to get my Fairwinds Savings Account money back. What a terrible experience. My advice? Stay far away from Fairwinds.
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionJun 9, 2026
At FAIRWINDS, creating an exceptional experience is at the heart of everything we do, and we take all member feedback seriously. We’re sorry for the frustration caused by the credit card application and account closeout. A manager has attempted to contact you via email and via phone to better understand what occurred and assist in resolving this matter. Please feel free to reply to their message or return their call at your earliest convenience. Thank you for sharing your feedback, as it helps us improve communication and better serve our members.
HC
Howard C.
Run away now
Run away now. Not recommended
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionMay 21, 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We understand that you were able to connect with one of our managers regarding your concerns, and our team is currently working to follow up with you to provide solutions based on that conversation.
KE
Kenneth
Credit card account was locked for no…
Credit card account was locked for no reason 3 months after activation. I have sat on the phone with them multiple times with no resolution, been passed from department to department and reached out via email; they have made almost no effort to help me.
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionMay 15, 2026
At FAIRWINDS, serving you, and providing you with an exceptional experience, is at the heart of everything we do, and we take all member feedback seriously. We are happy to hear that a crewmember was able to speak with you and helped you regain use of your credit card. Once again, we appreciate the feedback, and we are always willing to help and look forward to continuing to serve you!
SD
SDhall
The app is not user friendly
The app is not user friendly. I am unable to transfer money from another financial institution and need to call customer support each month to pay my mortgage.
Despite requesting that the app be fixed nothing has been done since Jan
Response from FAIRWINDS Credit UnionMay 15, 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand how important it is to have a simple and reliable way to manage your accounts and payments. A member of our team has attempted to connect with you and is sending follow‑up contact information via email so you can reach us at your convenience. We’d welcome the opportunity to learn more and help identify a solution that better meets your needs while our team works to improve the overall experience.