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About this branch
Technology Credit Union, usually called Tech CU, has a branch at 490 South California Avenue in Palo Alto, near the California Avenue business district. The branch opened in 2011. In its announcement at the time, the credit union called it the Tech CU Palo Alto Financial Center and held its grand opening on Saturday, October 1, 2011.
Tech CU is a member-owned credit union. It says it was founded more than 60 years ago by employees of Fairchild Camera and Instrument's Semiconductor Division, who believed their money could be handled better. Its 2011 announcement gives the founding year as 1960. Fairchild is a big part of the Peninsula's semiconductor story, told in our page on Shockley, Fairchild and the semiconductor boom.
This listing describes the branch and what the credit union publishes about it. It is not financial advice. Rates, fees and account terms change, so check them with Tech CU.
The credit union today
Tech CU says it has more than $4.8 billion in assets under management and over 200,000 members. It describes itself as one of the 100 largest credit unions in the United States. It has nine full-service branches in the Bay Area, plus a branch in Austin, Texas and a newly opened branch in Boise, Idaho. Members can also use a large network of fee-free ATMs. Tech CU says ATMs at all of its own branches are free to use.
Services
Tech CU's website covers several lines of business:
- Personal banking: checking, savings, loans and credit cards.
- Business banking: business accounts and commercial lending.
- Wealth management.
- Tech CU@Work: a program of offers and discounts for employees of member companies.
- Virtual Branch: video appointments with Tech CU bankers.
The Palo Alto branch page says all products, services and information are available at any of its physical branches. When the branch opened, the credit union said it offered consumer, business and wealth management banking there, including mortgages, auto loans, SBA loans and investments. For a mortgage, business account or investment question, call the branch first to ask whether a specialist will be on site or whether a scheduled appointment works better.
A note on older listings
When the branch opened in 2011, Tech CU announced weekday hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. OpenStreetMap, the map data this directory draws on, still showed hours like these when we checked in October 2026. The credit union's current branch page lists shorter weekday hours and no Saturday opening, so rely on Tech CU's own site. The branch page also lists the credit union's routing number, 121181976, which members need for direct deposit and transfers.
Membership
Tech CU describes itself as designed for tech industry employees and their families. It says it partners with more than 500 companies, whose employees receive special offers and discounts. The eligibility rules are on the credit union's membership pages and the Join Now application. Check them there before you apply, since this guide does not summarize eligibility rules that may change.
Hours and visiting
Tech CU lists the Palo Alto branch as open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is not among the branches with Saturday hours, so plan weekday visits. The branch phone is 650-326-6445. Tech CU's general line, 800-553-0880, is listed as answered anytime. New loan inquiries go to 877-988-0471.
- Use the online scheduler for an in-person appointment if you want to meet a specific banker.
- Tech CU offers text alerts while you wait in line at its branches.
- For a simple question, a Virtual Branch video call may save the trip.
The branch is about a third of a mile from the California Avenue Caltrain station. Our California Avenue guide covers shops and restaurants nearby. Our living in Palo Alto page has more on everyday services. Another credit union with a Palo Alto branch is Stanford Federal Credit Union on University Avenue.
Location and getting there
Technology Credit Union is at 490 South California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away. That is roughly a 8 minute walk.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Closed |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- SIGNAL Coffee (Sunday Pop Up), cafe, under 0.1 mi
- Club Pilates, studio or gym, under 0.1 mi
- Best in Class Education Center, school or studio, under 0.1 mi
- Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Lee Aldinger Insurance, firm, under 0.1 mi
- College Terrace Library, 0.2 mi
- Bowden Park, 0.4 mi
- Peers Park, 0.4 mi
Other everyday services nearby: Citibank El Camino Real (under 0.1 mi); Provident Credit Union (under 0.1 mi); Wells Fargo California Avenue (under 0.1 mi); Palo Alto Shell (under 0.1 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 Tech CU Palo Alto branch page; Tech CU branch and ATM locations; Tech CU history; Branch opening announcement, 2011. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Technology Credit Union in Palo Alto?
Technology Credit Union is at 490 South California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away.
What are Tech CU's Palo Alto branch hours?
Tech CU lists the Palo Alto branch as open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is not among the branches with Saturday hours.
Can I make an appointment at Tech CU in Palo Alto?
Yes. The branch page links to an appointment scheduler for in-person visits. Tech CU also offers video appointments through its Virtual Branch.
Who founded Technology Credit Union?
Tech CU says it was started by employees of Fairchild Camera and Instrument's Semiconductor Division. A 2011 announcement from the credit union gives its founding year as 1960.
What are Technology Credit Union's hours?
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: Closed.