Presenting Sponsor

Burbank Int’l Film Festival

Presenting Sponsor of the Tim Burton “Native Burbank” Visionary Award

First Entertainment Credit Union is supporting this year’s festival with a $1,000 prize which will be deposited into a First500 savings account for the winning filmmaker.

Festival participants may also receive a $50 account credit¹ if they are among the first eighty (80) eligible individuals to open a new membership by December 31. Full submission details and festival guidelines on the official FilmFreeway page.

Get $350 When You Join!²

Open a Value Checking account and enjoy a special welcome bonus designed for our new members. It’s simple, fast, and rewarding!

Open a Value Checking account
Set up direct deposit of at least $1,000 per month within 90 days
After 90 days, we’ll automatically deposit $350 into your account²

Find out more about our $350 Bonus Offer

Join now

Supporting creators for more than 50 years.

Founded in 1967 on the Warner Bros. studio lot, we’ve grown to become the premier member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution designed to serve creators of entertainment just like you.

Trusted in the industry

First Entertainment has been serving L.A. County since 1967 and is trusted by nearly 90,000 members, most of them entertainment industry professionals, but don’t just take our word for it.

Named Best of Southland Finalist for Best Credit Union

In 2022, First Entertainment was named a Los Angeles Best of Southland Finalist for Best Credit Union.

2022 Was a Fantastic Year for First Entertainment

First Entertainment has recently been recognized by Californians as one of the best financial institutions in Los Angeles County based on multiple factors. Join today and experience exceptional products and services.

See what your peers have to say about banking with First Entertainment.

First Entertainment understands our craft and position as independent contractors. I feel valued, and like I can really accomplish something big!

— Mellanie U., Property Master Read full member story

See what your peers have to say about banking with First Entertainment.

First Entertainment Credit Union understands what we need as creators. The staff is always knowledgeable, efficient, and thorough.

— Reuel B., Actor Read full member story

See what your peers have to say about banking with First Entertainment.

First Entertainment Credit Union reminds me of the friendly small town bank I was accustomed to growing up.

— Lisa R., Stills/Unit/Photographer Read full member story

See what your peers have to say about banking with First Entertainment.

First Entertainment offered a lower interest rate for financing my daughter’s car, plus free checking — can’t beat it!

— Ronald C., Grip (Local 80) Read full member story

See what your peers have to say about banking with First Entertainment.

First Entertainment understands the entertainment industry and is able to make funds available sooner.

— Lisa S., TV Writer Read full member story

First Entertainment vs. Conventional Banks

As a credit union, we recognize your unique goals and understand that people in the entertainment industry expect more than just a simple bank.

Type of organization

Type of organization
Who can join

Who can join
Invested in

Invested in
Deposit federally insured

Deposit federally insured
Governance

Governance
Interaction with like financial institutions

Interaction with like financial institutions

First Entertainment Credit Union

Type of organization

Not-for-Profit: Fewer Fees, Better Rates

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we return our profits to our members in the form of better rates, lower fees and greater service.
Who can join

Members

First Entertainment’s membership is open to anyone we serve, including the family of eligible members.
Invested in

Community Members

We serve the needs of our membership and community by investing our non-interest income and interest from loans in local organizations working to make a difference.
Deposit federally insured

NCUA Insured ($250k)

Your deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and are backed by the faith and credit of the United States Government.
Governance

Member-Owned

Each member can exercise their voting rights to fill seats on the Board of Directors. The directors advocate for membership.
Interaction with like financial institutions

Cooperative

Credit unions are financial cooperatives. That means we work together toward one common goal–helping our members prosper.

Banks

Type of organization

For-Profit: More Fees, Higher Rates

Traditional banking institutions primarily focus on generating profits for their shareholders with no added benefits to their customers.
Who can join

Customers

You cannot join a bank, but anyone can be a customer.
Invested in

Generating Revenue

Banks use the income they generate from fees, interest, business accounts and investments to increase their shareholders’ earnings.
Deposit federally insured

FDIC Insured ($250k)

At a bank, your deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and are backed by the full faith of the United States Government.
Governance

Stakeholder-Owned

Banks are governed by their shareholders. Voting rights depend on the number of shares you own, leaving regular customers out of decisions.
Interaction with like financial institutions

Competitive

Banks are competitive. They compete with one another for your business and see you only as a number.

See how you’re eligible to join.

There’s a few different ways to join First Entertainment Credit Union

You can apply for membership at First Entertainment Credit Union if you live in Los Angeles County, California.

See the clients we serve for a comprehensive list of companies and entertainment industry organizations currently offering the benefits of First Entertainment members.

If someone in your immediate family or household is eligible through one of the above options or is already a First Entertainment Credit Union member, you’re also eligible to join.

What you will need to apply

Just confirm a few details and you’re in.

Confirm your eligibility

See how you’re eligible to join First Entertainment Credit Union.

Identify yourself

Provide a government-issued ID, driver’s license/state ID, or passport.

Verify your address

A physical and mailing address are required to apply.

Validate your personal info

Provide your SSN and date of birth to further confirm your identity.

Open an account

We’ve got you covered with personalized checking.

No minimum balance requirement
No monthly service fee (with eStatements)
No foreign transaction fees
24/7 mobile banking
Send and receive money⁴ in minutes with Zelle^{^®}
Mobile check deposits
Access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs
Advanced pay to get your payroll deposits up to 3 days earlier.⁵
With $1,000 or more in direct deposits per month, you’ll get these additional benefits.³
- Up to $15 in ATM surcharge-fee rebates per month when using non-First Entertainment ATMs.⁶
- No out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees.
- Get a 0.25% discount on an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) loan when you use autopay.⁷

Disclosures

1: Membership eligibility rules apply. Membership with First Entertainment Credit Union (“First Entertainment”) is subject to approval. All applicants must meet First Entertainment’s membership qualifications and complete all required account‑opening steps to be considered a “New Member” under this promotion. A New Member is defined as an individual who has no previous relationship with First Entertainment Credit Union. This promotional offer is valid only for new memberships opened between April 6 and December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”). For each eligible New Member, First Entertainment will provide a $50 credit into the New Member’s First500^® Savings Account within thirty (30) days after the last business day of the month after the New Member completes all qualification requirements. This promotional offer is limited to the first eighty (80) eligible New Members who open membership during the Promotional Period. Once the eighty (80) limit is reached, no further contributions will be issued. Taxes on bonus(es) are the sole responsibility of the member and may be reported to the IRS. First Entertainment employees, volunteers, and their immediate family members are not eligible for this offer. Credit Union membership is established by opening a First500^® Savings Account. The minimum deposit required to open a First500^® Savings Account is $1.00 (the purchase of one share at par value), which must be maintained for the membership to remain active and in good standing. One First500^® Savings Account is allowed per Social Security Number. For complete details, please refer to the Member Account Agreement and Disclosure (MAAD). Fees may apply; see our current Schedule of Fees for details. First Entertainment reserves the right to change, suspend, or terminate this promotional offer at any time without prior notice, unless otherwise required by law.
2: Eligibility requirements apply. Offer subject to separate terms and conditions. See full details at www.firstent.org/offers-and-promotions/sign-up-bonus-offer. Offer subject to change.
3: You must maintain at least $1,000 in qualifying monthly direct deposits into your Value Checking account to be eligible for the listed benefits. The qualifying direct deposits must come from a payroll source added to an active First Entertainment Credit Union Value Checking account. A grace period of up to 90 days will be provided to accommodate gaps in employment. Should the grace period lapse and you no longer meet the requirement, you will not be eligible for the listed benefits until the requirements are met again. Advantage, Youth, and Business Checking accounts do not qualify.
4: To be eligible for Zelle^®, you must be a member for at least 90 days. To send or receive money with Zelle^®, both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account. Zelle^® and the Zelle^®‑related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
5: Early access to your direct deposit of funds is not guaranteed and is dependent on the timing of receipt by the payer. We generally make direct deposits available up to three (3) days earlier than the scheduled payment date. Early availability may vary from deposit to deposit.
6: ATM fee rebates will be deposited into your Value Checking account at the end of each month based upon the amount of non‑First Entertainment ATM surcharge‑fees charged to the account. The maximum total ATM fee rebate is $15 per account, regardless of the number of joint owners or debit cards issued.
7: Adjustable‑Rate Mortgage (ARM) loans must be set up for automatic payments from a First Entertainment Credit Union Value Checking account and meet the direct deposit requirements stated above within 90 days of funding the loan to qualify for the discount. Should you no longer meet this requirement, you will not be eligible for the listed benefit during the life of the loan. Offer is valid on ARM loans funded after April 1, 2024. Existing First Entertainment loans funded prior to April 1, 2024, do not qualify.