CineFi is a digital credit union launched by First Entertainment Credit Union. Our goal is to help you navigate your finances with ease and confidence.

CineFi is built for professionals across the entertainment industry—freelancers, crew members, creatives, and anyone working behind the scenes. No matter if you’re just starting out or well into your career, our tools are here to help you take control of your finances and build lasting habits that support your life on and off the set.

Anyone who works in the entertainment industry can join CineFi. We also welcome family members of entertainment professionals.

Filmmakers Alliance is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California that empowers independent filmmakers through peer-to-peer support, access to creative resources, and meaningful networking opportunities. If you join CineFi through Filmmakers Alliance, you’ll receive a complimentary 1-year membership to Filmmakers Alliance as part of the partnership.

For more than 50 years, First Entertainment Credit Union has been serving the entertainment community with trusted financial solutions.

Absolutely! You will create a digital profile before opening an account, giving you early access to explore CineFi’s financial education and budget tips, plus free credit score monitoring.

Download the CineFi app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Yes – CineFi is built to keep up with your lifestyle. As a fully digital banking experience, everything from opening your account to moving money happens on your phone or desktop — no appointments, no physical locations. Just fast, flexible access whenever you need it.

Absolutely! We built this feature with you in mind—a curated collection of financial wellness videos, articles, and tools crafted specifically for you. From navigating taxes and managing credit to saving during a hiatus, it’s all designed to support your unique career rhythm.

Not necessarily. You’ll need a mobile device that can receive SMS texts so you can complete your account setup and receive one-time passcodes. A smartphone just makes things easier for managing your money, depositing checks, and keeping up with security alerts while you’re on the move. You can also access your account from a desktop or tablet—whatever fits your lifestyle.

As a CineFi member, you have access to 30,000+ surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs. Find the nearest CO-OP ATM near you using the CO-OP ATM locator.

You can open your account right now—simply download the CineFi app or visit our website to get started.

As a federally regulated financial institution, we’re required by law to verify your identity. This is a standard practice for all credit unions and banks, and it helps protect you from fraud.

Yes! Once your account is approved and funded, you can start using it immediately for digital transactions. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5–10 business days.

Your debit card will arrive within 5–10 business days after your account is approved.

You can activate your debit card through the CineFi app or by calling the number on the back of the card.

You can add money via direct deposit, mobile check deposit, or by transferring funds from an external bank account.

Go to the Transfers section in the CineFi app and follow the prompts to link your external bank account using Plaid.

Once your external account is linked, navigate to Transfers in the app, select the account, enter an amount, and confirm the transfer.

Yes, Plaid supports most major U.S. bank accounts and credit unions. Some niche or smaller institutions may not be supported.

You can set up direct deposit by sharing your CineFi routing and account number with your employer or payroll provider. Find these in the app under Account Details.

Go to Transfers in the app and tap “Add External Account.” You’ll be guided through the Plaid integration to connect your external bank securely.

After linking your external account, go to Transfers, choose the linked account as the source or destination, enter the amount, and submit.

Standard transfer limits apply based on account type and history. Check the CineFi app or contact Member Support for your specific limits.

You can link your CineFi account to third-party apps by using your CineFi routing and account number, or by connecting via Plaid where supported.

You can find your CineFi routing number in the app under Account Details or on the bottom of your checks if you have them.

Your account number is available in the CineFi app under Account Details.

As a CineFi member, you have access to 30,000+ surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide. Use the CO-OP ATM locator to find one near you.

Your CineFi Visa® debit card is accepted anywhere Visa is accepted—in-store, online, and internationally.

Yes! You can add your CineFi debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for contactless payments.

Use the CO-OP ATM locator in the CineFi app or at co-opcreditunions.org to find the nearest surcharge-free ATM.

Immediately lock your card in the CineFi app and contact Member Support at 1-888-800-3328 to report it and order a replacement.

You can change your PIN through the CineFi app under Card Management or at any CO-OP ATM.

CineFi offers a primary Savings account and a Checking account with a Visa debit card.

CineFi is designed to be affordable. There are no monthly maintenance fees. Some services may have fees—check the fee schedule in the app for details.

Currently, CineFi offers personal accounts only. Business accounts are not available at this time.

CineFi does not currently offer loans directly. As a member, you may be eligible for loan products through First Entertainment Credit Union.

CineFi does not currently offer paper checks. You can use digital payment methods, transfers, or your debit card for all transactions.

With Early Payday, you can receive your direct deposit up to 2 days early¹ when your employer or payroll provider sends your funds in advance. No action needed—it happens automatically.

Current rates are available in the CineFi app under Account Details, or you can contact Member Support for the most up-to-date information.

Round Up³ automatically rounds up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfers the difference to your Savings account.

Enable Round Up³ in the CineFi app under Settings → Savings Features.

Transaction Folders let you organize your spending by category—like rent, groceries, or entertainment—to help you track and manage your budget more easily.

A Savings Goal lets you set a target amount and timeline for something you’re saving toward, like a vacation or new gear. The app tracks your progress automatically.

Yes, you can update or pause a Savings Goal at any time in the CineFi app.

CineFi supports P2P payments through integration with popular services. Check the app for available options.

Instant deposit availability depends on the sending platform. CineFi accepts incoming transfers—delivery speed is determined by the sending service.

Yes! CineFi provides free credit score monitoring through the app so you can track your financial health at any time.

Yes. CineFi accounts are insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor, the same protection offered by FDIC-insured banks.

CineFi takes your privacy seriously. We use industry-standard encryption and security practices. Review our Privacy Policy in the app for full details.

Contact Member Support immediately at 1-888-800-3328. You can also lock your debit card in the app while you investigate.

Call Member Support at 1-888-800-3328 right away or use the in-app chat. For after-hours card emergencies, call the number on the back of your card.

Go to Card Management in the CineFi app and toggle the lock on or off instantly.

Set a travel notice in the CineFi app under Card Management → Travel Notice, or contact Member Support before your trip.

You can reach Member Support by phone at 1-888-800-3328, via in-app chat, or by email. See the app for current hours.