A Journey of Trust and Opportunity
More than fifteen years ago, Santos Tobar took a step that would change the course of his financial life. Newly arrived in North Carolina, he was looking for a place where he could open his first bank account in the United States. That’s when he heard about Latino Credit Union and decided to visit the Raleigh branch, which at the time was located on Wake Forest Road.
What he found that day was much more than a financial service. It was a genuine welcome in his language and the guidance he needed to obtain his Tax ID (W7). That simple act of support marked the beginning of a relationship that, over the years, would become a true partnership. Santos quickly discovered something he deeply valued at the Credit Union: transparency and trust. “For me, the most important thing in an institution is reputation and clarity, no hidden things, and that they honor what’s agreed upon,” he recalls.
Over time, that trust turned into tangible opportunities. His first car loan opened the door to credit, and his financial discipline led him to buy his first home with his wife in 2017. Three years later, they sold it and purchased a new property, and by 2023, they added yet another to their family’s assets. Today, Santos continues to reach goals that once seemed out of reach.
His advice for other members is clear: “You have to work on your credit. I started with a secured loan using my own money. Little by little, that allowed me to access larger amounts and take advantage of more opportunities.” He also highlights the benefits offered by the Credit Union, such as the ease of obtaining a Tax ID and Money Market accounts that help members earn more interest on their savings.
Santos’s story is an example of how perseverance, combined with the right guidance, can transform lives. For him, the Credit Union is not just a financial institution, it’s an ally that has been there at every important step, from his first savings to his most recent investments. In every loan, every piece of advice, and every goal achieved, Santos has found what he was looking for since that very first day: a place where trust and opportunity go hand in hand.