TS
Tia.Shevel Sterling
Oct 3, 2025
I recently visited the Providence branch regarding a loan I had applied for online, and my experience with one of the staff members, JoAnna Zackarian, (Branch manager )was extremely disappointing.
I was asked to provide my Social Security card, which I did, but I was then told I needed a “different” Social Security card because mine supposedly had a “restriction.” I explained that I am a permanent resident with a valid Green Card, which authorizes me to live and work in the U.S. Instead of accepting that, she insisted I provide a passport and visa—even though permanent residents do not have visas.
When I reminded her that I am already a member with an active car loan since 2022, she dismissed it and even said she didn’t know how I got that loan back then. She also made an unnecessary and insensitive remark that she couldn’t relate to my situation because she was “born here.”
What frustrated me most was her refusal to even verify with underwriting whether my Green Card was sufficient. She simply insisted on documentation that doesn’t apply to permanent residents. The lack of professionalism, cultural awareness, and customer service was very discouraging.
As a long-time member, I expect respect and fair treatment. Unfortunately, this interaction left me questioning how Rhode Island Credit Union values its diverse members. I hope management takes steps to provide better training, so other members don’t face the same kind of treatment I did.