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Best Credit Unions: The Top 50 Credit Unions in the U.S.

Last updated 03/18/2024 by

Andrew Latham
If you’re considering a credit union, you are probably attracted to the low fees and competitive interest rates. One of the reasons they can afford to do so because they’re not-for-profit. Credit unions are owned by their own members, not anonymous investors. While banks use profits to pay owners and shareholders, credit unions give their profits back to their membership. This allows them to offer better rates, improved returns, fewer fees, and lower minimum account balance requirements.
The best credit unions offer the best of both worlds: competitive rates and low fees, with great customer service. We’ve rounded up the top credit unions in the U.S., from the biggest, most popular credit unions in the country to smaller local branches. Compare them side-by-side to find the best credit union for your needs.

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What you should know when shopping for a credit union

Before you can pick the right credit union for your needs, you need to know what to look for! Let’s start with the basics.

What is a credit union?

A credit union is a cooperative financial institution owned and controlled by its members. Usually, credit unions serve specific demographics, such as an employees credit union. Other credit unions require their members to live in a certain area or work at a given company.

Why are credit unions better than banks?

Because they are not-for-profit, rates and fees are almost always lower than you would find at a bank. A credit union’s sole priority is to support its members, not to profit off of them. Therefore, there is a higher focus on customer service.
Also, many smaller credit unions specialize in serving a specific area or demographic. If you choose a credit union that is local to your area, they will have a better understanding of your needs. And you’ll likely receive more personalized service than you’d get at a bank.

What are the pros and cons of credit unions?

The biggest advantage to credit unions is their defining feature: they are not looking to profit off their members. Accordingly, a credit union’s first and only priority is, in theory, customer service. This allows them to offer better interest rates, fewer fees, and more generous benefits.
Also, credit unions tend to provide more personalized customer service. And unlike big banks, they’re likelier to be sympathetic to borrowers who are struggling to pay off a loan. Because credit unions don’t have to worry about profit margins, they can afford to give their members a little more slack.
However, there are drawbacks to using a credit union instead of a traditional bank. Typically, credit union members must meet specific eligibility requirements. As such, your choices are limited by your ability to qualify. Also, because most credit unions are smaller and leaner than banks, they might not offer as many flashy rewards, and their range of financial services may be more limited. Of course, you can find checking and savings accounts at almost any credit union. But not every credit union can accommodate a more sophisticated investment profile.
Also, some credit unions fail to provide the same convenience offered by big banks. Some smaller credit unions don’t even offer online banking. If you want to make a deposit at a checking account at one of these branches, you’ll have to show up in person.

What is the best credit union to join?

That depends on you! If you want all the convenience of a bigger bank, a larger credit union might suit you better. The biggest credit unions can provide flexibility and convenience on par with a federal bank. But smaller, more local credit unions offer more personalized service, with a more in-depth understanding of your needs.
When choosing the best credit union for you, be sure to keep an eye on the following factors:
  • Services. Do you want to open a savings account or a CD account? Does the credit union have investment options? If you want guidance, are there financial advisors available?
  • Convenience. Does the credit union offer a mobile app, or will you need to make deposits in person? Are there ATMs nation-wide, or will you do your banking locally? In the current climate, being able to control your finances remotely is more important than ever.
  • Cost. Do you want to pay a little extra for more specialized services? Or would you rather keep costs as low as possible?
  • Eligibility. Many credit unions require a minimum dollar amount to open a new account. Others require you to live in a certain area. Make sure that you qualify for your credit union of choice.
Looking to apply to a credit union and not sure where to start? Most of the organizations listed below will accept any application that makes a small, one-time donation to a charity or association that they sponsor.

Top credit unions with assets of $10 billion or more

If you want a credit union with a wide range of financial services, a large credit union may be right for you. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the largest credit unions in the U.S., listed from largest to smallest. Compare their assets, benefits, and fees side-by-side to decide which of the biggest credit unions is best for you.

1. Navy Federal Credit Union Vienna, VA

Interest yield on average assets: 5.68%
Navy Federal Credit Union is the largest U.S. credit union, with over $111 billion in assets and over 8.9 million members. There is no minimum dollar amount required to open an account. There are no monthly service fees, but there is a $29 penalty for non-sufficient funds.

2. State Employees Credit Union Raleigh, NC

Interest yield on average assets: 3.37%
To open a savings account at State Employees Credit Union, you must deposit a minimum of $1 to open an account, and there is no monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $29.

3.PenFed Federal Credit Union Alexandria, VA

Interest yield on average assets: 3.88%
PenFed Federal Credit Union requires a $25 minimum deposit and a $10 monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $30.

4. BECU Tukwila, WA

Interest yield on average assets: 3.33%
The Boeing Employees Credit Union has $22 billion in assets and 1.23 million members. In 2018, its interest yield on average assets was 3.33% — the third highest in the United States. It has an account yield of 0.05%, a $25 minimum amount to open an account, and no monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $25.

5. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Santa Ana, CA

Interest yield on average assets: 3.21%
The SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has $15.2 billion in assets and 863,000 members. Its interest yield on average assets was 3.21% in 2018. It has a $25 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $20.

6. First Technology Federal Credit Union Mountain View, CA.

Interest yield on average assets: 3.53%
The First Technology Federal Credit Union has $13 billion in assets and over 610,000 members. Its interest yield on average assets was 3.53% in 2018. It has no minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $28.

7. The Golden 1 Credit Union Sacramento, CA

Interest yield on average assets: 3.1.6%
The Golden 1 Credit Union has $13 billion in assets and over one million members. Its interest yield on average assets was 3.16% in 2018. It has no minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $27.50.

8. Alliant Credit Union Chicago, IL

Interest yield on average assets: 3.48%
The Alliant Credit Union has $12.2 billion in assets and 493,000 members. Its interest yield on average assets was 3.48% in 2018. It has no minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $25.

9. America First Credit Union Ogden, UT

Interest yield on average assets: 3.74%
The American First Credit Union has $11.7 billion in assets and 1,089,000 members. Its interest yield on average assets was 3.74%, which is the highest ROAA for a credit union. It has a $1 minimum amount to open an account and doesn’t charge a monthly service fee.

10. Suncoast Credit Union Tampa, FL

Interest yield on average assets: 3.18%
Suncoast Credit Union has $10.5 billion in assets and over 874,000 members. Its interest yield on average assets was 3.18% in 2018. It has a $25 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee. The penalty for non-sufficient funds is $29.

Top credit unions with assets under 10 billion

Looking to open a savings account with a credit union? With smaller, more local credit unions, you’ll find more personalized service than you’d get with a massive bank.
Below, you can find 40 of the most popular credit unions in the country, grouped by region for your convenience. Look for credit unions based in your state, and compare their offerings side by side to find the right one for you.

The best credit unions in Texas

The Security Service Federal Credit Union, San Antonio, TX
  • $9.8 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.75%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $27.50.
Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, Live Oak, TX
  • $9.6 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.39%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and a $0 monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $24.
Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Fort Worth, TX
  • $9.4 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.32%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
American Airlines Federal Credit Union, Fort Worth, TX
  • $7.6 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.03%.
  • $25 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
Credit Human, San Antonio, TX
  • $3.2 billion in assets. Interest yield on average assets: 4.63%.
  • $25 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.

The best credit unions in California

Star One Credit Union, Sunnyvale, CA.
  • $9 billion in assets and over 110,000 members.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 2.49% in 2018.
  • $100 minimum amount to open an account, and a $3 monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $13.
San Diego County Credit Union, San Diego, CA
  • $8.4 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 2.97%.
  • It has a $25 minimum amount to open an account and a $2 monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $27.
Patelco Credit Union, Pleasanton, CA
  • $7.2 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.23%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $28.
Logix Federal Credit Union, Burbank, CA
  • $6.2 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.83%.
  • $25 minimum amount to open an account and a $2.95 monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Manhattan Beach, CA
  • $4.7 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.45%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee with qualifying accounts.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $29.
Wescom Credit Union, Pasadena, CA
  • $3.6 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.45%.
  • $1 minimum amount to open an account and $8 monthly service fee.

The best credit unions in New York

Teachers Federal Credit Union, Hauppauge, NY
  • $7.5 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 2.73%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
ESL Federal Credit Union, Rochester, NY
  • $6.8 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.87%.
  • $1 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $37.
United Nations FCU, Long Island City, NY
  • $5.9 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.15%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Poughkeepsie, NY
  • $5 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.78%.
  • No monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $34, or $5 if transferred from savings.
Visions Federal Credit Union, Endwell, NY
  • $4.2 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.16%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
SEFCU, Albany, NY
  • $4 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.31%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $28.

The best credit unions in the Northeast

Digital Federal Credit Union Marlborough, MA
  • $9.3 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.62%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
PSECU, Harrisburg, PA
  • $6.2 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.99%.
  • 0.1% account yield.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union, Philadelphia, PA
  • $5.6 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 2.96%.
  • 0.15% account yield, no minimum amount to open a checking or savings account, and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $19.
SECU Credit Union, Linthicum, MD
  • $3.7 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.98%.
  • $25 minimum amount and a $5 monthly service fee to access services.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Tower Federal Credit Union, Laurel, MD
  • $3.2 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.36%.
  • $10 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.

The best credit unions in the South

VyStar Credit Union, Jacksonville, FL
  • $9.1 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 1.03%. It
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $32.
Delta Community Credit Union Atlanta, GA
  • $6 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.44%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
Redstone Federal Credit Union, Huntsville, AL
  • $5.4 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.28%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
Bank Fund Staff Federal Credit Union, Washington, DC
  • $5 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 2.71%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Eastman Credit Union, Kingsport, TN
  • $5.0 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.90%.
  • $1 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Space Coast Credit Union, Melbourne, FL
  • $4.9 billion in assets and over 451,000 members.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.27%.
  • $25 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Tinker Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma City, OK
  • $4.2 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.48%.
  • $25 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.

The best credit unions in the Midwest

Lake Michigan Credit Union, Grand Rapids, MI
  • $6.8 billion in assets and over 376,000 members.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.33%, the highest ROAA for a major credit union.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Citizens Equity First Credit Union, Peoria, IL
  • $6.2 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.42%.
  • $25 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
Wings Financial Credit Union, Apple Valley, MN
  • $5.6+ billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.19%.
  • $1 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
Wright-Patt Credit Union, Fairborn, OH
  • $5 billion in assets and over 399,000 members.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.72%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
DFCU Financial, Dearborn, MI
  • $4.9 billion in assets and over 230,000 members.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 2.39%.
  • $20 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $32.
State Farm Federal Credit Union, Bloomington, IL
  • $4.0 billion in assets and over 124,000 members.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 1.97%.
  • $5 minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $15.

The best credit unions in the Northwest

OnPoint Community Credit Union, Portland, OR
  • $6.1 billion in assets.
  • Its interest yield on average assets in 2018 was 2.98%.
  • There’s no minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.

The best credit unions in the Southwest

Mountain America Credit Union Sandy, UT
  • $9 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets in 2018: 4.19%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and a $2 monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $25.
Ent Federal Credit Union, Colorado Springs, CO
  • $5.97 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.61%.
  • No minimum amount to open an account and no monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $30.
Desert Financial Federal Credit Union, Phoenix, AZ
  • $4.9 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.14%.
  • $25 minimum amount to open an account and a $7 monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $35.

Other top credit unions

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, AK
  • $8.3 billion in assets.
  • Interest yield on average assets: 3.41%.
  • $5 minimum amount to open an account and a $5 monthly service fee.
  • Non-sufficient funds penalty: $20.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between banks and credit unions?

Banks are for-profit, while credit unions are not-for-profit. Shareholders own banks, but credit unions are owned by members (all individuals who have established an account with the credit union). Because credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, they usually offer lower loan rates, higher savings yields, and more personal service. However, a bank account may offer access to more perks and rewards programs.

Do credit unions offer the same services as banks?

In many cases, yes! Most large credit unions offer the same services as big banks. However, the range of services varies from one credit union to the next. The smaller the institution, the less likely they are to offer more niche financial services.

Is it difficult to become a member?

It varies. Different institutions have different eligibility requirements for their members. First, you must meet certain professional or geographic criteria. For example, some credit unions, such as Navy Federal Credit Union, cater to military members. If you are eligible, you can typically open a checking and savings account with a credit union by paying a small fee or simply by sending an application.

What is the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and why is it important?

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) protects credit union members by insuring the funds in checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and certain retirement accounts.

How do you know if your credit union is federally insured?

All federally insured credit unions display the official NCUA prominently online and at each teller station and where insured account deposits are normally received. All federal credit unions must be insured by NCUA, and no credit union can end its federal insurance without notifying its members.

Is it better to have a checking and savings account at a bank or credit union?

Credit unions tend to have lower fees (e.g., ATM fees), a higher APY on checking and savings accounts, and lower APRs on loans. On the other hand, banks typically have better mobile apps and more advanced online technology. Banks often have access to more branches and are part of nationwide ATM networks.

What APY do credit unions pay on checking and savings accounts?

The APY on checking and savings accounts varies dramatically depending on the credit union and type of account. Most credit unions pay some amount of interest on deposit accounts, but it can be as low as 0.1% all the way up to 5% APY. Check these pages for the best checking and savings accounts.

What products and services do they offer?

Today, credit unions offer a wide selection of financial products and services. Here is a list of the most common credit union products and tools:
  • Low fee/free checking accounts
  • Share (savings) accounts
  • Certificate accounts
  • Debit card
  • Credit cards
  • ATM cards – perfect for teens who do not yet qualify for a debit card
  • Student accounts – For teens and young adults saving for the future
  • Investment accounts
  • Retirement saving accounts
  • Mortgage loans
  • Auto loans
  • Unsecured signature loans
  • Student loans – Federally backed loans to defray the costs of education
  • Secured loans/secured credit cards – For those with less than perfect credit
  • Home/auto refinancing loans
  • Home equity line of credit
  • Consolidation Loans
  • Safety Deposit Boxes
  • Free rewards programs
  • Free Mobile Device Apps and online banking
  • Rewards checking account
  • Certified checks and money orders
  • Notary Services
  • Free Online Banking
  • Free Online Bill Pay
  • Low-cost life insurance
  • Deals for family members
  • Ability to deposit checks
However, not all credit unions offer all these products and services. Most will have high rate checking and savings accounts, credit card accounts, a mobile app, and $0 membership fee options, but not all will offer rewards checking or investment options. The list of services available will depend upon several factors, such as:
  • The size of the credit union and the community it serves.
  • Services that are demanded by its members.
  • The goals of its members and the credit union board.

What are the membership requirements to join a credit union?

Typically, credit union members must be part of certain groups to be eligible to join a credit union. Some credit unions are based around labor unions and trades. In other cases, you need to live, work, or attend school in a certain area to become a member. Usually, you can also qualify if you have a family member that is already a credit union member.
Another qualification to consider is the minimum balance. Although credit unions typically have low initial deposit options for their checking and savings accounts, some may require an initial contribution to join.
Note that even if you are currently not eligible to join a credit union, you can often qualify if you join a related organization, such as a charity, for a small fee. For instance, you can become a PenFed Credit Union member by joining Voices for America’s Troops or the National Military Family Association.

What is the best credit union near me?

A good credit union is a powerful financial tool, particularly in communities that are far from large financial hubs. Most credit unions started because a community needed basic financial services. For example, the Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) was founded because civil servants didn’t have access to a bank in the area. Today, it provides competitive rates on mortgages, student loans, and personal loans.
Although credit unions can’t always compete with banks on cutting-edge tech or member rewards, they’re unrivaled in transparency. Plus, they offer competitive interest rates, and they always put their members first.
Want to compare more options to find the best credit union in your area? Compare side-by-side reviews and offerings from best credit unions and banks with SuperMoney.

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

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Andrew Latham

Andrew is the Content Director for SuperMoney, a Certified Financial Planner®, and a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. He loves to geek out on financial data and translate it into actionable insights everyone can understand. His work is often cited by major publications and institutions, such as Forbes, U.S. News, Fox Business, SFGate, Realtor, Deloitte, and Business Insider.

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