Top Credit Unions in the U.S. By State

How We Select the Top Credit Unions

We evaluate credit unions across five factors that matter most to everyday consumers, particularly those working to build or improve their credit:

• Membership accessibility — We prioritize credit unions open to all state residents or with easy community-based eligibility, not just employees of a single employer.
• NCUA insurance — All listed credit unions are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, the credit union equivalent of FDIC insurance.
• Credit-building products — We look for institutions that offer credit builder loans, secured credit cards, or savings-secured personal loans.
• Fee structure — We favor credit unions with low or no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees.
• Community reputation — We consider member ratings, award recognition, and longevity of service to the community.

This is a curated resource, not a comprehensive ranking. We encourage you to research each institution before opening an account.

Why Credit Unions Are Worth Considering When Building Credit

Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial institutions. That structure typically means lower fees, better rates, and more flexibility for members who are just starting their credit journey.

A few reasons credit unions stand out for credit builders:

• Credit builder loans — You make fixed monthly payments, and the funds are released to you at the end of the loan term. You build payment history while building savings simultaneously.
• Secured credit cards — A deposit backs the card, making approval easier for members with no or limited credit history. On-time payments report to the credit bureaus and build your file over time.
• Lower rates and fees — Because credit unions return profits to members rather than shareholders, they tend to charge less. That matters when you're getting started.
• Financial counseling — Many credit unions offer free one-on-one financial coaching — an underrated resource if you're navigating credit for the first time.

Credit unions work well alongside other credit-building tools. Kikoff's Credit Account reports to all three major bureaus and builds revolving credit history — a different credit category than the installment history a credit builder loan creates. Using both can help diversify your credit mix.

Top Credit Unions by State

Federal (Nationwide)

Navy Federal Credit Union — The largest U.S. credit union by assets. Offers credit builder loans and secured cards designed for members with limited credit history. Open to active and retired military, DoD civilians, and their family members.

PenFed Credit Union — One of the largest federal credit unions in the country, open to anyone in the U.S. Competitive rates on secured cards and personal loans, strong digital tools.

Alabama

Redstone Federal Credit Union — One of the largest credit unions in the Southeast with a strong product suite including secured credit cards and share-secured loans. Open to employees and family members of qualifying employers in northern Alabama.

Five Star Credit Union — Community-focused institution with low-fee accounts and accessible membership. Open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in their service area.

Alaska

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union — Largest credit union in Alaska with comprehensive credit-building products and strong digital banking tools. Open to Alaska residents, military stationed in Alaska, and select employer groups.

Global Federal Credit Union — Known for competitive loan rates and accessible membership across Alaska. Open to Alaska residents and select SEGs.

Arizona

Desert Financial Credit Union — Largest Arizona-based credit union with a robust credit builder loan program and financial wellness resources. Open to anyone who lives or works in Arizona.

Arizona Financial Credit Union — Long-standing community institution with strong member education programs and accessible entry-level credit products. Open to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Maricopa County.

Arkansas

Arkansas Federal Credit Union — Largest credit union in Arkansas, NCUA-insured with a broad range of starter credit products and statewide branch access. Open to anyone who lives or works in Arkansas.

California

Golden 1 Credit Union — One of the largest credit unions in the U.S., serving over 1 million members with strong credit-building tools and financial literacy programs. Open to anyone who lives or works in California.

Patelco Credit Union — Known for low rates and an award-winning credit builder loan designed for members with no or limited credit. Serves Northern California residents and select SEGs.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union — Stands out for its member-first culture and competitive savings-secured loan products. Open to California school employees and their family members.

Redwood Credit Union — Consistently rated among the top credit unions nationally for member satisfaction and transparency. Open to anyone living or working in Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and surrounding counties.

Mission Federal Credit Union — San Diego-based institution with strong credit-building products and deep community roots. Open to anyone who lives or works in San Diego County.

Meriwest Credit Union — Serves the greater Bay Area with accessible membership and competitive loan rates for members building credit.

Logix Federal Credit Union — Southern California institution known for low fees and competitive credit-building products. Open to residents of select Southern California counties.

First Technology Federal Credit Union — Tech-forward credit union with excellent digital tools and a strong credit builder loan program. Open to employees of major tech companies and their families; also open via Techies.org membership.

1st United Credit Union — East Bay community credit union with accessible membership and solid starter credit products.

Colorado

Ent Credit Union — Largest Colorado-based credit union with statewide branches and a full suite of starter credit products. Open to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Colorado.

On Tap Credit Union — Golden-based credit union known for low fees and accessible membership across the Front Range.

Elevations Credit Union — Known for strong member service and competitive rates on savings-secured personal loans. Open to anyone who lives or works in Boulder, Larimer, or Weld counties.

Canvas Credit Union — Statewide Colorado credit union with open membership and strong credit-building tools.

Connecticut

American Eagle Financial Credit Union — Serves the greater Hartford area with accessible membership and solid entry-level credit products.

Mutual Security Credit Union — Community institution serving Fairfield County with competitive rates and low-fee accounts.

Delaware

Del-One Federal Credit Union — The largest credit union headquartered in Delaware. Open to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Delaware.

Florida

Suncoast Credit Union — Largest Florida-based credit union, highly rated for member satisfaction. Open to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in its 39-county service area.

MidFlorida Credit Union — Strong community presence across Central Florida with accessible entry-level accounts and credit products.

Space Coast Credit Union — Serves a broad Florida market with low-fee accounts and strong member education. Open to all Florida residents.

Power Financial Credit Union — South Florida institution with accessible membership and competitive credit-building tools.

Georgia

Delta Community Credit Union — Largest Georgia-based credit union with strong digital tools and competitive credit-building products. Open to Delta employees and Atlanta metro area residents.

Coosa Valley Credit Union — Serves northwest Georgia communities with accessible membership and low-cost financial products.

Robins Financial Credit Union — Middle Georgia institution with strong community roots and low-barrier access to credit products. Open to Middle Georgia residents and Robins Air Force Base personnel.

Hawaii

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union — Largest credit union in Hawaii. Serves state and county government employees and their families statewide.

HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union — Open membership to Hawaii residents with a strong range of credit-building tools and financial education resources.

Idaho

Idaho Central Credit Union — Largest credit union in Idaho. Open to anyone in Idaho with a full suite of credit-building products and low-fee accounts.

Pioneer Federal Credit Union — Community institution serving southwestern Idaho with accessible membership and competitive loan rates.

Potlatch No. 1 Financial Credit Union — Serves northern Idaho and eastern Washington with low-cost accounts and starter credit products.

TruGrocer Federal Credit Union — Boise-based credit union serving grocery industry employees and their families with solid credit-building products.

Illinois

Alliant Credit Union — One of the best-known online credit unions in the country. Fully digital with an excellent credit builder loan and no geographic restrictions. Open to anyone who makes a small donation to Foster Care to Success.

Vibrant Credit Union — Serves the Quad Cities area with accessible membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

Credit Union 1 — Open to Illinois residents statewide with a solid range of credit products and no-fee checking.

Citizens Equity First Credit Union — Serves the Peoria area and beyond with strong credit-building products and member education programs.

Baxter Credit Union — Serves healthcare and pharmaceutical employees with competitive loan rates and strong credit-building products.

Indiana

Indiana Members Credit Union — Serves Indiana residents statewide with accessible membership and a solid range of credit products including secured cards and credit builder loans.

Iowa

GreenState Credit Union — Largest credit union in Iowa. Open to Iowa residents with a strong credit builder loan program and low-fee accounts.

Kansas

Meritrust Credit Union — Serves Wichita and surrounding areas with accessible membership and strong financial education resources.

CommunityAmerica Credit Union — Serves the Kansas City metro area on both sides of the state line with low-fee accounts and credit-building products.

Kentucky

L&N Federal Credit Union — Serves Louisville and surrounding areas with accessible membership and competitive credit-building products.

Louisiana

Pelican State Credit Union — Open to all Louisiana residents. Known for credit builder loans and financial literacy programming.

Neighbors Federal Credit Union — Baton Rouge-based institution with broad statewide reach and strong entry-level credit products.

EFCU Financial — Serves the Baton Rouge area with low-fee accounts and competitive loan rates for members building credit.

Centric Federal Credit Union — North Louisiana community credit union with accessible membership and solid starter banking products.

Baton Rouge Telco Federal Credit Union — Serves the greater Baton Rouge area with competitive rates and accessible membership for credit builders.

Maine

Dirigo Federal Credit Union — Serves Maine residents with accessible membership and low-cost financial products.

Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union — Community institution serving coastal Maine with solid credit-building options and member education resources.

Acadia Federal Credit Union — Serves Aroostook County and surrounding areas with accessible membership and competitive loan rates.

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union — Central Maine credit union with low-fee accounts and solid entry-level credit products.

Casco Federal Credit Union — Serves the greater Portland area with accessible membership and competitive savings rates.

Connected Credit Union — Augusta-based institution open to Maine state employees and their families with strong member service.

Maryland

SECU (State Employees Credit Union of Maryland) — Serves Maryland state employees and their families with comprehensive credit-building products and low fees.

National Institutes of Health Federal Credit Union — Serves NIH employees and the broader federal employee community with strong credit-building tools.

Andrews Federal Credit Union — Serves military and civilian personnel at Andrews Air Force Base and their families with strong credit-building product offerings.

Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union — Serves the APG community and Harford County residents with accessible membership and solid credit products.

Massachusetts

Metro Credit Union — Largest credit union headquartered in Massachusetts. Open to residents of select eastern MA counties with strong credit builder loan offerings.

Webster First Federal Credit Union — Serves central Massachusetts with accessible membership and competitive rates on secured credit products.

Members Plus Credit Union — Greater Boston community credit union with low-fee accounts and accessible starter credit products.

Holyoke Credit Union — Serves western Massachusetts with accessible membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

Michigan

Lake Michigan Credit Union — Among the largest Midwest credit unions, consistently praised for member satisfaction and accessible credit products. Open to anyone who lives or works in Michigan or Florida.

Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union — Serves Michigan educators and government employees with strong credit-building tools and financial education resources.

Consumers Credit Union — Open membership to all Michigan residents with strong credit builder loan offerings and competitive APRs.

University of Michigan Credit Union — Serves the Ann Arbor community and U of M affiliates with competitive rates and solid credit-building products.

Minnesota

Wings Financial Credit Union — Serves Minneapolis-St. Paul area aviation employees and their families with strong credit-building tools and competitive loan rates.

Northwoods Credit Union — Community institution serving northern Minnesota with accessible membership and low-fee accounts.

First Alliance Credit Union — Rochester-based credit union with open membership and solid starter credit products.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union — Open to Minnesota residents statewide with a strong reputation for member service and accessible credit products.

Mississippi

Keesler Federal Credit Union — Largest credit union in Mississippi. Serves military, federal employees, and their families with comprehensive credit-building products.

Missouri

Together Credit Union — Serves Missouri and Illinois residents with accessible membership and a solid range of credit products designed for members at all credit levels.

Montana

Glacier Hills Credit Union — Community institution serving western Montana with accessible membership and low-fee accounts.

Nebraska

SAC Federal Credit Union — Serves the Omaha metro area with accessible membership and competitive credit-building tools.

Lincone Federal Credit Union — Serves Lincoln and surrounding areas with low-fee accounts and strong financial education resources.

Nevada

Greater Nevada Credit Union — Open to Nevada residents statewide with a strong suite of credit-building products and financial wellness tools.

New Hampshire

Service Credit Union — Serves military and civilian members across New England with competitive rates and strong credit-building products.

New Jersey

Atlantic Federal Credit Union — Community institution serving northern New Jersey with accessible membership and competitive loan rates.

Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union — Serves New Jersey residents with accessible membership and solid entry-level credit products.

First Harvest Credit Union — South Jersey credit union with open membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

Affinity Federal Credit Union — New Jersey's largest state-chartered credit union with accessible membership and a strong range of credit products.

New Mexico

Nusenda Credit Union — Largest credit union in New Mexico. Open to all New Mexico residents with strong credit-building tools and financial education resources.

New York

NYCB (Municipal Credit Union) — Serves New York City municipal employees and their families with comprehensive credit products and statewide branch access.

United Nations Federal Credit Union — Serves UN employees and their families globally; known for strong financial education resources and competitive rates.

Broadview Federal Credit Union — Serves upstate New York with accessible membership and solid credit-building products.

AmeriCU Credit Union — Serves central and northern New York with open community membership and competitive loan rates.

Teachers Federal Credit Union — One of the largest credit unions in New York. Open to anyone who lives or works on Long Island or in New York City.

Visions Federal Credit Union — Serves a broad swath of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania with strong starter banking and credit products.

North Carolina

State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) — Second largest credit union in the U.S. by assets. Serves NC state employees and their families with low-cost credit-building tools.

Civic Federal Credit Union — Serves North Carolina local government employees with accessible membership and competitive credit products.

Truliant Federal Credit Union — Open to North Carolina and Virginia residents with a full suite of member-first financial products.

North Dakota

Dakota Credit Union — Serves North Dakota communities with accessible membership and solid entry-level credit products.

Ohio

Wright-Patt Credit Union — Largest Ohio credit union by membership. Serves military and civilians in the Dayton area with comprehensive credit-building products.

Sharefax Credit Union — Serves the Cincinnati area with accessible membership and competitive credit-building tools.

General Electric Credit Union — Cincinnati-based institution with accessible membership and strong credit-building products.

Kemba Financial Credit Union — Serves central Ohio with open membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

Oklahoma

WeoLogis Federal Credit Union — Serves Oklahoma energy industry employees and their families with solid credit-building products.

Endurance Federal Credit Union — Oklahoma City-based credit union with accessible membership and competitive loan rates.

Oregon

Unitus Community Credit Union — Serves the Portland metro area with open membership and strong credit-building tools.

SELCO Community Credit Union — Eugene-based credit union with statewide reach and accessible membership for Oregon residents.

Marion and Polk Schools Credit Union — Serves educators and community members in the mid-Willamette Valley with low-fee accounts and solid credit products.

Inroads Credit Union — Serves the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding areas with accessible membership and competitive rates.

OnPoint Community Credit Union — Largest Oregon-based credit union. Open to anyone who lives or works in select Oregon and Washington counties.

Pennsylvania

Penn State Federal Credit Union — Serves Penn State affiliates and Centre County residents with competitive credit-building products.

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union — Serves southeastern Pennsylvania with accessible membership and solid starter credit products.

American Heritage Credit Union — Serves the greater Philadelphia area with open community membership and strong credit-building tools.

Police and Fire Federal Credit Union — Serves Philadelphia public safety employees and their families with competitive rates and low fees.

Citadel Credit Union — Serves Chester County and surrounding areas with accessible membership and comprehensive credit products.

Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union — One of the largest credit unions in Pennsylvania. Serves state employees and their families with strong credit-building tools.

Rhode Island

Navigant Credit Union — Rhode Island's largest credit union. Open to Rhode Island residents with comprehensive credit-building products and strong member service.

South Carolina

Founders Federal Credit Union — Serves the Upstate South Carolina area with accessible membership and competitive credit-building products.

Sharonview Federal Credit Union — Serves the Charlotte metro area including Rock Hill with open community membership and solid credit products.

Family Trust Federal Credit Union — York County community credit union with accessible membership and low-fee accounts.

REV Federal Credit Union — Serves the Lowcountry and greater South Carolina with open membership and competitive loan rates.

Allsouth Federal Credit Union — Columbia-based credit union with statewide reach and strong credit-building tools for members at all credit levels.

South Dakota

Black Hills Federal Credit Union — Largest credit union in South Dakota. Serves the Black Hills region and beyond with accessible membership and strong credit products.

Voyage Federal Credit Union — Sioux Falls-based credit union with accessible membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

Tennessee

ORNL Federal Credit Union — Serves east Tennessee with open community membership and a strong suite of credit-building tools.

Veritas Federal Credit Union — Tennessee community credit union with accessible membership and low-fee accounts.

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union — Serves the greater Chattanooga area with accessible membership and competitive credit-building products.

Texas

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) — One of the largest credit unions in the country. Known for competitive rates, low fees, and comprehensive credit builder products. Open to anyone who lives or works in select Texas counties.

Texell Federal Credit Union — Serves central Texas with accessible membership and competitive credit-building tools.

PrimeWay Federal Credit Union — Houston-based credit union with accessible membership and solid starter credit products.

Generations Community Federal Credit Union — San Antonio institution with open community membership and strong credit-building resources.

Texas DOW Employees Credit Union — Serves the Texas Gulf Coast area with accessible membership and comprehensive credit products.

First Service Federal Credit Union — Houston-based credit union with accessible membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

Amplify Credit Union — Austin-based credit union known for transparent, fee-free banking and strong credit-building support. Open to anyone who lives or works in Texas.

Austin Telco Federal Credit Union — Serves the greater Austin area with accessible membership and competitive loan rates.

Utah

America First Credit Union — One of the largest credit unions in the country. Serves Utah and Nevada residents with comprehensive credit-building products and statewide branch access.

Utah Community Credit Union — Serves Utah County and surrounding areas with accessible membership and strong credit-building tools.

Mountain America Credit Union — Serves Utah and surrounding states with open membership and a comprehensive suite of credit products.

Vermont

Vermont Federal Credit Union — Serves Vermont residents statewide with accessible membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

Heritage Family Credit Union — Serves Rutland County and surrounding areas with low-fee accounts and solid starter credit products.

Green Mountain Credit Union — Serves Vermont residents with open membership and competitive rates on savings and loan products.

Virginia

Navy Federal Credit Union — Headquartered in Vienna, VA. The largest U.S. credit union by assets, serving military members and their families nationwide.

Virginia Credit Union — Serves Virginia state employees and the broader community with accessible membership and strong credit-building products.

Langley Federal Credit Union — Serves the Hampton Roads area with open community membership and comprehensive credit products.

Justice Federal Credit Union — Serves Department of Justice employees and their families with competitive rates and solid credit-building tools.

Washington

BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) — Largest credit union in Washington and one of the largest in the U.S. Highly rated for member value and low-cost credit products. Open to Washington state residents.

Red Canoe Credit Union — Serves the Longview and Kelso area with accessible membership and solid credit-building products.

Whatcom Educational Credit Union — Serves Whatcom County with open community membership and competitive rates on credit products.

Solarity Credit Union — Serves central Washington with accessible membership and strong credit-building tools.

Sound Credit Union — Community-focused institution with open Washington membership and solid starter credit options.

Salal Credit Union — Serves the greater Seattle area with accessible membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

West Virginia

WV Members Choice Federal Credit Union — Serves West Virginia residents with accessible membership and competitive credit-building tools.

Wisconsin

UW Credit Union — Serves University of Wisconsin affiliates and Dane County residents with strong credit-building products and low fees.

Connexus Credit Union — Online-forward credit union serving Wisconsin and beyond with competitive rates and strong digital banking tools.

Wyoming

WyHy Federal Credit Union — Serves Wyoming residents statewide with accessible membership and competitive rates on credit-building products.

About This Resource

This page is maintained by the Kikoff editorial team and updated periodically as new information becomes available. Our goal is to provide a useful, trustworthy starting point for people exploring credit union membership — not a substitute for doing your own research before opening an account.

If you represent a credit union and believe your institution should be included or updated on this page, please reach out to us.

Looking to build your credit score alongside a credit union membership? Kikoff's Credit Account reports to all three major credit bureaus and builds payment history, credit utilization history, and revolving credit mix simultaneously — often complementing what a credit builder loan from your credit union provides.