The 10 Biggest Credit Unions in the US Ranked

Even though America's biggest banks still dwarf the top 10 largest credit unions in terms of asset size, these member-owned institutions are experiencing a massive growth spurt.

Recent data from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) reveals a staggering shift: total assets in federally insured credit unions surged by over 48% in less than six years, skyrocketing from $1.64 trillion in March 2020 to $2.43 trillion by December 2025.

This rapid rise comes down to what makes credit unions unique. Many people are switching because these not-for-profit financial institutions prioritize local communities and consistently offer much higher APYs on savings than traditional banks.

Today, the 10 largest credit unions in the US command serious financial power, collectively holding roughly $392.6 billion in deposits and managing $456.4 billion in total assets.

If you want to maximize your savings while keeping your money local, looking into the biggest credit unions in the US might be the smartest financial move you can make today.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Taking the crown as the biggest credit union in the US, Navy Federal Credit Union serves a massive community of 15 million members. While it cannot match the scale of the absolute largest banks, it dominates the member-owned banking space with $165 billion in deposits and $197.2 billion in total assets.

From its headquarters in Vienna, Virginia, Navy Federal operates a widespread network of more than 300 branches across 31 states and Washington, D.C., ensuring strong mobile and physical accessibility.

The institution offers a comprehensive suite of financial products to meet all your daily banking needs. You can easily open standard checking and savings accounts, or apply for competitive auto loans and credit cards.

Joining this financial powerhouse requires a specific connection. To qualify for membership, one of your family or household members must have ties to the US Department of Defense, the National Guard, or the armed forces.

Navy Federal Credit Union At A Glance

Total Assets: $197.2 billion
HQ Location: Vienna, Virginia
Branch Footprint: 300+ locations (31 states & D.C.)
Total Membership: 15 million

State Employees' Credit Union

Securing its spot as the second-largest credit union in the US, State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) has been a trusted financial cornerstone since its founding in 1937. Today, the Raleigh, North Carolina-based institution manages $58.1 billion in total assets and holds just over $50 billion in deposits, reflecting its massive financial strength and stability.

SECU serves nearly 3 million members and offers a highly localized banking experience. You can access their services through a robust network of nearly 270 branches across North Carolina, as well as nationwide availability via the CO-OP shared branch network.

Gaining access to these financial benefits is exclusive but straightforward if you live or work in the region. Membership is open primarily to North Carolina state employees, public school workers, and their immediate family members.

State Employees' Credit Union Quick Facts

Total Assets: $58.1 billion
HQ Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Branch Footprint: Nearly 270 locations plus CO-OP shared branches
Total Membership: 3 million

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

Dedicated exclusively to the educational community, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is a massive financial institution based in Tustin, California. It manages an impressive $35.4 billion in total assets and secures more than $30 billion in member deposits, making it a major player among the top credit unions in the US.

SchoolsFirst focuses heavily on the West Coast, operating more than 70 physical branches across California to provide top-tier mobile and in-person banking. Over 1.5 million members currently rely on this institution for their daily financial needs.

The eligibility requirements are designed around school systems. You can join if you are a current or retired California school employee, or if you have an immediate family member who is already a SchoolsFirst member. Eligibility also extends to college students enrolled in California education programs that require student teaching, as well as to employees of companies that provide direct services to local schools or districts.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union At A Glance

Total Assets: $35.4 billion
HQ Location: Tustin, California
Branch Footprint: 70+ locations across California
Total Membership: 1.5 million

America First Credit Union

America First Credit Union got its start back in 1939, and it's based in Utah—that's where you'll find most of its branches.

Right now, the credit union serves about 1.6 million people and holds over $20 billion in member deposits. You can join if you live, work, go to school, or attend church in Salt Lake, Utah, or Juab County. It's also open to folks living in parts of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, and Oregon.

As you know, America First holds $23.8 billion in assets. Their headquarters are in Riverdale, Utah. They've got more than 110 locations spread across Utah, Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. And they're currently at 1.6 million members strong.

Boeing Employees Credit Union

Ranked as the fifth-largest credit union in the US and the top in Washington state, Boeing Employees' Credit Union (BECU) commands a powerful financial presence. Based in Tukwila, Washington, this member-focused institution manages $29.4 billion in total assets and oversees more than $25 billion in deposits, earning the trust of 1.6 million members.

BECU ensures its community stays connected through about 70 physical branches spanning Washington and South Carolina, paired with widespread nationwide accessibility via the CO-OP shared branch network.

Gaining access to their competitive financial services is highly flexible. You can become a member if you live, work, worship, or attend school anywhere in Washington state. Eligibility also extends to residents of specific counties in Oregon, Idaho, and South Carolina, as well as to employees or members of various partner companies and association groups.

Boeing Employees' Credit Union Key Details

Total Assets: $29.4 billion
HQ Location: Tukwila, Washington
Branch Footprint: ~70 locations (WA & SC) plus CO-OP shared branches
Total Membership: 1.6 million

Pentagon Federal Credit Union

Boasting a massive membership of 2.8 million, Pentagon Federal Credit Union—widely known as PenFed—stands out as a powerhouse among the top credit unions in the US. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, this major financial institution oversees a formidable $29.3 billion in total assets and secures well over $25 billion in member deposits.

PenFed services its nationwide user base through 38 physical branches across 10 states, Washington, D.C., and three US territories, backed by highly rated digital and mobile banking platforms. You can tap into a full lineup of competitive financial options, ranging from everyday checking and savings accounts to high-yield certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts.

Unlike many other major credit unions that require strict military or workplace ties, PenFed has opened its doors wide. Membership is entirely open to anyone, making it incredibly easy for you to join and start growing your money immediately.

Pentagon Federal Credit Union Breakdown

Total Assets: $29.3 billion
HQ Location: McLean, Virginia
Branch Footprint: 38 branches across 10 states, D.C., and 3 territories
Total Membership: 2.8 million

Mountain America Credit Union

Mountain America currently looks after over 1.4 million members across several Western states, with more than $19 billion in member deposits under management.

Who can join? Most people live in certain areas of Utah. But if you have family or someone in your household who is already a member, you're welcome too. Some employees and volunteers from specific organizations also qualify.

Here's a quick snapshot. Total assets sit at $21.9 billion. The credit union is based in Sandy, Utah. You'll find over 100 branches spread through Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Montana. And membership stands at 1.4 million people.

Golden 1 Credit Union

Established in 1933, Golden 1 Credit Union has grown into a financial mainstay, currently serving nearly 1.2 million members. The Sacramento-based institution commands a strong position among the premier credit unions in the US, managing $21.5 billion in total assets and holding more than $19 billion in customer deposits.

Golden 1 offers a comprehensive suite of banking options, making it easy to handle everything from daily checking and savings accounts to personal and auto loans, all from your phone. The institution maintains a physical presence with 63 branches throughout California and offers nationwide coverage through the CO-OP shared branch network.

Joining is remarkably simple if you live or work in California. If you are based outside of California, you can still easily qualify for membership if an immediate family member or domestic partner is already enrolled, or if you belong to one of their designated Select Employee Groups.

Golden 1 Credit Union At A Glance

Total Assets: $21.5 billion
HQ Location: Sacramento, California
Branch Footprint: 63 California branches plus the CO-OP shared network
Total Membership: 1.2 million

Alliant Credit Union

Alliant Credit Union serves over 900,000 members and manages more than $19 billion in deposits. It operates entirely online, so you won't need to visit any physical branches.

Want to join? You have a few options. You can become a digital inclusion advocate for the Alliant Credit Union Foundation with a $5 donation—the credit union makes that donation for you. You also qualify if you're currently working or retired from a business or organization that partners with Alliant in the US, or if you live or work in a community near their Chicago headquarters. That works too.

A few quick numbers for you. Total assets come in at $20.3 billion. Their home base is Chicago, Illinois. While there are no branches, members get access to shared ATMs through the CO-OP network. Membership currently sits at 923,000 people.

Suncoast Credit Union

Serving a massive community of 1.4 million members, Suncoast Credit Union stands out as a financial heavyweight based in Tampa, Florida. This member-owned institution holds an impressive $19.7 billion in total assets. It secures more than $17 billion in deposits, locking in its reputation as one of the highly trusted credit unions in the US.

Suncoast provides an exceptional banking experience tailored perfectly for mobile users and local communities alike. They keep members connected through 80 physical locations throughout Florida, offering great convenience alongside their digital banking features.

Qualifying for membership is highly accessible if you have ties to the Sunshine State. You can easily join if you live, work, worship, or go to school in any of the counties in Florida that Suncoast serves. Graduates and alums of Florida College are also fully eligible to open an account and enjoy the financial perks.

Suncoast Credit Union Core Stats

Total Assets: $19.7 billion
HQ Location: Tampa, Florida
Branch Footprint: 80 locations across Florida
Total Membership: 1.4 million

Choosing to move your money to a member-owned institution can be a highly rewarding financial decision. Because credit unions operate as not-for-profit organizations, they reinvest their earnings directly back into the people who bank with them rather than into outside shareholders. This unique structure allows them to consistently deliver much higher interest rates on your savings and lower fees across the board.

Securing these top-tier rates makes these institutions an incredibly smart alternative to traditional big banks, though you will need to check the entry requirements first. Joining usually depends on meeting specific eligibility criteria. For most of the top credit unions in the US, this means you need to live within a designated geographic region, attend school in the area, or work in a particular industry or profession.

Why Consider Credit Unions in the US?

Higher Yields: Earnings are distributed back to members through better APYs.
Community-First Approach: Not-for-profit models prioritize user satisfaction over corporate profit.
Accessible Membership: Many institutions now offer highly flexible, wide-open enrollment criteria.