- Finance & Banking
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The largest credit union in the U.S. is Navy Federal Credit Union, with $162.75 billion in assets.
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As of 2026, the U.S. credit union industry has a market size of $108.5 billion.
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Approximately 135 million Americans are credit union members.
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From 2017 to 2026, U.S. credit unions have experienced a CAGR of 6.9%.
Credit unions provide their members with enhanced savings rates, lower loan rates, and reduced fees compared to traditional banks.
However, joining a credit union requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, which can vary widely based on the institution’s charter.
The benefits are abundant. Credit unions grant members direct access to decision-makers regarding loans and other financial services, fostering a more personalized service experience.
With competitive interest rates on savings accounts and loans, credit unions often provide substantial advantages over local banks.
Now that we have a clear understanding of credit unions, let’s explore the top-performing organizations in this sector. The 15 largest credit unions are:
A Closer Look at the Top 15 Largest Credit Unions
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Assets (as of 2026): $162.75 billion
Founded in 1947, Navy Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in the United States, headquartered in Virginia. It serves over 9.5 million members and primarily offers services to U.S. military personnel and their families.
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Assets (as of 2026): $53.12 billion
Established in 1937, this credit union is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and serves over 2.6 million members, offering a range of financial services.
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Assets (as of 2026): $35.08 billion
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, PenFed has been operating since 1935 and serves over 2.1 million members, focusing primarily on military personnel and their families.
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Assets (as of 2026): $30.12 billion
Originally founded in 1935 for Boeing employees, BECU is headquartered in Tukwila, Washington, and serves over 1.5 million members across the state.
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SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Assets (as of 2026): $29.73 billion
Founded in 1934, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is based in Santa Ana, California, and serves the education community with over 1.25 million members.
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Assets (as of 2026): $20.08 billion
Alliant Credit Union, established in 1935, is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and serves over 600,000 members with a focus on exclusive benefits for employees and their families.
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Assets (as of 2026): $19.25 billion
Established in 1933, Golden 1 Credit Union is headquartered in Sacramento, California, serving over 1.1 million members with various financial services.
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Assets (as of 2026): $18.56 billion
Founded in 1939, America First Credit Union is based in Utah, serving over 1.2 million members with a global ATM network for easy access.
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First Tech Federal Credit Union
Assets (as of 2026): $17.95 billion
Headquartered in San Jose, California, First Tech is known for serving members in the technology sector with over 600,000 members.
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Assets (as of 2026): $17.25 billion
Formerly known as Suncoast Schools FCU, this credit union serves over 900,000 members in Florida, expanding its membership criteria significantly since its founding in 1934.
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Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union
Assets (as of 2026): $16.85 billion
Founded in 1952, Randolph-Brooks is Texas’s largest credit union, serving over 900,000 members with a focus on military personnel.
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Assets (as of 2026): $15.75 billion
Based in Sandy, Utah, this federally chartered credit union serves over 1 million members and partners with major employers.
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Assets (as of 2026): $14.82 billion
VyStar Credit Union, chartered in 1952 and based in Jacksonville, Florida, provides a wide range of financial services to over 850,000 members.
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Security Service Federal Credit Union
Assets (as of 2026): $13.50 billion
Founded in 1956, this federally chartered credit union is based in San Antonio, Texas, serving over 800,000 members across Texas, Colorado, and Utah.
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Assets (as of 2026): $12.45 billion
As New York’s largest credit union, Bethpage has been in operation since 1941 and serves over 425,000 members with a community-focused approach.
Credit Union FAQ
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What is a credit union?
A credit union is a nonprofit, member-owned financial cooperative. Credit unions offer services similar to banks, including deposit accounts and loans. As of 2026, there are approximately 4,800 credit unions in the United States.
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What is the difference between a credit union and a bank?
A bank operates for profit, while a credit union functions as a nonprofit. Banks can be privately owned or publicly traded, whereas credit unions are owned by their members, influencing their service models and regulatory frameworks.
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Which is the largest credit union in the USA?
The largest credit union in the U.S. is Navy Federal Credit Union. With assets exceeding $162 billion and over 9.5 million members, it is the clear leader. The second-largest is State Employees Credit Union, with assets of over $53 billion and more than 2.6 million members.
References
- Finance & Banking
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
