Credit unions range from massive institutions serving millions of members to small local organizations with a single branch. The largest in the country is Navy Federal Credit Union, with $194.2 billion in assets, but there are more than 4,700 federally insured credit unions across the U.S. serving communities, employers, and professional groups of all sizes. Here’s a look at some of the biggest names, how they differ, and how to find one you can actually join.
The 10 Largest U.S. Credit Unions
As of September 2025, these are the biggest credit unions in the country ranked by total assets:
- Navy Federal Credit Union — $194.2 billion. Originally created for military members and their families, Navy Federal is by far the largest credit union in the U.S. Membership is open to active duty, veterans, Department of Defense civilians, and their household members.
- State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) — $56.8 billion. Serves state employees and their families, primarily in North Carolina.
- SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union — $34.4 billion. Designed for school employees and their relatives.
- Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) — $29.4 billion. Despite the military-sounding name, PenFed makes it easy for almost anyone to join.
- Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU) — $28.9 billion. Started for Boeing workers but has expanded membership eligibility significantly.
- America First Credit Union — $23.3 billion. A community-based credit union in the western U.S.
- Mountain America Credit Union — $21.7 billion. Serves members across several western states.
- The Golden 1 Credit Union — $21.1 billion. A large community credit union.
- Alliant Credit Union — $20.3 billion. One of the easiest credit unions to join nationwide, with no restrictive employer or location requirements.
- Suncoast Credit Union — $19.1 billion. A community-focused credit union in the southeastern U.S.
Size doesn’t necessarily determine quality. Smaller credit unions often offer more personalized service and competitive rates tailored to their local market. But larger credit unions tend to have broader ATM networks, better mobile apps, and a wider range of financial products.
How Credit Unions Differ From Banks
Credit unions are nonprofit financial cooperatives owned by their members. When you deposit money at a credit union, you become a part-owner, which is why credit unions call customers “members.” Because they don’t answer to outside shareholders, credit unions typically return profits to members through lower loan rates, higher savings rates, and fewer fees.
In practical terms, credit unions offer the same core products as banks: checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, and certificates (their version of CDs). The tradeoff is that credit unions sometimes have smaller branch networks and less polished digital tools, though the larger ones on the list above rival midsize banks in technology.
Who Can Join a Credit Union
Every credit union has a “field of membership,” a set of rules defining who’s eligible to join. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the federal agency that regulates credit unions, recognizes several types:
- Employer-based: You qualify because you work for a specific company, government agency, or within a particular trade or profession.
- Community-based: You qualify because you live, work, or worship in a defined geographic area, often a county or group of counties.
- Association-based: You qualify by joining a qualifying organization. Some credit unions partner with nonprofit groups that charge a small one-time fee (often $5 to $15) to join, instantly making you eligible. This is how PenFed and Alliant open their doors to nearly anyone.
- Family: Most credit unions let immediate family members and household members of existing members join, even if those family members wouldn’t otherwise qualify.
Some credit unions restrict membership tightly, while others have expanded their eligibility so broadly that joining is no harder than opening a bank account. If a credit union interests you, check the membership page on its website. You’ll usually see a clear list of who qualifies and what, if anything, you need to do first.
How Your Money Is Protected
Deposits at federally insured credit unions are protected by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The coverage works almost identically to FDIC insurance at banks.
The standard limit is $250,000 per individual depositor, per credit union. Joint accounts are insured up to $250,000 per account holder, so a joint account with two owners is covered for $500,000. IRA and Keogh retirement accounts get a separate $250,000 in coverage on top of your regular account limits. If you keep balances under these thresholds, your money is just as safe at a credit union as it is at a bank.
How to Find a Credit Union Near You
The NCUA runs a free Credit Union Locator at mapping.ncua.gov. You can search by your home address, zip code, or a credit union’s name to see which institutions serve your area and confirm they’re federally insured. The tool shows branch locations and charter details so you can quickly tell whether you’re likely to qualify for membership.
Beyond geography, think about your employer. Many companies, hospitals, universities, and government agencies have affiliated credit unions that employees can join. Your HR department can usually tell you which ones are available. Even if you leave that employer later, most credit unions let you keep your membership for life once you’ve joined.
If you don’t have a local or employer option that appeals to you, look at credit unions with broad national eligibility like Alliant, PenFed, or Connexus. These operate primarily online, offer competitive rates, and accept members from across the country through simple association memberships.