Biggest Credit Unions in America 2026 — Top 10 by Assets

The biggest credit union in America is Navy Federal Credit Union, with more than $200 billion in assets and more than 15.5 million members as of Q1 2026. The 10 largest US credit unions collectively hold roughly $450–$470 billion in assets — around 18–19% of the entire industry’s approximately $2.48 trillion. Despite their scale, every one remains a member-owned cooperative governed by a volunteer board. For a full credit union overview, see the credit unions guide.

Asset and membership figures below are approximate, drawn from each credit union’s most recent public reporting (year-end 2025 or Q1 2026) as of September 2026, and change quarterly as institutions grow and merge. Confirm current figures directly with each institution or at ncua.gov before relying on exact numbers.

Top 10 Largest Credit Unions in America (2026)

Rankings reflect approximate assets as of Q1 2026 (SECU, BECU, PenFed, and others are close enough in size that the exact order can shift quarter to quarter). First Tech’s asset and member figures reflect its January 2026 merger with Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU); before the merger, First Tech alone held about $16.4 billion in assets. Source: NCUA Call Report data and company annual reports.

1. Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal is the undisputed largest US credit union and one of the largest financial institutions in the country by assets. It serves all military branches — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard — plus National Guard, DoD civilians, and their immediate family members.

Key facts (as of Q1 2026):

• Assets: More than $200 billion — Navy Federal passed the $200 billion milestone in Q1 2026
• Members: More than 15.5 million
• Branches: Hundreds of locations worldwide, including on US military bases
• ATMs: Tens of thousands in the CO-OP network, plus a monthly out-of-network fee reimbursement for qualifying members
• Notable products: No-fee Active Duty Checking, competitively priced auto loans, Cash Rewards credit card

Confirm current auto loan APRs and specific product terms directly at navyfederal.org — these change frequently with Federal Reserve policy.

2. State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU)

SECU is the second-largest US credit union and the largest in North Carolina, serving state government employees and their families. Despite its regional focus, it holds roughly $58 billion in assets — making it a larger financial institution than many national banks.

Key facts:

• Membership: NC state employees, public school employees, state agency contractors, and immediate family members
• Branches: Roughly 275 branches across North Carolina — more than most national banks in the state
• Fee philosophy: Low fees relative to industry norms
• Rate philosophy: Consistently competitive savings rates and below-market loan rates

3. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst serves California public school employees and is the largest credit union in California, now ranking third nationally by assets after strong recent growth. Its membership base is largely stable — teachers and school staff — giving it consistent growth.

Key facts:

• Eligibility: California public school and community college employees and their families
• Assets: Roughly $36 billion as of Q1 2026, up from about $34 billion in mid-2025
• Strong savings rates: Consistently competitive with national averages
• No ATM fees: Partners with the CO-OP network for free ATM access statewide

4. BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union)

BECU started as Boeing’s employee credit union but now serves anyone who lives or works in Washington or Oregon. It is the largest credit union in the Pacific Northwest, with roughly $29 billion in assets and more than 1.5 million members as of year-end 2025.

Key facts:

• Eligibility: Live or work in WA or OR (or be a Boeing employee or family member)
• Checking: Member Advantage Checking — earns interest, no monthly fee
• Strong digital: Highly rated mobile app, extensive ATM network in WA/OR

5. PenFed Credit Union

PenFed (Pentagon Federal Credit Union) was originally military-focused but opened membership to everyone in 2023. It holds roughly $29 billion in assets and serves about 2.8 million members as of year-end 2025 — making it one of the best options for people who want credit union benefits without any eligibility hurdle.

Key facts:

• Eligibility: Anyone — no military connection required
• Best known for: Competitive savings and CD rates; Power Cash Rewards card (2% cashback on everything)
• Auto loans: Consistently competitive rates nationally

Credit Unions vs Banks: A Scale Comparison

Bank asset figures are from Q2 2026 SEC filings and are highly volatile quarter to quarter — confirm current figures directly from each company’s investor relations page before citing.

The entire credit union sector combined is still smaller than any of the top 3 US banks individually. This scale gap explains why credit unions often lag major banks in digital products and branch reach — but it also explains why they can maintain lower fees and better rates for members.

Open-Membership Credit Unions in the Top 10

If you’re not eligible for military or employer-based credit unions, PenFed and Alliant are the two top-10 credit unions open to anyone:

Confirm current checking APY tiers and ATM network sizes directly with each institution — these change over time.

How the Largest Credit Unions Have Grown

The credit union industry has grown significantly since 2010, driven by:

• Consolidation — smaller credit unions merging into larger ones (First Tech’s January 2026 merger with Digital Federal Credit Union is a recent example)
• Open membership expansion — more credit unions broadening eligibility
• Digital-first growth — institutions like Alliant growing nationally without branches
• Military family expansion — Navy Federal growing as it extends membership to broader family categories

As of Q1 2026, NCUA data shows the number of credit unions has declined to 4,250 (from roughly 7,000 a decade ago) as mergers consolidate the industry — but total assets and membership continue to grow, reaching $2.48 trillion in assets and 145.8 million members.

Ready to join one of the top credit unions? See how to join a credit union and best credit unions in 2026 for a full comparison of rates and eligibility.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.