When deciding where to bank, you’re not limited to traditional banks—exploring the Best Credit Unions might be a better fit for your financial needs. Credit unions typically offer similar products and services to banks but are member-owned, which often results in fewer fees, competitive interest rates, and more personalized service.
We compared the top NCUA-insured Best Credit Unions with broad membership eligibility and evaluated key factors such as fees, customer experience, product variety, account features, and commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Here’s our ranking of the 10 Best Credit Unions for 2025. Read on to learn more about each institution, why they made our list, and how to join.
- Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) – 4.5 Stars
Best All-Around Credit Union
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, or PenFed, serves more than 2.9 million members worldwide. It offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, auto loans, home loans, and more.PenFed scored the highest points in our fees and insurance categories due to its lack of monthly account fees and overdraft protection options. It also excelled in product selection and account features, offering early paycheck services and Zelle capabilities.How to Join:
Unlike many credit unions, PenFed has an open charter. Anyone can join by opening a share account. - Alliant Credit Union – 4.5 Stars
Best Credit Union for Online-Only Banking
Alliant Credit Union is an online-only financial institution based in Illinois, serving more than 900,000 members globally. It ranks among the Best Credit Unions for its comprehensive product offerings, fee-free accounts, and robust security features.Though it lacks physical branches, Alliant provides access to over 80,000 surcharge-free ATMs and offers phone, chat, and secure messaging support in the evenings and on weekends.How to Join:
Eligibility includes current or retired employees of partner organizations, immediate family members of Alliant members, and those living near its Chicago headquarters. Alternatively, anyone can join by becoming an Alliant Credit Union Foundation digital inclusion advocate. - Quorum Federal Credit Union – 4.5 Stars
Best Credit Union for Widespread ATM Access
Quorum Federal Credit Union serves over 65,000 members, offering checking and savings accounts, home loans, credit cards, and student loans.It stands out for its access to over 90,000 surcharge-free ATMs, fee-free accounts, and strong security features, making it one of the Best Credit Unions for nationwide accessibility.How to Join:
Membership is available through Select Employee Groups (SEGs) or family members affiliated with these groups. Those without an SEG connection can qualify by joining the American Consumer Council (ACC) for free. - Consumers Credit Union – 4 Stars
Best Credit Union for High-Yield Deposit Accounts
Illinois-based Consumers Credit Union offers deposit accounts, loans, business banking, and more.It earns a place among the Best Credit Unions due to its fee-free accounts, large ATM network, and early paycheck access. It also boasts some of the highest interest rates available, such as a 5.00% APY on its rewards checking account and a 4.75% APY on its 9-month share certificate.How to Join:
Anyone can join by becoming a member of the Consumers Cooperative Association with a one-time $5 fee, which may be reimbursed. - Connexus Credit Union – 4 Stars
Best Credit Union for Mobile Banking
Serving over 474,000 members nationwide, Connexus Credit Union provides fee-free accounts with low or no minimum deposit requirements.Its highly rated mobile app, which allows bill payments, check deposits, bank transfers, and financial health tracking, solidifies its place among the Best Credit Unions for digital banking.How to Join:
Anyone can become a member by joining the Connexus Association with a one-time $5 donation. Other eligibility criteria include residency in select communities, family connections, or employment with eligible organizations. - Navy Federal Credit Union – 4 Stars
Best Credit Union for 24/7 Customer Service
Navy Federal Credit Union (Navy Fed) has served military personnel and their families since 1933 and now has over 14 million members.Navy Fed ranks among the Best Credit Unions for its extensive branch network, fee-free ATMs, and around-the-clock customer support via phone, chat, secure messaging, and social media.How to Join:
Membership is available to all branches of the military, veterans, Department of Defense employees, and their immediate families. - Service Federal Credit Union – 4 Stars
Best Credit Union for Extra Savings Opportunities for Military
Established in 1957 to support military personnel, Service Credit Union now serves over 300,000 members with personal and business banking services.It is one of the Best Credit Unions for military savings, offering fee-free accounts, a strong mobile app, and unique benefits like the Deployed Warrior Savings program, which provides 10% APY on up to $10,000 for active-duty combat zone members.How to Join:
Membership is open to military personnel, Department of Defense employees, and their families. Others can join by becoming a member of the ACC or Financial Fitness Association.
