NEW YORK — Credit unions continued to earn high marks from consumers for trust, service and digital capabilities, with 246 institutions recognized in Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2026 rankings, released in partnership with research firm Statista.
According to Forbes, the rankings were based on a survey of approximately 26,000 U.S. residents and an analysis of more than 1.2 million publicly available reviews and ratings posted between February 2023 and March 2026. Survey results accounted for 80% of each institution’s score, while online reviews represented the remaining 20%.
Participants were asked about their satisfaction with financial institutions where they currently or recently held checking or savings accounts, as well as institutions they knew through friends and family. Respondents also rated banks and credit unions on trust, customer service, digital tools, financial advice and the transparency and reasonableness of fees, Forbes reported. Online-only institutions and larger organizations with branches in 15 or more states were excluded from consideration.
Nearly 250 CUs Recognized
The 2026 rankings recognized 246 unique credit unions and 228 banks across the country, according to Forbes. Among the credit unions appearing in multiple states were American Airlines Federal Credit Union, which ranked in four states and earned the No. 1 position in New Jersey, and First Technology Federal Credit Union, which placed in Washington, Oregon and California.
The rankings also highlighted the growing importance of technology among member-owned financial institutions.
Forbes pointed to the huge merger completed earlier this year between First Technology FCU on the West Coast and Digital Federal Credit Union on the East Coast, creating a combined institution with more than two million members and more than 50 branches across eight states. The publication reported that DCU ranked No. 2 in New Hampshire and No. 3 in Massachusetts prior to the merger.
Loan Approval Time Reduced by 50%
First Tech President and CEO Shruti Miyashiro told Forbes the combined organization has long emphasized technology, noting that members can handle most financial transactions digitally while still having access to branch, shared-network and contact-center support when needed. Forbes reported that DCU’s DocVisionAI machine-learning lending platform has reduced auto-loan approval times by approximately 50%.
The focus on digital services comes as credit unions work to compete with larger financial institutions for younger consumers. Forbes cited research from McKinsey & Company indicating that while credit unions maintain strong community ties, many have lagged national banks in digital offerings, creating challenges in attracting younger members who increasingly prefer mobile and online banking.
Rising Consumer Demands
Technology also was a theme for Security Service Federal Credit Union, which Forbes said ranked No. 1 in Colorado and No. 3 in Texas. Chief Operating Officer Aaron M. Leek told Forbes consumers increasingly expect seamless digital experiences that provide flexibility, convenience and information to help manage their finances.
The publication noted those expectations come amid ongoing affordability pressures. Forbes cited an analysis by The Brookings Institution that found 45.5% of U.S. households do not earn enough income to cover basic living costs.
According to Forbes, First Tech has responded to those concerns by reducing fees across its products, a move Miyashiro said is uncommon in the financial services industry. The credit union estimates the changes will save members approximately $6 million this year. Miyashiro told Forbes that persistent inflation and the increasing complexity of financial management, including the emergence of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, have made consumers more cautious and increased the importance of trust.
Forbes said its annual rankings are intended to identify the financial institutions most valued by residents in each state and to recognize organizations that excel at meeting the needs of their local communities.
The full Forbes rankings by state can be found here.
