WASHINGTON–America’s Credit Unions has been recognized by policymakers as one of the most influential trade associations by policymakers, and prioritizing issues that credit unions care about most.
According to Penta Group’s Washington Reputation Research, which said it gathers quantitative and qualitative feedback directly from senior policymakers to assess their perceptions of private sector advocacy, “combining grassroots voices, compelling storytelling, and rigorous data, America’s Credit Unions ensures policymakers understand the unique value credit unions deliver to communities nationwide.”
By Category
By category, Pentagroup said:
Trusted and Respected in Washington
“America’s Credit Unions’ reputation among policymakers is on par with long-established financial services associations and far ahead of banks and fintechs,” Pentagroup said. “America’s Credit Unions has built a high degree of credibility among this audience, underscoring that credit unions’ voice is essential in shaping financial policy.”
Policymakers Want Credit Unions at the Table
“In just one year, America’s Credit Unions rose from 32nd to 13th among all associations when it comes to policymakers seeking support because of influence,” Pentagroup said. “More and more, lawmakers feel they need credit unions at the table for critical policy discussions.”
Authority and Grassroots Reach
“Policymakers are increasingly turning to America’s Credit Unions for its perspective, positioning the organization as a ‘first call’ for policymakers in the financial services space. The organization ranks among the strongest in mobilizing grassroots voices from districts to Washington, which is a hallmark of credit union advocacy.
Data-Backed Advocacy
“One of the biggest drivers of America’s Credit Unions’ credibility is its ability to pair member stories with reliable data. Policymakers recognize the organization as a leading source of accurate, trustworthy research, an area that saw notable improvement in 2025.”
Bipartisan Credibility
“In a polarized environment, America’s Credit Unions maintains a rare balance,” Pentagroup stated. “It made significant inroads with Republicans in 2025 while still outperforming peers among Democrats. This bipartisan reach ensures the movement’s priorities are heard no matter who holds the gavel.”
Standing Strong Against Bank Attacks
“While the banking lobby continues to counter credit union advocacy, policymakers note the difference: America’s Credit Unions’ message is relevant, backed by facts, and grounded in Main Street voices. This makes the organization a powerful and credible leader in financial services advocacy,” the organization stated.
‘Most Trusted Association’
“America’s Credit Unions was created to put credit union priorities first and use our influence to inform policymakers of the critical role credit unions have on American’s financial security,” America’s Credit Unions President and CEO Jim Nussle said in a statement. “Recent research by the Penta Group affirms these principles, showing that through championing grassroots voices, compelling storytelling, and rigorous data, America’s Credit Unions is the most trusted credit union trade association in Washington. Driven by a united advocacy partnership between America’s Credit Unions and our state Leagues, we’ve built the most influential and credible voice for credit unions in the nation, of which policymakers seek out and respect. We are proud of these findings and will continue to advocate on behalf of every credit union in the country.”
What Trade Group Has Found
America’s Credit Unions said it conducts an annual survey of its membership to ensure the association is meeting credit unions’ needs. The respondents are credit union CEOs.
It said its survey found:
- Advocacy is job number 1: “Eighty-five percent of respondents say that advocacy is the most important activity that America’s Credit Unions does on their behalf. The top advocacy issue across all asset sizes and charter type is preserving credit unions’ not-for-profit federal tax status, followed by Regulation E, interchange, and fraud detection and prevention. Advocacy to ensure small credit unions continue to thrive was also a top theme, with respondents seeking regulatory relief and support.”
- The voice of credit unions nationally: “Fifty-nine percent of respondents are strong promoters of America’s Credit Unions, recognizing the association as the leading voice for credit unions in Washington and playing a critical role in influencing policy decisions. These members emphasize the strength of having a unified voice and bringing the industry together to support the success of the whole movement. Eighty-five percent of respondents also say that America’s Credit Unions is a “key partner” for these same reasons, as well as its coordination and collaboration with the League System to enhance advocacy and resources.”
- Education, compliance, and networking round out top member benefits: “Majorities of respondents ranked America’s Credit Unions highly as the first place to look for advocacy (86%), education/professional development (66%), compliance resources (65%), and networking (59%).”
