Credit Union Categories

Credit unions chartered and regulated directly by the NCUA. About 60% of all US credit unions. Subject to federal rules on field of membership, lending limits, and capital standards.

Credit unions chartered and regulated by state regulators, with NCUSIF federal insurance. State charters can offer broader services in some states (commercial lending, investment options) than federal charters.

Credit unions whose field of membership is defined by a geographic area — city, county, or metro. Open to anyone living, working, worshiping, or attending school in the defined territory.

Credit unions restricted to employees of a specific company or industry (and often their family members). Common in sectors like education, government, healthcare, and large corporations.

Select Employee Group credit unions that serve multiple unrelated employer groups under one charter, typically added over time. Members must work for one of the sponsoring groups.

Credit unions where a majority of members qualify as low-income under NCUA standards. Eligible for special NCUA programs, secondary capital, and fewer restrictions on non-member deposits.

Credit unions serving minority communities, with majority-minority board composition or minority-focused service area. Eligible for NCUA-specific technical assistance programs.

Credit unions with over $10B in assets — peer group 7 under NCUA classification. Includes Navy Federal, State Employees (North Carolina), and PenFed among others.

Credit unions ranked by year-over-year membership growth rate. Growth is a leading indicator of product fit and service quality within the institution's defined field of membership.

Credit unions ranked by PlainCU's 0–100 composite health score: net worth ratio, delinquency rate, ROA, member growth, and loan-to-share ratio — weighted to reflect financial stability.