The 10 Most Trustworthy Credit Unions in Florida for 2023

Florida, the Sunshine State, is on everybody’s mind these days. It’s the fastest-growing state, with a population topping 22 million and thousands of new arrivals every week.

Many Floridians are experiencing cost pressures in housing and other sectors. The state’s vibrant credit union community offers new arrivals and long-time residents a financial alternative where money and energy stay in the community. All Floridians can count on the state’s credit unions to deliver more affordable products and services in a spirit of community and trust.

Here’s our list of Florida’s 10 most trustworthy credit unions, which we compiled strictly on merit after thorough research. We’re proud to give voice to these dedicated Florida financial institutions and hope you’ll build a relationship with one if you haven’t already.

Note: Credit unions may offer membership based on geography, industry, or academic affiliation, among other categories — please check to ensure you qualify for membership.

VyStar Credit Union‘s roots are as a credit union for naval personnel in Jacksonville, so you know its commitment to military members and families is strong.

The Military Heroes Mortgage Program offers payment and closing options and access to a dedicated VyHero Mortgage Support Team. VyStar also proudly provides free checking with no minimum deposit or monthly fees.

The icing on the cake is discounts on events and attractions. It’s another way VyStar earns the trust of military members, families, and veterans and thanks them for their service.

Opportunities to earn extra cash through savings are at a height right now, and thousands of Suncoast Credit Union members enjoy savings products and services that offer flexible terms and higher dividends.

Suncoast earns trust through money market accounts and share certificates (the credit union version of a certificate of deposit or CD) that offer some of the best rates because the credit union’s mission is to achieve just that.

Suncoast, based in Tampa, also offers student and educational savings accounts, IRAs, and health savings accounts to help busy Suncoast families maximize their financial potential.

Educators founded CAMPUS USA Credit Union to serve employees and students at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Although it caters to a much broader membership population today than it did at its founding, its commitment to education still rings true as a vision as it strives to make a positive difference in all members’ financial lives.

CAMPUS USA’s free checking account is perfect for students and everyone interested in an inclusive, no-fuss approach to finance. A full suite of personal and business products and services builds community trust.

Today, all Florida credit union members can count on a modern digital approach to banking that puts optimum control in each member’s hands. Nowhere is that more the case than at Community Credit Union of Florida, a Titusville-based institution with a suite of eServices that ensures complete anytime/anywhere access through the desktop or mobile app.

Community Credit Union’s technological approach rivals far larger institutions with more resources to spare. However, the credit union’s accomplishments don’t come at the expense of trust through market-leading personal and business products and services.

Florida credit unions are often at the forefront of financial education efforts in schools and communities. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, based in Lakeland, delivers on that responsibility with maximum impact through its MIDFLORIDA Money Minute financial wellness center, a comprehensive educational platform free to all members.

From courses on homebuying to budget basics, managing student loan debt, and using credit responsibly, MIDFLORIDA Money Minute is packed with trustworthy information applicable to various financial circumstances.

Some financial institutions consider credit card rewards a game of hoops to jump through, but Melbourne-based Space Coast Credit Union takes a more straightforward approach. Space Coast’s Visa Signature® pays 3 points for groceries, 2 points for restaurants, and 1 point on other purchases, returning a steady flow of potential extra income to members.

In-store and online purchases earn the same perks, and Space Coast doesn’t try to make up for it by charging an annual fee. It adds up to a trust-enhancing member benefit from a credit union dedicated to member success in everything it does.

In this day and age in the US, access to reliable transportation is a practical necessity for students, workers, and many others. Unfortunately,  many parts of the country lack affordable mass transit, making access to a personal vehicle especially important.

As a locally operated institution, Jacksonville-based Community First Credit Union understands that necessity and works to deliver some of the lowest auto loan rates and most affordable payment options around. Community First’s commitment to community trust includes access to its financial education portal, moveUP Money Talk, with resources to help educate first-time car buyers and others.

Many credit unions consolidate as businesses and industries grow and evolve, and that’s the story of GTE Financial, which began in 1935, soon after General Telephone (later GT&E, then GTE, then Verizon) acquired Peninsular Telephone Company. It has entered its second decade as GTE Financial.

GTE is headquartered in Tampa, one of the most competitive housing marketing in the US, so it stands to reason that home loans would be a hallmark. GTE earns trust among members and communities in the Tampa Bay area through Zero Money Down loans, Construction Loans, and many other instruments for new and established Floridians looking to get ahead in housing.

Credit unions are community-focused financial institutions by their very nature, but First Florida Credit Union, based in Jacksonville, stands out with one of the busiest community calendars we’ve seen.

Not only does First Florida offer It’s a Money Thing® financial education for young adults, it operates a Youth Center with checking and savings accounts and financial events. Community engagement is just as much of a priority.

Webinars, financial literacy day camps, and other community-based services help First Florida earn trust as a member- and community-focused credit union.

Credit union money stays in the community, so credit unions have a special incentive to do things right by community members. Credit unions earn community trust through their work to support and energize local small businesses, which provide many, if not most, jobs and are responsible for delivering livelihoods and futures.

For all the work it does supporting education in its home county of Pinellas and beyond, Achieva Credit Union offers a flexible, locally based approach to small business financing that puts entrepreneurial energy at the forefront.

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It’s a challenge to highlight certain credit unions because the credit union mission is about people serving people for the greater good. We’re confident we’ve chosen among the best of the best to give as many financial consumers as possible an alternative they can trust with their financial future.

Times are exciting in Florida. Building a financial relationship with a Florida credit union is a great way to build your financial future while benefiting your neighbors and community.