BALTIMORE (December 27, 2024) – SECU, Maryland’s largest state-chartered credit union, is proud to announce it has been named to Newsweek’s 2025 list of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions, for the second year in a row. SECU received a four-and-a-half star rating as one of only five credit unions based or operating in Maryland to be named to this list. The list, comprised of the top 500 banks and top 500 credit unions, was selected by Newsweek and market data research firm Plant-A Insights Group after a comprehensive study analyzing all regional financial institutions in the United States.
The methodology for the 2025 list development utilized the Texas Ratio (a measure of a bank’s credit quality) as well as assessments of profitability, net loans and leases, and press coverage over the past two years. Researchers also conducted an elaborate large-scale independent customer survey of more than 71,000 U.S. citizens, scoring and categorizing survey responses, millions of social media reviews, and other feedback to comprehensively determine the 500 finalists and their respective starred rankings.
“It is an honor that SECU has been named to the list of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for the second consecutive year. This recognition speaks to more than just an award or achievement,” said David Sweiderk, SECU president and CEO. “We are proud to be a cornerstone of so many communities across Maryland, providing equitable financial products, holistic education, and wellness solutions at the optimal value to our members across the state. Our unique structure and the tireless work of the SECU team – at every level- allows us to operate a truly exceptional member-first, employee-focused, and community-centric organization.”
Newsweek’s Global Editor-in-Chief, Nancy Cooper explains, “Regional banks and credit unions are the financial backbone of communities nationwide. With intimate knowledge of local economies, these banks often form strong bonds with customers, enabling them to better meet their needs. Credit unions serve as more than just financial institutions—they are partners in their neighborhoods, actively participating in local events and initiatives that strengthen bonds among members.”
SECU was also named to Forbes’ 2024 list of Best-in-State Credit Unions, one of just four credit unions in the state of Maryland to be recognized by this prestigious list, and recently received a Future Branches Innovator Award for the implementation of digital-first technologies and rollout of Virtual Financial Centers, a virtual branch created to provide credit union members with extended service hours and the ability to discuss loans, products, and more with SECU financial experts from the comfort of their own home. The credit union has also been recognized with The Baltimore Sun’s Top Workplace Award in 2020, 2021, 2022, and most recently, in December 2024.
