NCUA: Number of Credit Unions Continues Decline, But Membership Is Up (2024)

The number of federally insured credit unions declined to 4,604 institutions in the fourth quarter of 2023, a drop of 156 financial institutions from a year ago, the National Credit Union Administration said Tuesday. Of the total, there were 2,880 federal credit unions and 1,724 federally insured, state-chartered institutions.

The number of credit unions with a low-income designation also decreased to 2,483, a drop of 129 institutions from a year ago.

Although the number of federal credit unions continued to decrease, their membership continued to increase. Federally insured credit unions added four million members compared with a year ago, reaching 139.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to agency statistics.

In releasing the fourth quarter financial report, NCUA Chairman Todd Harper said that the credit union system remains strong, but that there are continued signs of consumer economic stress. “The credit union system remains largely stable in its performance and remains resilient against a challenging interest rate and economic environment,” he said. “However, the NCUA continues to see signs of financial strain on credit union balance sheets, along with growing consumer financial stress as reflected in the rising delinquency rate shown in the latest data.”

For instance, the delinquency rate at federally insured credit union was 83 basis points, up 21 basis points from a year ago. In addition, credit card balances grew by $7.8 billion, or 10.5%, reaching $82 billion.

In the fourth quarter report, NCUA officials also said that:

  • Total shares and deposits rose by $31.2 billion, or 1.7 percent, over the year to $1.88 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2023.

  • Total loans outstanding increased $96.2 billion, or 6.4percent, over the year, to $1.60trillion.

  • Average outstanding loan balance in the fourth quarter of 2023 was $17,922, up $778, or 4.5 percent, from one year earlier.

  • Delinquency rates on non-commercial real estate loans was 56 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2023, 13 basis points higher than in the fourth quarter of 2022.

  • Credit card delinquency rates rose to 211 basis points from 148 basis points one year earlier.

  • Auto loan delinquency rates increased 23 basis points over the year to 90 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2023.

NCUA: Number of Credit Unions Continues Decline, But Membership Is Up (2024)

FAQs

NCUA: Number of Credit Unions Continues Decline, But Membership Is Up? ›

NCUA: Number of Credit Unions Continues Decline, But Membership Is Up. The number of federally insured credit unions declined to 4,604 institutions in the fourth quarter of 2023, a drop of 156 financial institutions from a year ago, the National Credit Union Administration said Tuesday.

Are credit unions in decline? ›

Although the number of federal credit unions continued to decrease, their membership continued to increase. Federally insured credit unions added four million members compared with a year ago, reaching 139.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to agency statistics.

Why would you get denied from a credit union? ›

Financial institutions check to see if a past account was “closed for cause,” meaning the bank or credit union shut down the checking account because of something you did. If the report shows you have a record of mismanaging other bank accounts, the institution could refuse to open a new account.

How many credit unions are there in the NCUA? ›

Credit Union System Performance Data: 2023Q4

As of December 31, 2023, there were 4,604 federally insured credit unions with 139.3 million members. Please direct inquiries about the quarterly credit union performance report to oeacmail@ncua.gov.

Are credit unions also in trouble? ›

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has issued a warning about a 25% increase in cybersecurity incidents, highlighting the specific threats credit unions will face in 2024, including ransomware, phishing, email scams, and poorly secured IoT devices.

Will the bank collapse affect credit unions? ›

No. Credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Just like the FDIC insures up to $250,000 for individuals' accounts of a bank, the NCUA insures up to $250,000 for individuals' accounts of a credit union. Beyond that amount, the bank or credit union takes an uninsured risk.

Have any credit unions failed recently? ›

National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) credit unions had seven conservatorships/liquidations in 2022 and two so far in 2023.

Why do banks not like credit unions? ›

First, bankers believe it is unfair that credit unions are exempt from federal taxation while the taxes that banks pay represent a significant fraction of their earnings—33 percent last year. Second, bankers believe that credit unions have been allowed to expand far beyond their original purpose.

Why do credit unions restrict membership? ›

Originally, membership in a credit union was limited to people who shared a common bond. They may have worked in the same industry or for the same company. Or they may have lived in the same community. However, credit unions have loosened the restrictions on membership and often allow the general public to join.

What is a mishandled account? ›

MISHANDLED ACCOUNTS

The closure of the account and/or (b.) The dishonor of any check thereunder which may be presented to the BANK after the closure of the account and/or (c.) Reporting by the BANK of the closure of the account and the reason/s thereof to the BAP.

Who are the top 5 credit unions? ›

  • No. 1 — Navy Federal Credit Union.
  • No. 2 — State Employees' Credit Union.
  • No. 3 — Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
  • No. 4 — Boeing Employees' Credit Union.
  • No. 5 — SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
  • No. 6 — Golden 1 Credit Union.
  • No. 7 — America First Credit Union.
  • No. 8 — Alliant Credit Union.
May 14, 2024

Is NCUA as safe as FDIC? ›

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is an independent agency created by the U.S. government to regulate and protect credit unions and their owners. Just like the FDIC, the NCUA insures up to $250,000 to all credit union members and provides protection in the event of a credit union failure.

Who holds credit unions accountable? ›

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) charters and supervises federal credit unions and insures savings in federal and most state-chartered credit unions.

Can credit unions seize your money if the economy fails? ›

Money deposited into bank accounts will be safe as long as your financial institution is federally insured. The FDIC and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) oversee banks and credit unions, respectively. These federal agencies also provide deposit insurance.

Why are credit unions struggling? ›

Credit unions facing challenges in managing risks, such as credit risk or cybersecurity threats, may find themselves in difficult situations. Demographic Shifts: Changes in demographics, including aging populations and shifting consumer behaviors, can impact the demand for certain financial products and services.

What is the largest threat to the credit union industry today? ›

Information Security (Cybersecurity)

The evolving cybersecurity threat landscape poses persistent risks to credit unions. As credit union technology-related operating environments become ever more complex, it is crucial to establish a cybersecurity program that can adapt and evolve to counter these threats effectively.

Are credit unions safe in a market crash? ›

Some people wonder where the best place to store their money is to protect its value amid economic uncertainty. One way to ensure your money stays safe is to deposit it in a credit union. Credit unions protect members' finances, whatever the market conditions are, including during a recession.

How risky are credit unions? ›

Just like banks, credit unions are federally insured; however, credit unions are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Instead, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the federal insurer of credit unions, making them just as safe as traditional banks.

Are credit unions in danger like banks? ›

Like banks, which are federally insured by the FDIC, credit unions are insured by the NCUA, making them just as safe as banks.

Are credit unions growing in popularity? ›

Community banks and credit unions are attracting a small but growing number of you, study shows. While most of you are still getting your primary credit cards from national banks, a growing number of you are tapping credit unions and community banks for these cards instead, according to a new study.

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