Star One Credit Union’s Member-First Model Earns National Acclaim

SUNNYVALE, CA – February 17, 2026 – In a significant acknowledgment of its unique operational philosophy, Star One Credit Union has been named to Newsweek’s prestigious “America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026” list. The recognition, produced in partnership with market research firm Plant-A Insights Group, highlights the Silicon Valley-based institution's deep commitment to its members and the local economy, setting it apart in a crowded financial marketplace.

The award serves as a powerful validation for the not-for-profit financial institution, which has long championed a member-centric approach. “At Star One, our members aren't just customers, they are the owners. Every decision we make is designed with their financial well-being in mind,” said Minal Gupta, President & CEO of Star One Credit Union. “Being recognized by Newsweek is a powerful validation of our 'people over profit' philosophy. We remain committed to putting more money back in our members' pockets for years to come.”

Newsweek’s selection process was exhaustive, beginning with a pool of over 8,800 financial institutions. The methodology combined rigorous financial health analysis with extensive public feedback, including an independent survey of over 71,000 U.S. citizens and the analysis of 1.9 million social media reviews. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the award's focus on institutions that not only perform well financially but also earn the trust and satisfaction of the communities they serve.

“More than financial service providers, credit unions are community partners, showing up in neighborhoods, participating in local initiatives and helping strengthen the connections that bind their members together,” noted Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek. This sentiment captures the essence of Star One's long-standing role in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Tangible Benefits of 'People Over Profit'

For Star One, the “people over profit” slogan is not just marketing; it is a core business strategy with quantifiable results. The credit union has been recognized by America's Credit Unions (formerly CUNA) for over a decade as the number one credit union in the nation for providing direct financial benefits to its members. In 2023 alone, this benefit was calculated to be an average of $3,460 per member household within its asset group.

These benefits are delivered through the fundamental structure of the credit union model. Unlike investor-owned banks, credit unions return their earnings to members in the form of tangible advantages. For Star One's more than 130,000 members, this translates into lower interest rates on loans and mortgages, higher yields on savings accounts, and minimal fees for services. For example, as of mid-February 2026, the credit union offered new auto loan APRs starting as low as 4.75%, a competitive rate that directly impacts a member’s monthly budget.

This commitment to member value has fueled impressive growth. With assets now exceeding $9.3 billion, Star One ranks 28th in total assets among more than 4,600 credit unions nationwide. This scale allows it to offer a full suite of modern financial products and services while maintaining its foundational ethos.

A Community Anchor in a Tech-Driven World

While Silicon Valley is known globally for technological disruption and fast-paced innovation, Star One has carved out a distinct identity as a stable, community-focused anchor. The credit union’s philanthropic efforts demonstrate a deep investment in the well-being of the nine California counties it serves. In 2024, it was recognized as a top corporate philanthropist by both the Silicon Valley Business Journal and the San Francisco Business Times, with donations exceeding $900,000 to 91 different organizations.

These are not just token contributions. Star One maintains long-term partnerships with critical non-profits that address fundamental community needs. Its support for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley has spanned over a decade, helping the organization provide food to nearly a quarter-million people each month. Other key partners include Canine Companions, which provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities, and Cancer CAREpoint, which offers vital support services to cancer patients and their families.

Beyond direct financial support, the institution invests in the future through financial literacy programs. By partnering with Banzai, Star One helps sponsor financial education in local schools, equipping the next generation with practical skills for financial management. This holistic approach to community support—addressing immediate needs like food security and health while investing in long-term financial well-being—solidifies its role as more than just a financial institution.

Navigating the Future with Innovation and a New Leader

Star One’s success comes amid one of the most competitive financial landscapes in the country. The Bay Area is a hotbed for major national banks, nimble regional competitors like Tech CU and Meriwest Credit Union, and a dense concentration of fintech startups all vying for customers. This environment makes the Newsweek recognition all the more significant.

Leading the credit union into this future is Minal Gupta, who was appointed President and CEO on February 2, 2026. Having joined Star One in 2019, Gupta has been instrumental in driving its digital evolution. She recognizes that to serve a tech-savvy membership, a community-focused ethos must be paired with cutting-edge technology.

Under her leadership, Star One has become a pioneer in payment solutions. It was the first community-based financial institution to launch the Paze℠ digital wallet and was among the first in the nation to offer real-time payments through the Federal Reserve's FedNow Service. This embrace of innovation is a direct response to the challenges posed by fintechs, ensuring that members have access to the seamless, instantaneous financial tools they expect. Gupta's vision, focused on leveraging technology like artificial intelligence, signals that Star One is not just resting on its laurels but is actively preparing for the next era of banking, ensuring its member-first philosophy remains relevant and powerful for decades to come.