FORT KENT, Maine — Forbes Magazine has released its first-ever list of “Best Banks and Credit Unions in Every State,” and Acadia Federal Credit union ranked among the top in Maine.
The publication, along with market research firm Statista, surveyed more than 25,000 U.S. customers who rated financial institutions on criteria such as trust, satisfaction, branch services, digital services, and financial advice.
Acadia Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution with branches throughout northern Aroostook County and eastern Maine, was one of only four financial institutions to receive this recognition, ranking at number 3 in the state.
“It is a real honor and surprise to be named to the Forbes ‘best-in-state’ banking list,” said David Desjardins, president/CEO of Acadia FCU.
“Our staff and members come together on a daily basis to make our credit union the success it is,” said Desjardins. “I’m proud to lead such a great organization that benefits not only our members and staff but also the local communities that we serve.”
Credit unions, which are member-owned financial cooperatives, outpaced banks with an average score of 80 versus 75.2 for banks, according to Forbes. Acadia FCU scored 84.72.
Of the four Maine financial institutions that made the Forbes “best-in-state” top rankings, three were credit unions.
“It’s great to see that, of financial institutions ranked in Maine, credit unions hold three of the four spots. In our research, we have found similar conclusions that when it comes to member satisfaction and service, the member-owned, cooperative nature of credit unions resonates with consumers,” stated Todd Mason, president/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League.
Across the U.S., 124 banks and 145 credit unions, or 2.4 percent of U.S. financial institutions, made the cut.
