Credit Unions Lead the Way as Consumer Credit Awards 2026 Finalists Announced

17/07/2026

Credit unions from across Great Britain have secured an impressive number of shortlist places in the Consumer Credit Awards 2026, highlighting the growing impact of the movement in delivering affordable, ethical and member-focused financial services.

Organised by Smart Money People, the awards are based entirely on customer reviews and voting, making them a powerful reflection of customer experience and satisfaction across the credit industry.

This year’s shortlist sees credit unions recognised across some of the industry’s most prestigious categories, including Credit Union of the Year, Best Credit App, Customer Service Champion and Treating Customers Fairly Champion.

Six credit unions have been shortlisted for the coveted Credit Union of the Year award:

• Acorn Community Bank
• Central Credit Union
• Clockwise Credit Union
• Enterprise Credit Union
• London Capital Credit Union
• Manchester Credit Union

Credit unions also feature strongly in product-specific categories, demonstrating the breadth and quality of services now being delivered across the movement.

In the regional categories, credit unions from every corner of Great Britain have been recognised for their commitment to serving members and communities.

Shortlisted for Best Credit Union (North) are:

• Cambrian Credit Union
• Central Credit Union
• Clockwise Credit Union
• East Kilbride Credit Union
• Enterprise Credit Union
• Glasgow Credit Union
• Manchester Credit Union
• Northern Community Bank
• The Money Co-op
• Thistle Credit Union

The finalists for Best Credit Union (South) are:

• Acorn Community Bank
• Great Western Credit Union
• London Capital Credit Union
• M for Money Credit Union
• Plane Saver Credit Union
• Your Community Bank

Meanwhile, eight credit unions have been shortlisted for Best Credit Union Loan Provider, recognising the sector’s continued commitment to responsible and affordable lending, while eight organisations have also been recognised in the Best Credit Union Savings Provider category, highlighting the vital role credit unions play in helping members build financial resilience and healthy savings habits.

Digital innovation within the movement has also been recognised, with both Enterprise Credit Union and Manchester Credit Union shortlisted for Best Credit App, reflecting the significant investment credit unions continue to make in improving digital access and member experience.

Customer service remains a defining strength of the sector, with Enterprise Credit Union shortlisted for Customer Service Champion, while both Central Credit Union and Enterprise Credit Union have been recognised in the Treating Customers Fairly Champion category.

Commenting on the announcement of the finalists, Smart Money People’s Chief Executive, Peer Jelendorf, said: “Congratulations to every company that has made it to the finalist stage. The Consumer Credit Awards are driven by genuine customer feedback gathered through our reviews, making them a true reflection of customer experience. Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and recognition of the positive impact these companies are making across the credit industry.”

The winners of the Consumer Credit Awards 2026 will be announced on Thursday 6 August.

The strong representation of credit unions across the shortlist demonstrates the continued trust members place in the movement and reinforces the sector’s reputation for putting people before profit and delivering fair, accessible financial services in communities across Great Britain.

A full list of the awards and those shortlisted are available here.