# Golden 1 Credit Union Is the Only Credit Union on TIME's First America's Best Companies List

> Golden 1 Credit Union joined TIME's inaugural America's Best Companies list as the only credit union in Banking & Financial Services.

- Published: 2026-11-06T17:00:26+00:00
- Section: Business
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-06/golden-1-time-best-companies-list
- Source: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/golden-1-credit-union-named-to-times-inaugural-list-of-americas-best-companies-302931612.html)

## Key takeaways

- Golden 1 Credit Union was named to TIME's inaugural America's Best Companies list on November 6, 2026.
- Golden 1 was the only credit union in TIME's Banking & Financial Services category.
- Golden 1 serves more than 1.2 million members across California and holds more than $22 billion in assets.

Golden 1 Credit Union was named to [TIME](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0002hsm/time-magazine)'s inaugural list of America's Best Companies on November 6, 2026, the only credit union in the Banking & Financial Services category. [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/golden-1-credit-union-named-to-times-inaugural-list-of-americas-best-companies-302931612.html) carried the announcement. The Sacramento-based credit union serves more than 1.2 million members across California and holds more than $22 billion in assets.

## How TIME Built Its First Best Companies List

[Golden 1 Credit Union](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0005j9r/golden-1-credit-union) said the list recognizes organizations that combine strong business performance with impact for employees, members and communities. TIME evaluated companies on employee satisfaction, financial performance and sustainability transparency, according to the announcement. The ranking draws on employee surveys, revenue and growth indicators, and environmental, social and governance factors.

Donna Bland, president and CEO of Golden 1 Credit Union, said: "For nearly a century, Golden 1 has been dedicated to helping Californians build brighter financial futures." Bland added that the recognition reflects employees' daily work to serve members and expand opportunity across California.

The credit union said the honor follows its investments in financial education, employee development and community partnerships. Golden 1 was founded in 1933 as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative, according to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data).

## Golden 1's Scale and Community Commitments

The same records list total assets of $21 billion and a membership count of 1.1 million, alongside an employee count of 2,000 across California operations. In May 2026, Golden 1 expanded its four-year partnership with Sacramento State to a cumulative $1 million commitment supporting student well-being, financial education and the Basic Needs Resource Center serving over 31,000 students. In February 2026, the credit union awarded $1.5 million to 55 California nonprofits through its 2026-2027 Community Grant Program, targeting educational attainment, career pathways and entrepreneurship for young adults in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.

## Recent Recognition and Expansion at Golden 1

In September 2026, Golden 1 launched an enhanced Chico Branch and Financial Resource Center at its existing Chico location, offering banking services, financial education and personalized support, PR Newswire reported. The same month, it expanded its Business Services offerings with business checking, savings and money market accounts, ACH and wire services, digital banking, Merchant Services via Clover and Payroll Services via Paychex, PR Newswire reported. In August 2026, the credit union awarded nearly $500,000 in scholarships to 45 California students selected for academic achievement and community service, PR Newswire reported.

## What Comes Next for Golden 1

No further dated steps tied to the TIME list were stated in the announcement.

## Companies in this story

- [Golden 1 Credit Union company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0005j9r/golden-1-credit-union) · website: https://www.golden1.com
- [TIME Magazine company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0002hsm/time-magazine) · website: http://time.com

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