Nusenda Credit Union was named Best Credit Union and Best Bank in New Mexico by Albuquerque Journal readers on July 30. Nusenda was also No. 1 in the Best Auto Loan and Best Business Donor (nonprofit) categories. Its mortgage program ranked in the top two. Nusenda has won the best credit union category in the poll since the awards started eight years ago.

“At Nusenda we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our members and in communities across New Mexico,” said Nusenda President/CEO Joe Christian. "We thank our members and the Albuquerque Journal readership who awarded us top-level recognition in more categories than ever before. These awards wouldn’t be possible without our more than 600 dedicated employees, who take care of our members and communities day in and day out.”

Low rates, flexible terms, no application fees, and strong partnerships with local auto dealerships, plus innovative programs like fuel-efficient auto loan rate discounts set Nusenda apart in the auto loan category, Christian said.

In 2020, the credit union saw a 66% gain in first mortgages, and 1,000 members refinanced their current homes, saving $1.6 million annually. In addition, 266 Nusenda members bought their very first home, he added.

Last year, Nusenda donated almost $1.3 million to communities and people across the state, and helped keep more than 6,800 New Mexicans employed and on the payroll through $52 million in Nusenda-issued Paycheck Protection Program loans. It also provided pandemic economic relief to its members with skip-a-pay options, more than 10,000 loan payment deferrals, and more than $3.4 million in waived fees. In total, the credit union provided $48.6 million in direct financial benefits to its membership, according to the Credit Union National Association.

More than 100,000 New Mexicans voted in The Albuquerque Journal readers’ poll, which features 284 categories ranging from local businesses, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, medical and legal services, and more.