Credit Unions claim top spot in the Ireland Reputation Index 2026

Credit unions have been ranked as the most reputable organisation in Ireland, topping the Ireland Reputation Index for the fourth consecutive year. The annual study, based on the perceptions of over 5,000 members of the public, measures the level of trust, respect, admiration and esteem the public has for 100 of the largest, most familiar and most important organisations in Ireland.

With a reputation score of 81.7, credit unions were one of just two organisations to achieve an ‘Excellent’ reputation score. Credit unions ranked first in the most important driver of reputation in Ireland, Conduct, in addition to taking first place when the public were asked if they would ‘give them the benefit of the doubt in a crisis’ and ‘Trust them to do the right thing.’

The IRFU, the managing body of the rugby union of Ireland, ranked in second place, with an Excellent tier score of 80.0, with An Post just behind the IRFU with a score of 79.8.

Reflecting on The Ireland Reputation Index 2026, Alan Tyrrell, CEO of The Reputations Agency, emphasised the commercial and strategic importance of reputation:

From our 2026 study, the message is clear – reputation matters from the boardroom to the frontline. The evidence shows that organisations with an excellent reputation score are 19 times more likely to earn the public’s willingness to buy than organisations in the poor reputation tier.

What also stands out from this year’s findings is that the strongest reputations are not built by chance. Leading organisations consistently contribute positively    to society, operate with integrity, deliver high-quality products and services, and are led by strong, focused leadership teams. Reputation is earned through          actions, consistency and trust over time.”

Welcoming the first-place ranking for 2026, Ultan Ryan, from Carlow Credit Union said

Being recognised with this award for a fourth consecutive year is a reflection of the strong connection we have with the community we serve every day. At the    heart of everything we do is a commitment to supporting our members, investing in local people and helping our community thrive.

This recognition acknowledges the dedication of our volunteers and staff, whose focus remains on delivering trusted, personal service and continually enhancing the experience for our members

Credit unions were perceived to be the most Fair, Genuine, Friendly and Sincere organisation amongst the 100 studied. These results are a reflection of the trust placed in credit unions by the public, as well as the deep appreciation for our personalised, community-driven approach.

About the Ireland Reputation Index

The Ireland Reputation Index 2026 study, powered by RepTrak, surveyed a representative sample of over 5,000 informed members of the public aged 18+ throughout the Republic of Ireland between the 2nd of January and the 23rd of March. It measures their perceptions of 100 of the largest, most familiar, and most important organisations in Ireland across sixteen sectors.  Companies are ranked on a Reputation score from 0-100 and are grouped as Excellent (80+), Strong (70-79), Average (60-69), Weak (40-59) or Poor (Below 40).  The public only rate organisations that they are either somewhat or very familiar with.

This is the 17th year of the study, using the same RepTrak methodology each year. The study was carried out over the January to March 2026 period.