Here’s some good news in a world that could use more of it: Velera just landed a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Companies to Work For list. But they didn’t stop at just one recognition—they went ahead and nabbed three separate honors, because apparently overachieving is kind of their thing.
The credit union payments powerhouse and fintech solutions provider earned top marks in three distinct categories: overall best companies, best in the Information Technology sector, and best companies in the South. Not too shabby for a day’s work.
What This Means
U.S. News didn’t just pull these rankings out of thin air. They evaluated companies based on the stuff that actually matters to employees—you know, the things people consider when they’re scrolling through job listings at 11 PM wondering if the grass really is greener elsewhere. We’re talking pay and benefits, work-life balance, job stability, whether you feel like a cog in a machine or an actual human being, and real opportunities to grow your career.
“Credit unions exist to improve the financial lives of the people and communities they serve, and that mission starts with how we care for our own team,” said Velera CEO Chuck Fagan. “Creating a workplace where employees feel supported, empowered and connected enables us to better serve our credit unions, partners and stakeholders every day. We’re honored to be recognized among the nation’s best workplaces and remain committed to fostering a culture where people can grow, innovate and make a meaningful impact.”
This Isn’t Their First Rodeo
If you’re thinking Velera must be doing something right, you’d be correct. This latest accolade joins an impressive collection of recent honors that reads like a workplace culture highlight reel:
- TIME’s America’s Best Private Companies
- Forbes’ America’s Best Midsize Employers
- Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women (ranked No. 2 in their industry, no less)
- Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Gen Z 2025
- IDC’s Top 25 solution provider in their 2025 FinTech Rankings
At this point, they might need to build a bigger trophy case.
Why This Matters
According to Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers at U.S. News, the job market is going through some serious changes right now. The way we think about work and workplace culture is shifting faster than your favorite streaming service cancels shows, and companies that can keep up deserve recognition.
“The list spotlights companies that scored high on multiple metrics that promote a positive work environment and everyday employee experience,” Chase explained.
For Velera, creating that positive environment isn’t just about racking up awards—it’s about building a workplace where diversity is embraced, equity is practiced, and inclusion isn’t just a buzzword on a corporate website.
The Numbers Behind the Rankings
Before you ask—yes, there’s actual methodology here. U.S. News didn’t just ask their cousin which companies seemed cool. They looked at private companies with at least 1,000 employees and more than $500 million in annual revenue, plus the 5,000 largest publicly traded companies by market cap. Companies needed at least 75 Glassdoor reviews written between 2021-2025 to even qualify.
The rankings pull from multiple data sources—including Revelio Labs, QUODD, ZoomInfo, and Good Jobs First—and factor in everything from employee sentiment to regulatory enforcement data. In other words, they did their homework.
For job seekers, budding professionals, and HR leaders trying to figure out who’s actually walking the walk when it comes to employee satisfaction, these rankings offer a solid starting point. And for Velera? It’s confirmation that investing in your people pays off in ways that go far beyond the balance sheet.