But here’s perhaps our spiciest take, and it’s not even on the list:

AI represents a larger cultural shift than a technological one.

The technology is here. It works. The question isn’t whether AI can deliver value to credit unions, but whether credit unions are willing to adopt it… and if their teams have the expertise to implement it effectively.

With that in mind, let’s look at a few not-so-bold predictions for 2026.

1. Most Midsize Credit Unions Will Have AI in Their Tech Stack

This one’s almost guaranteed. Even credit unions that aren’t actively pursuing AI will end up with it through vendor upgrades, core system enhancements, or fraud detection tools. The AI adoption question will shift from “should we” to “where do we already have it?”

For midsize credit unions, AI will show up whether leadership makes a conscious decision or not. Core providers are building it into their roadmaps. Fraud detection vendors are upgrading their systems. Cybersecurity tools are incorporating AI-powered threat detection.

By the end of 2026, the credit unions without any AI in their stack will be the outliers.

2. A Lot of AI Use Won’t Be Noticed at First

AI adoption won’t always happen at the institutional level. Much of it will start small and personal. Executives will use AI to summarize meeting notes. Loan officers will use AI to draft emails. Marketing teams will use AI to generate social media content.

These individual use cases won’t show up in strategic plans or board reports, but they’ll become table stakes for efficiency. The credit unions that resist this shift—either through policy or culture—will find themselves working slower than their peers.

By the end of the year, AI-powered meeting summarization and similar executive-level tools will be as common as shared calendars.

3. AI Implementations Will Start to Reveal Data Quality Problems

This is the uncomfortable truth about AI adoption. Believe us, we’ve experienced this firsthand as we build AI agents internally. AI and bad data mix like oil and water. Or like water and pure potassium.

Credit unions think they’re ready because they have data. Then they try to implement an AI tool and discover their data is inconsistent, incomplete, or formatted in ways that don’t work with modern systems.

Credit unions will find duplicate records, missing fields, inconsistent naming conventions, and data that’s technically accurate but contextually useless. It’ll be a lot of work.

The good news is that cleaning up data quality issues makes credit unions stronger even if the AI project gets delayed.

4. Members Will Start Expecting AI-Level Service Speed

Think about it. We’re already Googling information differently, relying more on AI summaries (or even asking LLMs instead of the internet).

Once a few credit unions start offering instant loan decisions or real-time fraud alerts, member expectations shift across the industry. This is how every service improvement works—early adopters set the new baseline, and everyone else has to catch up or explain why they’re slower.

Members won’t care that your credit union is still evaluating vendors or that your core system doesn’t support real-time decisioning yet. They’ll compare you to the credit union down the street that approved their neighbor’s loan in two minutes.

AI-level speed will become the expectation, not the exception.

5. Staff Resistance Will Become a Bigger Impediment Than Technical Implementation

The technical challenges of AI adoption are solvable. Vendors can integrate systems, consultants can clean up data, and IT teams can manage infrastructure. The harder problem is getting staff to trust and use AI tools.

Employees worry that AI will replace them, make their jobs less meaningful, or produce results they’ll be blamed for when things go wrong. These concerns are understandable, and they won’t disappear just because leadership says AI is safe.

Credit unions that invest in change management, training, and transparent communication about AI’s role will see faster adoption and better results than those that treat it as purely a technical implementation.

Bonus: Agentic AI Will Drive the Biggest Efficiency Gains

Credit unions that embrace agentic and automated AI—tools that can act independently within defined parameters—will see the most dramatic improvements in staff efficiency.

We’re not just talking chatbots that answer questions. We’re talking whole systems that complete tasks, process applications, route requests, and handle routine decisions without human intervention.

(Shout outs to GoAbacus, a fintech that gives credit unions dozens of ready-to-use agents on a scalable platform.)

The credit unions that figure out how to deploy agentic AI safely and effectively will create significant competitive advantages. The ones that limit AI to advisory roles will see incremental improvements at best.

Where Will You Start Your AI Journey in 2026?

This is where we’re supposed to sell you something, right?

That seems like a lot of work. Instead, let’s just make sure you have everything you need to succeed, no matter how far along you are on your AI path. These are all free:

1. Credit union AI readiness assessment
2. Credit union AI policy
3. Job description for a credit union AI leader

If that’s not enough for you and you’d like to do more, consider joining our Fintech Call Program. Once per quarter, we’ll call you to discuss a handful of fintechs we think you’ll like.

(Spoiler: most of them use AI somehow.)

It’s free, takes only 30 minutes, and it’s a dead-simple tech scouting resource for your team. You can sign up here to schedule your first call.

The post AI Predictions for Credit Unions in 2026 appeared first on CU 2.0.

In the next 5 years, will you use AI more or less at work?

More, right?

Which means everyone needs to know how to use AI responsibly. This is especially true for any task or role that uses generative AI.

At the end, we’ll share one recommendation for how to use AI more responsibly at work. (Spoiler alert: be transparent about when and how you use AI.)

Let’s dive in.

Generative AI Is Highly Useful

This blog isn’t about doom and gloom. Nor is it about making fantastical claims about the future. It’s just solid, level-headed advice.

Generative AI can summarize your meetings. It can organize your email inbox and draft replies. It can write that response/post/thing you need.

AI can generate images, video, and voice. It can create presentations and slides. It can handle basic business intelligence.

AI can code, build, create, automate, and more.

If you’re not using it now, you’ll be a few steps behind when you inevitably do use it in the future.

Shortcomings of Generative AI

Remember: All LLMs say something like, “This model can make mistakes. Double-check it.”

Very roughly, generative AI often tests in a high percentile humans for any given task or knowledge set.

However, ranking in the top percentile isn’t that hard. Models are compared to the average human, not expert humans. If AI can do Task X better than 98% of humans, the other 2% are probably somewhere around expert level.

Anyone with expert-level knowledge of a subject can instantly spot generative AI’s shortcomings… in their field of knowledge.

But we have blind spots everywhere else. We see highly competent output on a broad range of subjects and think, “Well, that’s probably right.”

Even though an expert could point out where it falls short.

Generative AI is almost never an expert. Not yet. Right now, it’s just highly competent.

When Generative AI Becomes a Problem

So, we’ve established that generative AI is useful. You should use it.

We’ve also noted that it’s fallible. You shouldn’t trust it to be 100% accurate.

AI becomes a problem only when users don’t use it responsibly.

• Understand its weaknesses
• Don’t trust it blindly
• Check its work

It’s good guidance. But a quick scan will always “look good.” It appears credible. A deeper, more considered review might surface issues that a quick scan wouldn’t.

Generative AI becomes a problem when the output is trusted too much… or when it enters a collaborative workflow.

Yep. AI-generated material may also confuse someone in your team.

An AI-generated project plan may include unnecessary or irrelevant steps. AI-generated code may include vulnerabilities or inconsistencies. And so on.

What this means is that you’re introducing non-expert-level material to a workflow. You may know that, but someone else might not. Plus, that material may lack all the context that lives in your brain.

This can cause problems. Colleagues may follow an overcomplicated process, wasting time. They may have to troubleshoot code. They may ask you questions about the details of what you sent them, and you might be unable to answer… or even contradict what the AI-generated material said.

How to Use Generative AI Responsibly at Work

So, what can you do? How can you use AI if you can’t trust it completely? How can you save time on tasks or build something that may have significant issues?

How can you use it responsibly so that you don’t introduce vulnerabilities, unclear expectations, or complications into your work?

Easy.

First, remember that AI isn’t perfect. It can do good, but it can’t do amazing. At least, not yet.

Second, give AI some context. It can’t read your mind. It will guess at what you want, but it might guess wrong. The more context you give it, the more accurate your output will be.

Third, don’t ship anything generated with AI without reviewing it first. Just review it and change what needs to be changed.

Fourth, be extra careful when other people rely on what you generate. Anything inaccurate or confusing could derail their workflow and end up back on your plate.

These are four best practices for working with AI at your job. But there’s one more that we’d like to suggest. It may be controversial, but…

Transparency and Using AI Responsibly at Work

There’s one thing everyone can do to improve your outcomes when using AI. If you do this one thing, it will even allow you to fudge a bit on the previous four steps.

Be transparent about your use of AI.

That’s it. That’s the trick. Just let people know when AI generated the thing you gave them.

Here are three ways you can do it:

Add an AI-Assisted tag. Add this disclaimer however you want to: “This is AI-assisted.”

Use this tag when AI generates at least a portion of something, and you’ve fully reviewed and edited the output.

Again, this lets people know they may need to review for accuracy, etc. It also lets them know that you trust the output and it should be accurate.

Is Adding an “AI Transparency Tag” Necessary?

Yes? No? You be the judge.

You don’t need to do this for everything AI. Low-importance things don’t need disclaimers. If you’d be just as happy trusting a non-expert with the output, skip the tag.

Examples: If you pass off AI meeting notes to someone, they don’t need an explicit disclaimer. If you generate a social image, you can skip the tag.

However, if you’re working on something that requires expert-level competence or knowledge, add that tag. Same if you’re working with multiple people.

So if you pass over a project plan? Or a detailed report that someone will use for their role? Or code?

That’s when the AI tags come in handy.

Sometimes, using AI responsibly comes down to transparency. Think of it as good communication. By adding a tag, you’re telling someone that there may be elements, steps, or conclusions that come from a fallible tool with limited context.

People can do their best work only when they have good information and strong communication.

These tags just allow people to do their best work.

What Else Should Your Company Have to Use AI Well?

We believe credit unions can succeed by using AI efficiently, effectively, and responsibly. Some of what we’ve done:

• Delivered keynote speeches to credit unions about AI
• Published an addendum to our credit union book on AI
• Developed AI readiness assessments and AI policies
• Led vibe-coding sessions with credit union leaders
• Offered individual, executive-level AI coaching sessions

If you’d like to learn more about vibe coding or AI coaching, send us a message at info@cu-2.com

Or just get an early look at new fintechs that are using AI by joining our Fintech Call Program. In 30-minute quarterly calls, we’ll introduce you to new tech solutions. No pressure.

Get started here:

The post Using AI Responsibly at Work appeared first on CU 2.0.

If you’re a credit union executive, you know the drill. The industry is always shifting, and the list of priorities can feel a mile long. You’ve got to manage risk, attract new members, keep the lights on, and somehow find time to plan for the future.

We know it’s a lot. That’s why we recently polled a bunch of credit union executives to see what’s really at the top of their minds for 2026. We gave them a long list of choices and watched what got the most attention.

What we found was pretty interesting. It tells us a lot about where the industry is heading.

Here are the top four strategic priorities for credit union executives heading into 2026.

Top Credit Union Priorities for 2026

1. Member Engagement

This was the top answer by a significant margin, and it’s no surprise. Credit unions are built on relationships.

Today’s, that means more than a friendly face at the teller line. It includes having a great digital experience, a user-friendly app, and a website that actually works.

We also found that many executives see technology like CRMs, sales software, and new account onboarding tools all as part of this bigger picture. The goal is to make every interaction, no matter where it happens, simple and valuable.

This focus shows that credit unions are ready to compete not just on rates, but on a top-notch member experience.

Fintechs to watch: Valiify, Glide, Cache, Swaystack

2. AI for Professional Use

AI is no longer just a buzzword for the IT department. Executives and managers are planning to use it in their own jobs.

Think of it as a super-powered assistant. People are using AI tools to write better emails, analyze reports faster, and automate tedious tasks. The idea isn’t to replace humans, but to free up valuable time.

This trend suggests that credit unions are embracing a more efficient, future-forward way of working. It’s an admission that sometimes, the best way to get things done is to let the robots handle the grunt work, so we can focus on the big-picture stuff.

Tools to watch (CU focus): Senso, ScreenSteps

Tools to watch (general): Gemini (Google), ChatGPT (OpenAI), Claude (Anthropic), Fyxer AI

3. Deposits and Liquidity

This one is a familiar face, but it’s still getting a lot of attention. With rising rates and economic uncertainty, leaders are keeping an eye on their balance sheets.

A steady flow of deposits is crucial for a credit union’s ability to lend and stay stable. This priority is all about a strong, reliable foundation so you can serve your members without worry.

Credit unions are looking for creative strategies to attract deposits and manage cash flow. And it all starts here.

Fintechs to watch: Avibra, Delfi

4. Data Analytics

It’s one thing to have a lot of data; it’s another to actually use it. It’s time to get serious about turning raw data into actionable insights.

Poll respondents want to know things like which members are most likely to take out a loan, which services are under-used, and how to spot fraud faster. The goal is to make smarter decisions about everything from marketing to staffing.

This priority shows a clear move away from guesswork and toward data-driven strategy. It’s about leveraging the information you already have to gain a real competitive edge.

Fintechs to watch: dotData, Overwatch Data, Anne Legg’s THRIVE Strategic Services

How to Keep Your Priorities Straight

While these four were the clear winners, we also saw a good amount of interest in other areas, like fintech partnerships and member services. These all tie back to the same central theme: credit unions are shifting from just offering products to providing real value and seamless experiences.

More than just a list of priorities, this is a snapshot of the industry’s mindset. It tells us that credit unions are ready to be proactive and agile. It shows a mind toward growth, backed by closer attention to member needs and financial health.

Ready to get a head start on 2026? We make it easy.

Join our Fintech Call Program for easy, low-stakes tech scouting and fintech education. We’ll get on a quick 30-minute call each quarter to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Learn more here, or sign up here:

The post Credit Union Technology Trends in 2026 appeared first on CU 2.0.

How do you want that interaction to go?

Think carefully. The answer matters—maybe more than you know.

Read on to learn more about the best new online account opening providers for credit unions… plus a quick highlight on our top pick!

Why Online Account Opening Matters

Traditional online account opening providers certainly get the job done. Meridianlink works. Legacy platforms are certainly better than requiring in-branch paperwork.

But works and works well are two different things. Traditional systems take 20–25 minutes to complete and application. Completion rates hover around 15%. That’s… not ideal.

A better platform can reduce application time to mere minutes.

Not only that, but it can dramatically improve conversion rates, reduce application friction, and drive more deposit and loan growth. Some platforms can also handle a good deal of the onboarding workload, too, complete with cross-sell opportunities based on your new member’s credit profile.

New online account opening fintechs give members a better application experience. They also give credit unions more members with higher product cross-sell and lower member churn.

Let’s take a look at the big players.

1.    Valiify

Valiify’s Digital Account Opening and Loan Origination System platforms go hand in hand. They also tell you pretty much everything you need to know about what they offer.

Valiify is a unified origination platform for deposits and loans, digital and branch. It deploys quickly, updates the core in real time, and features built-in cross-sell capabilities, turning digital account opening into a strategic growth driver.

Typically, account opening takes less than 3 minutes, includes fraud prevention, and comes with dedicated onboarding and fast deployment.

Big wins: Deposits, white label, fast application time, onboarding included, inbuilt cross-sell, flexible configurations, platform consolidation potential

2.    Glide

Glide offers an incredibly efficient and high-converting online account opening and loan origination platform. Its white-label platform cuts application time down to just 2 minutes. Conversely, their conversion rate is nearly 80%.

That’s way better than 25 minutes for a 15% conversion rate.

Glide also automates decisioning and onboarding. That means fewer bottlenecks, less operational overhead, and a frictionless experience for members and staff alike.

Finally, Glide automatically handles onboarding and cross-sell right from the get-go.

Big wins: Deposits, white label, fast application time, onboarding included, inbuilt cross-sell, flexible configurations, platform consolidation potential

3.    MANTL

Note: MANTL was recently acquired by Alkami. We’re curious to see how this affects the product and delivery.

MANTL has grown quickly owing to its simple automated account opening. They’re built for credit unions looking for deep integrations and automation to drive deposit growth.

Their platform makes account opening easy with core-integrated workflows that reduce friction and increase efficiency.

Overall, MANTL is customizable, scalable, and deposit-focused.

Big wins: Deposits, business accounts, fast application time, flexible configurations

4.    Cotribute

Cotribute’s online account opening platform places a heavy focus on automation to improve efficiency. Improved UX and automated decisioning dramatically improve conversions over legacy providers.

Cotribute also features inbuilt cross-sell into its onboarding workflow, improving new member product penetration and reducing churn.

Big wins: Deposits, lending, fast application time, onboarding included, inbuilt cross-sell, flexible configurations, platform consolidation potential

5.    Narmi

Narmi’s Narmi Grow solution focuses on conversion optimization, providing a clean UX that improves conversion rates. It integrates well with core systems and other Narmi products alike.

Narmi Grow focuses on driving deposits and improving self-service options for members.

Big wins: Deposits, business accounts, fast application time

6.    CreditSnap

CreditSnap’s online account opening platform handles both deposits and loan originations. They do a soft credit inquiry during the application process, allowing them to offer cross-sell options during core onboarding.

CreditSnap is leaning into AI, with an AI-driven, mobile-first platform.

Big wins: Deposits, lending, fast application time, inbuilt cross-sell

7.     WithClutch

WithClutch offers a comprehensive online account opening and loan origination platform for credit unions. They feature automated decisioning, reducing the burden on underwriting teams while improving efficiency.

WithClutch also helps credit unions find pre-qualified offers for members at the time of application, improving overall cross-sell.

Big wins: Deposits, lending, automated decisioning, fast application time, inbuilt cross-sell, platform consolidation potential

Why We’re Excited by These Providers

Our Online Account Opening guide is filled with a mix of new and legacy DAO providers.

Legacy providers increasingly don’t get the job done. Sure, they work, but when you see super high abandonment rates on online account opening engagements, you know something’s wrong.

Asking prospective members to dedicate 20–30 minutes to handle an application just tells the member that the credit union will never respect their time or give them a smooth digital experience. Not only that, but if those 30 minutes of account opening don’t drive deposits, can’t originate loans, don’t include cross-sell capabilities… well, then you’re just asking for even more of the member’s time in the future.

These vendors are different.

Not only is the overall application time 1/10th that of legacy providers, but they support so much more. Imagine taking 30 minutes to accomplish something that could be done in 3.

Now imagine which account opening experience your members would prefer.

Which Vendor Is Right for You?

We can’t answer that question definitively. However, we can highly recommend Glide and Valiify.

Cutting application time to under 3 minutes (or even under 2 minutes with Glide) dramatically boosts conversion rates. We’re talking over 80%.

Why these two? Glide handles onboarding. Valiify handles cross-sell and loan origination. Given that getting a new member is only half the battle—and that keeping the member is the other half—any focus on onboarding and cross-sell is critical.

Finally, with online account opening that drives deposits, originates loans, and handles new member onboarding, you could potentially consolidate multiple platforms into one.

Learn more about Valiify here:

Learn more about Glide here:

The post Best New Online Account Opening Providers for Credit Unions appeared first on CU 2.0.

Then came COVID.

Depending on location, access to many credit union branches was either very limited or gone completely. People were forced to use digital means to conduct their business whether they wanted to or not. And again, lots of people predicted the inevitable end of credit union branches. And once again, they were wrong.

Post-COVID, we’re embracing AI. And although we still need credit union branches, we don’t need the same credit union branches. That means the role of the branch manager is changing, too.

With that in mind, here are four tips to keep you pointed in the right direction.

1. Know the Technology Better Than Your Members

Two things are certain:

1. Your members are more tech savvy than they ever have been in the past, and
2. They expect you to be just as tech savvy, especially when it comes to your credit union’s own technology.

For better or worse, members are going to visit your branch looking for help with that technology. If their need is beyond your MSR’s knowledge, you need to be able to step in whenever possible and make things right.

Remember, today’s members are looking for an omnichannel experience. That means the same overall member experience, regardless of whether they’re sitting at their office desk or standing at a teller window. Your job is to make the branch part of their member experience as seamless and frictionless as possible.

means the same overall member experience, regardless of whether they’re sitting at their office desk or standing at a teller window. Your job is to make the branch part of their member experience as seamless and frictionless as possible.

2. Get Your Employees Excited About the Technology

It’s human nature. As soon as your credit union introduces some new technology—an automation tool, or a generative AI platform, for example—some employees will instantly see visions of being replaced by one of the robots in I, Robot. That’s not what technology is about, at least not for the foreseeable future.

Credit unions exist to serve members. That means every employee’s primary job is to serve members. And the more time they spend engaged in mundane, repetitive tasks that are better left to a computer, the less time they have to actually engage with your members.

Put another way, better technology allows your employees to provide better service to your members. That means that their jobs will become more efficient, more productive and, depending on your bonus structure, more lucrative. When the technology works well, everybody wins.

3. Be a Champion of New Technology

In credit unions of days gone by, technology was the sole responsibility of the IT department. In today’s progressive credit unions, technology is seen as a team effort, with IT experts and departmental stakeholders sharing the responsibility for successful deployments.

When your credit union introduces new technology, embrace it and be a part of the project to whatever extent you can. But don’t stop there. Make it your job to seek out new branch technology—including AI and automation—that your credit union can leverage to achieve better member service across the entire organization.

Technology will only become more pervasive as we move forward. The wise branch manager understands this and works to get the most from technology for their members, their employees, and themselves.

4. Get Comfortable with AI

AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s quickly becoming central to credit union operations. Generative AI tools can help streamline member communications, automate routine inquiries, and even predict member needs before they arise. These tools are here to stay, and getting comfortable with how they work is essential.

Take time to understand how AI tools function, their strengths, and limitations. Help your team experiment with AI-driven applications and encourage them to learn alongside you. Remember, AI won’t replace human relationships—it’s designed to enhance them. Branch managers who embrace AI early will set their teams and their members up for long-term success.

Additional Resources

Like what you’ve seen so far? Sign up for our Fintech Call Program and get a personalized, 30-minute call each quarter. We’ll discuss the latest technologies and solutions, make key introductions, and offer early access to events, giveaways, and more!

And of course, please subscribe to our blog (if you haven’t already)!

Get AI coaching for your executive team here:

The post Technology Tips for Branch Managers appeared first on CU 2.0.

Digital marketing brings in traffic, but getting that traffic to convert—whether it’s opening an account, applying for a loan, or signing up for a new service—can be challenging. Many credit unions still rely on broad, one-size-fits-all marketing strategies that might not speak to what members actually need.

Marketing automation helps solve this problem. Instead of manually tracking engagement and sending out mass promotions, marketing automation platforms allow credit unions to create personalized, behavior-driven outreach.

This approach ensures members get relevant information when they need it—without overwhelming marketing teams with extra work. Read on to learn more about what marketing automation is, how it works, and what it can do for your credit union.

The Role of Marketing Automation in Digital Marketing

Credit unions use multiple channels to reach members, from social media and email to digital ads and content marketing.

But simply having these channels isn’t enough.

Most website visitors leave without taking action, and many promotional emails get ignored. In fact, the average website conversion rate is just 2.5–3%. Without a follow-up strategy, most of those visitors won’t come back.

Marketing automation changes that by keeping the conversation going.

When a visitor browses auto loan rates but doesn’t apply, marketing automation can send them helpful content about car buying or a reminder to check current loan offers. If a member clicks on a credit card promotion but doesn’t complete the application, the system can follow up with additional details or a special incentive.

This automated engagement helps members get the right information at the right time—without requiring marketing teams to manually track every interaction.

Moreover, you can manage all that (and see how leads respond) from a single dashboard.

What Marketing Automation Can Do That Manual Outreach Can’t

Traditional marketing efforts often rely on broad messaging. A credit union might send the same auto loan offer to every member, even those who aren’t looking for a car. Imagine sending a HELOC offer to someone who rents, or a premium credit card offer to a member with a 500 FICO…

This approach wastes resources and risks frustrating members with irrelevant messaging.

Marketing automation refines this process by using behavioral data to determine what each member is actually interested in. If a member consistently reads mortgage-related articles, the system can prioritize home loan offers for them. If someone engages with small business banking content, they can receive targeted outreach about business accounts or lending solutions.

Automation also makes it possible to create drip campaigns, where a series of emails or messages guide members through a decision-making process. For example, a new member might receive a welcome email introducing the credit union’s mobile banking app, followed by tips on setting up direct deposit, and then a personalized offer for a savings account.

By tracking how members interact with emails, websites, and digital ads, marketing automation ensures that the next message they receive is always relevant to their interests.

Lead Scoring and Behavior-Based Outreach

Another key advantage of marketing automation is lead scoring. Lead scoring is a system that assigns points based on how engaged a member is.

Members who open emails, click on offers, or visit specific pages gain higher scores, signaling that they may be ready for outreach.

For example, if a member searches for “best credit union car loans” and visits an auto loan page, their lead score increases. If they later check out a blog about car buying tips, their score goes up again. If they click through on an email offer, their score rises once more. At a certain threshold, they might receive a personalized email about current auto loan promotions or even a direct follow-up from a loan officer.

This approach helps credit unions focus their efforts on the members most likely to act, rather than sending the same messages to everyone.

Who Benefits from Marketing Automation?

Both credit unions and their members see benefits from marketing automation. Here’s how:

Members receive personalized, helpful information instead of generic promotions, making their experience more relevant and engaging. They get support in their financial journey without feeling like they’re being constantly sold to.

For credit unions, automation makes marketing more efficient and cost-effective. Instead of sending out generic offers, credit unions can rely on data-driven insights. The result is better conversion rates, stronger member relationships, and a more streamlined approach to outreach.

Consolidating Marketing Tools for Efficiency

When it comes to digital marketing, credit unions suffer the same issue facing many other organizations.

Namely, there are too many tools and platforms to deal with.

You might be juggling any number of these things:

• Email marketing platform
• Social media management and scheduling tool
• Credit union CRM
• Google Analytics or other website traffic and behavior tracking
• SMS communications platform
• Chatbot
• Form builder

In many cases, marketing automation brings these functions together into a single platform, reducing complexity and improving efficiency. Instead of juggling multiple systems, marketing teams can see all member interactions in one place, making it easier to build effective campaigns.

Is Marketing Automation Right for Your Credit Union?

Adopting marketing automation requires an upfront investment in technology and strategy, but the long-term benefits are tremendous.

Credit unions that implement automation see improved engagement, higher conversion rates, and more effective marketing overall. We’ve also seen firsthand how marketing automation can improve new member onboarding and reduce churn and dormancy rates through the first year.

Traditional marketing still has its place, but automation ensures that credit unions are delivering the right messages to the right members at the right time. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to market—and it’s quickly becoming a necessity in an increasingly digital world.

For credit unions looking to modernize their marketing efforts, automation is a valuable tool that can make member engagement more effective and meaningful.

Our favorite provider of marketing automation services for credit unions is Total Expert. We’ve partnered with them for years. You can learn more about them here:

The post What Credit Union Marketing Automation Is and Why It Matters appeared first on CU 2.0.

Unfortunately, many onboarding processes don’t deliver. In fact, 44% of new checking accounts go inactive within the first year. Considering that credit unions spend about $200 to acquire each new member, this is a big loss of value and opportunity.

So, what can credit unions do?

Bring on a dedicated onboarding solution, of course! Currently, credit unions have two main choices:

Swaystack and Digital Onboarding. Read on to see how they stack up.

Swaystack: Modern, Gamified Onboarding

Swaystack makes the new member onboarding process simple, engaging and fully integrated with major digital banking platforms. The whole process is automated to reduce staff workload. Through a multichannel combination of emails, in-app widgets, push notifications, and SMS messages, members are guided from account creation through all the major touchpoints:

• Account Funding
• Direct deposit switch (DDS)
• Subscription transfers
• Loan Payments
• Mobile banking setup
• E-statements
• Cross sell

Members are led to complete their account switch process with a progress bar (and other elements of gamification). It tickles the psychological need to finish things.

It’s… effective. Very effective, in fact.

One of our favorite features—aside from the gamified bits—is the subscription transfer tool. New members are encouraged to move their subscriptions to their credit union account. It simplifies and centralizes for them, increases interchange for the CU, and it’s a big step towards attaining top of wallet status.

Key takeaways for Swaystack:

• Gamified onboarding keeps members engaged and simplifies complex steps.
• Direct deposit switching secures primary financial institution status.
• Digital wallet setup positions credit union cards as the top choice for payments.
• Indirect members deserve onboarding journeys too.

Ultimately, Swaystack has created a modern, multichannel onboarding solution that feels optimized for digital-first members.

Digital Onboarding: Focused on Simplicity

Digital Onboarding offers a more traditional approach. The platform uses email and text reminders to guide members through key onboarding steps, such as setting up online banking or enrolling in eStatements. Automation ensures that members stay on track without requiring constant manual follow-up from credit union staff.

Digital Onboarding’s strength is its simplicity. By focusing on essential actions, it helps members quickly get comfortable with their new accounts. Credit unions also benefit from detailed analytics that show how members are progressing through the onboarding process. This makes it easier to identify any bottlenecks or areas for improvement.

While Digital Onboarding is effective at streamlining workflows, it’s not as interactive or personalized as Swaystack. Its focus is more on efficiency than engagement, which may be a better fit for credit unions looking for a task-oriented solution.

Key takeaways for Digital Onboarding:

• Automated workflows guide members through critical onboarding steps.
• Clear messaging encourages action and keeps members on track.
• Analytics help credit unions measure success and improve processes.

Ultimately, Digital Onboarding has been around for years. Their onboarding solution isn’t quite as optimized for today’s (or tomorrow’s) digital members, but they have a considerable track record.

How Important Is Onboarding, Anyway?

There are two answers. The first answer uses a lot of words to convince you of the importance of creating a delightful member experience, building a relationship, and instilling trust or whatever.

But the second answer is better:

A good onboarding process decides whether you keep the member or lose them. It improves member engagement and product adoption from the get-go. It’s the difference between someone who opened an account once and someone with direct deposit, e-statements, and a credit card.

Swaystack and Digital Onboarding keep members from ghosting you. That makes them critically important to your long-term growth.

Which Solution Do We Recommend?

We’ve worked with and looked under the hood of both organizations. And, although we can’t tell you which is right for your credit union, we’re comfortable giving a rare recommendation to Swaystack.

The gamification and extra steps to ensure funding, engagement, and top-of-wallet status give them a definite edge.

You can learn more about them here:

The post The Best New Member Onboarding Solutions for Credit Unions appeared first on CU 2.0.

On top of grief, inheritors deal with the logistical nightmare of financial paperwork.

This is not the most comfortable topic to discuss, but it’s still incredibly important. Read on to see how your credit union can help members and inheritors through difficult times.

What’s at Stake for Credit Unions

For credit unions, death of a member means a few things. Beyond the loss of a valued member, there’s also the risk of losing deposits and loan/interest income.

The value of these losses shouldn’t be understated. You can expect, at minimum, at least 1% of your members to pass away each year.

Providing end-of-life planning and solutions for members ensures that credit unions can be a moment of light in dark times. With the right solution(s), you can guide members and their loved ones through a difficult process, all while adding members and retaining deposits.

Tech Solutions that Help with the Death of a Member

A handful of promising solutions have hit the market recently. Some of the capabilities we looked for include:

• End of life planning
• Support after loss
• Logistical benefits to members and inheritors
• Financial benefits to the credit union

These are a few of the best fintech solutions we’ve seen that help credit unions, their members, and the inheritors of the deceased.

Note: This list is presented in alphabetical order.

1.     Peacefully

Peacefully is a fintech platform that helps people with end-of-life planning and managing recent losses. Until recently, they’ve operated in the direct-to-consumer space, but they’re branching out to employers and credit unions (with recent fintech acceleration from Curql Fund).

The only knocks against Peacefully are that A) they don’t keep deposits in the credit union after the death of a member, and B) the don’t have a memberization strategy.

2.     Ribbon

Ribbon is a digital estate and inheritance platform that retains deposits and brings in new members. Their simple plug-in avoids core integration, allows inheritors to digitally submit an inheritance request, verifies all documentation (e.g. death certificate), and gives a slick view to prioritize retaining inheritors.

By simplifying the estate settlement and inheritance process, they allow credit unions to support and memberize surviving loved ones..

The only downside of Ribbon is that they don’t offer will, trust, or probate for estate planning.

3.     The Postage

The Postage partners with financial institutions to offer will and estate planning. They include document management—including a vault for messages and memories from loved ones—as part of their platform.

The only catch is that The Postage doesn’t have a reliable deposit retention or memberization strategy.

4.     Trust & Will

Trust & Will is an estate planning platform that offers trust, will, and probate. Credit unions that want to offer end-of-life planning for their members can partner with Trust & Will to offer a co-branded experience.

Like the other estate planning services, Trust & Will doesn’t do deposit retention or memberization.

How to Choose a Solution

We can’t tell you which platform is right for you. However, we’re curious about how Ribbon fits into the field.

Peacefully, The Postage, and Trust & Will focus on the estate planning portion (some include some post-death estate management education and support). However, none of the three are designed specifically to support inheritors—nor do they reliably retain the deposits of the deceased (or bring in new members).

Therefore, we think it’s a good idea to include Ribbon in the search for an estate planning solution. For credit unions, after the death of a member, Ribbon essentially takes paperwork, verifies it, and puts a CRM around it. The result is much higher deposit retention, plus new account creation for inheritors.

On its own, it’s a good deposit retention and memberization tool. But used in conjunction with an estate planning platform, credit unions can ensure that the member journey doesn’t end at death.

See more about it here:

The post Death of a Member? The Best Solutions for Credit Unions appeared first on CU 2.0.

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Legacy cores, while dependable, often lack the agility needed to keep up with the rapid evolution of fintech. That is, unless you love waiting a year or two for integrations…

Fortunately, the world of credit union core software is still evolving. New entrants are carving out niches in the credit union market. Read on to learn why you should keep your eye on Corelation, Nymbus, Ultracs, and Open Banking Solutions.

Not Your Grandparents’ Core

The leading core provider in the credit union industry has over 30 years of experience. Your grandparents were served by that core. Legacy cores are the backbone of the credit union experience for a large portion of the industry.

But the average age of a credit union member is 53. Younger people are gravitating toward fast-moving fintechs and big banks with great digital UX and fintech integrations.

You may want to keep your grandparents core to continue serving the members you have…

But if you want to support the digital needs of people under 50 (well over half the population of the US), then it might be time to think about getting a core that can keep up.

The Credit Union Core of Tomorrow (Today)

You’re already aware of the issues with the core of yesterday. It’s slow to adapt, for one. Also, because there’s relatively little competition, credit unions don’t get many options. That lack of competition breeds complacency among core providers.

Of course, it’s not all bad. Here’s what yesterday’s core brings:

1. Data security and compliance. Legacy cores have been tested and proven. We’re talking secure data protection and support for meeting regulatory compliance challenges.
2. Operational efficiency. Yesterday’s core is better than yesteryear’s core—all the big players include automation, reduced error, and ease of operation.
3. Member experience. All of the big cores will provide some level of faster service, personalized products, and multi-channel banking support.

But what about the credit union core of tomorrow? One could argue that it’s already here. And tomorrow’s core already has all the above—often to a greater degree.

In addition to some improvements to the above 3, the core of tomorrow adds the following:

1. Integration with fintech. Open banking APIs and partnerships with key fintechs offer a broader range of services and improved user experiences.
2. Digital-first support. As more tech lives on the cloud—or works with AI—cores must be built to suit. Tomorrow’s core is.
3. Flexibility and agility. Newer cores are more responsive to credit union feedback and strategic needs, often implementing changes in months instead of years.

This is to say nothing about cost comparisons, inbuilt operational improvements, or slow to adapt to CU needs and member expectations.

The credit union core of tomorrow is here today, and it’s being offered by several (relatively) new entrants to the market.

Introducing Corelation, Nymbus, Ultracs, and Open Banking Solutions

Okay, let’s talk new cores. Or, if not new new, at least pretty new. Not your grandparents’ core, at least. So, new.

1. Corelation is specifically built for credit unions and features a staggering array of inbuilt features.
2. Nymbus says they can power any size digital institution in under 45 days.
3. Ultracs is leaning into AI and self-service banking capabilities. Open Banking Solutions is the industry’s first proven SaaS cloud banking platform and they’re highly fintech enabled.
4. Mambu is a SaaS core, thus cloud-native, API-driven, and ready for CUs, banks, fintechs, and even small businesses.

These cores are built for agility, scalability, and seamless integration with the burgeoning fintech ecosystem. In a world where most people under 50 are extremely fintech-friendly, this is crucial for credit unions that want to stay relevant.

More importantly, these cores address specific gaps in the market—especially niche spaces within the credit union sector that have historically been underserved. With the ability to tailor operations and member experiences in ways previously unattainable, credit unions can now operate with an unprecedented level of autonomy and precision.

We’re not saying that these three cores are the future. Not necessarily…

But we are saying that these three cores are blazing the trail into the future. Everyone who doesn’t follow will be left behind.

Learn more about FintechOS here:

Why You Should Care (Even if You Don’t)

Okay, but what if you’re happy with your grandparents’ core? It still works great for you, right?

Here’s why you should care anyway:

New core solutions introduce competition into the world of credit union cores. Instead of competing against themselves, they’re now competing against cloud-based AI fintech monsters that want nothing more than to evolve the space.

Your core will get better just because there’s competition. Unless you don’t believe in capitalism at all, in which case… what are you doing in the finance sector?

Furthermore, new cores enable a lot more than just credit union choice. They empower a whole new customer-centric approach to choosing your credit union core. With options, CUs can choose the core software that aligns with their own strategic roadmap—rather than the roadmap of their core provider.

Want to Hear More about new CU Tech?

By now, the question should no longer be, “why?”

It should be, “why not?”

Why settle for the status quo when the credit union market—and their members—are calling for innovation? The arrival of new tech is consistently shaking up the industry, challenging the traditional, and making way for the extraordinary.

If you want to see more of what the future holds today, join us! We offer free tech scouting in personalized, 30-minute calls once each quarter.

Learn more and sigh up here: https://cu2.wpenginepowered.com/fintech-call-program/

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