The first known form of currency--the Mesopotamian shekel--emerged nearly 5,000 years ago and cash has been used to purchase goods and services ever since. Until recently, it was a safe bet that cash would be around for the foreseeable future...that may not be the case anymore.

With the rise of digital banking, it’s become increasingly important for credit unions to enhance their Digital Member Services (DMS). Moving in the direction of efficient and seamless digital solutions when it comes to member services is crucial for the survival of credit unions in the digital age. But it is also important that CUs do this while still providing the personalized member service experience that members expect.

With mobile banking reaching its saturation point, credit unions now need to focus on product differentiation. It is no longer enough to just offer a mobile solution--it is now time to match mobile offerings with your member base. Remember, product differentiation is key, design excellence matters and your aim should be an incredible member experience.

As mobile banking continues to rise in popularity throughout the United States and the world, credit unions must pay special attention to the types of features they offer in their mobile app or they risk getting left behind. But how exactly do credit unions create a mobile banking app that not only handles the basics, but goes above and beyond setting itself apart from the rest of the competition?

Mobile banking has many benefits for credit unions and their members. A mobile banking app can provide members with 24-7 access to account information, instant bill pay features, and the ability to make purchases, transfer money to friends, and deposit checks with just the click of a button. These revolutionary changes have made banking quicker and easier than it’s ever been. As mobile banking continues to transform the financial industry, credit unions must pay close attention to what’s happening.

The growing demand for digital banking services and the rise of fintech companies into the banking space means that credit unions (CUs) have to change the way they do business in order to stay competitive. Members now want access to a variety of online banking services, and the credit unions that fail to provide them likely won’t be around too much longer.

In 2020, the coronavirus forced credit unions to shut their doors and rethink how they do business. With branches closed and the lockdown in full effect, it became clear that members wanted digital solutions to handle all their banking transactions. Suddenly mobile banking, digital wallets and digital lending platforms became crucial for the survival of credit unions.

We live in a time of technological wonder and change. Yet, many of today’s companies often pivot their talking points away from internal development, thus obfuscating the fundamental question and primary mission of any core: “How are you updating your core technology to keep my credit union relevant and competitive?” 

Choosing to switch your credit union core software provider is a huge decision. After all, credit union core technology is one of the most critical components to any successful credit union and making the wrong decision could hurt your business for years to come. Another big decision comes when you’ve narrowed down your list to just two core providers, and you must choose which vendor to partner with.

The onset of COVID-19 left many questions in credit unions' minds. FLEX had nine credit unions scheduled for conversion between March - August 2020. Of these nine credit unions, six required remote/virtual implementations based on State mandates for travel and corresponding quarantine. Virtual implementations were successfully performed by FLEX training teams in New Mexico, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia. When some core processors were working with credit unions to postpone or reschedule their core conversion, FLEX was working with staff and credit unions to modify implementation and training procedures. Necessity is the mother of invention. Understanding that physical proximity is becoming increasingly unnecessary (although it may still be preferred), FLEX began implementing remote conversion plans. Here is a summary of the takeaways of our experiences.