There was a time when on-demand (also referred to as "instant issue") cards were one of those "nice to have" benefits for credit union members. They were fast, convenient, and efficient - but they weren't necessarily a "must have" feature like mobile banking.

According to recent data, almost 60% of consumers in the United States were living paycheck to paycheck in July 2022. Record high inflation is certainly being felt by people everywhere, regardless of where they live or how much money they make.

In a period of significant global economic instability, the financial services sector is going through a significant period of disruption. This has been especially challenging for credit unions, who need to leverage a variety of methods to keep cash flow as stable as possible. Thankfully, there are ways to use this newfound disruption to optimize revenue streams moving forward. They require organizational leaders to keep a few key things in mind.

Amid the era of digital transformation, credit unions and financial institutions are finding profit-driving applications for the treasure troves of data that have been at their disposal for several decades. This data is providing a new perspective in consumer behavior, preventing disasters and thefts, and unlocking the secrets of money movement. And now, big data is poised to make big changes to consumer lending. Let's take a closer look at three ways it's already happening.

A lot has changed for credit unions within the past two years. Many have evolved their delivery models to support more digital, remote communications while still aspiring to offer a special, personal member experience. However, achieving this level of digital prowess takes a strategy that can quickly and easily adjust to uphold specific undertakings, like paycheck protection, skip-a-pay programs, and contactless transactions. Members still require personal connection even while online and those who aren't already acclimated to digital channels need more education, connection, and security understanding to get comfortable. So, what else has changed in the credit union world, and what does the future hold?

As a credit union, you must adapt to your members' needs and wants, which include the adoption of new technology. According to a recent report from Experian Global, the number of people with mobile wallets and traditional payment methods is essentially the same. Out of 6,000 consumers and 2,000 businesses surveyed worldwide, 62% responded that they use mobile wallets, 63% said they use traditional payments, and 64% said they use a debit card for making transactions. In addition, the survey discovered that consumers are also using digital payment methods just as much as they use their email. With all of these statistics, it's safe to say that consumers are steadily becoming more tech-savvy. So, the real challenge for credit unions is to recognize the significant increase in digital spending and rise to the occasion.

In the past, credit unions saw fintechs as some of their main competitors. However, many have turned into valuable partners offering solutions that can support member needs. Today, fintechs recognize that they are better than credit unions in certain instances and vice versa. While credit unions understand member needs, how to develop relationships, and how to safely provide financial services, fintechs use some of the latest technology to solve specific problems. This can be paired with CORE software to deliver solutions that support member needs.

As a credit union, one of your goals should be to increase the number of auto loans you acquire each year. And if you've been monitoring the market, you've probably noticed the significant increase in car payments, which has doubled since 2021. As of 2022, auto-related loans account for nearly 10% of all consumer debt in the U.S., which means a wealth of opportunities to boost your credit union's ROI and help people save!

Recent research has revealed that credit unions' tightened lending approach is backfiring, becoming detrimental to both borrowers and lenders. In their attempt to maintain high credit quality, many credit unions (CUs) have missed valuable lending opportunities and lost some of their reputations as lenders focused on serving average, working-class people. Many CUs have reported extremely low delinquencies and charge-off rates, which has sparked concern among lending officers who think they're missing opportunities to fulfill member needs. Thankfully, there are ways to make up for all those lost loans.

A car is one of the most expensive purchases in a consumer's life, which is usually accompanied by a large amount of debt from auto loans. In 2021, auto loans made up nearly 18% of total consumer debt for 18 to 29-year-olds, 10% for 30 to 39-year-olds, and 9% for 40 to 69-year-olds. So, with a vast majority of the population taking out loans for their cars, why isn't your credit union getting more auto loans?