The increased use of digital technology around the globe over the past couple of years has also led to an increase in cyberattacks--particularly phishing. Phishing refers to when a malicious actor sends fraudulent emails or messages with the intent of stealing your personal information and/or money. Since credit unions have access to both the personal information of their members and their money, it makes them ripe targets for phishing and other types of attacks online.

These days, more and more people are using cards and digital wallets to pay for goods and services. Although many people still use cash on a day-to-day basis, digital payment options are becoming more common, especially among members of the younger generations.

A cashless society is a common theme in science fiction novels. But with the rise of digital banking and cryptocurrencies, together with global crises and tech-savvy consumer demand, those works of fiction are becoming closer to fact. Cash is not going away, at least not anytime soon, but the popularity of non-cash transactions continues to grow.

For many years, digital banking platforms and applications have been improving while the use of cash in America and around the world has been declining. Recent advances in technology combined with social distancing measures have changed member wants and needs, and this is having big implications for credit unions and the role digital banking technology will play in their future.

Digital payments and technologies are reshaping how people all over the world spend money--to the point where some economists are debating the future of cash. It’s not just the widespread use of credit and debit cards, but the rise of digital wallets, digital banking apps, direct deposits, instantaneous peer-to-peer payments and digital lending services that are solving people’s banking needs, and as a result, making cash less common.

Over the last couple of years, the rapid changes taking place in digital banking have put pressure on many credit unions to improve their digital platforms. One of the most important elements of creating any successful digital banking platform is making sure you can offer a frictionless Digital Member Service (DMS) experience to your members. Today, when members need help, they expect efficient, fast and user-friendly member services.

In 2020, credit unions and all sorts of businesses were forced to adapt and change the way they provided member services. Obviously, one of the biggest changes was finding a way to provide services and transactions that were once conducted in-person and make them digital. As member expectations and needs changed, CUs and other businesses were forced to enhance their digital platforms at an alarmingly fast rate.

Credit unions have a history of putting their members first. In fact, nothing is more important for a credit union than being able to provide personalized member services to members in their community. Perhaps this is why many credit unions have found the transition to digital banking and digital member services (DMS) that has taken place over the past few years to be difficult, and some are even resisting the changes.

Credit unions pride themselves on the quality of member service and the personalized attention they give their members. However, as the world moves toward digitalization and a large part of member service is now conducted online, credit unions must do everything they can to create high-quality digital member services (DMS).

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.