One of the big takeaways from 2020 for credit unions was that digital banking services are not only going to be important for the future, but they’re also essential right now. To satisfy members’ expectations and compete with the rise of fintech companies, CUs must choose the best technologies and continue to enhance their digital banking capabilities.One of the most important elements of credit unions’ digital banking future will be offering competitive digital lending services.

The goal of any credit union is to satisfy the needs and wants of its members. Since the pandemic reshaped the world and transformed how we do business, member habits and behaviors have been changing and changing fast. It should be no surprise that as people try to avoid contagion, in-person interactions have declined significantly, and folks have turned to digital solutions to meet their needs. This trend has huge implications for credit unions around the country.

There's no ignoring a new brand of competition making a "rocket" fast rise in popularity: digital lenders that provide an exclusively online loan experience. The Global Digital Lending Platform Market size is expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2025, and CUs would be remiss if they passed on the chance to grab a piece of that. One could argue that this could mean bad news for credit unions, who sometimes have more limited resources compared to the big banks or larger FIs. Fortunately, many CUs and their technology partners have been preparing and innovating for years making the digital playing field a familiar realm.

Making members aware of Credit Union digital products & services is half the battle. Members will use the tools that they know about and when branch hours are limited or eliminated members need to be aware of their options. When people are coming into the branch less frequently, be sure to keep sharing messaging in other ways to keep them aware of your offering.

Digital lending has been available to credit unions for quite some time, but with new emerging technologies and the fast-paced nature of consumer lending, it’s more important than ever that digital lending offers members more than a paperless process. Members, especially Millennials, not only want, but expect a quick application, and even faster decisions. A recent PwC report found that three of the four demographic groups polled in their study would rather be online for each phase of the borrowing process as opposed to more tradition channels, ie. in-branch or over the phone. The best way to customize the application and decisioning process while meeting the requirements of your CU is through digital lending technology, making it more efficient for both members and staff. Here are 4 benefits of digital lending.

4 Tips to Successfully Implement Credit Union Mobile Lending

Recent market research has illustrated the potential for credit union mobile lending solutions and even suggests that if it's not a part of your short-term strategic plan it should be. According to recent Pew research, 78% of adults in the country own a mobile phone and 43% of them regularly use their smartphone for financial management and mobile payments. Further, CUNA Mutual Group statistics report that 550 credit unions using their company’s online lending technologies have received $2.4 million in mobile loan requests per day. This is evidence that credit union members are doing their due diligence in researching what is available to them and that providing a customized personal mobile lending solution is important.

“People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured if you have enough money, you can have a key made.” -- Joan Rivers

It’s true. One key to happiness for credit unions is a good mobile lending strategy and enough money can certainly help one achieve it. However, spending money does not always equate to success, and a good credit union mobile banking strategy is not just something you buy. Before seeking answers from industry experts and technology providers, credit unions should first carefully consider the right questions.

Does your credit union offer mobile lending? Probably. Have you personally ever used it to apply for a loan? Probably not. Understanding the ins and outs of the mobile lending process starts with who? You! Putting your staff and board members into the role of a member will only serve to improve your mobile lending products. What you find could surprise you. 

How easy is your mobile lending process?  Not how easy it was for your developers to create it, nor how easy it is on your back end processes, but the part that really matters: How easy is it on your members, or potential members, to start and complete a loan application? If your mobile loan applications prove to be difficult, applicants will grow frustrated and abandon the process. A mobile loan is supposed to be easy, and the process to the end user should be a slam dunk... an easy, uncontested two points for both your credit union and your members.