Choosing the Right Path: 4 Zelle® Integration Options for Your Credit Union

When it comes to Person-to-Person (P2P) payments, Zelle® has become one option in the member journey.

To help you navigate your implementation strategy, we’ve outlined the four distinct pathways available for integrating Zelle within the FLEX ecosystem. Whether you want to leverage your Corporate Credit Union relationship or integrate via your Bill Pay provider, there is a solution that fits your workflow.

Option 1: Direct Integration via FIS and FLEXBridge

If you are looking for a direct route using the FLEXBridge API, you can drive Zelle integration by using the FIS Money Movements team as your intermediary.

• How it works: The FLEXBridge API connects directly with FIS to facilitate the transfer. While this requires a relationship with FIS for the Zelle service, no other FIS products are required.
  
• Member Experience: Members access Zelle directly through your Mobicint internet banking or mobile app menus.
  
• Considerations: This requires an active relationship with the FIS Money Movements Team.
  

Option 2: Corporate Credit Union & FLEXBridge (The "Instant Payment" Powerhouse)

Many credit unions prefer to leverage their existing Corporate relationships. The FLEXBridge API currently supports Zelle integration with Alloya, Catalyst, Corporate America, Corporate One, Vizo Financial, and VolCorp.

• How it works: FLEXBridge connects your core directly to your Corporate Credit Union’s Zelle gateway.

• The Bonus: Choosing this path doesn't just enable Zelle; the FLEXBridge API with our corporate partners also connects your credit union to the FedNow® Service and The Clearing House RTP® network, positioning you for the future of instant payments.
• Member Experience: Seamless integration within the Mobicint transfer menus.
• Considerations: This requires an active relationship with your Corporate Credit Union.

Option 3: Integration via Velera (Shared Branching Gateway)

• How it works: This method uses a Single Sign-On (SSO) API. When a member selects Zelle within Mobicint, they are securely passed to the Velera app environment.
  
• Member Experience: The transaction flows through the shared branching network, providing a familiar interface for those already using Velera services.
  
• Considerations: This requires an active relationship with Velera.

Option 4: CheckFreePay (The Bill Pay Integration)

If you are looking for a solution that sits outside the core FLEX infrastructure, CheckFreePay offers a direct integration.

• How it works: Because CheckFreePay has its own direct integration with Zelle, the FLEX ecosystem is not required to drive the transaction.
• Member Experience: Members access Zelle by navigating to the "Bill Pay" section of their Mobicint menu. From within the CheckFreePay interface, they can select Zelle to send money.
• Considerations: Your credit union must use CheckFreePay as its bill pay provider. 

Zelle® Integration Comparison for FLEX Credit Unions

Which Path is Right for You?

• Choose Option 1 if you want a direct API connection and already have (or want) a targeted relationship with FIS without broader core commitments.
• Choose Option 2 if you want to future-proof your institution. This is the most robust path for credit unions looking to adopt FedNow® and Real-Time Payments (RTP) alongside Zelle.
• Choose Option 3 if your members are already heavily engaged with the Velera/PSCU ecosystem and you prefer the shared branching gateway.
• Choose Option 4 if you are looking for the fastest, lowest-cost implementation and your members are frequent users of CheckFreePay.