Union Credit Launches Marketplace of Trusted Credit Union Lenders

Mission focused Fintech takes on challenge of bringing the next generation of membership to credit unions and offering consumers more equitable choices

Union Credit launched the first marketplace for credit unions to make firm, one-click credit offers at the point of purchase.

Union Credit is the pioneer marketplace for credit unions to reach new, credit-worthy members from outside their ecosystem, bringing in the next generation of membership and ultimately increasing loan volume and member acquisition and strengthening their competitive edge. Through a simple one-click loan activation embedded within their daily retail and financial activities, consumers can now access affordable credit like never before, through more convenient, transparent financing.

Union Credit announced the strategy for this marketplace in January 2023. Since then, the startup has formed significant partnerships with marketplace platforms including Way.com, Bankrate and AmOne, and other notable and nationally recognized publishers, enabling credit unions to provide north of 200 million consumers with easy access to pre-approved loan rates at the point of sale. Offers span across all consumer loan types including auto loans, credit cards, home equities, personal loans, and more.

Earlier this year, the company partnered with TransUnion as their data provider of choice to ensure lenders can intelligently assess borrower risk and provide consumers with accurate and relevant loan offers, interest rates, and repayment terms. Union Credit also formed a key partnership with Zest.ai, to allow credit unions to leverage the Zest model to extend fairer and more inclusive credit access to all consumers.

Dave Buerger, Union Credit co-founder and CEO, said, “Our marketplace is a transformative solution enabling credit unions to reach millions of consumers and offer their trusted services beyond the confines of traditional marketing channels – with lower costs and risk, removing barriers to access and expanding financial inclusion and equality. With a wide array of competitively priced products and services, credit unions are ideally suited to address consumers’ unique financial situations by responsibly granting relevant product options that match their needs and help them attain financial wellness.”

There has been an outpour of support and collaboration from forward-thinking credit unions to advance the mission of bringing in the next generation of members.

Casey G. Mauldin, Chief Revenue Officer & Chief Lending Officer of Jovia Financial Credit Union, said, “As one of the top 100 credit unions in the nation, Jovia is committed to providing exceptional service and affordable rates for our members. As we expand our digital footprint, we’re excited to embark on this journey with Union Credit, which will create new relationships with countless prospective members. Jovia is a differentiator in the financial landscape of credit union service providers, and we view this partnership as an opportunity to level the national playing field by providing access to products, services, and pricing that may not have been available before.”

Troy Kyle, EVP and CIO of America’s Credit Union, said, “The challenge for credit unions is two-fold, reaching young and new members and staying current with evolving technologies. What could take months to years in digital marketing dollars as well as IT development costs to gain new market share, Union Credit boldly accomplishes this in seconds with a few clicks of a button. Union Credit understands that consumer behavior is a reflection of cultural trends and has delivered the first simple and intuitive embedded finance platform that resonates ease of use and is built for credit unions.”

“With our continued expansion, Teachers Federal Credit Union has the ability to strengthen the financial foundations of millions of individuals across the country,” said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with Union Credit and leverage their digital solutions to allow us to further broaden our reach with pre-approved loan offers to prospective members nationwide.”

Union Credit has partnered with TruStage’s digital storefront, Perpetual Offers (formerly known as CuneXus), offering its marketplace to Perpetual Offers’ nearly 250 credit union clients. Together they support financial institutions’ efforts to acquire and retain members. Co-founder of CuneXus Dave Buerger, and former SVP Barry Kirby now serve as Union Credit CEO and CRO, respectively.

Union Credit is backed by TruStage Ventures, formerly CMFG Ventures, and supported by Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV), Array, Way.com, and other strategic fintech influencers.