WASHINGTON— America’s Credit Unions is reporting that credit unions are “one step closer”to the clarity that has been long sought under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
The clarity comes in the wake of the FCC’s vote to advance a proposal that reflects key recommendations America’s Credit Unions said it has been making on the issue from the very start.
“The FCC’s proposed updates reflect the balance we’ve fought for, including protecting consumers while ensuring credit unions can communicate vital account information when it matters most,” President and CEO Jim Nussle said in a statement. “Through consistent advocacy across administrations, we helped shape modern TCPA reforms that work for both consumers and community lenders, and we’ll keep leading as the FCC finalizes these changes.”
‘Relentless Advocacy’
According to the trade group, The proposal comes after “months of relentless advocacy,”including multiple meetings with FCC leaders and staff across every office since the TCPA was last updated in early 2024.
“If finalized, the new rules would simplify compliance, reduce litigation risk, and lower costs for credit unions by establishing clear, auditable consent and opt-out processes for member communications,” America’s Credit Unions said.
What Updates Would Do
The FCC’s proposed updates would:
- Allow financial institutions to designate clear, exclusive methods for members to revoke prior consent, improving compliance consistency
- Modify outdated requirements that force institutions to treat a single opt-out as applicable to all call types
- Eliminate limits that prevented institutions from using additional verified contact numbers when making critical fraud or security calls.
America’s Credit Unions noted it previously secured a one-year delay of the 2024 revocation-of-consent rules, “leveraging that time to engage the FCC on necessary changes.”
The association said it will submit formal comments in strong support of the proposed rule and continue to ensure credit unions’ voices are heard throughout the rulemaking process.
Defense Council Supports Move
“These reforms recognize a fundamental truth,” Jason Stverak, DCUC’s chief advocacy officer, said in a statement. “When financial institutions such as our nation’s credit unions need to contact members about critical account security, fraud alerts, or emergency notifications, the regulatory framework must be practical, transparent, and workable.”
The FCC’s proposed updates—clarifying consent protocols, streamlining opt-out mechanisms, and removing outdated restrictions—reflect a modernized approach that balances consumer protection with the operational realities of today’s financial institutions, according to DCUC.
“This matters especially for credit unions serving our military and defense communities,” added Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “Real-time communication can mean the difference between preventing fraud and leaving a member vulnerable. We appreciate the FCC’s recognition of this critical need.”
As the rulemaking process moves forward, DCUC said it is urging the FCC to keep the interests of mission-driven, not-for-profit credit unions at the forefront. DCUC said it believes that any final rule should preserve credit unions’ ability to communicate efficiently and responsibly with their members—while maintaining the highest standards of privacy, consent, and consumer protection.
“DCUC stands ready to continue our advocacy, engage with the Commission, and support the adoption of a final rule that advances clarity, fairness, and effective consumer protection,” added Stverak.
