The CU Shopper: A Look at New Product Offerings, What CUs are Buying

SALT LAKE CITY–Here is the latest update from the CU Daily on the newest product offerings in the market, along with a look at some of the products and services credit unions are buying. 

Appli, First Northern CU Partner on AI Calculators

SALT LAKE CITY—Appli, a provider of artificial intelligence-powered financial calculators, said First Northern Credit Union has selected its platform to improve how members explore borrowing options online.

Beth Small, director of marketing at First Northern, said the credit union had been seeking better tools for years. “What impressed me about Appli was the team’s willingness to work with us on exactly what we need,” she said. “Our previous vendor had what they had and that was it, but Appli listens to our goals and adapts the calculators accordingly.”

The credit union, which had used the same provider for more than five years, plans to launch Appli’s calculators in September. Small said she values how the calculators provide realistic payment quotes based on credit rather than showing only best rates.

Tim Pranger, founder and CEO of Appli, said the system was designed to give borrowers trustworthy information. “Members deserve honest answers about their borrowing options,” he said. “That’s the whole reason we built a smarter solution.”

Scienaptic AI, People Driven CU Launch AI-Powered Onboarding

NEW YORK—Scienaptic AI said People Driven Credit Union has selected its platform to deliver AI-driven product bundles to new members.

The platform assesses members’ financial profiles and credit eligibility during deposit account openings. Pre-qualified offers are then generated in real time, allowing the credit union to anticipate borrowing needs.

“We’re revolutionizing how we serve members from the moment they walk through our doors,” said Emily Roberts, COO at People Driven CU.

Eric Steinhoff, EVP of client impact at Scienaptic, said the platform strengthens relationships from day one.

Founded in 2014, Scienaptic specializes in AI-powered credit decisioning. Its CUSO received strategic equity investments in 2024 from 10 credit unions to expand inclusive loan growth, automation and compliance.

Red River CU, Nook Partner on 50+ Member Engagement

WAYZATA, Minn.—Red River Credit Union has partnered with Nook, a Credit Union Service Organization, to provide tailored engagement for members aged 50 and older through Nook’s Niche Experience Platform.

This fall, Red River will roll out its Living50+ experience, a branded model designed to deepen relationships and generate leads for wealth management, insurance, Medicare and traditional credit union products.

“Focusing on this segment not only deepens relationships, it opens growth opportunities because we will better understand individual member needs,” said Brad Bailey, president and CEO.

Austin Wentzlaff, co-founder and CEO of Nook, said members over 50 represent more than 40% of most credit union memberships.

First Financial CU, Ribbon Partner on Inheritance Services

LUTHERVILLE, Md.—First Financial Federal Credit Union announced a partnership with Ribbon, a provider of inheritance experience platforms for credit unions.

Ribbon offers a self-serve digital process designed to reduce stress for inheritors while automating tasks for credit union staff.

“Our members trust us to be there for them through every stage of life,” said Eric Church, president and CEO.

Ribbon said its tools help credit unions save resources, deliver empathy at scale, and strengthen connections with the next generation of members.

LEVERAGE, Pulsate Form Strategic Partnership

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—LEVERAGE, the service corporation for The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, announced a partnership with Pulsate, a provider of intelligent member engagement and mobile marketing solutions.

Pulsate’s Opportunities Engine™ uses behavioral insights, data and predictive analytics to deliver personalized, real-time communications across mobile and digital channels.

“Our partnership with Pulsate allows credit unions to meet their members digitally, emotionally and financially,” said Steve Willis, president of LEVERAGE.

Sarah Martin, CEO of Pulsate, said the platform is designed to help institutions nurture loyal, financially empowered members.

Nuuvia Marks Growth in Youth Banking Platform

PORTLAND, Ore.—Nuuvia, formerly Incent, reported 17% customer growth in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 as demand for its youth banking platform rises.

The company rebranded earlier this year and tripled its workforce to meet demand for digital-first youth banking solutions designed for teens and tweens.

“A one-size-fits-all adult banking experience creates a challenge for community banks and credit unions,” said Marcell King, president and COO.

Richard Yeager, CEO of High Point FCU in Olean, N.Y., said Nuuvia “is the bridge that can help children learn good banking habits for the future.”

Golden 1 CU, Modelshop Partner on Real-Time Credit Offers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Golden 1 Credit Union said it has implemented Modelshop’s AI-powered platform to support real-time, automated credit decisioning.

The credit union created a centralized member offer engine that integrates multiple data sources, allowing personalized credit offers in real time.

“Consumers today expect speed, accuracy and personalization,” said Chris Hamilton, EVP and chief lending officer.

Tom Tobin, CEO and founder of Modelshop, said the platform helps institutions use existing data to deliver compliant, instant credit decisions.

Pidgin Reaches 100 Financial Institutions

ATLANTA—Pidgin, a real-time payments platform, said it has reached 100 financial institutions on its system, representing the largest market share among U.S. providers.

Founded in 2022, the company grew 3,166% from three pilot clients to 100 institutions. Pidgin was an early adopter of the FedNow Service, completing certification before its 2023 launch.

“Reaching 100 clients validates our vision of making instant payments accessible and secure,” said CEO Abhishek Veeraghanta.

Pidgin partners with ICBA Payments and Corelation to expand in community banking and the credit union industry.

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