What are the biggest payments trends credit unions should prepare for now?

Payments are evolving faster than at any point in the last three decades, and credit unions are facing new pressures that directly impact revenue, member expectations, and competitive positioning. From real-time payments and digital wallets to rising fraud, AI-driven risk, and emerging models like stablecoins and pay-by-bank, the pace of change is reshaping how members move money and what they expect from their financial institutions. Understanding these trends now is essential for credit unions to protect interchange income, modernize their payments infrastructure, and deliver seamless, secure, and future-ready experiences.

To help credit unions navigate this disruption with confidence, Filene has launched a new All Things Payments Center of Excellence. This research hub brings academic expertise, industry insights, and actionable guidance together to help leaders anticipate payments shifts, evaluate opportunities, and build strong, proactive strategies. Through research, collaboration, and real-world testing, the Center will give credit unions the intelligence they need to stay ahead of emerging payments trends and ensure long-term member value and growth.