Innovation

Credit cards remain one of the most powerful tools for deepening member relationships, yet most consumers still turn to big banks when choosing a card. Why? Because credit unions are often invisible in the digital comparison journey. Filene’s latest FiLab Fintech report explores how seven credit unions tested CardFit’s comparison platform to change that dynamic, and what they learned about engagement, targeting, and the hidden barriers standing between interest and approval.

One of the six solutions selected for the 2025 FiLab testing phase focused on improving how credit unions manage fraud disputes, an operational and reputational pressure point that continues to intensify as fraud volumes rise. To address this long-standing challenge, FiLab partnered with Casap to test whether its fraud dispute automation platform can reduce manual burden, improve processing speed and strengthen member trust during high-stakes resolution moments.

The next generation of members seek out financial guidance online and the question is whether your credit union will be part of that conversation. Filene's FiLab Finfluencer report reveals how 13 credit unions stepped into that space by testing influencer campaigns, and what they discovered may change the way you think about future member growth entirely.

*25-Minute Read: Co-designed with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), this brief aims to deliver an in-depth report that compares leading payment innovations worldwide, analyzes the technological and regulatory drivers behind these advancements, and derives actionable lessons for U.S. credit unions by examining models and regulatory environments from selected countries.

Credit union executives are fielding more fintech pitches than ever, but knowing which solution is right for your specific goals, infrastructure, and members is a question most institutions don't have the bandwidth to answer on their own. After years of hands-on testing alongside credit unions and fintech partners, FiLab has identified three considerations that consistently separate successful implementations from the ones that stall.

Wave 20 of Filene's i3 program graduated on March 19th, 2026. Filene's Head of Incubation, McKaye Black and Incubation Manger, Maddie Gunderson celebrated the cohort's hard work and congratulated this incredible group of credit union innovators and leaders. Also, each graduate was able to share their biggest takeaways from their i3 experience.