Credit union ATM networks remain a critical part of delivering convenient, member-focused banking services, even as digital banking adoption continues to accelerate. Consumers expect seamless access to cash, deposits, and account services whether they are close to home or traveling across the country. Expanding access through shared ATM and branch networks allows credit unions to compete more effectively with larger national banks without the expense of building additional physical locations.
As member expectations continue to evolve, credit union ATM networks have become an important differentiator for institutions seeking to strengthen customer relationships. By participating in larger shared networks, credit unions can extend their geographic reach, reduce out-of-pocket costs for members through surcharge-free ATM access, and improve overall account accessibility. These partnerships also complement broader digital banking strategies by ensuring members have reliable access to financial services whenever and wherever they need them.
OnPath Federal Credit Union (www.BeOnPath.org) is expanding its partnership with CO-OP Financial Services (www.coop.org) by joining CO-OP ATM network, further enabling the credit union to meet its members wherever and however they want to engage.
“We have been a participating credit union in the CO-OP Shared Branch network, with its 5,700 branches, so we are aware of the benefits offered, allowing us to extend our member services and account access nationwide,” said Jared Freeman, President/CEO of OnPath FCU. “We are excited to now offer our members the same convenience by joining CO-OP ATM, with 30,000 machines across the country.
“With CO-OP ATM, our members can access their accounts regardless of where they live or travel, for day-to-day convenience or if they are away from home. The fact that members can use the network ATMs surcharge-free is a huge benefit and enables us to compete with any national bank,” said Freeman.
CO-OP Shared Branch and CO-OP ATM are services of the company’s Engage solutions line, which also includes the CO-OP Contact Center, ATM Terminal Driving, rewards programs, card controls and alerts, and digital banking. Shared branching enables members of credit unions to conduct their business at other participating institutions as if they were visiting their own home branch. CO-OP ATM is the nation’s largest credit union-owned network. In addition to offering 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, it includes 7,500 deposit-taking machines, with nearly 2,000 credit unions participating in the network.
OnPath FCU, based in Harahan, Louisiana (New Orleans metro area), is a 60-year-old institution with more than 64,000 members and more than $300 million in assets.
“We are delighted to add OnPath to the growing number of CO-OP ATM-participating credit unions in the southeast,” said Matt Kardell, Chief Revenue Officer for CO-OP. “It’s clear OnPath is dedicated to engaging with their members and being there for them wherever and whenever they need to access accounts. CO-OP offers a complete digital payments ecosystem that makes that possible for credit unions of any size. In this way, we can help credit unions be in a stronger position to win primary financial relationships and fulfill their mission of helping members achieve financial wellness.”
The continued expansion of credit union ATM networks demonstrates that physical access remains an essential component of the member experience, even as financial services become increasingly digital. Shared ATM and branch networks help credit unions deliver nationwide convenience while preserving the community-focused service model that differentiates them from larger financial institutions. For members, the ability to access accounts without paying additional fees reinforces the value of credit union membership.
As competition for primary financial relationships intensifies, institutions will continue investing in partnerships that enhance accessibility, improve convenience, and support long-term member loyalty. Expanding participation in credit union ATM networks enables smaller institutions to offer capabilities that rival national banks while maintaining their cooperative mission and focus on member financial well-being. These collaborative networks are likely to remain an important competitive advantage as consumer expectations for seamless banking access continue to grow.
For more information on CO-OP ATM, visit www.coop.org/Solutions.
About OnPath Federal Credit Union
OnPath Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1961 by employees of Avondale Shipyard, Inc. as ASI Federal Credit Union. For 60 years, OnPath FCU has served the community, bringing financial education, products and services to individuals and families across Southeast Louisiana. Today, OnPath FCU holds more than $300 million in assets, has more than 64,000 members, and offers its membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Southeast Louisiana, with 10 branch locations in four parishes. To learn more about OnPath Federal Credit Union, visit www.beonpath.org.
About CO-OP Financial Services
CO-OP Financial Services is a payments and financial technology company whose mission is ensuring the success of the credit union movement. CO-OP payments solutions, engagement services and strategic counsel help credit unions optimize member experiences to consistently provide seamless, personalized multi-channel offerings, while delivering secure, sophisticated fraud mitigation service. For more information, visit www.coop.org.
Contact:
Bill Prichard, APR
Director, Public Relations
CO-OP Financial Services
(909) 532-9416
[email protected]
