The end of the year is a time for reflection and renewal, a chance to draw lessons from the past and set a course for what’s next. That makes it the ideal time to reconnect with credit unions featured previously on CreditUnions.com to check in on their progress and discover what’s new.
One key takeaway from the following year-end updates is that many of the challenges that prompted coverage then remain relevant today: attracting new members, especially those among younger demographics; introducing competitive, innovative products; promoting member financial wellbeing; and fostering community engagement and development.
So, where are these credit unions now? And what insights do they have for the future?
Help For Financial Futures
THEN: In March 2023, Transcend Credit Union ($557.2M, Louisville, KY) launched a checking account for 13- to 17-year-olds with features that appeal to teens and parents.
In fewer than two years, the program brought in more than 530 new teen accounts. When speaking to CreditUnions.com in 2024, the credit union reported that teen accountholders held an average balance of approximately $864 and, together, generated roughly 3,000 debit card transactions per month. The account also helped the credit union lower its average member age from the 50s to 47.
NOW: According to Darran Stopher, chief retail officer, the credit union had 922 teen accounts as of December 2025. He says one of the biggest drivers of this growth was partnering with three youth organizations to provide financial education.
“We developed educational materials on budgeting, checking and savings accounts, and responsible credit use,” Stopher says. “For one group, we participated in a seven-week class. Upon graduation, each student received $100 from us and $100 from the program to open an account.”
NEXT: Transcend plans to continue these partnerships into 2026. The credit union also runs two popular deposit match campaigns, one during National Credit Union Youth Month in April and a back-to-school promotion in August.
“Our staff has found it incredibly rewarding to conduct these financial education classes and support community members,” Stopher says. “And parents who brought their teens expressed deep appreciation, noting the teens enjoyed the classes so much they chose to stay and participate alongside them.”
Read the original coverage, “Transcend’s Teen Account Banks On The Future,” on CreditUnions.com.
Flexibility Amid Affordability Challenges
Buy Now, Pay Later Requirements For USF FCU
- Members for at least 180 days.
- Only three plans at a time.
- Applies only to debit purchases.
- Limited to $100 to $2,5000.
THEN: Buy Now, Pay Later programs have come on strong the past few years, but a 2024 survey from PYMTS and Velera found only 1.5% of credit unions offered it.
USF Federal Credit Union ($1.3B, Template Terrace, FL) made member financial wellbeing a top priority when launching its own BNPL product in June 2024. Rather than offer BNPL at checkout, the credit union allows members to apply a plan post-purchase. Splitting the total cost into installments while still using funds already in their account gives members the flexibility to manage unexpected expenses or big-ticket items.
Richard Sellwood, chief operating officer at USF FCU, spoke to CreditUnions.com in September 2024. Despite the fact the credit union’s BNPL offering was only a few months old, members had opened 350 plans.
NOW: As of August 2025, 1,420 members had enrolled in the program and opened a total of 5,450 plans.
IMAGE: https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RichardSellwood_USFFCU_300x300.png
CAPTION: Richard Sellwood, COO, USF FCU
“We’ve been able to engage with members who would have otherwise used outside services that might not put the same emphasis on their financial health that we do,” Sellwood says.
NEXT: The offering’s popularity comes amid ongoing concerns over affordability. According to Sellwood, the Florida cooperative has noticed an uptick in interest closer to the holiday season, which could indicate members are using plans to accommodate seasonal spending.
“Members have expressed how grateful they are to have the added financial flexibility in times of need,” the executive says. “We’ve made a few small tweaks along the way, but I foresee this continuing to be something we offer to our membership.”
Read the original coverage, “Buy Now, Pay Later: Fad Or The Future?” on CreditUnions.com.
Fueling Community One Bite At A Time
THEN: Redwood Credit Union ($9.7B, Santa Rosa, CA) goes beyond its role as a source of fulfilling financial options with its in-house eatery, The Grove Café.
The credit union originally opened the café in 2017 at its Santa Rosa headquarters to provide staff members access to healthy, convenient meal options. It expanded the concept to the community in 2023 under a new partnership with a local catering company. Then, in 2024, the California cooperative opened a second café at its Napa-area co-headquarters.
NOW: CEO Brett Martinez says both locations have since become a go-to lunch spot.
“It’s a space where members, employees, and neighbors can come together to enjoy high-quality, healthy meals at a reasonable price,” he says. “And when someone visits for breakfast or lunch, they also get a glimpse of what RCU is all about.”
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reflected in both a 4.8-star Yelp rating and consistent year-over-year sales growth. The Santa Rosa cafe is up 7.5% year-over-year in sales; the Napa location has posted a whopping 25% increase compared to 2024.
In addition to sit-down meals, The Grove also offers convenient grab-and-go options, including those big enough to bring back to the whole family.
NEXT: When it comes to meal planning, the credit union has even started somewhat of a holiday tradition for the most wonderful time of the year.
“Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, we prepare chef-crafted holiday meals at an affordable price for the public,” Martinez explains. “These meals have become a beloved way to make the holidays easier and more enjoyable.”
As for the CEO’s go-to menu item? He says one of his personal favorites is the chicken teriyaki bowl with extra chicken and brown rice. Yum!
Read the original coverage, “Redwood Credit Union Serves Up More Than Financial Services,” on CreditUnions.com.