A growing number of credit unions and community banks are choosing the agent credit card issuing path after navigating regulatory headwinds, intensifying competition, and rising costs — including funding and ongoing technology investments.
Agent credit card programs are a strategic and sustainable solution for smaller institutions. By offloading the risk of in-house issuing, these institutions enable cardmembers to benefit from expanded products and technology from larger issuers that have the scale to bring emerging technology to market quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re currently managing your own credit card program internally or exploring options, Elan makes it easy. From your initial conversation to launch, our team is by your side every step of the way bringing strategic expertise and delivering measurable results. Here’s a quick look at the roadmap to becoming an Elan partner.
Step 1: Explore
- Gain insights into how an Elan partnership works from our experts and current partners.
- Learn about our consumer and business product suites and digital wallet capabilities.
- Experience a demo of our enhanced mobile app and ExtendPay™, the Elan credit card installment lending feature.
Step 2: Analyze
- Receive a portfolio analysis for your credit union based on data you provide.
- Assess the short- and long-term growth opportunities of the agent issuing model for your members.
Step 3: Plan
- Sign the agreements and finalize your custom roadmap leading to the launch date.
- Begin onboarding and training for your internal teams provided by Elan.
Step 4: Launch
- Collaborate with the Elan Integration Team for the conversion and roll-out to cardmembers.
- A dedicated Account Executive will provide Elan-funded marketing to increase loyalty to your financial institution and reach new accounts.
- Create stable and sustainable earnings while keeping competitive with the card industry.
- Enjoy peace of mind knowing your members have access to products and features that meet their needs with no risk to you.
Did you know one in every seven credit card programs in the United States is powered by Elan Credit Card? As the nation’s leading agent credit card issuer, Elan helps credit unions and community banks deliver competitive products and compelling rewards — without the operational burden, risk, or added costs.
Our 98% partner renewal rate speaks for itself. Financial institutions continue to choose Elan year after year because of our investment in technology, robust rewards program, and leading consumer and business product suites.
“Our partnership with Elan has been seamless, and I think it’s seamless because they have a great team of experts working behind the scenes to be sure the product we are offering our members is the best for our members,” says Susan Gleason, vice president of marketing at Heartland Credit Union ($523.0M, Springfield, IL). “Having that support and having the confidence in that support is outstanding. And so that’s why it’s been a beautiful partnership.”
Whether you’re looking to enhance your offerings, reduce operational strain, or unlock new revenue opportunities, Elan is here to help.
