Customer Success Story
Financial Center First Credit Union Uses Innovative Solutions to Meet Members Where They Are
Faster Decisions, Lower Risk, Smarter Growth
Headquarters: Indianapolis, IN
Branch Locations: 9
Members: 60,000
Managed Assets: $900 Million
The Challenge
Taking Ownership to Drive Member Value And Operational Efficiency
Historically, Financial Center First Credit Union (FCFCU) relied on a third-party vendor for mortgage lending, but as the credit union grew, they knew it was time to take control. To strengthen member relationships and expand their portfolio, they decided to bring first mortgages in-house, a service they had never offered directly to their members. But they didn’t stop there. FCFCU also sought to amplify efficiency across consumer lending.
The Solution
MeridianLink Mortgage, MeridianLink Consumer, MeridianLink Insight
To modernize and streamline its lending operations, FCFCU adopted MeridianLink® Mortgage, MeridianLink® Consumer, and MeridianLink® Insight—all part of the MeridianLink® One platform. These integrated solutions empowered the credit union to boost efficiency, scale operations, and deliver more flexible, affordable lending options to its members.
Why Financial First Credit Union Selected MeridianLink One
Automated decisions surged from 17% to 40%.
Instant approvals skyrocketed by over 200%.
Approval ratios exceeded 60% for direct members and 45% for non-members.
The Results
Two Years of Progress in 12 Months
Upon executing a streamlined launch with MeridianLink Mortgage, the credit union achieved roughly two years of progress in just 12 months. Within 60 days of going live, Financial Center received over $10 million in applications, with 60% of loans at or under $300,000, proving its commitment to serving first-time buyers and its CDFI community. Bringing first mortgages in-house has fostered a personalized, educational approach to homeownership that’s strengthened relationships and financial security.
As for consumer lending, Financial Center leveraged the MeridianLink Consumer LOS and MeridianLink Insight to sharpen performance and expand accessibility. System decisions surged from 17% to 40%, instant approvals skyrocketed by over 200%, and approval ratios exceeded 60% for direct members and 45% for non-members.
These consumer lending stats translated to remarkable growth—direct auto lending jumped 97%, home equity loans increased 30%, and credit card approvals climbed 34%. Even amid industry-wide declines, Financial Center matched its peak indirect lending volume from 2021–2022, all while reducing indirect loan costs by 1%.
