Westmark Credit Union Sees Surge in New Account Volume As First Card Services for Credit Unions® Member to Offer ePix from FIS™ on Pass-Through Platform

TAMPA, Fla. (October 10, 2013) Card Services for Credit Unions® announces the availability of FIS’ ePix, a customizable photo card solution allowing members to showcase their favorite photo on a debit or credit card, to credit unions using a pass-through operating model. Westmark Credit Union of Idaho Falls, ID became the first Card Services for Credit Unions® member on the pass-through platform to enable its members to create personalized credit and debit cards using ePix. As a result, Westmark has significantly increased member engagement, processing 136 new cards in the first month alone, with the majority being new account holders.

“Our transition to ePix has been much more successful and seamless than we had planned,” said Darlene Williams, VP Service Center Manager, Westmark Credit Union. “We’ve been able to communicate effectively with our members throughout the process using our pass-through email system, and we now prefer ePix to the non-customizable cards as it’s become an easier process.”

For credit unions using a pass-through model, card programs reside on the internal core account processing system. Westmark required no integration with its core processing system to implement ePix, making for a seamless transition to the customizable offering. Launched in August, Westmark’s initial advertising efforts included website and word of mouth, and the credit union plans to launch a fourth quarter promotion that will include television and radio advertisements.

“The availability of ePix on a pass-through platform is an out-of-the-box yet simple solution ideal for smaller credit unions, as it does not need to be overwhelming or too invasive from an operational perspective,” said Dean Knudtson, Senior Portfolio Consultant, Card Services for Credit Unions®. “We see an increase in usage in both debit and credit cards as members have an emotional attachment to the photos and ultimately to the card, leading that card to remain top of wallet.”