PYMNTS Report May 2025

CU Innovation Readiness: The Smallest Step It Up

How small credit unions are accelerating innovation across digital and payments.

Smaller Financial Institutions Accelerate Digital Progress

Small credit unions are closing innovation gaps faster than many expected. The report examines how smaller financial institutions are improving member-facing digital capabilities, adopting modern payment tools and narrowing the readiness divide across asset tiers.

  • See where small CUs made the biggest gains
  • Track growth in real-time payments and wallets
  • Learn how digital upgrades support relevance

Digital Gains Among Small CUs

    Only 15% now lag

    The share of small CUs lagging in innovation fell sharply year over year.

    83% growth in RTP

    Real-time payment adoption rose quickly across key asset tiers.

    36% wallet growth

    Mobile wallet availability increased among the smallest credit unions.