Velera Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Shared Branch Network, a Milestone in Member Convenience

Amy Evans

​Velera, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, is pleased to celebrate 50 years of the Shared Branch network, a system that has transformed access to financial services for credit union members nationwide.
 
What began as a bold cooperative experiment has grown into one of the largest credit union networks, with more than 5,500 participating branches across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guam. Through Velera’s Co-op Shared Branch network, members can complete routine transactions at any partner location, offering a convenient and seamless member experience. The CUSO helps credit unions participate in the network by providing the technology, operational support and payment solutions that make shared branch transactions efficient and secure, enabling credit unions to expand their footprint without the cost of additional branches.

“Shared Branch is one of the clearest demonstrations of the credit union difference,” said Amy Evans, senior vice president, Strategic Solutions, Velera. “For five decades, credit unions have set aside competition to create a network that makes life easier for members. That spirit of ‘people helping people’ remains at the heart of the Shared Branch network today – fostering stronger relationships, increasing credit union revenue and enhancing member loyalty and retention.”
 
With the ability to compete effectively with large bank networks, the Shared Branch network demonstrates why physical access remains essential in a digital-first world. In-branch service continues to play a vital role in member trust and satisfaction, according to recent market research, conducted by Velera in conjunction with Visa:

• Two-thirds of credit union members have visited a branch in the last six months, most often for large deposits, withdrawals or complex transactions.
• Three in five members report facing situations where only in-person access could meet their needs – a gap the Shared Branch network directly fills.
• Branches remain critical for building trust and loyalty, with members consistently rating in-person interactions more satisfying than digital-only experiences.

 
After 50 years, the Shared Branch network continues to set the standard for cooperative innovation in the credit union industry. As Velera celebrates this milestone, it is also charting the next era of cooperative access in a phygital landscape – one that combines the speed of digital and convenience, with the trust of in-person service and human connection. By uniting these strengths, Shared Branch ensures credit unions can deliver trusted, secure and personalized experiences across every channel, today and for years to come.
 
“Branches aren’t disappearing – they’re evolving,” Evans added. “Velera is committed to leading this transformation, making the Shared Branch network stronger, more innovative and ready to shape the future of member service.”
 
For more information, visit velera.com/shared-branch-network.

---