By Strivve
The Rise of Debit and Digital Transactions
Debit card usage has continued to outpace credit as consumers prioritize control and transparency in their spending. Younger generations – especially Gen Z – view debit as a safer, more direct way to manage money. What began as a pandemic-era trend has become an enduring shift toward debit-first behavior.
For credit unions, this growing preference represents a significant opportunity. Every card-on-file transaction processed through digital channels contributes to interchange revenue – creating a clear financial incentive to keep your debit card top-of-wallet across members’ most-used merchants and platforms.
Why Card Placement Technology Matters
The key to sustained interchange growth isn’t just issuing more cards – it’s ensuring your debit card remains the default choice in members’ digital lives. That’s where Strivve’s card placement technology makes a measurable difference, helping credit unions secure and maintain top-of-wallet® status across digital merchants and platforms.
When embedded in digital banking, these tools remove the friction that often prevents members from updating expired or replaced cards. The result is higher activation rates, longer card tenure, and stronger portfolio performance – all without increasing member effort.
Connecting Debit Strategy to Interchange Revenue
Interchange revenue is generated every time a member uses your debit card to make a purchase. When members store your card as their default payment method for subscriptions, ride-share, streaming, and eCommerce platforms, your institution captures a steady stream of non-interest income with minimal incremental cost.
By integrating Strivve’s card placement solution, credit unions can protect and grow this revenue base. Automated updates and one-click placement capabilities keep debit cards active, visible, and top-of-wallet®—even as members’ digital behaviors evolve.
Key Takeaways for Financial Leaders
- Debit-first mindset: Member preferences continue shifting toward debit and digital wallets, increasing the importance of maintaining top-of-wallet positioning.
- Operational efficiency: Card placement technology streamlines credential updates and minimizes lost revenue from inactive cards.
- Sustainable revenue growth: Consistent digital card placement directly supports long-term interchange income and portfolio stability.
As member preferences continue shifting toward digital, helping them keep your card as their effortless default remains one of the most effective strategies for long-term revenue growth.
Turning Strategy Into Results
Ready to ramp up the ROI on your card program? Credit unions nationwide are strengthening their debit portfolios by focusing on smarter card placement strategies that enhance member engagement and long-term revenue. By embedding Strivve’s technology within the digital experience, financial leaders can achieve measurable improvements in card activation, retention, and interchange income – keeping their cards consistently top-of-wallet across members’ favorite platforms.
Connect with Strivve to get the conversation started!
