Nickels partners with seven credit unions to launch CardFit in collaboration with Filene Research Institute

Nickels is a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) that uses a behavioral lens to save people money on debt. Founded in 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, their mission is to help current and future credit union members waste less money on high-cost credit cards.  Their flagship product, CardFit, better connects communities with their local credit union credit cards. For more information, visit nickels.us.

Abound Credit Union, a leader in Financial Education, has been providing valuable banking solutions to help hardworking Kentucky families thrive for more than 75 years. Today, we have 18 locations, $2.4 billion in assets and over 120,000 military and civilian Members. The Credit Union has been recognized for its leadership in Financial Education at the state and national level. Abound was named a Defense Community Champion 2023 and is one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. It’s simple to become a Member, visit our website at AboundCU.com to see how you may be eligible.

Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $3 billion credit union proudly serves more than 260,000 members with branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions, included on American Banker’s Top Credit Union to Work For list, and received numerous other top workplace and best credit union accolades. Reflecting a bright way forward, our charitable arm – the Chartway Promise Foundation – has granted $16 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles. For information on our vibrant organization, please visit www.Chartway.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Credit Union 1 is an Alaskan financial cooperative with a mission to help members achieve their financial goals by focusing on excellent service and value. Founded in 1952, Credit Union 1 currently has 13 branches and growing, nearly 100,000 members and $1.4 billion in assets. Anyone who lives or works in Alaska is eligible to join Credit Union 1.

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union (Hawaii State FCU) was founded in 1936. Serving state, city and county employees as well as non-profits and select businesses and their families across the state, Hawaii State FCU has more than 136,000 members and $2.7 billion in assets. Hawaii State FCU provides financial advising, checking, savings and loan services on Oahu and Maui. For more information, visit www.HawaiiStateFCU.com.

Lake Trust Credit Union strives to support members and communities in their journey toward wellbeing. Lake Trust understands that harnessing the power in all of us is key to building stronger communities and helping Michiganders reach their goals. Lake Trust currently serves nearly 200,000 members — including both individuals and business owners — across the state of Michigan. With locations in more than 20 cities, towns and villages throughout the state, Lake Trust forges strong and enduring connections and is an integral and influential force for building stronger and healthier Michigan communities. To learn more, visit Lake Trust at www.laketrust.org.

Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 15 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 11 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group; along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi, Collegiate, and Pillur Business Banking; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 36 branches; more than 370,000 members; $8.26 billion in assets; and 1,200-plus employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.

At Unitus, we’re dedicated to improving lives in the communities we serve. As a member-owned  local credit union, we invest in people by doing the right thing. Through partnerships with nonprofit  organizations, we provide support for community groups through volunteerism and financial  donations. Our 105,000 members count on us to serve them and their communities; our 300+ employees share that passion for service. Learn about the local impact Unitus makes by visiting  unitusccu.com. 

CardFit is an innovative credit card comparison site designed for half of the country that sometimes carries a balance on their credit cards.  Developed by Nickels, CardFit simplifies rewards, annual fees, and interest costs into a simple dollars-based comparison so that users can easily find the financially optimal credit card based on their purchase and payment behavior.  CardFit is often most helpful in showing credit card revolvers that a lower rate, local credit union credit card is a better financial option than higher rewards (and higher rate) big bank cards.  This helps credit unions acquire new members and communities save money.  For more information, visit cardfit.us.

Filene Research Institute strengthens organizations through innovative research and  incubation to improve consumer financial well-being. As an independent cooperative finance think tank,  Filene’s membership network connects a community of leaders and bright minds to change lives through  innovation, truth and cooperation. In addition to delivering cutting-edge, actionable academic research,  Filene also provides incubators to test and scale solutions, events to spark organizations into action and  advisory services to help accelerate and implement innovation. For more information, visit filene.org.