“In 2006 Pittsburgh Central FCU was looking for alternative income in addition to our interest income from loans and investments. From a trusted friend, the credit union was introduced to SmartStep Solutions as a solution to overdraft protection. In the preceding months, I interviewed other providers of Courtesy Pay and was surprised at the fees those companies expected from the credit union for servicing the program, which would have caused Pittsburgh Central a profitability concern. SmartStep provided a complete solution for this credit union. The initial marketing materials, program compliance, and an ease-of-use administering process was a welcome surprise - especially in an industry that does more with less as a rule. SmartStep and its employees have been wonderfully supportive of the needs of the credit union. They provide a great product, great service, and definitely a preferred service provider in the credit union movement!”

Pittsburgh Central Central Federal Credit Union • Sewickley, Pennsylvania $43.5M • 2445 Checking Accounts Sharetec Systems, Inc. 240% Increase in NSF Income

“When we originally considered an overdraft program, the Board of Directors had serious reservations about offering this type of service. Their position was that we were giving members ‘carte blanche’ to overdraw their checking accounts, and they were concerned we weren’t teaching members good financial habits.

To our surprise, we’ve seen that our members do manage their overdrafts responsibly and continue to appreciate the fact we offer this service.

The key was SmartStep Solutions, who analyzed our membership database, made recommendations on how to limit our risk and made sure that we clearly communicated to our members and employees exactly how this service works.

Since starting the program in 2005, we have averaged over a 200% increase in net NSF revenue and more importantly, members continue to use the program and appreciate the service.

The Board has been very pleased with the overall results of this program and SmartStep delivered exactly what they promised; a program that saves our members from paying merchant fees, using payday lenders and produces new net income for the credit union.”

Canton Police & Firemen’s Credit Union • Canton, Ohio $6.9M • 549 Checking Accounts R.C. Olmstead 235% Increase in NSF Income

“We're a small credit union, and we were having difficulty interpreting the new implementation of Regulation E. We started asking our peers about ODP providers and they recommended we research SmartStep Solutions. After performing our necessary due diligence, we signed up with SmartStep Solutions. Our representative, Kayla, was extremely patient and knowledgeable about her product. We totally relied on this company's credit union expertise and can state that the staff was phenomenal during our implementation. Since we launched our ODP program, the staff has remained steadfast with their excellent customer service. They are friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with during these tumultuous regulatory times."

Clarence Community & Schools Federal Credit Union • Clarence, New York $13.2M • 662 Checking Accounts Compusource 38.77% Increase in NSF Income

“We researched three different vendors who all provided an identical service, but SmartStep Solutions was able to do it at a much more cost-effective price. They were extremely helpful and answered all of our questions as we performed our due diligence in selecting a vendor.

The implementation and staff training of this service was quick, simple, and easy. The SmartStep team was available every step of the way. On the first day we launched the program, we had a few questions which were promptly addressed by the SmartStep staff. Choosing SmartStep Solutions as our ODP provider was a great decision which resulted in growth in income for our credit union.”

Lehigh Valley Federal Credit Union • Allentown, Pennsylvania $15.2M • 1058 Checking Accounts CompuSource, Inc. 328% Increase in NSF Income

“The main reason we chose SmartStep Solutions was because of their pricing structure. Our current Data Processor, Symitar, endorsed another vendor for ODP, but the SmartStep program was much less expensive and provided substantially the same service. The implementation was simple, and the SmartStep group has followed through on everything they promised. We’re very pleased with the results from our ODP program. Since initiating our partnership with SmartStep, we have increased our NSF fee income by 100%. “

DCH Credit Union • Tuscaloosa, Alabama $33.1M • 3025 Checking Accounts Symitar – Cruise 103% Increase in NSF Income

“SmartStep Solutions has been a great source of income for our credit union over the years. Since implementing our ODP program, we have recognized and sustained over a 500% growth of our NSF income, with relatively minimal effort or staff resources required on our part.

As a small credit union, we were thrilled to find an ODP vendor like SmartStep Solutions who would work with a credit union our size.

Our relationship with SmartStep Solutions was so successful during the contractual period, we immediately enrolled in their renewal program when our contract expired. Their compliance guarantee and ongoing support is worth the renewal fee we paid. It was a no-brainer.”

Superior Savings Credit Union • Massillon, Ohio $23M • 707 Checking Accounts Sharetec Systems, Inc. 534% Increase in NSF Income

“Thanks so much for all you do. It’s nice to work with a vendor that takes care of you. Just the reminders to keep on top of things is so nice. We are good with everything you do for us.”

Temple-Inland Federal Credit Union • Diboll, Texas $11.5M • 279 Checking Accounts Compusource 74.90% Increase in NSF Income

“When we decided to research ODP vendors, a neighboring credit union suggested we contact SmartStep Solutions. We evaluated several vendors and determined that SmartStep would be the best fit for us.

When we were starting the program, I had a little apprehension about two issues. The first was how the SmartStep technology would integrate with our current data processor. SmartStep had never worked with our core system and that gave me a little cause for concern. The second issue was the fact that SmartStep would be conducting all staff training remotely via conference call. I wasn’t sure how effective that type of training would be for our staff. The other ODP vendors offered to visit the credit union to conduct the staff training – but at the credit union’s expense.

As far as the technology, SmartStep handled everything. They worked directly with our DP vendor, OSI, to ensure that their technology platform was compatible with our system. They worked with us and our vendor to test, troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arose. Overall, the technology issue that I thought was going to be such a big problem, ended up being a non-issue.

Regarding the training, the SmartStep team was professional, informative, and thorough to ensure that our staff was educated regarding this new product. Our training materials arrived on time, the conference calls were effective and helpful, and I was pleasantly surprised they did such a comprehensive job training our staff and never once visited us in person.

Overall, our experience with SmartStep has been wonderful. The program has had a great response from our members, and the SmartStep staff was (and continues to be) extremely helpful whenever we have any questions or need their assistance.”

Omega Federal Credit Union • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania $84.3M • 3237 Checking Accounts Fiserv – Portico 74% Increase in NSF Income

“SmartStep Solutions has a great ODP program that has provided a significant amount of income for our credit union. I don’t know where we would be without it, especially in this economy.

The implementation was simple and easy – the initial training from our SmartStep representative was extremely thorough, and all staff members were fully educated about the details of this program. As any CEO knows, launching a new product can be chaotic, but the SmartStep team made it a breeze.

The software system integrates with IntegraSys, and the program requires very little staff time and effort to implement. But the bottom line is….members love it.”

Pennstar Federal Credit Union • Hermitage, Pennsylvania $34.3M • 1214 Checking Accounts Fiserv – Charlotte 114% Increase in NSF Income

“SmartStep Solutions has always been great to work with. When we initially contracted with them, we were on one core processor. Mid-contract, we switched core processors and the transition was effortless – SmartStep was by our side throughout our conversion to ensure our ODP program was in tact.

Our NSF income has increased 60% since we began working with SmartStep. Our members have realized the value of this program, and our write-offs have been minimal considering the overall growth of our fee income. SmartStep has provided outstanding customer service and I’m glad we chose them as our ODP vendor.”

Sentinel Graphics Federal Credit Union • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida $11M • 831 Checking Accounts OSI (CGI) 60% Increase in NSF Income

“We’ve been using the SmartStep ODP program for almost 4 years, and we’ve averaged a 300% increase in revenue throughout that time period. Our members continue to appreciate and utilize the service. In this economy, our members are trying to stretch their paychecks as much as possible, and this gives them a little help in between paydays. Our board of directors is thrilled with the overall results – additional income as well as providing a safety net for our members.”

Painesville Credit Union • Painesville, Ohio $23.3M • 1060 Checking Accounts Sharetec Systems, Inc. 380% Increase in NSF Income

“Kayla, just a special ‘thanks’ for the wonderful job you are doing for us. Knowing we can count on you when there is a problem helps us to relax.”

Heights Community Federal Credit Union • Bethlehem, Pennsylvania $11M • 1022 Checking Accounts CMC Flex 196.32% Increase in NSF Income

“Our credit union had developed our own ODP program, but we wanted to find an outside source to help better manage the program and provide an additional lift in revenue.

As a Symitar customer, we were told about their endorsed partner, however, after evaluating them and others, we found that SmartStep Solutions offered all the same components and was the best value for the price.

We have been pleased with our decision. Our ODP program has shown a significant increase in revenue, and SmartStep delivered everything they promised, including a seamless interface with Symitar.”

Community First Credit Union • Santa Rosa, California $123M • 4509 Checking Accounts Symitar - Episys 52% Increase in NSF Income