equipifi Partners with Velera to Bring Debit Card Buy Now, Pay Later to Credit Unions

The partnership aims to help credit unions compete with fintechs by offering flexible financing options to members.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:21pm

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equipifi, a leading white-label Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform for banks and credit unions, has announced a partnership with Velera, a premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and integrated financial technology solutions provider. Through this partnership, Velera's credit union clients will now have the ability to launch their own in-house debit BNPL products powered by equipifi's technology, allowing them to provide purchase financing capabilities directly within their checking accounts, debit card programs, and digital banking apps.

Why it matters

This partnership is a significant development in the credit union industry, as it allows these financial institutions to compete with the growing presence of fintech companies that have been offering their own branded BNPL and other banking products. By integrating equipifi's BNPL technology, credit unions can now provide their members with modern, flexible payment experiences without losing ownership of the member relationship.

The details

Powered by equipifi's platform, the BNPL feature will be seamlessly embedded into credit unions' digital banking experiences, where members can view, accept, and manage pay-over-time offers directly within their existing online banking app. Velera's credit unions will be able to extend flexible financing offers to members that are aligned with their financial context and goals, as well as quickly launch an innovative in-house payment product that meets consumer purchase preferences.

  • equipifi and Velera announced the partnership on April 8, 2026.

The players

equipifi

A fintech company providing the credit infrastructure for modern banking, trusted by leading banks and credit unions to deliver Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) as a native banking capability embedded within digital banking platforms.

Velera

The nation's premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, serving more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America.

Cody Banks

The SVP of Product Experience & Enablement at Velera.

Bryce Deeney

The Founder and CEO of equipifi.

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What they’re saying

“Credit unions are searching for ways to deliver modern, flexible payment experiences without losing ownership of the member relationship. Through our partnership with equipifi, we're helping credit unions bring flexible payments to members in a responsible and branded way.”

— Cody Banks, SVP of Product Experience & Enablement at Velera

“Debit card BNPL has become a modern form of credit for consumers and is increasingly expected as a native banking feature. For credit unions, the opportunity to gain market share in Buy Now, Pay Later is now. Our partnership with Velera ensures credit unions can lead this next major shift in consumer preference.”

— Bryce Deeney, Founder and CEO of equipifi

What’s next

The partnership between equipifi and Velera is expected to enable credit unions to launch their own debit BNPL products in the coming months, allowing them to provide flexible financing options to their members and compete with the growing presence of fintech companies in the banking space.

The takeaway

This partnership represents a significant opportunity for credit unions to modernize their payment offerings and retain ownership of the member relationship in the face of increasing competition from fintech firms. By integrating equipifi's BNPL technology, credit unions can now provide their members with the flexible financing options they desire, while also strengthening their overall engagement and appeal to younger consumers.