LOANstar

LoanStar Technologies is an embedded lending platform built specifically for credit unions and banks, with $1.2B in annual funding flowing through more than 60 lender clients and 8,000 merchant relationships. Its MerchantLinQ platform lets a credit union stand up branded point-of-sale lending programs across categories like home improvement, HVAC, elective medical, pool and spa, lawn and garden, recreational vehicles, and renewable energy — fully customized to the credit union's brand, risk parameters, and target opportunity. Because LoanStar's model is built around merchant networks, it doubles as a business development engine, connecting credit unions to local small businesses and the consumers they serve.

Best fit for credit unions that are:

• Working toward or retaining low-income designation (LID) and need a reliable source of qualifying members
• Pursuing CDFI certification or recertification and need a steady flow of qualifying loans to target markets
• Looking to grow their consumer loan portfolio through embedded, point-of-sale channels
• Operating under an open association charter that allows nationwide member onboarding
• Focused on adding merchant, SEG, or MCB relationships through business development
• Building out a business development function and looking for merchant partnerships to anchor it