Barksdale Federal Credit Union was founded in June 1954 by 10 service members at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. With just $5 each, they established a financial institution with the purpose of bettering the lives of civilians and military personnel. For over 70 years, the credit union has continued that original mission, growing to over $2.3 billion in assets, 150,000 members worldwide and more than 35 locations across Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.

In an industry experiencing more technological change in the past five years than in the previous two decades, Barksdale Federal Credit Union faced a fundamental challenge: how to effectively meet its members where they are. This meant balancing the needs of two distinct groups. On one hand, many members still value traditional banking, enjoying face-to-face interactions in a branch or a lengthy phone call with a service representative. To honor these preferences, Barksdale has maintained and expanded its physical footprint, opening new branches at a time when most institutions are scaling back.

On the other hand, a new generation of members has no desire to ever step inside a branch. They expect seamless, 24/7 digital access for all their banking needs. The credit union needed a technology stack that could deliver the best of both worlds, outstanding personal service and a best-in-class digital experience, without compromising on either. FIS® AffinityEdge bridges the gap between physical and digital service models.

Barksdale Federal Credit Union uses AffinityEdge to serve as the central hub for its entire technology ecosystem. The credit union has long believed that a core system should be agnostic, capable of plugging into various third-party solutions. AffinityEdge was designed with this open architecture in mind, providing the flexibility to connect with different systems and build a customized member experience long before it was a common industry trend.

Barksdale Federal Credit Union has been a partner with FIS since its core conversion in 2007. Over the decades, the relationship has evolved beyond a typical vendor arrangement into a trusted partnership. This partnership has allowed Barksdale Federal Credit Union to drive its strategic initiatives forward. FIS' position on the front edge of technology helps ensure the credit union is prepared for what's next, whether it is moving money faster and more securely or embracing forward-thinking innovations. AffinityEdge provides the architectural foundation to plan, build and adapt, empowering Barksdale Federal Credit Union to be nimble and agile in a constantly shifting landscape.