NGN: FAQs

Answering the tough questions

What are the benefits of the Next Generation Network?

There are numerous benefits to being on the Next Generation Network, including:

  1. The ability to add and access other CO-OP products and services while using only one interface
  2. Provide your members with the services and convenience they demand
  3. Remain competitive with relevant products and services
  4. Retain membership – reach your members wherever they are
  5. Expanded service area – thousands of locations across the nation
  6. Boost bottom line – earn additional interchange through transactions from guest members
  7. Bolster disaster recovery – your members have access when your branch is down
Why would a credit union want to move from one platform onto the NGN platform for shared branching services?

Shared Branching on the NGN platform leverages the most fraud resistant, cost effective, dependable switch technology available and extends the reach of your credit union by linking thousands of locations across the nation.

How is NGN fraud resistant?

The NGN format provides more in depth information on the member’s profile. The member verification includes such vital information as the member and joint owner birth date, account opening date, 30 days of history, and social security number for both member and joint owner, and more. Contact your NRM or Shared Branching representative for more details.

What are the costs associated with the Next Generation Network?

The initial cost varies with your processor for certification with NGN. After certification there is a cost savings as the interface links to other CO-OP products and services without the need for multiple software and hardware implementations and simplified back-end management.

On-going costs vary by product and some products may be eligible for a standardized fee structure.

Which data processors are currently certified by NGN?

There are over 60 data processors currently certified with NGN. Contact CO-OP Shared Branching for more information.

Are there particular products offered through the NGN platform? If so, what are they and how does a credit union get further information on these products?

CO-OP Shared Branching, CO-OP Fast Branch, CO-OP My Deposit and CO-OP Mobile can all be linked through the NGN platform using a single interface. To find out more, contact your NRM or CO-OP Shared Branching. at 866.812.2872.

What type of training is offered once a credit union is on the NGN platform?

CO-OP provides a comprehensive on-boarding program when a credit union adopts any aspect of the NGN platform. Whether it is CO-OP Shared Branching, CO-OP Fast Branch, CO-OP My Deposit or CO-OP Mobile, a credit union receives the following support:

  1. Implementation support
  2. Product training for your internal credit union staff
  3. Ongoing support from CO-OP’s relationship management staff, or Local Area Network (dependant upon your sales channel into NGN)
  4. Member adoption program – support for your consumer marketing outreach
Is there anything offered through NGN for a disaster recovery plan for the credit union?

If your credit union experiences a disaster, CO-OP has the CURe. The Credit Union Recovery product steps in to fully service your members if your data center becomes incapacitated. Your members will have access to their accounts if an emergency should arise.

Why should my credit union want to utilize one interface to access numerous products and services?

By utilizing one interface, your credit union reduces the cost and frustration of using a separate program for each product or service. The ability to link to CO-OP Shared Branching, CO-OP Fast Branch, CO-OP My Deposit and CO-OP Mobile using one interface is efficient and simplifies long-term back-end management…a long term cost savings.

When joining CO-OP Shared Branching, does the credit union have to become both an issuer and a acquirer at the same time on the NGN platform?

No, a credit union may be an issuer (offering their members the shared branching locations) without becoming and acquirer (accepting transactions from guest credit union members). However, it is important to note that due to the collaborative nature of shared branching, if a credit union desires to be an acquirer, they must be an issuer. In addition, the acquiring credit union may select the number of its branches to be participated in the network.