Compared to other vendors, credit union-owned CUSOs do a "better job" of serving credit unions because of their ability to customize, according to a new industry survey.

Seventy percent of respondents said they look for exceptional customer service while 40% look for flexible programs that allow CUSOs to customize their financial product and service offerings to individual credit unions, according to a survey conducted by ATM network CUSO Credit Union 24.

Approximately 61% said attracting consumers to become new members in the credit union movement is the top challenge facing credit unions today. Fifty-nine percent said the current economic climate. More than two-thirds also said consumer misunderstanding of credit union benefits directly affects credit union growth.

Most respondents said they are promoting free checking, online banking, surcharge-free ATM access and lower fees on mortgages and loans to attract new members. Nearly 90% said easy access to large surcharge-free ATM networks is an important draw.