Member Service Solutions LLC of Franklin, Tenn., is now offeringa mobile banking platform the company said allows credit unions toeasily customize the look and functionality on both iPhones andAndroid devices.

CU Mobile Apps is now in place at five credit unions, includingthe $142 million Leaders Credit Union in Jackson, Tenn., $335million Enrichment FCU in Oak Ridge, Tenn., and the $402 million GulfCoast Educators FCU in Pasadena, Texas, the company said.

The solution's App Engine is designed to easily allow creditunions to upload images, change colors and items displayed and addother content and services as they become available, with noadditional subscription charges and results available to end userswithin 60 seconds, said Tom Gray, a partner in Member ServiceSolutions and profitability solutions trainer and developer.

“Most small to medium-sized credit unions don't have theinfrastructures to afford any kind of app,” Gray said. “Creating orsigning a contract for even primitive apps can cost companies tensof thousands of dollars.”

Joseph Ditta, vice president of Gulf Coast Educators FCU, saidhis credit union went live with the mobile banking solution after afew days of staff orientation and that 192 of its nearly 30,000members signed on overnight the day of its launch.

“I really don't like contracts,” Ditta said. “I was able to seeexactly what we'd be getting for our investment, since screen shotsof the app at work were displayed as they were beingdescribed.”

In addition to basic banking functions, the software providesalerts, notifications of special offers, loan rates, QR technology,Facebook and Twitter support and locators, Member Service Solutionssaid.

“Adopting your own institutional app not only puts your creditunion in every member's hands, but allows you to reach themvirtually 24 hours a day, with messages they won't miss,” said RickHargis, Member Service Solutions co-founder and a 35-year veteranof the industry who has helped create 11 CUSOs around the country,the company said.

Member Services Solutions LLC was formed by Hargis,president/CEO of insurance products specialist Member ServiceCorp., and Gray, president/CEO of Tom Gray Solutions. The mobileapp platform was created by Crash Bang Studios LLC of Tampa,Fla.