SEGs: The Untapped Growth Channel
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Let’s go back to where it all began—only smarter, more connected, and more scalable than ever before.
Credit Unions- Back to Where It All Began
Back to Where It Began: The Power of Credit Unions in the Workplace
Long before the rise of smartphones and mobile banking apps, Credit Unions began with something far more personal: the trust built between coworkers.
In the early 20th century, workers in factories, mills, government buildings, and transportation hubs came together to create financial cooperatives. These weren’t massive institutions—they were small, member-owned organizations started in breakrooms, basements, and shared office spaces. The idea was simple but revolutionary: if we can trust each other on the job, why not trust each other with our money?
The Birthplace of Belonging
These workplace Credit Unions gave employees something big banks couldn’t: fairness, community, and access. For workers who didn’t qualify for traditional credit, the Credit Union wasn’t just a financial option—it was a lifeline.
Over time, these workplace-based Credit Unions grew into full-service institutions. But the spirit remained: serve the underserved, be present in people’s everyday lives, and put members first—always.
The Shift Away—And the Pull Back
As financial services evolved, many Credit Unions were encouraged to move away from their SEG (Select Employee Group) roots and adopt community charters. While this expanded their reach, it also made it harder to maintain that one-on-one connection with the workplace members who built the foundation in the first place.
But something important is happening.
Today’s Credit Unions are rediscovering the value of proximity. With digital transformation, workplace service doesn’t require a full branch anymore—it just requires the right tools.
Bringing the Branch Back—Without the Brick and Mortar
This is where off-site ATM management and digital platforms like MiniBranch come in. Together, they allow Credit Unions to deliver the feeling of a branch—convenient access, financial support, real-time connection—without the expense of building one.
At AOne ATM, we help Credit Unions place branded, fully managed ATMs directly in their SEGs. It’s a modern way to return to their roots—offering essential services at the point of need, in workplaces across the country.
With the addition of MiniBranch’s digital connection tools—like live chat, text, and 24/7 AI support—Credit Unions can meet their members where they are, whether that’s in the breakroom, on their phones, or at a job site kiosk.
Why It Matters
Credit Unions were never meant to blend in with big banks. They were born out of a desire to serve, support, and uplift communities—often beginning in the workplace. By bringing the branch experience back to SEG locations through smart ATM placement and digital engagement, Credit Unions aren’t just staying relevant. They’re staying true.
Let’s go back to where it all began—only smarter, more connected, and more scalable than ever before.
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