First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) announces the launch of Bend by FNBO. The new credit card-as-a-service (CaaS) solution expands FNBO’s technological agility to offer customized credit card issuance for today’s digital landscape. Bend by FNBO blends modern technology with safety and expertise to supplement FNBO’s already strong co-brand credit card capabilities.
Backed by 164 years of financial experience, Bend by FNBO offers an embedded model of open API services for credit cards through a network of strategic partnerships, allowing plug-and-play financial services that can integrate seamlessly into existing environments. This solution allows brands to partner with the experience of a nationally chartered bank, while unlocking flexibility through modern technology that allows for customization and embeddable card experiences.
“In today’s digital world, everything requires flexibility and agility,” says Marc Butterfield, SVP, Head of Bend by FNBO. “The banking landscape is evolving, and macro trends like banking-as-a-service and open banking are transforming how digital brands deliver financial products and services to their customers. Recognizing this, we’re proud to be one of the first banks to offer modular, embedded credit card solutions to serve the dynamic market today. Bend by FNBO was built around flexible, tech-first tools that enable companies to build a credit card experience that fits their brand.”
Through curated partnerships with payment providers, including its launch partner Marqeta, Bend by FNBO aims to be the credit solution of choice for digitally native brands, fintech and technology platforms. The collaboration enables companies to roll out branded credit card programs quickly by using Marqeta’s modern, open APIs to embed the credit card experience within their applications, while utilizing FNBO’s underwriting services and program management capabilities, including compliance and risk management. Marqeta’s self-service dashboard also allows companies to configure and manage card products in real-time, so brands now have the speed to market as they evolve their credit card capabilities.
“Bend by FNBO’s CaaS offering allows companies to integrate and deploy custom branded credit card products quickly and seamlessly with the support of a trusted and experienced bank,” shares Kamesh Tumsi, VP of Product Management at Marqeta. “It has been a tremendous experience working with the FNBO team, and we look forward to future collaborations and new innovation.”
Value of FNBO
FNBO, independent and family-owned for six generations, and one of the top credit card issuers in the U.S., brings decades of credit co-branded program management experience. FNBO was among the first banks to issue credit cards and the first bank to use fuel cell technology as its main power source. With the addition of Bend by FNBO, the bank is pioneering modular credit card services to bring API-embeddable credit products to market.
Bend by FNBO’s unique offering includes bank charter, balance sheet, underwriting, offer management, risk, analytics, disputes, integrated marketing support, customer service, and more. “From our technology, charter, governance and enablement, we’re truly a one-stop shop for digital brands interested in a credit card program,” adds Butterfield. “Bend by FNBO is a balanced blend of ‘As-a-Service’, embedded lending and fintech.”
