Filene's FiLab Validates Flow: Real-Time Engagement Drives 2.4x More Transactions

Independent validation in live credit union environments

Filene Research Institute selected Flow Networks for independent testing through its FiLab innovation program. Filene ran a controlled study with Chartway Credit Union and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) to evaluate whether real-time engagement at the payment moment changes member behavior.

What was tested

The study evaluated Flow's Low Transaction Booster playbook, which identifies low-activity cardholders and delivers personalized in-app messages at the point of sale. The goal was to understand whether real-time, in-app engagement could increase transaction frequency, improve ROI, and strengthen member loyalty over time.

What Filene found

Participants in one pilot credit union averaged nearly 2.4 times more monthly card transactions than the control group. The study was designed and managed by Filene, with control groups and public findings released independently.

Why it matters

For credit unions, every tap or swipe is a signal. Flow helps institutions show up in that moment with something relevant, personal, and timely instead of relying on delayed, generic outreach. The FiLab results provide independent evidence that this kind of engagement can materially increase card activity.

Read the full report on Filene's website for the published findings.