Member-owned. Member-driven.  

At SHAZAM, being a member-owned financial services provider is more than a business model — it’s how we stay connected to the community banks and credit unions we’re here to support. Because we operate as a true cooperative payments network, we’re not influenced by outside shareholders or big market demands. Instead, we pour our energy (and our earnings) into strengthening the security, technology and innovation our members depend on.

When you become a member, you’re not just signing up for services. You’re becoming part of something you help shape — a network built around ownership, shared responsibility and a real voice in what comes next.

A network led by the institutions that own it

Here’s what makes SHAZAM different: we’re a payments network governed by financial institutions, not investors. That means every member has financial institution voting rights, giving them a say in major decisions and the ability to elect a board made up of leaders who actively use SHAZAM solutions themselves.

This structure keeps us grounded — and it’s why we remain a payments network led by community banks and credit unions. Our focus stays locked on the challenges our members face every day, from shifting regulations to operational pressures. And because our members set the direction, we keep investing in secure, future-ready technology that helps them stay both independent and competitive.

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Member benefits that matter

Choosing a member-owned payments network comes with advantages:

Everyone gets a voice: Our one member, one vote model means every financial institution has the same level of influence — reinforced through guaranteed financial institution voting rights.

Profits are reinvested: Instead of funneling earnings to shareholders, we reinvest them into new technologies, tools and capabilities designed to make your institution stronger.

Advocacy where it counts: SHAZAM actively speaks up for community financial institutions, ensuring your interests are heard in regulatory and legislative discussions that shape the payments landscape.

Who's eligible for SHAZAM membership?

If your community bank or credit union uses SHAZAM services — whether it’s debit processing, ATM management or core banking tools — you’re likely eligible for membership. And once you’re in, you’re fully in.

Every institution in our member-owned payments network receives financial institution voting rights, giving you a seat at the table to guide strategy, help elect board leaders and influence the future of community focused financial services.

Frequently asked questions

What is a member-owned payments network?

A member-owned payments network is built around collaboration, not shareholders. Financial institutions share ownership and help guide the network’s direction, which means decisions are made with members’ best interests in mind. Instead of focusing on shareholder returns, the network reinvests earnings, encourages transparency and supports shared decision-making. For community banks and credit unions, this model provides a stronger, more united voice in a fast-changing payments world.

How does SHAZAM’s governance model work?

SHAZAM operates as a payments network governed by financial institutions, so the people who use the services also guide the strategy. Members elect SHAZAM’s board of directors, all of whom are industry professionals who actively rely on SHAZAM solutions. That means leadership decisions are grounded in real-world experience — not outside pressure.

What do member voting rights include?

Financial institution voting rights ensure every member has an equal say, regardless of size. Members can vote on board elections and key governance matters, reinforcing fairness, shared ownership and true representation.

How is SHAZAM different from traditional payments providers?

Unlike for-profit providers, SHAZAM is a member-owned financial services provider — which means member needs come first. No outside shareholders. No conflicting agendas. Profits are reinvested directly into the cooperative payments network, supporting security, innovation and long-term member success.

Why does membership matter for community banks and credit unions?

Membership offers influence, independence and shared ownership in essential payments infrastructure. It empowers local financial institutions to help shape industry direction, maintain control over their futures and access solutions built specifically for community-focused organizations.

Join our member–owned organization

If you’re looking for a payments partner that values collaboration, independence and long term success, SHAZAM takes a different approach.

As a member-owned financial services provider and cooperative payments network, we put people before profits — and partnership before pressure. Membership gives your institution a voice in the future of payments, backed by a network designed to support and strengthen community financial institutions.

Ready to see how membership can work for you?