PORTLAND, Ore.–Members of Trailhead Credit Union can now ask Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home devices to connect them with their credit union, and then begin a conversation.
The new functionality is the result of a chatbot solution based on an artificial intelligence platform developed by Abe AI, which helps credit unions intelligently support and engage consumers through popular technology venues.
Abe AI’s services are offered to the Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) member credit unions by Strategic Link, Inc (SLI), NWCUA’s service corporation.
“Abe AI created a win-win solution for credit unions and their members on Main Street,” said Jason Smith, NWCUA vice president, strategic resources, in a statement. “We are excited to offer Northwest credit unions relevant, leading edge services that drive efficiencies and transform member experiences.”
The Chatbot does not require a log in, and won’t have access to members’ personal financial data, McCarthy added.
“Members will be able to get general information from the chatbot, without needing to call or email our employees,” said Trailhead CU’s President/CEO Jim McCarthy. “This enables our Member Service Officers to focus on helping members deal with more in-depth, account-related questions.”
The Abe AI platform is a full-stack solution to design, build, deploy, and maintain AI-powered chatbots, according to the company.
“With our platform, credit unions can create AI-powered chatbots that simplify banking experiences through Amazon Alexa, Facebook Messenger, SMS, and Google Home,” said Juan Romera, head of business development at Abe AI. “For credit unions that don’t want to build their own AI-powered chatbots, we’ve developed money management, rewards, and customer support chatbots that are market-ready.”
Trailhead’s version of the technology is one of the first Amazon Alexa skills used by a credit union in the Northwest, Romera noted.
Abe AI’s solutions are ideal for credit unions large and small, including the 9,000-member, $116 million asset-sized Trailhead CU. McCarthy said through the NWCUA-Strategic Link partnership, Abe AI has been “a fantastic organization to work with, extremely organized, punctual, and able to deliver on their promises.”