NEW YORK—Zelle is expanding its push to bring faster digital payments to minority-focused financial institutions, renewing its partnership with Velera for MDI credit unions and adding Jack Henry to extend the program to more MDI banks and credit unions.
The Zelle Network said the move marks the second year of its Minority Depository Institution access program, which launched in 2025 with Velera to reduce barriers for smaller community institutions serving underserved markets. The expansion is designed to help more MDIs offer Zelle inside their own digital banking channels as real-time payments become an increasingly expected feature for consumers and small businesses.
“For many minority communities, MDIs play an essential role in providing access to safe, reliable financial services,” said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. “By continuing our work with Velera and expanding the program through Jack Henry, we’re helping more MDI banks and credit unions offer a reliable digital payments experience – so they can better serve their communities and help keep more dollars circulating locally.”
“The feedback we’ve received from MDI credit unions throughout 2025 has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Amy Evans, SVP, Strategic Solutions at Velera. “From the start, this program has been about removing barriers and helping MDIs offer the same trusted digital experiences as larger institutions. The success of the program made it clear there was strong demand, and expanding our partnership will allow even more credit unions to give members a fast, reliable way to send and receive money with confidence.”
“Real-time payments are quickly becoming a baseline expectation, with millions of people now using digital payments as part of their everyday financial lives,” said Tede Forman, president of Jack Henry Payment Solutions. “Through our collaboration with Zelle, we’re helping banks and credit unions that serve MDI communities modernize their payment offerings with faster money movement delivered within the financial institution’s user experience. Being able to send and receive money quickly benefits a wide range of customers, from small businesses seeking growth to consumers wanting more control of their cash flow."
The expanded MDI program reflects a long-term commitment from Zelle to supporting financial institutions of all sizes, the company stated. The total number of institutions on Zelle is now more than 2,300, with 95% institutions either community banks or credit unions.