Core Integration

NextBranch manages the entire core integration project from start to finish, and we have done it across every major core processor in the market.

Core integration is what turns an ITM from an expensive ATM into a machine that can handle nearly everything your teller line does.

Without it, your ITMs are limited to basic cash and deposit transactions. With it, your members and customers can access loan accounts, make loan payments, cash checks, choose denominations, print mini statements, and authenticate without a card. Up to 90% of teller transactions can shift to self-service.

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Core integrated ITMs are popular among all generations.

What Core Integration Actually Is

A financial institution's "core" is the software system that runs the entire business: all accounts, all funds, online banking, mobile apps. Think of it as the operating system for your bank or credit union. The three largest providers collectively serve more than 70% of U.S. banks and nearly half of all credit unions.

When an ITM is connected to the core, it can do everything the core allows, not just what the ATM network supports. Standard ATM transactions run through the ATM switch network, which limits what's available: basic deposits, withdrawals, and balance inquiries. Core integration bypasses that limitation and connects the ITM directly to the institution's accounts.

That connection is what makes the difference between a self-service machine and a self-service branch.

What Core Integration Unlocks

Once your ITMs are connected to the core, your members and customers gain access to capabilities that previously required a teller:

  • Loan account access. Auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, all visible and accessible on the ITM. Loan payments. Pay by cash, check, or transfer directly at the machine.
  • Check cashing. Deposit and receive cash in a single transaction.
  • Denomination selection. Choose specific bill denominations for withdrawals.
  • Cardless authentication. Log in with a username, account number, or phone number instead of a debit card.
  • Higher withdrawal limits. Institutions set their own limits. Some go as high as $10,000 per transaction.
  • Mixed media deposits. Cash and checks deposited together in a single transaction.
  • Mini statements. Printed account summaries at the machine.
  • Full account access. Every account the member or customer holds, not just the one linked to their card.

This is what makes ITMs fundamentally different from ATMs. The machines aren't just handling cash. They're doing the work that tellers used to do, faster, with no line, and available during extended hours.

Core Integration Implemented

Core systems are deeply embedded in how a financial institution operates. The integration between your ITMs and your core needs to be done right the first time.

NextBranch has completed core integration projects across every major processor that serves community banks and credit unions. Whatever core your institution runs on, we can evaluate compatibility and scope the project.

Core integration is a one-time project. Once it's complete, the connection is live and ongoing. Here's what to expect:

Timeline. Six to nine months from kickoff to go-live. The timeline depends on the core provider, the complexity of the institution's account structure, and how many ITMs are being connected.

Investment. Roughly $200,000 for the integration project. This is a one-time cost, not a recurring expense. For institutions using NextBranch's outsourcing model, the project is managed entirely by NextBranch in coordination with the core provider and Hyosung.

Project management. NextBranch manages the project end to end. We coordinate between your institution, your core provider, and Hyosung to handle configuration, testing, and deployment. Your team stays involved for decisions and approvals, but the operational burden is on us.

Phased deployment is an option. Some institutions deploy ITMs first with standard ATM functionality, then add core integration later. This is common when the institution is also planning a core conversion or wants to roll out the technology in stages. NextBranch supports either approach depending on your timeline and priorities.

 

Core integration is not just a technology project. It's the capability that makes branch transformation possible.

Without it, your branches still need a full teller line to handle anything beyond basic cash transactions. With it, an ITM can do what a teller does, and your staff can shift from processing transactions to building relationships, having lending conversations, and focusing on the activities that drive growth.

NextBranch customers who have completed core integration are shifting up to 90% of teller transactions to self-service, operating in smaller branch footprints, and seeing measurable improvements in member satisfaction. See how Hawaii State Federal Credit Union did it