New collaboration brings innovative program to Cardinal members ages 18 to 28 through its digital banking platform

MENTOR, Ohio, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Credit Union, official credit union of the Cleveland Browns and not-for-profit financial cooperative, is partnering with Bits of Stock, the leading platform enabling financial institutions, to offer a stock rewards program geared to Cardinal checking account holders, aged 18 to 28. The new program, integrated through Cardinal's digital banking platform, enables student and young investors to start building wealth through fractional stock ownership (less than one full equity share of stock), while supporting early investment habits and fostering financial education.

Once enrolled, young investors can automatically earn stock rewards on every VISA debit card purchase, which can be redeemed into fractional shares of certain publicly traded stocks of their choosing. Through the Bits of Stock brokerage account-like dashboard, members can begin executing stock trades to build their portfolio, while learning first-hand about stock ownership and investing.

Student investors benefit from this innovative program in many ways, including leveraging everyday spending for long-term growth, and to enable their financial goals over time while limiting risk and building confidence.

Industry research shows that 67% of Generation Z members (ages 13 to 28) consider the ability to start trading with small amounts a key factor in their decision to invest.

"We are helping student and younger members build a strong financial foundation while making investing accessible and rewarding," said Christine Blake, CEO of Cardinal Credit Union. "There is tremendous value in this program as it encourages investors to learn about accumulating assets and building wealth in early adulthood."

To facilitate a frictionless experience, Cardinal has seamlessly integrated Bits of Stock into its digital banking platform that's powered by Lumin Digital. The integration reflects Cardinal's commitment to democratizing access to stock ownership and helping financial institutions engage younger generations.

"Bits of Stock is redefining how people think about rewards and investing," said Arash Asady, CEO of Bits of Stock. "This initiative is a game-changer for younger investors, allowing them to start building wealth through everyday spending and to watch their investments grow."

Cardinal's innovative initiative aligns with its mission to provide members with tools that promote financial education and well-being, while differentiating its offerings from other area financial institutions.

For more information and to sign up for the Cardinal stock rewards program, please visit cardinalcu.com.

About Bits of Stock
Bits of Stock is a fintech company that enables financial institutions to offer fractional stock rewards and other innovative features to their customers. By transforming traditional cashback programs into opportunities for stock ownership, Bits of Stock empowers individuals to build wealth through everyday spending. The company's mission is to democratize access to stock ownership and foster financial literacy, particularly among younger generations. Please visit the Bits of Stock website to learn more about them https://www.bitsofstock.com/

About Cardinal Credit Union
Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, Cardinal Credit Union is a 72-year-old fiercely independent, member-owned not-for-profit financial cooperative that offers a broad range of banking products and services that people need and use every day – including checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, auto loans, debt-consolidation loans, mortgages and more. As a not-for-profit financial institution, any profits earned by the credit union are returned to its members in the form of fewer fees, lower loan rates, and higher savings interest. Everyone is welcome, and membership is instant. Banking can be done online, via Cardinal's app, or by stopping at one of its seven branches. For more information, visit the website at https://www.cardinalcu.com/.

Media Contact
Janet Brumfield
IdealPR+ for Cardinal Credit Union
janet@idealprplus.com
614.582.9636

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SOURCE Cardinal Credit Union