MARKHAM, ON, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 – Everlink Payment Services Inc. is pleased to announce that FirstOntario Credit Union, serving 126,000 members via 32 branches and 41 ATMs across Ontario, will be converting its payments processing business to Everlink. Conversion is targeted for completion in Q4 of 2021.

In addition to migrating to Everlink’s payment platform, FirstOntario will be participating in one of Everlink’s Co-Badged Affiliate programs which will be in-market for their members shortly after the switch conversion is complete. FirstOntario members will enjoy the convenience and ubiquity that a co-badged debit card provides in terms of multiple payment options, including contact and contactless payments as well as online shopping. Members will also benefit from worldwide payment acceptance at all domestic and international merchants for online and in-store payments. Furthermore, FirstOntario will also employ Everlink’s award-winning eDETECT™ and eSCORE™ fraud monitoring solutions to monitor their ATM and Point-of-Sale transactions.

“FirstOntario is very excited to be migrating to Everlink, and we look forward to working with them to deliver innovative payment solutions to our members. In addition to Everlink’s historical alignment with the Canadian credit union system, we were most impressed with Everlink’s track record in delivering payments innovation that enhances member payment experience across multiple banking channels,” explained Lloyd Smith, CEO of FirstOntario. “We also look forward to working with Everlink and leveraging their digital payments roadmap to continue delivering solutions that benefit our members.”

“For over 80 years, FirstOntario has proudly served its members and communities, and we are excited to welcome FirstOntario Credit Union as a client. Their dedication to putting the welfare of their members/owners first truly coincides with the Everlink core value of Client-Centricity, above all,” says Mark Ripplinger, President & CEO at Everlink. “We look forward to partnering with First Ontario to successfully complete conversion, immediately after which FirstOntario can begin introducing their members to the many payment innovations available to them as an Everlink client.”

The FirstOntario conversion will represent the 30th credit union to convert to Everlinks payment platform in the last five years, with Everlink now serving approximately 97% of Canadian Credit Unions (by number of credit unions). Credit unions and financial institutions across Canada have come to depend on Everlink to provide them with end-to-end turnkey payment solutions that help them remain competitive in a rapidly evolving payments landscape.

For more information on Everlink’s payment innovation solutions, please contact your account executive today.

About FirstOntario Credit Union

FirstOntario is a full service cooperative financial institution, serving Members for over 80 years throughout the Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Region and Southwestern regions of Ontario. With $5.8 billion in assets under management, FirstOntario is one of Canada’s largest credit unions. Everyone is welcome to be part of FirstOntario for financial services including daily transactions, mortgages, lines of credit, loans and investments. FirstOntario profits are invested into the communities we serve through support for entrepreneurs, competitive rates and charitable pursuits including our award winning student nutrition program. Learn more about us today at FirstOntario.com.

Everlink Payment Services Inc. is a leading provider of comprehensive, innovative and integrated payments solutions and services for credit unions, banks, and SMEs across Canada. In addition to supplying best‐in-breed technology infrastructure and payment network connectivity, we offer a comprehensive range of integrated payments Lines of Business including: Payment Network Gateway, ATM Managed Services, Card Issuance & Management, Fraud Management Solutions, Mobile Payments, Professional Services and SME Solutions.

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