Service Credit Union Conquers Subscription Fatigue with ScribeUp Partnership

By John San Filippo

In today’s digital age, subscriptions have become ubiquitous, encompassing everything from streaming services and online fitness classes to software applications and meal kits. While convenient, this proliferation of recurring payments often leads to “subscription fatigue”—a growing challenge for consumers struggling to keep track of their expenses. Recognizing this trend, Portsmouth, NH-based Service Credit Union (SCU) has partnered with ScribeUp to provide a comprehensive subscription management solution integrated directly into the credit union’s digital banking platform. This innovative approach strengthens member relationships, while empowering individuals to take control of their financial well-being, said SCU President and CEO David Araujo.

David Araujo

A Serendipitous Beginning

SCU, a $6 billion institution serving 360,000 members, discovered ScribeUp in a rather unusual way. Araujo recalled, “I was watching the news one evening and I saw a segment on the local news station about ScribeUp. I got excited about what they were working on.” This chance encounter led Araujo to connect with Cambridge, Mass.-based ScribeUp CEO and Co-Founder Jordan Mackler via LinkedIn. The connection proved opportune, as ScribeUp was exploring B2B2C partnerships, and SCU was seeking a solution to address the growing issue of subscription management among its members. The partnership quickly solidified, with the ScribeUp platform launching to SCU employees in November 2024 and members in January 2025.

Improving Member Financial Well-being: A Core Mission

Jordan Mackler

For Araujo, the partnership aligns perfectly with SCU’s goals. “As a credit union, part of our mission is to help improve our member’s financial well-being,” he explained. He recognized that subscriptions, often spread across various financial institutions and payment methods, create a significant pain point for members. ScribeUp’s platform offers a consolidated view, bringing all subscriptions into a “single pane of glass,” regardless of where they are paid. This enhanced visibility empowers members to identify duplicate subscriptions, unwanted services, and potential savings. Araujo underscored the impact of even small savings. “To bring a tool forward like this where they can save potentially $25 a month, that’s $300 a year,” he noted.

Early Success and Member Engagement

The partnership’s initial results have been impressive. Since its January launch, over 7,000 SCU members have enrolled in the ScribeUp system. Many have expressed their appreciation for the tool, validating the need for such a service. Mackler emphasized the significance of member feedback, stating, “The part that gets me most excited is just the anecdotal evidence that comes from members going out of their way to reach out, discussing with member service just how valuable this is.” He noted a common theme: “Members have long desired this type of functionality from their primary financial institution. The integration of ScribeUp into SCU’s digital banking platform reinforces trust and strengthens the member relationship.”

Benefits Beyond Member Value

Beyond direct member benefits, ScribeUp delivers several advantages for SCU. Mackler outlined the key ROI factors: “Card primacy, engagement, and member value.” He added that migrating subscription payments to SCU’s card products increases card spend by over $60 per member per month. The platform also provides a sticky, ongoing functionality that encourages regular interaction with the digital banking suite.

A Strategic Advantage in a Competitive Landscape

Araujo sees ScribeUp as a key element in a broader member engagement strategy. He noted, “Having a tool like this on your debit and credit cards really creates a stickiness that doesn’t necessarily exist today.”

The platform has proven effective in reengaging dormant members with  a 15% reactivation rate after just two communications about the service, according to Araujo. SCU plans to track the long-term effects of this reengagement. He also believes the platform has the potential to become a valuable member acquisition tool.

Mackler underscored the strategic importance of owning the subscription management experience, contrasting it with third-party tools like Rocket Money. He explained that these tools aggregate financial data, including subscription information, and leverage it for marketing purposes, potentially diverting business away from financial institutions. “By having this gap, financial institutions are missing an opportunity. There are other players out there that will take advantage of that gap,” Mackler warned. The partnership with ScribeUp allows SCU to retain control of this valuable data and deepen its member relationships.

Marketing and Future Growth

SCU has taken a measured approach to marketing the ScribeUp platform, prioritizing a smooth rollout and ensuring member satisfaction. “We’ve only sent out two communications around this product,” Araujo shared. He noted the organic growth achieved through word-of-mouth and positive member experiences. Going forward, SCU and ScribeUp plan to collaborate on more personalized marketing efforts, leveraging data-driven insights to target specific member needs and highlight the platform’s value.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

Looking forward, both Araujo and Mackler are optimistic about the partnership. They envision a future where ScribeUp becomes an integral part of SCU’s member experience, driving engagement, increasing card usage, and attracting new members. Araujo predicted, “I do believe this is a member acquisition tool. This will lead to people wanting to join the credit union to take advantage of this system.”

By proactively addressing the challenge of subscription fatigue, Araujo said SCU strengthens its position as a trusted financial partner and demonstrates its commitment to member financial well-being. This forward-thinking approach positions the credit union for continued success in the increasingly competitive financial landscape, he added.