New home lending platform is the first in a series of investments designed to make banking with Alliant remarkably simple

CHICAGO, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alliant Credit Union, one of the nation’s largest credit unions with nearly 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, today announced a strategic partnership with Blend Labs Inc. (NYSE: BLND) to launch a completely modernized digital experience for mortgage and home equity borrowers. 

Together, Alliant and Blend have created an end-to-end digital home lending experience designed to simplify one of the biggest financial decisions people make. Members will be able to move from instant mortgage prequalification to a full mortgage application in minutes, either independently or with help from one of Alliant’s Loan Specialists.

The new experience will soon include automated pre-approvals, income and asset verification, identity and fraud checks, real-time application status, and digital closing. Alliant also plans to introduce AI-powered capabilities that can extract and populate information from documents, further reducing manual entry.

“We are committed to making the home-buying process as simple and seamless as possible,” said Dan Bauer, head of residential lending at Alliant Credit Union. “By providing automated pre-qualification within minutes, we are helping members move quickly and confidently in a competitive housing market. This platform allows us to provide an enhanced experience and deliver market-leading turn times from application to closing.”

This launch marks an important milestone in Alliant’s broader effort to reimagine the member experience, guided by the simple belief that consumers should expect more from their financial institution. Whether members are applying for a mortgage or car loan, opening an account, managing their finances online, or connecting with a representative for support, Alliant believes every interaction should be intuitive, frictionless, and beautifully simple.

“Consumers don’t compare their digital banking experience with other financial institutions anymore. They compare it with the best digital experiences they have anywhere,” said Mike Dobbins, CEO of Alliant Credit Union. “We want Alliant to set that standard by combining compelling products, exceptional people, and best-in-class technology to make managing your financial life remarkably easy.”

Alliant plans to expand the Blend experience to home equity lending, including home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), creating a consistent digital experience across the home lending journey.

“Our members expect speed, convenience, and flexibility when accessing the equity they have built in their homes,” Bauer said. “By reducing HELOC closing times to 15 days or less, we are enabling members to access funds faster for home improvements, debt consolidation, and other important financial needs. This enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative lending solutions.”

Home lending is part of a much broader effort underway at Alliant. “We’re not approaching digital transformation as a series of technology projects,” Dobbins said. “We’re rethinking every experience our members have with us. Our goal is to bring best-in-class experiences across all of Alliant — making it extraordinarily easy to save, borrow, buy a home, and manage your financial life. Home lending is one of the first places members will see that vision come to life, but it won’t be the last.”

About Alliant Credit Union:

Alliant Credit Union wants people to expect more from their bank. Built for members instead of shareholders, Alliant is a national digital credit union that delivers tangible value through rewarding financial products, thoughtful digital experiences, and personalized service. With more than 90 years of history and nearly 1 million members nationwide, Alliant combines the strength of a leading financial institution with a member-first mission—helping people feel seen, supported, and rewarded as they move forward financially. Alliant and its products are regularly top-rated by Bankrate, CNBC, NerdWallet, Forbes, WSJ Buyside, and other financial media.

Natalie Symonds, Sr. Media Strategist | nsymonds@alliantcreditunion.com | Alliant Credit Union

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SOURCE Alliant Credit Union