Overview
The decision model comes with three standard templates (Direct, Indirect, Unsecured) with up to 20 (TBD) static attributes to be customized for your credit union. A few examples of the attributes available include: Credit score, DTI, number of open trades, LTV, maximum LTV, late payments, charge offs, collections, max approval limits, and more.. Those attributes can be designed to determine a pass, review, or fail response based on the results.
How it Works
After filling out the loan request, move to the loan application to initiate a credit report to be run the applicant information against the decision model. The credit report and decision model will both be returned to CBX for review. Based on the configurations in place this could trigger an auto approval, decline, or filter fail. Applications that cannot pass the decision model will need to be manually reviewed.
Schedule of Tasks
A change in credit report pulls, using the FUEL model requires your credit union to move credit requests from Zoot to Sync1. At the time credit is requested, Sync1 will pull the credit report and evaluate the applicant with your FUEL decision settings.
Credit Bureau Authorization Request Forms will be completed stating the bureau and model to facilitate credit report requests.
Lender*VP Managed: We will schedule a Zoom meeting to go over the configurations for the templates and which delivery channels the decision model should be configured for.
Credit Union Managed: Complete the below questionnaire and return to Lender*VP. Once the decision model is complete, we will schedule a time to review and activate the decision model.
Please allow two weeks from all documents being returned for Lender*VP to review and schedule a call to activate the decision model.
Additional Information
After the model is setup, your credit union will have a 60 day window to monitor model performance. This will give you time to evaluate the model settings and adjust any settings as needed. After the initial 60 days, there may be a per change cost for adjustments to any of settings in the model. The changes will be based on an hourly rate with a flat fee starting at $100.00.
Marcus Jones – Columbia Credit Union –
“The FUEL Decision Model has strong potential to be a transformative tool for Credit Union lending once fully optimized. At present, decision accuracy is limited—approximately 10% of loans are receiving actionable outcomes, which highlights both the promise of the system and the opportunity for continued refinement.
Performance is highly dependent on complete and accurate data input, which remains a challenge, particularly with online applications (which nowadays is the most common application type). This has made re-decisioning a routine part of the process. Additionally, current constraints such as limited flexibility to omit replaced debts, modify products, or add co-borrowers can prevent otherwise qualified loans from achieving approval. (They go to review status)
Despite these limitations, the long-term value of an automated underwriting system (AUS) like FUEL is clear. It positions credit unions to significantly improve efficiency, accelerate member service, and deliver more consistent, objective credit decisions. Reducing reliance on subjective judgment helps mitigate bias and ensures stronger alignment with fair lending practices.
Strategically, FUEL enables rapid identification of top-tier borrowers, allowing lending teams to focus time and expertise on more complex credit profiles where they add the most value. This is where the real impact will be.
I also want to recognize Tom and his team for their strong partnership. Their responsiveness, adaptability, and consistent engagement have been instrumental in advancing this implementation.”
Best Regards,