Auto Link, a leading fintech and marketing company serving more than 175 financial institutions, unveiled an enhanced integration for Auto Financial Group (AFG) clients on Tuesday.

Auto Link’s innovative, patented Digital Car Buying Solution can allow financial institutions of any size to provide consumers vehicle research, buying and financing tools directly on the client’s website, thus controlling the user experience.

And now for the first time, Auto Link’s enhanced AFG integration provides side-by-side payment quotes on all qualified vehicles as members shop.

Auto Link highlighted that this option is now front and center during the buying process, providing needed information and transparency early in the vehicle shopping experience and not tucked on a back web page or in the underwriting officer’s desk.

With interest rates rising, monthly payments are increasing for vehicle loans. AFG’s Balloon Lending Program can allow members to reduce their monthly payment by taking advantage of a lease-like product at their credit union.

Combined with Auto Link’s exclusive Digital Car Buying Solution, members can learn about their payment options earlier in the search process, allowing for a more successful financing program.

Auto Link said vehicle search results now allow members to search exclusively for lower payment option vehicles, and artificial intelligence can be deployed to drive the member and online conversation deeper into the lending funnel.

“Experian reports that in the third quarter of 2018, only 11 percent of new-vehicle and 4.1 percent of used-vehicle borrowers had loans with a term of 84 months. In contrast, by the third quarter of 2022, these percentages had grown to 19 percent for new-vehicle and 11 percent for used-vehicle loans,” AFG CEO Richard Epley said in a news release.

“Credit unions can instead provide a low monthly payment alternative with shorter terms to their members through the AFG Balloon Lending Program. With Auto Link’s technology, credit unions can educate borrowers on AFG’s lower payment option right on their website,” Epley continued.

Auto Link CEO Ed Bourgeois added, “Consumers are demanding information and transparency online as they shop for vehicles 24/7 and this enhanced side-by-side payment comparison is a first of its kind and highlights AFG Clients’ competitive advantage of loan options.

“This represents the latest example of how Auto Link is dedicated to providing digital solutions to meet financial institution and consumer demands,” Bourgeois went on to say.