First South Financial Brings Buy Now, Pay Later Home for Members

New in-house product lets members pay over time through the accounts they already use, with no separate application required

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First South Financial, which serves more than 80,000 members across Tennessee and Mississippi, today announced the launch of an in-house Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution, powered by equipifi and embedded directly into its mobile and online banking platform.

First South Financial's BNPL product offers members two ways to pay over time: splitting eligible completed debit card purchases into fixed installments, or accessing extra funds through their First South Financial checking account before shopping. Both options are available without a separate app or account with a third-party lender. Purchasing power is based on each member's cash flow standing and banking history with First South Financial, and eligible members are pre-qualified automatically, with no separate application required.

"Finding a Path to YES for our members means giving them tools that fit into how they already bank with us," said Summers Townsend, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at First South Financial. "With Buy Now, Pay Later, eligible members are already pre-qualified, so there's no separate application standing between them and a yes. It's built directly into the checking and savings accounts they already use, just another way we support their financial lives."

The program is powered by equipifi's BNPL platform, which provides embedded BNPL infrastructure for banks and credit unions.

"When purchasing power comes from a member's own financial institution instead of a third-party lender, they get financial flexibility while they shop without stepping outside the safety of a relationship they already trust," said Bryce Deeney, Founder and CEO of equipifi. "First South Financial is giving members a safer way to access that flexibility, right where they already bank."

The BNPL launch reflects First South Financial's mission to provide a full range of financial services to members conveniently and efficiently, while ensuring the financial integrity and soundness of the institution.

About First South Financial

First South Financial Credit Union is a member-owned, federally insured financial institution serving more than 80,000 members across Tennessee and Mississippi. Recognized as a leader in strength, stability, and service, First South Financial is ranked among the top 1% of financial institutions nationwide for financial strength and stability, according to independent rating agencies. Founded in 1957, First South Financial offers a complete line of banking services, from checking and savings accounts to mortgage, auto, and personal loans. Learn more at firstsouth.com.

About equipifi

equipifi is a fintech company providing the credit infrastructure for modern banking. Trusted by leading banks and credit unions, equipifi delivers Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) as a native banking capability embedded within digital banking platforms. The result is durable customer engagement, sustainable growth, and a more competitive consumer lending experience delivered within the institution's own ecosystem. Learn more at equipifi.com.

SOURCE equipifi; First South Financial