RBFCU and Greenlight Team Up to Boost Youth Financial Skills in Texas

ATLANTA, GA – April 10, 2026 – In a move aimed at bolstering the financial acumen of its youngest members, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) has announced a significant partnership with fintech giant Greenlight Financial Technology. The collaboration provides RBFCU’s more than 1.1 million members with free access to Greenlight’s popular family finance app, a tool designed to teach children and teenagers the fundamentals of money management.

This partnership merges the community-focused mission of one of Texas’s largest credit unions with the technological prowess of a leading fintech platform. The initiative comes at a time when parents and educators alike are searching for effective ways to instill financial responsibility in the next generation.

A New Playbook for Financial Education

The collaboration grants RBFCU members access to the Greenlight Core plan, which includes a debit card for up to five children, an educational app, and a suite of parental controls. The platform allows parents to automate allowance, manage chores, set spending limits, and receive real-time notifications on their children's transactions. For kids, it offers a hands-on experience in earning, saving, spending, and giving.

A key feature is Greenlight Level Up™, an in-app game with a curriculum designed to make financial education engaging. Through interactive challenges and rewards, the game teaches concepts that many adults wish they had learned sooner.

“RBFCU’s partnership with Greenlight reflects our commitment to empowering our next generation of members with a strong foundation in financial literacy,” said Sonya McDonald, RBFCU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Through this partnership, we can help children and families access fun, engaging tools to establish and develop a bright financial future.”

The move is part of Greenlight’s broader “Greenlight for Credit Unions” strategy, which has seen the company partner with over 100 credit unions nationwide. “We are excited to partner with Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union because they share Greenlight’s belief that financial confidence starts young — and that credit unions are uniquely positioned to make that happen,” said Matt Wolf, Chief Commercial Officer at Greenlight.

Tackling the Financial Literacy Gap

The need for such tools is well-documented. Recent surveys highlighted by Greenlight show that while 91% of kids and teens believe financial skills are crucial for their life goals, the average score on the National Financial Literacy Test for teenagers is a concerning 64%. Furthermore, 81% of parents report wishing they had more resources to teach their children about personal finance.

This challenge is particularly relevant in Texas, where RBFCU is based. Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, Texas high school students will be required to complete a half-credit course in personal financial literacy to graduate. While this is a significant step forward, past performance indicates a steep hill to climb. A previous study revealed that Texas high school seniors answered only 49% of financial literacy questions correctly.

The RBFCU and Greenlight partnership provides a powerful, out-of-classroom supplement to this formal education. It allows families to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, controlled environment, reinforcing lessons on budgeting, saving for goals, and understanding the value of earned money. This aligns with RBFCU’s long-standing community focus, which already includes free financial education classes and a Youth Ambassador Program for high school students.

The Price of 'Free': A Look at the Terms

For RBFCU members, the offer of a “free” Greenlight subscription is a compelling benefit, removing the standard $5.99 monthly fee for the Greenlight Core plan. However, consumers should understand the full scope of the arrangement.

The free access is contingent upon members linking their RBFCU account as the primary funding source for the Greenlight wallet. This offer is slated to last until March 4, 2029, after which members would become responsible for the monthly fees unless the partnership is extended.

The Core plan includes the debit card, educational game, and standard parental controls. It's a robust entry-level package, but Greenlight also offers higher-tiered plans with more advanced features. Upgrading to the Max plan (for higher savings rewards and investing for kids), the Infinity plan (for safety features like location sharing and crash detection), or the Family Shield plan (for identity protection) will incur additional monthly fees not covered by the RBFCU partnership.

Furthermore, while the subscription fee is waived, other standard costs may apply. These can include fees for ATM withdrawals or for customizing or replacing a lost debit card. For families content with the comprehensive features of the Core plan, the partnership represents a significant value and a cost-free entry into the world of youth financial apps.

The Fintech Effect on Family Banking

Greenlight has established itself as a dominant force in the competitive youth fintech market, boasting a valuation of over $2 billion and serving more than 6.5 million parents and kids. It competes with other popular apps like GoHenry and Step, differentiating itself with a comprehensive suite of features that grows with the family.

Experts in financial education generally view these apps as valuable tools. They provide a safe, supervised environment for the hands-on learning that is critical for developing lasting financial habits. The ability for parents to set guardrails and gradually increase their child’s financial independence is a frequently praised benefit. The gamified approach helps make learning about money less of a chore and more of an engaging activity.

However, the effectiveness of these platforms hinges on parental involvement. The app is a tool, not a replacement for conversations about money. For the lessons to stick, parents must actively participate, discuss spending decisions with their children, and use the app’s features to guide them. Without this engagement, the platform risks becoming just another digital wallet.

The partnership between RBFCU and Greenlight exemplifies a growing trend in the financial services industry: the fusion of traditional, trusted institutions with innovative technology platforms. By leveraging Greenlight's app, RBFCU can modernize its offerings, strengthen relationships with member families, and cultivate a new generation of financially savvy customers. This strategic alliance demonstrates how technology can scale financial literacy efforts, extending the community-centric mission of a credit union into the digital wallets of its youngest members.