Credit unions which process their payments with FIS are among the first to have the chance to sign on with V.me, Visa's new digital wallet program designed to make online shopping easier and more secure.

The credit will unions will be able to access the new program through membership in Card Services for Credit Unions, the association of credit unions that process payment transactions with Jacksonville, Fla.-based FIS.

“As online, mobile and physical payment environments converge, we are excited to provide our credit unions and their members access to the next generation of payments solutions with V.me,” said Robert Hackney, president of CSCU.

V.me presents an opportunity for issuing credit unions to strengthen account holder relationships by offering a new service that addresses the growing trend towards shopping online, CSCU said when announcing the offer.

“Through credit union branding and Visa backing, account holders can shop with comfort and checkout with ease knowing they're protected by layers of security within Visa's industry-leading network. Once logged into V.me, all that's required to make a purchase is a simple click of a mouse, touch on a mobile browser, or in the future, a wave at the physical point-of-sale,” CSCU said.

“Whether you're shopping for holiday gifts or shopping for yourself, V.me is now available to anyone in the U.S. looking for a more simple, secure, and personal online shopping experience,” said Jennifer Schulz, global head of eCommerce, Visa.

“V.me is built around a single concept, to help people shop online simply and securely. We understand that need and believe our long-standing relationships with financial institutions, merchants and acquirers put Visa in a strong position to deliver the very best digital wallet experience,” Schulze said.

Credit unions which have opted in for the offer include SECU  in Linthicum, Md.; Directions Credit Union in Toledo, Ohio; MECU  in Schaumburg, Ill.; SCE Federal Credit Union in El Monte, Calif.; Community Credit Union of Florida in Rockledge, Fla.; Michigan State University Federal Credit Union in East Lansing, Mich., and Credit Union of Colorado in Denver.