ATLANTA — Internet-based financial institutions have nearly doubled their penetration in checking accounts over the past two years, according to new research released by Synergistics Research Corp.

AUSTIN, Texas — The credit union explosion onto the iPhone application scene may be more like a slow leak, if you turn to a recent survey conducted for Credit Union Journal by the Credit Union Information Security Professionals Association (CUISPA).

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Look for credit unions to explode onto the iPhone scene in the next few months with iPhone applications by and for credit unions — including a locator app developed by an independent programmer here at the behest of Credit Union Journal.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The It's Me 247 online banking product will expand this summer from the desktop to the mobile Web, running on multiple mobile browsers — demonstrating how CU*Answers here is sidestepping the growing passion that credit unions are showing for native iPhone applications.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Tellers are stopping fraudulent checks left and right — including one for $49,000 at one CU — using a counterfeit alert database at the teller window.

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — Online crooks wielding SQL-injections have become more interested in 66 FCU as it works to expand its website business, with features such as membership enrollment.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Technology Credit Union here has become the second credit union to go live with an official iPhone application — a pioneering combination of locator, mobile banking and promotional features.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Dynamic Card Solutions, the pioneer in instant card issuance, has introduced a contactless personalization program for the company’s flagship CardWizard platform.

MADISON, Wis. – The Filene Research Institute’s i3 Group has introduced a Web-based debt management tool that helps members take control of their finances and is looking for credit unions to beta test the tool.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta Metro FCU has implemented Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies’ standalone Schlage biometric HandKey reader to provide its members with self-service access to the safe deposit vault.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Truliant FCU has implemented Guardian Analytics’ FraudMAP online account fraud prevention tool.

DAYTON, N.J. – New Jersey Gateway FCU has installed Dynamic Marketing Systems’ Micro Merchant, a centralized Web portal that provides the ability to develop, customize and print marketing materials, to support the credit union’s in-house marketing programs.

AUSTIN, Texas – -United Heritage CU yesterday announced the launch of their new custom image SmartDesign VISA Debit card program through a partnership with Dynamic Card Solutions, and DimpleDough, a provider of card customization products and services.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Communications FCU will convert its card processing to TNB Card Services.

CHICAGO – Alliant CU has signed with software giant SAS to implement the company’s Enterprise Miner business analytics software and services.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The uGenius talking Personal Teller Machine is making its Michigan debut at a new Community Choice CU.

SAN FRANCISCO — Social networks are becoming a key channel for credit unions, and a new resource is launching to make it even easier for CUs to jump on the cyber bandwagon.

INDIANAPOLIS – Online marketing firm iDiz Inc. is offering a free web site makeover to the ugliest credit union website.

POTTSTOWN, Penn. – Diamond CU said it has signed a five-year agreement to move its 9,000 credit card accounts to PSCU Financial Services.

PALO ALTO, Calif. – Stanford FCU said it has become Geezeo’s first client for its CreditUnion HQ white label personal finance management suite.