Introduction
For decades, Marketing Customer Information Files (MCIFs) were the default way for banks and credit unions to centralize customer data. They promised better targeting, sharper marketing, and stronger cross-sell.
But in 2025, that era is ending. According to Wipfli’s 2025 industry survey, over 52% of community banks and credit unions are actively replacing their MCIF systems due to weak integration, real-time limitations, and poor analytics.
Are MCIFs dead? Not everywhere yet, but they are quickly becoming obsolete. Modern institutions need more than a monthly snapshot of data. They need platforms that deliver clean, integrated, and actionable insights every day.
This article explores the reasons why FIs are moving on from MCIFs. See what’s next and our suggestions for migration.