2 min read
Every partner, another integration
The value of a credit comparison platform is choice: the more lenders, the better the chance that a customer gets an offer that fits. Technically, though, every new lender means another integration — with its own data structure, authentication, response style and status names.
The first integration usually feels simple. The trouble starts with the fifth or the tenth, when each of them lives its own life and needs its own attention.
Where the hidden costs come from
- Data mapping. The same application has to be prepared for every lender in a different format — with different field names, units and required fields.
- Handling responses. Lenders answer asynchronously, each in their own way and sometimes more than once. Every response has to be verified, stored and turned into a status the platform understands.
- Maintenance. When a lender changes its API, the change has to ship urgently — often when the team has other priorities.
- Investigating issues. Without a single event history it is hard to find out what happened to a particular application, and when.
What a single connector changes
A connector is a layer between the platform and the lenders. The platform sends an application in one format and says which lenders should receive it. The connector transforms the data into each lender's format, receives the responses, filters out duplicates and returns unified statuses and offers to the platform.
As a result, the platform team maintains one integration instead of one per partner. Connecting a new lender becomes a matter of configuration rather than a separate development project.
What stays on the platform side
A connector does not replace the platform. The user journey, data collection, lender selection rules and the way offers are presented all stay with the platform — exactly where its competitive edge is. The connector takes over only the part that is the same for every platform and gives none of them an advantage: the technical conversation with lenders.
How to get started
If your platform works with several lenders or plans to expand, get in touch. We will discuss which lenders matter to you and show you what the integration looks like in the test environment.