Overview
More financial institutions are prioritizing seamless digital journeys that connect website tools directly to the application process. A common request is to integrate Array calculators with MeridianLink, allowing input data to pass from a calculator session directly into a pre-filled loan application. This article explains how that integration works and what’s required to enable it.
The Objective
The goal is simple: When a user finishes a calculator session—for example, an Auto Loan or Mortgage calculator—they can click a call-to-action (CTA) button that launches a MeridianLink application with certain fields already filled in. This reduces friction and boosts conversion rates by avoiding duplicate entry.
How the Integration Works
The integration is accomplished through dynamic URL parameter construction using key-value pairs.
Key-value pairs are the foundation of this approach. Array captures the values entered by the user and appends them to a MeridianLink application URL, using keys that MeridianLink is expecting on their side.
Example:
In the example above:
- EstPurchasePrice is the key MeridianLink uses to identify vehicle price.
- 25000 is the value entered by the user in the calculator.
- The same logic applies to DownPayment and Term.
Array's Role
Array can dynamically capture calculator inputs and construct a CTA link using the appropriate key-value pairs. Once MeridianLink confirms which keys their application flow supports, Array can programmatically pass the corresponding values through the CTA link.
This is a lightweight lift on Array's side—no API integration or middleware required.
What’s Required from the Financial Institution
To implement this, the financial institution needs to:
-
Confirm Parameter Support
MeridianLink must be able to receive values via URL parameters and use them to prefill application fields.
-
Provide Key Definitions
Array needs a list of expected parameter names (keys). These are specific to each MeridianLink instance and might include:
- EstPurchasePrice for vehicle price
- DownPayment for user down payment input
- Term for loan term in months
- RefiAmount, Rate, LTV, etc., depending on the loan type
-
Share a Working Test URL
Provide a sample MeridianLink URL where Array can test that parameters passed via the URL correctly pre-populate fields.
-
Validate the Flow
Ensure that when a test link is clicked, the MeridianLink application populates the correct fields using the supplied parameters.
Limitations and Considerations
This is not a backend data integration. It relies entirely on front-end URL manipulation. If MeridianLink does not support URL parameter-based prefill for your institution’s configuration, this integration cannot move forward.
It's also important that the values passed from Array calculators map directly to the keys expected by MeridianLink. Any mismatch will result in fields not being pre-populated.