Money from big banks funds fossil fuels, sweatshops, factory farms, and other destructive industries. Better banking is possible with a community development bank or credit union. Your money can go back into your community and help fund a better world.
When you open a bank account, how do you choose what bank to use? Maybe it’s the one with ATMs close by, or the one your family has always used, or the one that offered you a good deal on a product. But green financing is crucial to an ethical economy, and better banking, aligned with your values, is always possible.
Not all banks are created equal. Whichever bank you use, your money will be there when you want it. But while it’s in your account, the bank can use your money how it wants, which could be aligned with your values, or not. You can put your money to good use simply by doing your banking with a community development bank or credit union, which can meet all your normal banking needs.
Community development banks and credit unions operate just like banks (think national banks with ATMs in every city), but these institutions focus on funding economic development in low- and moderate-income areas and/or supporting local economies, instead of simply investing to make their executives wealthier.
It can feel terrible when it seems like a bank only wants you for your money, charging fees or trying to upsell you on expensive products you don’t need. When choosing a green bank, you are investing in a better banking option, which supports communities, the environment, and your values.
Explore the resources below to learn about better banking and green finance. When you're ready, follow these ten steps to break up with your mega-bank!
JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America – the Big 4 banks – have collectively invested $1.…
JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America – the Big 4 banks – have collectively invested $1.37 trillion, or 25%, of all fossil-fuel financing…
Want your banking to build a better world? Find a bank or credit union near you that benefits people and planet.
Most big insurance corporations insure and invest in fossil fuels. Green America's new Climate Smart Insurance Directory can help you find companies that don't.
©2024 Green America
Green America's website is sponsored by Green America members and 
