City Survey: Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is a city shaped by a rich history, strong community ties, and ongoing efforts to address economic inequality. These Better Banking Options—from Hope Credit Union to local CDFIs and minority-owned institutions—are helping provide access to capital, support underserved communities, and strengthen Montgomery’s local economy.
City Survey: Washington, DC
Washington, DC, has a surprisingly rich landscape of Better Banking Options, from Black-owned banks and immigrant-focused credit unions to cooperative lenders and community development institutions. This city survey highlights mission-driven banks and credit unions helping strengthen neighborhoods across the nation’s capital.
Why You Should Be Banking With Brooklyn Cooperative FCU
Brooklyn Cooperative FCU is a mission-driven credit union serving low-income and historically underserved neighborhoods in Brooklyn through affordable banking services and community-focused lending.
Why You Should Be Banking With First Carolina People’s Credit Union
First Carolina People’s Credit Union is a locally focused North Carolina credit union providing essential banking services and quality lending in rural and underserved communities.
City Survey: Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill
North Carolina’s Research Triangle is full of thriving local economies — and some excellent Better Banking Options. From community-focused credit unions to banks investing in affordable housing and small businesses, these institutions are helping Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill grow more equitably.
Why You Should Be Banking With Santa Ana Federal Credit Union
Santa Ana Federal Credit Union is a mission-driven credit union in Orange County investing in Latine communities through housing, small business lending, and local financial services.
Why You Should Be Banking With Sixth Avenue Baptist FCU
Sixth Avenue Baptist FCU is a faith-based Black credit union in Birmingham with deep roots in the civil rights movement and community banking.
City Survey: Birmingham
From Black-owned banks to community-focused credit unions, Birmingham offers several Better Banking Options supporting local neighborhoods and families.
City Survey: Detroit
Detroit offers several Better Banking Options focused on community lending, Black economic empowerment, and wealth-building loans for local families.
Why You Should Be Banking With Orion Federal Credit Union
Orion Federal Credit Union is a Memphis-based LICU and CDFI focused on local lending, community investment, and accessible banking services.
City Survey: Louisville
Looking for better banking options in Louisville, Kentucky? Here’s a guide to local banks and credit unions investing more directly in the community.
Why You Should Be Banking With MariSol Federal Credit Union
MariSol Federal Credit Union is a Phoenix-based CDFI and LICU providing accessible banking, fair lending, and financial inclusion for Spanish-speaking communities.
Why You Should Be Banking With Consolidated Community Credit Union
Consolidated Community Credit Union is a Portland-based LICU and CDFI focused on serving low- and moderate-income neighborhoods through community-focused lending and accessible banking services. With deep local roots and modern banking technology, CCCU offers a strong alternative to large national banks.
Why You Should Be Banking With Alliance Credit Union
Alliance Credit Union is a St. Louis-based LICU and CDFI focused on serving local communities through accessible banking services and community development lending. With deep roots in the region and a commitment to member-focused banking, it offers a strong alternative to large national banks.
Why You Should Be Banking With Naveo Credit Union
First Federal Savings and Loan Association is a tiny but impactful local bank serving Morehead, Kentucky through affordable housing loans, small business lending, and community-focused banking. With a strong commitment to keeping deposits invested locally, the institution demonstrates how small hometown banks can play a major role in supporting rural economic development.
Why You Should Be Banking With Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union
Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union is a mission-driven CDFI and community development credit union serving low-income, immigrant, and underserved communities in New York City. Through small business lending, financial education, and community-focused banking, LES People’s FCU works to expand economic opportunity while helping residents resist the effects of gentrification in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Harlem.
Why You Should Be Banking With Opportunities Credit Union
Opportunities Credit Union is a Vermont-based Community Development Credit Union (CDCU) focused on serving low-income communities through accessible lending and mission-driven financial services. From emergency loans to assistive technology financing, the credit union offers products designed to strengthen economic opportunity and community well-being across Vermont.
Credit Union Designations and What They Mean
Not all credit unions are created equal. Learn what the Low-Income (LICU), Community Development (CDCU), and CDFI designations mean—and how they signal a credit union’s real commitment to serving low- and moderate-income communities.