What is Values-Based Banking?
Values-based banking prioritizes community wellbeing, sustainable growth, and relationship-focused lending over short-term profit maximization. Here’s why it matters.
How Mega Banks Create the Illusion of Effectiveness While Failing Communities
Mega banks often promote billion-dollar community development initiatives, but those numbers can be misleading when compared to the trillions of dollars they hold in assets. This article explains how to evaluate lending statistics using percentages rather than raw dollar amounts so you can better understand which banks are truly investing in low-income communities, affordable housing, and local economic development.
Why You Should Be Banking with First National Bank of Peterstown
First National Bank of Peterstown has provided fair, community-focused banking to small Appalachian towns for over a century. With 80% of its lending in housing and 61% going to low- and moderate-income families, it’s a cornerstone Better Banking Option for West Virginia and Virginia communities.
Why You Should Be Banking with FNB Bank
FNB Bank in Romney, WV, has served rural Appalachian communities for over a century, reinvesting deposits into housing, small business, and farm loans. With a Satisfactory CRA rating and a century-long track record of trust, it’s a model Better Banking Option for West Virginians.
Why You Should Be Banking with Community State Bank
Community State Bank in Brook, Indiana, has been investing in local farms, small businesses, and low-income families for more than 85 years. With 15% of its loans going to small farms and a Satisfactory CRA rating, it’s a model Better Banking Option for small-town America.
Why You Should Be Banking with Idaho First Bank
Idaho First Bank is a locally owned, community-focused bank in Boise investing in housing, small business lending, and local development. With a strong CRA rating and nearly all deposits reinvested locally, it’s a solid Better Banking Option for Idaho residents.
Why Local Banks Are (Almost) Always Better Than Mega Banks
Mega banks may offer convenience, but local banks and credit unions offer something far more valuable — community impact. By moving your money to a local Better Banking Option, you help fund affordable housing, small businesses, and stronger neighborhoods close to home.
Why You Should Be Banking With Bank of South Texas
Bank of South Texas is a Minority Depository Institution and CDFI dedicated to serving Hispanic communities in the Rio Grande Valley. With strong lending to low-income homeowners and small businesses, it embodies what values-based community banking should look like.
Is Your Bank Lending in Low-Income Communities?
Your bank’s CRA rating reveals how much it reinvests in low-income communities. Learn what the Community Reinvestment Act is, how to find your bank’s rating, and why it matters for financial equity and community well-being.
It's A Wonderful Life's Lessons in Community Banking
It’s A Wonderful Life reminds us why small community banks matter. By lending fairly and reinvesting locally, they give families dignity, hope, and a chance at a wonderful life—the true spirit of Christmas, and of better banking.
Why You Should Be Banking With Self-Help Credit Union
Self-Help Credit Union is a national CDFI and pioneer in community development banking, empowering underserved families through fair lending, financial education, and advocacy. From protecting borrowers against predatory lending to funding affordable housing and small businesses, Self-Help is redefining what ethical banking can look like.
Small Farm Lending and Why It’s So Important
Small farm lending helps rural communities thrive by giving farmers access to fair, flexible credit. Supporting banks that invest in small farms means investing in local food systems, sustainability, and the future of American agriculture.
Why You Should Be Banking With Native American Bank
Native American Bank is a Native-owned CDFI working to strengthen Tribal Nations by expanding access to capital, credit, and financial education. Founded to serve communities excluded from traditional banking, NAB invests directly in Indigenous businesses and local economies—building financial independence across Indian Country.
What Is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)?
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven banks, credit unions, and loan funds that expand access to fair financial services in underserved communities. Supported by the CDFI Fund, these institutions invest in affordable housing, small businesses, and local economic growth—building wealth and opportunity where traditional banks often fall short.
Why You Should Be Banking with Community Bank of the Bay
Community Bank of the Bay was the first CDFI-certified bank in California, devoting 20% of its assets to small business lending and supporting eco-friendly projects through its Bay Area Green Fund.
Why You Should Be Banking With Hope Credit Union
In towns where payday lenders were the only option, Hope Credit Union is changing the story. By providing mortgages, small business loans, and financial education, they’re helping families build wealth and trust in banking—often for the very first time.
Better Banking Options — Find a Bank That Invests in Your Community
Where we bank is one of the most direct and simple ways we can use our money to help those who need it—without even needing to give it away.