Bank of Dave’s Lessons on Community Banking
The 2023 Netflix film Bank of Dave tells the inspiring story of a businessman determined to create a community bank that serves local people rather than distant shareholders. While the movie takes creative liberties, its central lesson rings true: when capital stays local, communities thrive. Here’s what Bank of Dave can teach us about the power of community banking.
City Survey: Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to an impressive collection of community banks, credit unions, and mission-driven financial institutions that have survived for generations. From Black-owned banks and immigrant-focused lenders to local savings banks with deep neighborhood roots, these Better Banking Options help keep deposits working in Philadelphia communities.
Why You Should Be Banking With Credit Union of Atlanta
Credit Union of Atlanta is a Black-led, community-focused credit union serving government employees, church communities, and their families in Atlanta. With branches in low-income neighborhoods and a commitment to financial inclusion, it’s a great option for those looking to support local economic development while accessing affordable banking services.
City Survey: San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland (Bay Area)
The Bay Area is home to some of the most innovative and mission-driven financial institutions in the country. Whether you’re looking to support immigrant communities, affordable housing, small businesses, or environmentally responsible lending, these Better Banking Options in San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland offer a meaningful alternative to the mega banks.
Why You Should Be Banking With Gateway Bank, FSB
Gateway Bank is a small, community-focused bank headquartered in Oakland’s Chinatown that serves immigrant and low-income communities throughout the Bay Area. With a strong focus on housing lending and local investment, it stands out as one of the best Better Banking Options in Northern California.
What Is Ethical Banking? How Better Banking Supports Communities
Ethical banking is about more than avoiding mega banks—it’s about choosing financial institutions that use your deposits responsibly. From community lending to environmental sustainability and transparency, ethical banks and credit unions can help build a more equitable world while still meeting your everyday banking needs.
Why You Should Be Banking With Rio Bank
Rio Bank is a locally rooted Texas bank helping strengthen Latine-majority communities through small business lending, housing loans, and regional economic investment.
Truths and Myths of Online Banking
Online banking can offer convenience and lower fees, but not all online banks use your deposits in ways that strengthen communities. Here’s what you should know before choosing where to bank online.
Why You Should Be Banking With First Federal Bank
First Federal Bank is a longstanding North Carolina community bank using local deposits to fund affordable housing and small business loans across the region.
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.
City Survey: Birmingham
From Black-owned banks to community-focused credit unions, Birmingham offers several Better Banking Options supporting local neighborhoods and families.
Why You Should Be Banking With Alamerica Bank
Alamerica Bank is a Black-owned Birmingham bank investing in Black communities through small business lending, housing loans, and personalized banking services.
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 First Independence Bank
First Independence Bank is Detroit’s only Black-owned bank, investing in Black communities through housing loans, small business lending, and local banking services.
Why You Should Be Banking With Tri-State Bank of Memphis
Tri-State Bank of Memphis is a historic Black-owned CDFI and MDI that has supported Black homeownership, churches, and civil rights efforts for decades.
Why You Should Be Banking With Local Bank
Local Bank is a Cherokee-owned CDFI investing deposits back into Native communities across Northeast Oklahoma through housing and community lending.
Why You Should Be Banking With Chickasaw Community Bank
Chickasaw Community Bank is a Native-owned CDFI helping Indigenous families and businesses access housing loans and community-focused financial services.
City Survey: Memphis
From Black-led banks to community-focused credit unions, Memphis offers several Better Banking Options making real investments in local neighborhoods and families.