Why You Should Be Banking With American Bank & Trust Co.
American Bank & Trust Co. is a community-focused Louisiana bank investing in small towns and underserved neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Katrina. Through strong small business lending, housing loans, and local community investment, the bank helps support economic recovery and long-term opportunity across southern Louisiana.
How to Maintain a Long-Distance Relationship (With Your Bank)
You don’t have to live near a branch to bank with a mission-driven community bank or credit union. This guide explains how to manage long-distance banking using online and mobile banking tools, fee-free ATM networks, electronic transfers, and local backup accounts so you can support the communities and causes you care about from anywhere.
Why You Should Be Banking With West Alabama Bank & Trust
West Alabama Bank & Trust is a community-focused CDFI serving small towns across West Alabama through housing loans, small business lending, and agricultural financing. With branches located in underserved rural communities and a strong commitment to local lending, the bank helps support economic stability and opportunity throughout the region.
Why You Should Be Banking With BankFirst Financial Services
BankFirst Financial Services is a community-focused Mississippi bank serving low- and moderate-income families through housing loans, small business lending, and investment in underserved communities. With branches located throughout the Golden Triangle region and a strong commitment to local lending, the bank plays an important role in supporting economic opportunity in Eastern Mississippi.
Why You Should Be Banking With INSOUTH Bank
INSOUTH Bank is a community-focused bank serving rural Western Tennessee through housing loans, small business lending, and investment in low- and moderate-income communities. Operating in small towns like Brownsville and Memphis-area communities, the bank plays an important role in supporting local economic development in a region shaped by deep historical inequality.
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.
Why You Should Be Banking With Pacific Global Bank
Pacific Global Bank is a community-focused CDFI serving Chicago’s Chinatown and Southside with bilingual banking services, affordable housing loans, and investment in immigrant communities. As a Minority Depository Institution dedicated to Chinese-speaking customers, the bank helps expand access to homeownership and financial services for underserved populations across Chicago.
Why You Should Be Banking With Planters Bank & Trust Co.
Planters Bank & Trust is a mission-driven community bank serving the Mississippi Delta through housing loans, small business lending, and investment in low- and moderate-income communities. As a certified CDFI with branches located throughout rural Mississippi, the bank plays an important role in supporting economic development in one of the most underserved regions in the United States.
Banking Landscapes: The Micro and the Macro
As large banks absorb smaller ones, America’s financial landscape grows more consolidated—but not necessarily more equitable. From Charlotte to Appalachia, the future of community banking depends on protecting small local institutions that keep capital circulating close to home.
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 Benchmark Community Bank
Benchmark Community Bank combines small-town service with strong community investment. With 58% of its lending focused on housing and 84% going to LMI borrowers, it’s a mid-sized bank proving that growth and integrity can go hand in hand.
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 You Should Be Banking with Broadway Federal Bank
Broadway Federal Bank has served Los Angeles’ Black and Hispanic communities for more than 75 years. With 90% of its lending devoted to housing and an Outstanding CRA rating, it’s a model of community-driven, equitable banking in South L.A.
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 Latino Community Credit Union
Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU) has transformed access to fair banking in North Carolina’s Latinx communities—providing affordable housing loans, DACA support, and education to previously unbanked families. With open membership and a proven record of impact, LCCU is a standout Better Banking Option.
Why You Should Be Banking with Banner Bank
Banner Bank shows that bigger banks can still make a local impact. With $10 billion in assets and branches across the Pacific Northwest, Banner excels in small-business lending, housing loans, and community engagement—proving that size doesn’t have to compromise values.
A Glossary of Banking Terms You Should Know
Confused by banking jargon? This glossary explains key terms like CDFI, CRA, and DLI-HMDA in plain language. Learn how community banks and credit unions use these concepts to build stronger, more inclusive local economies.
Why You Should Be Banking With Citizens Guaranty Bank
Citizens Guaranty Bank is a locally owned community bank in Eastern Kentucky dedicated to strong relationships, reliable lending, and financial education. With a focus on personal service and small-town values, it’s a trusted choice for Kentuckians who want their money to strengthen their own communities.