Banking | Credit Card Topics

Marquette Savings Bank: A Community-Based Financial Institution That Shows SMBs the Power of Local Service

By: Adam West, 3/23/2023

In a Nutshell: Marquette Savings Bank is the only remaining locally owned and headquartered financial institution in Pennsylvania’s Erie and Crawford counties. Marquette started off as a mutual savings bank and has expanded its operations to include personal and commercial banking options that rival its larger competitors. What’s more, the bank recently opened a community-oriented Innovation Learning Center offering financial education both for locals who bank with the institution... read more »

Service Credit Union Recognized for Promoting Financial Wellness and Energizing Communities

By: Mike Senecal, 2/9/2023

In a Nutshell: Service Credit Union offers competitive credit and loan products to meet everyday needs and earn rewards. But it also lives up to its name in other ways. With more than 343,000 members in its home state of New Hampshire and beyond, Service Credit Union reaches out with tools and resources for financial wellness and literacy. It also partners with local and national nonprofits to energize the communities it serves, earning our Editor's Choice™ Award. Because every... read more »

City National Bank Supports Financial Education Through Engaging Initiatives and Volunteerism

By: Sean Roderick, 1/26/2023

In a Nutshell: City National Bank is on a mission not just to provide banking services to its clients, but also to give back to communities through several initiatives. The bank has invested in fostering financial education at every stage in life, from grade school to adulthood. City National’s Dollars + Sense program uses the latest media technology to help people understand finance in ways they can relate to. Since its founding in 1954, City National Bank has helped clients... read more »

Beneficial State Bank Focuses on Its Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet, and Prosperity

By: Adam West, 1/12/2023

In a Nutshell: Beneficial State Bank is a for-profit, FDIC-insured commercial bank with a twist. The financial institution is majority owned by the U.S. Treasury and nonprofit Beneficial State Foundation, and in turn, prioritizes “people, planet, and prosperity.” This means that the bank focuses on lending to initiatives that support their local communities, and all of its loans are mission-aligned. The organization has been recognized as “Best for the World” by the B Corp... read more »

Recognizing Flagstar Bank for its Commitment to DE&I Among Both Customers and Employees

By: Brandon Rossman, 12/12/2022

In a Nutshell: Flagstar Bank provides full-service banking and lending products while making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) a priority in its operations. The bank believes that building a diverse and inclusive culture creates a positive environment for employees and customers to grow. The bank operates in the midwest and California and originates mortgages in every state. Flagstar takes the communities it serves into account for how it runs its business, filling employee... read more »

First Horizon Bank Fosters Stronger Commitment to Grants and Improving Affordable Housing

By: Sean Roderick, 12/8/2022

In a Nutshell: First Horizon Bank is a financial institution actively involved in community development. The bank provides grants that cater to a number of different groups, including communities in minority census tracts and first responders. First Horizon is also dedicated to creating pathways for homeownership and making it easier to secure a home loan. To assist communities with financial education, First Horizon has partnered with Operation HOPE, which provides credit counseling... read more »

FV Bank Aims to Bridge the Traditional Finance Gap for Fintechs and Digital Asset Companies

By: Sean Roderick, 11/1/2022

In a Nutshell: FV Bank is promoting greater accessibility among channels in the divide between cryptocurrency exchanges and traditional banking. FV Bank is a global digital bank and a digital asset custodian offering traditional and digital asset banking, and custody services to fintech and blockchain firms. It recently launched a service that allows customers to make direct deposits in USD Coin (USDC) to the bank’s US Dollar accounts. FV Bank will also launch debit and credit cards... read more »

Centier Bank Emphasizes Community Support in Every Transaction and Financial Product

By: Brandon Rossman, 10/18/2022

In a Nutshell: For more than 125 years, Centier Bank has served communities in Indiana. The family owned-and-operated bank has 60 offices with employees that live in the communities they serve. And the staff at each branch have the best interests of customers in mind. Centier Bank also understands the importance of financial education and provides tailored resources and guidance so community members can lift themselves up. There are few better feelings than walking into a local... read more »

Dakota Community Bank & Trust Helps Community Members Secure Mortgages and Agricultural Loans

By: Adam West, 10/13/2022

In a Nutshell: Dakota Community Bank & Trust has 12 branches that serve mostly rural communities in North Dakota. The bank’s focus on agricultural towns gives it unique insight on the needs of farming communities. The bank’s staff members are committed to supporting their neighbors through farm loans and mortgages. Dakota Community Bank & Trust also gives back to the community by sponsoring building projects, scholarships, and other programs. In 2020, Dakota... read more »

Axos Bank Combines Digital Efficiency with Customer and Community Commitment

By: Adam West, 9/26/2022

In a Nutshell: As digital transformation drives the financial industry, Axos Bank stands out as a pioneering online bank. Founded in 2000, Axos has grown to more than $15 billion in assets thanks to its personalized approach that leverages digital efficiencies to empower service and savings. From its flexible checking and credit-building products to its nationwide efforts to improve financial literacy, Axos has become a leader in future-focused banking. Axos Bank started in 2000 as... read more »

Recognizing Synovus for its Commitment to Teaching Financial Wellness in Communities It Serves

By: Brandon Rossman, 9/22/2022

In a Nutshell: Synovus banking services maintain the community banking approach the company adopted at its humble beginnings. The bank has branches in five states across the southeastern U.S. Employees provide input on the best methods to reach out to the community to offer better service and provide financial learning opportunities. Synovus’ new partnership with Junior Achievement will bring financial literacy to hundreds of organizations focused on youth. For its commitment to... read more »

Recognizing JPMorgan Chase for Its Four-Pillared Approach Toward Improving Racial Equity

By: Brandon Rossman, 9/7/2022

In a Nutshell: JPMorgan Chase is making a commitment toward helping often-neglected minorities in their financial endeavors. The bank is putting forward $30 billion to promote affordable housing, grow Black- and Hispanic-owned businesses, improve access to banking in underserved areas, and build a diverse and inclusive workforce. For its key focus on narrowing the racial wealth gap and improving racial equity, CardRates is awarding JPMorgan Chase our Editor’s Choice Award™. ... read more »

Kinly is Looking to Uplift Black Communities through Financial Education and Beneficial Banking Products

By: Sean Roderick, 8/4/2022

In a Nutshell: Kinly provides a banking platform dedicated to helping Black communities grow wealth and cultivate social elevation. The company hopes that offering incentivized banking services can lead to greater financial empowerment for the underserved. Kinly does not charge any overdraft or monthly fees, and does not require a minimum balance. The company is currently developing a point rewards system that will encourage members to earn back savings while spending at their favorite... read more »

Grasshopper Offers Digital Banking Services and a Rewards Debit Card Built For Small Business Owners

By: Sean Roderick, 7/19/2022

In a Nutshell: Grasshopper provides businesses with secure operating accounts, flexible lending solutions and powerful digital tools. The digital bank is devoted to improving financial literacy to SMBs through its useful resources. Grasshopper also offers an attractive Rewards Debit card that provides unlimited 1% cash back on online and signature-based purchases. Grasshopper is a New York-based digital bank for small businesses and start-ups that began operations in 2019. The... read more »

Climate First Bank: A Financial Institution Dedicated to Environmental Sustainability and Social Change

By: Jon McDonald, 4/28/2022

In a Nutshell: Climate First Bank is the first financial institution in Florida dedicated to sustainability. Its values-based approach to banking incentivizes loan customers to embrace solar panel installations and construction retrofits designed around green-building standards. The institution’s Regeneration Checking product also allows account holders to support a carbon drawdown initiative. Climate First Bank's dedication to responsible environmental, social, and governance... read more »

Truist and Operation HOPE Partner to Encourage Financial Responsibility

By: Jon McDonald, 4/11/2022

In a Nutshell: Operation HOPE has equipped more than 4 million Americans with tools and education to achieve ﬁnancial independence since 1992. Today, the organization partners with Truist, a purpose-driven financial organization, to reach more people. Through HOPE Inside, Truist offers financial counseling for everyday budgeting needs, homeownership, and small business success at more than 600 Truist branches. And Truist has pledged to help close the racial wealth gap by dramatically... read more »

Fair’s Ethical, Pro-Consumer Banking Solutions Cater to the Growing Immigrant Population

By: Brandon Rossman, 3/16/2022

In a Nutshell: Fair is a banking solution that aims to be transparent and easy to use in a new age of banking. There are no account fees, wire transfer fees, or ATM fees. Fair is a membership-based neobank, so it has no physical branches, and paperwork and services are processed online. Fair offers a spending account with a debit card and a Wealth Building Account that pays dividends of up to 4% of the account balance annually. Fair founder Khalid Parekh is no stranger to success.... read more »

First Citizens National Bank and Banzai! Partner to Foster a Strong Foundation in Financial Education Among Children

By: Brandon Rossman, 2/15/2022

In a Nutshell: Without its community, First Citizens National Bank would not be around today and still thriving 133 years after first opening its doors. First Citizens National Bank offers traditional banking services and provides students with free classes that make it fun to learn about managing their financial decisions. Resources are also available for every member of the community to learn about their credit history, how to avoid fraud, as well as several other tips for achieving... read more »

Atmos Mission-Driven Savings Accounts and Debit Cards Can Help Reduce Carbon Emissions

By: Adam West, 1/27/2022

In a Nutshell: Banks have a responsibility to satisfy customers, and they often play a significant role in determining best practices. Atmos is a financial institution that sets an example for how institutions and account holders can work together to bring about change. The Atmos debit card offers cash back rewards whenever customers spend at eco-focused businesses. It also has a high-yield savings account that allows fast, free donations to approved nonprofit organizations that work... read more »

First State Bank of St. Charles: Helping Customers Meet Credit and Life Goals Since 1867

By: Jon McDonald, 9/22/2021

In a Nutshell: First State Bank of St. Charles is a locally owned and independent institution founded in 1867 to serve the people of St. Charles, Missouri, and its surrounding areas. Today, the bank anticipates — and meets — evolving consumer needs through a diverse lineup of personal credit products, support for area nonprofits, and its long-standing commitment to small businesses. First State Bank is on a mission to spearhead growth and progress in its service areas through... read more »

Optus Bank: A Minority-Owned Financial Institution Driving Wealth and Credit Access in Underserved Communities

By: Jon McDonald, 9/15/2021

In a Nutshell: Although the history of the post-Civil War American South is in many ways a history of African American exclusion, Optus Bank stands as a marker for correcting the mistakes of the past. Founded as Victory Savings Bank by black leaders in 1920s South Carolina, today's Optus Bank is a $300 million institution with a laser focus on supporting entrepreneurship and broadening consumer credit access in underserved communities of all kinds. One of only 16 black-owned banks in... read more »

First National Bank and Trust Offers Industry-Leading Financial Products to Help Consumers Build Credit

By: Adam West, 8/11/2021

In a Nutshell: First National Bank and Trust has a nearly 140-year history of helping people and communities in Wisconsin and Illinois. The family-focused institution manages more than $1.4 billion in assets, and combines the values of a community-based bank with a full range of personal and business products and services. First National Bank also offers a free financial wellness center that encourages everyone to reach their personal goals. In towns across southern Wisconsin and... read more »

UMB Bank Offers Versatile Card Products that Encourage Financial Success for Consumers and Communities

By: Adam West, 6/17/2021

In a Nutshell: Since 1913, UMB Bank has grown from a small community-based institution into a regional powerhouse with $33 billion in assets and operates 91 branches. The bank’s innovative card products fit a variety of rewards preferences and use cases. And its extensive collection of financial education resources help consumers build and secure their financial future. Today, UMB Bank continues to exceed customer expectations with digital banking tools keeping the commitment to... read more »

Aspiration: A Financial Institution Fighting Climate Change via Bank Accounts and Cards

By: Matt Walker, 6/7/2021

In a Nutshell: Customers open checking or savings accounts, apply for credit cards, and take out loans with their financial institutions of choice every day. But they may not stop to consider how the institutions are using their funds. In fact, some big banks help support the fossil fuel industry and other industries that work against climate change. Aspiration offers banking services and credit and debit cards that are guaranteed to fight climate change. Customers can actually offset... read more »

OneUnited Bank Takes on the Racial Wealth Gap by Providing Access to Education and Credit Products

By: Matt Walker, 4/21/2021

In a Nutshell: Racial inequality is evident in the U.S. not only in the power structures in place, but in the racial wealth gap. OneUnited Bank takes on these inequities by offering affordable financial products and services aimed at members of the Black community. From its BankBlack Checking Account to the Solidarity Card, OneUnited Bank is leveraging technology and expertise to empower the Black community through the world of finance. Financial literacy is also a key element to the... read more »

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