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The proportion of "unbanked" households is lowest since 2009, FDIC finds

Oct 26, 2022
The government agency that supervises banking institutions defines "unbanked" households as ones where no one has a checking or savings account. Here's why there are fewer of them now.
Among the reasons people are opening bank accounts is government stimulus during the pandemic.
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FDIC campaigns to get the unbanked to open accounts

Apr 7, 2021
Over 7 million Americans don't have bank accounts. One big incentive to opening one: direct deposit of federal relief payments.
There are plenty of reasons why disadvantaged communities might avoid the banking system, but one benefit is the ability to deposit relief money.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Walmart wants to be your bank

Jan 12, 2021
It's making a bet that people will want to bank where they already get their groceries, pet care and prescriptions.
Walmart is creating a bank that may strengthen its position in retailing.
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U.S. households had better bank access in 2019, FDIC says. And then the pandemic happened.

A higher unemployment rate and economic turmoil means the number of unbanked households could rise again.
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Those without bank accounts face special challenges during a pandemic

Apr 28, 2020
Mastercard has a new plan to make digital banking more accessible.
Mastercard is expanding its program, pledging to get a billion unbanked people and 50 million unbanked very small businesses into the formal financial system within five years.
Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty Images

The unbanked are saving for more than a rainy day

Feb 7, 2017
Jose Quiñonez, head of the Mission Asset Fund, says hope for an economic turnaround is also helping 'forgotten' Americans survive.
Kristina Zuidema/Flickr

Advocates for the unbanked worry about the Trump era

Jan 13, 2017
The Obama Treasury Department made financial inclusion a priority. Will Trump?
Steven Mnuchin walks into Trump Tower on December 12, 2016 in New York City. He is President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for treasury secretary.

 
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In Louisiana, kids learn about balancing the books and paying bills

Dec 2, 2016
Last May, Louisiana made financial literacy a mandatory topic in state public schools.
At the Finance Park, a financial literacy simulation in Baton Rouge, middle school students learn the basics of paying bills and taxes, and how to balance a monthly budget.
Jesse Hardman

Why would a big bank help startups win its customers?

Oct 18, 2016
At Chase, a program aims to back startups creating banking services for the poor.
A Bee salesperson signs up a new customer in Harlem
Mark Garrison / Marketplace

More Americans come into the banking system

Sep 12, 2016
A report from the FDIC shows a decline in the rate of "unbanked" consumers since the recession.
Low-income people are starting to use traditional banks more.
TaxCredits.net