Understanding the Bank On Initiative: Your Path to Safe Banking
How the Bank On initiative and the CFE Fund's National Account Standards connect consumers with safe, affordable bank accounts nationwide.
The Bank On initiative is a national movement designed to connect consumers with safe and affordable bank accounts. Led by the nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), the program helps individuals easily identify bank and credit union accounts that meet their specific needs.
The foundation of this movement is the Bank On National Account Standards, which provide a benchmark for financial institutions to offer accessible accounts. The current standards for 2025–2026 ensure that certified accounts are appropriate for those who may be currently outside the mainstream financial system. With over 98 state and city coalitions working across the country, Bank On matches consumers with safe banking options right in their own community.