Your bank account isn’t just a place to park your cash; it’s also fueling the projects and industries your bank invests in. Some are funding fossil fuels and industries that harm the planet, and others are using deposits to support clean energy, affordable housing and community projects.
Want to support banks that make a difference? Learn how to find ethical and eco-friendly banks, and compare top options.
An ethical bank, sometimes called a sustainable, civic or alternative bank, focuses on the social and environmental impact of its activities, not just profit.
They differ from traditional banks in that, instead of investing heavily in oil, gas or weapons manufacturing, ethical banks prioritize funding for renewable energy, affordable housing, community development and other socially beneficial projects.
In other words, when you deposit money in an ethical bank, your money is being put to work for causes beyond shareholder profits.
Some initiatives you’ll often see include:
Because “green” and “ethical” aren’t legally defined terms, it can be kind of tricky to separate genuine impact from marketing fluff.
So, if you want to work with an eco-friendly bank, look for third-party certifications and memberships on their website. For example:
If you care about sustainability and social impact, it stands to reason that you’d want an ethical or eco-friendly bank that aligns with your values.
GreenFi is a hybrid checking and savings account that lets you round up transactions to plant trees. It also allows you to earn up to 6% cash back, depending on your plan. That said, if you’re not a fan of online-only bank accounts, GreenFi may not be for you.
Being owned and operated by its members, Bank.Green states that Alliant Credit Union is unlikely to be investing in fossil fuels, and is rated highly by that independent organization. Alliant is also the largest credit union in the state of Illinois, and is known for its stellar rates on savings products. The High-Rate Savings account offers a 3.10% APY with a balance of at least $100, and has no monthly fees.
Treecard used to offer wooden debit cards that plant trees as you spend cash on your everyday purchases. The program is discontinued today, but Treecard still features many other eco-friendly products, including “walk-to-plant” and “spend-to-plant” initiatives, as well as its tech and plant stores.
Based in Washington, DC, City First focuses on underserved communities by financing affordable housing, small businesses and nonprofits. City First Bank is a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that targets at least 60% of its lending to low-to-moderate income communities, according to its site.
Clean Energy Credit Union is a federally insured credit union that exclusively finances renewable energy and energy-efficient projects. Members can access loans for solar panels, EVs and green home improvements.
Credit unions are member-owned, nonprofit organizations, rather than shareholder-driven corporations like banks. This structure allows them to focus more on local community reinvestment and member benefits.
Many people see credit unions as the “default” ethical option because:
That said, not every credit union is automatically eco-friendly or ethical since some may invest in fossil fuels or lack environmental initiatives. Check what projects a credit union supports if you’re thinking about joining, and remember that credit unions have membership requirements, such as living, working or worshiping in their service area.
Not necessarily. Some ethical banks may charge monthly fees to fund sustainability initiatives, but many are on par with traditional accounts.
For example, Forbright Bank’s CDs and high-yield savings accounts are fee-free. Many of Clean Energy Credit Union’s personal accounts come with zero monthly maintenance fees as well.
Banking ethically can be rewarding, but it isn’t always convenient. Here are some pros and cons so you know what to expect.
Eco-friendly banking is one way to make sure your money is building a better future and not just earning interest. However, “ethical bank” is not a legally defined term, and some providers may exaggerate their impact. So, look for certifications, memberships and transparency reports that can help you distinguish between true impact and greenwashing.
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