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Carver Federal Savings Bank: Overall Bank Rating

FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)
Savings3.75
Checking4.25
CD3.25
Money market account3.25
Trustworthiness3
Total score3.5

Carver Federal Savings Bank: Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Black-owned

  • Free checking account

  • Large free ATM network

  • Long customer service hours

  • Low interest rates
  • Compounds interest monthly, not daily
  • High money market account monthly service fee

Carver Federal Savings Bank Savings Account - Product Name Only

You may like the Carver Federal Savings Bank Savings Account if you qualify to waive the Carver Federal Savings Bank Savings Account - Fees Display. But if you're looking for a high interest rate, you're better off with an online high-yield savings account.

Carver Federal Savings Bank Community Free Checking - Product Name Only

The Carver Federal Savings Bank Community Free Checking is probably the bank's strongest product. There are Carver Federal Savings Bank Community Free Checking - Fees Display, and Carver waives the first five out-of-network ATM fees each month.

Carver Federal Savings Bank Certificate of Deposit - Product Name Only

Carver pays decent rates on CDs. However, you can earn more with online banks.

Carver State Bank Money Market Account - Product Name Only

The Carver Federal Savings Bank Money Market Account probably isn't the most practical place to store your money. You'll earn a low interest rate, and unless you maintain a $25,000 balance, you'll pay a Carver Federal Savings Bank Money Market Account - Fees Display.

How Carver Federal Savings Bank Works

Carver Federal Savings Bank is designated as a minority-led credit union (MDI) by the FDIC. The FDIC defines an MDI as "a federal insured depository institution for which (1) 51% or more of the voting stock is owned by minority individuals; or (2) a majority of the board of directors is minority and the community that the institution serves is predominantly minority."

Carver Federal Savings Bank is located in New York and has branches in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Jamaica. It has two free ATMs in Manhattan, but you also have access to 55,000 free Allpoint ATMs around the US.

The Carver Federal Savings Bank mobile app has 4.7 out of 5 stars in the Apple store and Google Play store.

To contact customer support, call Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or fill out an online form.

Your deposits are FDIC insured for up to $250,000, or for up to $500,000 for joint accounts.

The Role of Black-led Financial Institutions

There is a history of racial prejudice in banking and lending that has significantly impacted Black Americans and contributed to a racial wealth gap in the US. Black-led financial institutions serve an integral role in providing services and products to Black communities.

Carver Federal Savings Bank has provided about $23 million in loans to minority- and women-owned small businesses through partnerships like the MTA Small Business Mentorship Program.

Carver Federal Savings Bank is also certified as a community development financial institution (CDFI). Banks have to undergo certification by the US Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and meet specific requirements to address banking barriers to receive CDFI designation. 

Is Carver Federal Savings Bank Trustworthy?

The Better Business Bureau gives Carver Federal Savings Bank an F grade. The BBB measures trustworthiness by looking at responses to customer complaints, honesty in advertising, and transparency about business practices.

The BBB cites Carver's failure to respond to customer complaints on the BBB website for its F grade. But there have only been five complaints in the past three years, so you may want to take this BBB grade with a grain of salt.

Carver Federal Savings Bank doesn't have any public controversies, which may make you feel good about the company. But if the BBB grade worries you, you might want to read online reviews or ask friends and family members about their experiences with Carver.

Carver Federal Savings Bank vs. Industrial Bank

Your choice between Carver Federal Savings Bank and Industrial Bank could come down to location. If you live in Brooklyn or Jamaica, Carver is the clear choice. However, if you like in Harlem or Parkview, you may prefer Industrial.

Carver has a free checking account, but Industrial is competitive with its Kasasa accounts. Kasasa partners with small banks to provide competitive accounts. You may qualify for a high-yield savings, high-yield checking, or cash-back checking account at Industrial.

Carver Federal Savings Bank vs. OneUnited Bank

OneUnited Bank doesn't have branches in New York, but you can open an account online from anywhere in the US. So if you're comfortable banking digitally, it could be a good fit.

OneUnited has a free checking account with early direct deposit so you can receive your paycheck up to two days early. If you're looking for CDs, Carver Federal Savings Bank has higher rates than OneUnited Bank. 

Carver Federal Savings Bank: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carver Federal Savings Bank located? 

Carver Federal Savings Bank has seven branches in New York. You can find locations in Brooklyn, Jamaica, or New York City. 

Is Carver Federal Savings Bank safe?

Yes, Carver Federal Savings Bank is federally insured by the FDIC. Up to $250,000 per depositor is secure per depositor in a bank account. 

Is Carver Federal Savings Bank a good bank? 

Carver Federal Savings Bank might be a good option if you'd like to open a free checking account at a local bank. Carver Federal Savings Bank Community Free Checking - Product Name Only doesn't charge monthly services fees and notably waives the first five out-of-network ATM fees each month.

If you're searching for a savings account or money market account that doesn't have monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements, you might prefer another financial institution. 

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