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If you're passionate about environmental justice or want to bank with a financial institution that closely aligns with your values, an environmentally friendly bank might be worth considering.
The best banks also have strong bank accounts with low fees. Below, you'll find our top picks for eco-friendly banks based on which accounts you'd like to open.
The Best Eco-friendly Banks and Credit Unions
- Amalgamated Bank: Best for a checking account
- Atmos Financial: Best for a high-yield savings account
- Clean Energy Credit Union: Best credit union
- Spring Bank: Best local bank
Compare the Best Environmentally Friendly Financial Institutions
Environmentally Friendly Banks: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an environmentally friendly bank?
Environmentally friendly banks, also commonly referred to as sustainable banks or green banks, are financial institutions or online banking platforms with policies and initiatives involving sustainability and environmental action. Many big banks invest billions in fossil fuel projects and companies.
How do you identify an environmentally friendly bank?
Most environmentally friendly banks will partner with non-profit organizations focused on combatting climate change. Many will also seek a green certification or designation.
Which are the most eco-friendly banks?
The most eco-friendly banks are Beneficial State Bank, Amalgamated Bank, and City First Bank, which have the most certifications and designations for their social and environmental impact. However, keep in mind that you may also want to look at the overall bank experience before choosing where to bank. You'll need to consider what you prioritize in your account — minimum opening deposits, bank fees, access to cash — before making your decision.
Which banks do not fund fossil fuels?
The following US institutions have received a Fossil Free Certification, which means that these financial institutions will not lend to fossil fuel companies or projects: Amalgamated Bank, Atmos Financial, Beneficial State Bank , Clean Energy Credit Union, Climate First Bank, Self-Help Credit Union, and Virginia Community Capital.
Best Eco-friendly Financial Institutions
Best for a Checking Account
Amalgamated Bank
The
While the
Your banking experience also may depend on where you live. Amalgamated Bank has branches in New York City and San Francisco, but if you don't live in these cities you'll have to be comfortable with an online-only banking experience.
Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified institution, Amalgamated Bank has pledged not to invest in fossil fuels projects. According to the bank's website, 24% of its lending is solely focused on climate protection and property-assessed clean energy financing.
Amalgamated Bank is also B Corp certified since 2017, which means that it has met the B Lab's standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Certification(s): Certified B Corp, GA BV Member, Green America certified, Fossil Free certified
Best for a High-Yield Savings Account
Atmos Financial
The
Atmos Financial is an online-banking platform, so it doesn't have any physical branches.
Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified financial institution, Atmos Financial has pledged it will not invest in projects that are harmful to the environment, such as fossil fuel projects or fast fashion companies.
When you open the
Certification(s): 1% for the Planet, Fossil Free certified (Pending B Corp certification)
Best Eco-Friendly Credit Union
Clean Energy Credit Union
While the
Credit unions require you to be a member to open a bank account. To be eligible for membership at Clean Energy Credit Union, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be an employee or volunteer at Clean Energy Credit Union, Our Climate, or 350 Colorado
- Join a non-profit organization or association from this list
- Have an immediate family member or household member who meets one of the requirements listed above
To join Clean Energy Credit Union, you have to open up a savings account with at least $5. If you would prefer to only open a checking account, you might consider banking with a different institution.
Your banking experience may also depend on where you live. Clean Energy Credit Union doesn't have any physical branches, but it is still part of the Co-op Shared Branch network. You'll have to use this search tool to see if there are any locations in your area.
Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified financial institution, Clean Energy Credit Union has pledged it will not invest in fossil fuel projects.
Clean Energy Credit Union also offers a variety of loans that can be used for green energy projects. For example, you apply for a clean energy vehicle loan, green home improvement loan, or electric bike loan.
Certification(s): Fossil Free certified, Green America certified
Clean Energy Credit Union Review
Best Eco-Friendly Local Bank
Spring Bank
The
Spring Bank also has low minimum opening deposits and monthly service fees. Even though it's a local bank, you'll have free access to Citibank ATMs and MoneyPass ATMs.
Spring Bank has two branches in the New York City area. If you don't live near a branch, you may still open an account online, but you'll still need to live in New York.
Green practices/policies: According to the bank's website, Spring Bank offset over 192,000 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2019.
Spring Bank is also B Corp certified since 2016, which means that it has met the B Lab's standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Certification(s): Certified B Corp, CDFI
Other Eco-friendly Banks That Didn't Make the Cut and Why
Aspiration Account : Aspiration is a fintech company that's a Certified B Corp and Green America certified. It may be a good option if you're searching for a cash management account. Our top picks offer higher interest rates or have more banking options, though.Androscoggin Bank Mobile Checking Account : Androscoggin Bank is a local financial in Maine that's B Corp certified. Most of its accounts have low minimum opening deposits, but also include monthly service fees unless you meet certain requirements.Bank of the West Any Deposit Checking Account : Bank of the West is based mostly on the West Coast, and has partnered with 1% for the Planet to offer a checking account. Through the checking account, the brick-and-mortar bank donates 1% of its net revenue earned from the account to environmental non-profit organizations part of the 1% for the Planet network. The main downside to this account is that you'll need to meet certain requirements to waive a $10 monthly service fee. Read the full review of Bank of the West here.Brattleboro Savings & Loan Basic Checking Account : Brattleboro Savings & Loan is B Corp certified and has branches in Vermont. Its checking account doesn't charge monthly service fees, but you'll need to meet specific requirements to waive monthly service fees on its savings account.Beneficial State Bank eChecking Account : Beneficial State Bank is based on the West Coast and has numerous certifications. While its checking account doesn't charge monthly service fees, its savings account does. Our top picks don't charge monthly service fees on their accounts. Read the full review of Beneficial State Bank here.City First Bank Basic Checking Account : City First Bank is a Black-owned bank with numerous certifications —it's recognized as an MDI, CDFI, Certified B Corp, and GA BV member — and it may be worth considering if you live in Los Angeles or Washington, DC, because it has branches in these cities. It didn't become one of our top picks because it charges monthly service fees on its checking and savings accounts. Read the full review of City First Bank here.Clearwater Credit Union Basic Checking Account : Clearwater Credit Union is a GA BV member and CDFI. It has branches in Montana, but anyone in the US who is over the age of 18 and a US citizen can become a member. Clearwater Credit Union might be a good option if you're looking for a free checking account, but its savings account has monthly service fees unless you qualify to waive the fee.Climate First Bank Regeneration Checking Account : Climate First Bank has locations in Florida and is Fossil Free certified. When you open a Regeneration Checking Account, you'll donate $100 to Project Regeneration, a non-profit organization focused on climate justice. Most of our top picks have lower initial deposits or more appealing perks, though.Lead Bank Lead On Checking Account : Lead Bank is a Missouri-based brick-and-mortar financial institution that is also a GA BV member. Its savings and checking accounts don't charge monthly service fees but may not have unique perks like our top picks.Mascoma Bank More Checking Account : Mascoma Bank is B Corp certified. It might be appealing if you're a resident in Vermont and New Hampshire who prioritizes a traditional banking experience, but its checking accounts have monthly service fees unless you qualify to waive them.National Cooperative Bank Impact Money Market Account : National Cooperative Bank has one branch in Ohio, and it's a GA BV member. It might be ideal if you're looking for an interest-earning checking account or money market account, but you'll need to meet specific minimum balance requirements to waive monthly service fees on accounts.Piscataqua Savings Bank NOW Checking Account : Piscataqua is a B Corp certified financial institution with one branch in New Hampshire. It wasn't chosen as one of our top picks because its checking account has minimum balance requirements.Self-Help Credit Union Access Checking Account : Self-Help Credit Union is Fossil Free certified. It has branches in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia, as well as a sister credit union named Self-Help Federal Credit Union with branches in California, Illinois, and Washington. To become a member of either credit union, you'll only need to donate $5 to the bank's non-profit the Center for Community Self-Help. It didn't become one of our top picks because the credit union's checking account fees.Sunrise Banks Key Checking Account : Sunrise Bank is B Corp certified and a GA BV member. It has branches in Minnesota and South Dakota and might be ideal if you're a resident in one of these states searching for a solid free checking account. But its savings accounts have monthly service fees unless you meet specific requirements.Virginia Community Capital Checking Account : Virginia Community Capital has numerous certifications — it's recognized as a CDFI, Certified B Corp, and fossil-free financial institution. While it has solid free checking and savings accounts, it lacks distinguishing features.Verity Cash Back Checking Account : Verity Credit Union is a GA BV member with branches in Washington. It solid rewards checking account options, but to join Verity Credit Union, you must live in the state of Washington.Vermont State Employees Credit Union : Vermont State Employees Credit Union is a GA BV member. To become a member, you'll need to live or work in the state of Vermont join the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. While the bank has solid free checking and savings accounts, it lacks standout features.
Are These Banks Trustworthy?
We include ratings from the Better Business Bureau to evaluate how financial institutions address customer issues and handle transparency. Clean Energy Credit Union and Spring Bank haven't been reviewed by the BBB, yet.
Keep in mind that a great BBB rating doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a smooth relationship with a bank. Reach out to current customers or read online customer reviews to get a well-rounded perspective of a bank.
| Financial Institution | BBB rating |
| Amalgamated Bank | A+ |
| Atmos Financial | A |
Atmos Financial's partner bank, Five Star Bank has an A rating because it has three unresolved customer complaints.
Overview of Certifications
Below, is an overview of all the certifications and designations mentioned in our guide:
- B Corp Certification: B Lab is a global non-profit network that issues a B Corp Certification to companies that fulfill high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
- Community development financial institution (CDFI): To become a CDFI, a financial institution must complete a certification process through the US Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. One of the primary requirements to become a CDFI is that a financial institution must have banking services and lending opportunities in predominantly low-income and underserved communities.
- Green America Certification: Green America is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental justice. The organization certifies businesses that advocate for social change and meet their Green Business Standards.
- Global Banking on Values (GA BV): GA BV is made up of an international network of mission-driven banks focused on social impact and environmental sustainability. Banks are evaluated to see if they meet certain standards to become a member.
- Fossil Free Certification: To receive a Fossil Free Certification by the volunteer organization Bank. Green, financial institutions must commit to financing zero fossil fuel companies and projects now and in the future.
- Minority depository institution (MDI): An MDI is a financial institution recognized under the FDIC's Minority Depository Institution Program or the NCUA's MDI Preservation Program. To become an MDI, banks or credit unions must be primarily owned or led by Black Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, or Asian Americans. Financial institutions may also be required to serve these respective groups in their communities.
- 1% for the Planet: Businesses that join 1% of the Planet have pledged to turn over 1% of annual gross sales to non-profit organizations listed on the global network's website.
Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on Choosing the Best Bank
To learn more about what makes a good bank or credit union and how to choose the best fit, four experts weighed in:
Insider
- Tania Brown, certified financial planner at SaverLife
- Sophia Acevedo, certified educator in personal finance, banking reporter, Personal Finance Insider
- Roger Ma, certified financial planner with lifelaidout® and author of "Work Your Money, Not Your Life"
- Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor, BoujieBudgets.com
To see if a bank is environmentally friendly, look at the bank's mission statement and policies. Several banks will specify that they do not lend to companies or projects involving fossil fuels. Also check whether a bank has any green certifications.
Beyond that, choose the best bank using the following criteria:
Fees. Many banks charge monthly maintenance fees on their accounts, but they can typically be waived. Make sure you know of any fees, and whether you can qualify to waive them by keeping a minimum balance in your account or by other criteria.
Customer service. Especially in the case of an online-only bank, you should know how to contact customer service and when they're available.
Safety and accessibility. The bank should be insured by the FDIC (or the NCUA for credit unions). You should feel confident in its security measures online, while still comfortable with how easy it is to access and transfer your money.
Priorities. If you want to earn money on your savings, for example, you'll need a high-yield savings account. Your priorities will likely change over time, so you want a bank you can stick with through changes in circumstance, income, or goals.
Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Banks?
At Personal Finance Insider, our goal is to create useful content that helps you make good decisions about your money. We recognize every person has distinct preferences, so we provide ample options to help you find the most suitable financial product or account.
We research extensively to make sure you know the standout features and limitations of a financial institution.
First, we researched to find financial institutions with green initiatives and green certifications. We looked at each bank's mission statement, policies, and culture to see how the bank tackled sustainability and climate change. We also assessed the requirements that needed to be met to receive green certifications and designations.
Then, we reviewed each institution to find the most-well rounded banking options. We compared minimum opening deposits, monthly services, and interest rates (for savings accounts). We also took into consideration if a bank product had special features — like environmental impact scores or donation opportunities.
For our list, we chose institutions that had clearly outlined green initiatives and strong bank accounts with minimal bank fees. Most of our top picks are also available throughout the US.