Join the almost 500 banks and credit unions, as well as the nation’s core service providers, who have committed to helping to build a safer, more affordable, and more functional mainstream banking system by offering Bank On certified accounts.
Join the Bank On Movement: Get Your Account Certified
Bank On certified accounts are publicly available, transactional accounts that meet the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s National Account Standards.
The benefits of offering a Bank On certified account include:
Community Opportunities:
- Public recognition both locally and nationally highlighting your product
- Eligible to work with over 100 Bank On coalitions on local programs that rely upon certification to connect your account to consumers
- National Bank On certification seal of approval for marketing outlets
Sustainable Consumer Base:
- Reach new customers in your community who are un- and underbanked and bring them into the financial mainstream
- Deliver a product with features that are in demand
- Sell your product through public and community banking access programming
CRA Credit:
- Products certified as meeting Bank On National Account Standards have been called out by banking regulators as eligible for the Community Reinvestment Act
- Streamlined reporting through the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Bank On National Data Hub
Ready to Get Your Account Certified as Meeting the Bank On National Account Standards?
The CFE Fund invites financial institutions with products they believe meet Bank On National Account Standards (2025-2026) to apply at no cost for certification.
Questions, or want to discuss developing an account? Get in touch with Cherilyn Richardson, Senior Associate, at crichardson@cfefund.org or click here to schedule a meeting with Cherilyn.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does certification cost anything?
There is no cost for Bank On National Account Standards certification. -
How does the account certification process work?
Using the free CFE Fund web portal, financial institutions submit their account terms and contact information, as well as any additional information that demonstrates that the account meets Bank On National Account Standards core features. The account validation process takes approximately two weeks.The CFE Fund compares account features to the “core features” outlined in the Standards. The validation process is “up or down”– accounts either meet all core Standards features or they do not. Accounts that are not certified are not announced publicly – the CFE Fund will only notify the financial institution applicant. The CFE Fund’s goal is to certify as many products as possible, and will work with financial institutions to provide guidance for meeting the core features of the Standards.
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Does my account need to meet both “Core Features” and “Strongly Recommended” features outlined in the Standards?
To be certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards, accounts must meet the “core features” in the Standards. “Strongly recommended” features are intended to provide additional guidance for Bank On programs when partnering with financial institutions but are not required for certification. -
What happens after approval?
Once your account is verified as meeting Bank On Standards, the CFE Fund will send and coordinate a Bank On certification seal of approval for marketing and outreach purposes; national recognition highlighting the safety, affordability, and functionality of the account; and opportunities to partner with local Bank On coalitions and other national Bank On stakeholders. -
Is certification a one-time process, or do we need to re-apply?
The CFE Fund makes minor updates and clarifications to the Bank On National Account Standards every two years; the current Standards go through 2024. Towards the end of 2024, the CFE Fund will reach out to all institutions with a certified account to begin the streamlined recertification process. -
More questions about the Bank On Standards and certification process?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.