Latinos & Money: Finding the Right Bank to Support Your Financial Goals

By
Smart Latino Money
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Smart Latino Banking

One of the key steps toward managing money wisely is understanding how banks can either help or hurt your financial progress. For many Latino Americans, choosing a bank isn’t just about where we deposit our paychecks—it’s about whether that bank is truly aligned with our needs and goals.

Whether you’re saving for a home, preparing for a quinceañera, building a college fund, or sending money to family, the kind of bank you choose matters. A supportive bank can help your money stretch further and grow faster.

When I was around ten, my mom took me to open my first savings account. We went to Security Pacific, a well-known regional bank in California. Later, it became part of Bank of America, and I stayed with them for nearly three decades. That loyalty came at a cost.

Over the years, I paid out thousands of dollars in fees—monthly service charges, overdraft fees, and little charges that added up. I didn’t think much of it until I realized my money was quietly disappearing. Eventually, I switched to a bank that was better suited to my needs and actually helped me move forward.

This article comes from personal experience, research, and years of helping others understand their financial options. My goal is simple: help more Latinos avoid bad banking relationships and find institutions that support our goals.

Latino Banking Success

 

Why Smart Latino Banking Is Critical to Our Financial Security

I’ve heard many family members say they didn’t trust banks. My grandmother kept her money in a box at home. She wasn’t alone. For some, it’s about fear—fear that their money will vanish or be tied up in rules they don’t understand. For others, it’s the sense that banks don’t speak our language, literally or figuratively.

Still, smart banking plays a crucial role in building financial stability. Without a reliable bank, many Latinos rely on costly services like check-cashing stores and payday loans. These alternatives often come with steep fees and do little to help people move ahead.

Here’s what many in our community miss out on when they avoid traditional banks:

  • Building credit (which is necessary to finance a home or vehicle)
  • Earning interest on savings
  • Getting approved for small business or personal loans
  • Accessing tools that help protect and grow wealth.

Predatory Banking

Unfortunately, history has shown that financial institutions haven’t always treated Latino and Black communities fairly. For years, lenders targeted our neighborhoods with predatory practices designed to pull wealth out rather than build it up.

In many areas, payday lenders and high-interest loan shops became more common than traditional banks. A study by the University of Houston Law Center found that payday lenders specifically marketed to Black and Latino neighborhoods while largely avoiding white communities. These short-term loans often came with sky-high interest rates and hidden fees, trapping families in cycles of debt.

Leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, some major banks were found to have pushed high-cost, risky mortgages—often to Black and Latino borrowers—even when they qualified for better terms. This strategy, known as “reverse redlining,” led to waves of foreclosures that devastated communities of color and wiped out years of savings and equity.

In 2012, Wells Fargo settled for $175 million after the Department of Justice found that it had charged Black and Latino borrowers higher rates and fees than white borrowers with similar credit profiles. And as recently as 2024, OceanFirst Bank paid a $15 million settlement after being accused of avoiding mortgage lending in Black, Latino, and Asian neighborhoods in New Jersey.

Even today, families in states like Texas are paying the price. A 2023 study found that Texas residents paid over $1.3 billion in payday loan fees—more than half the national total. Many of those borrowers were Latino, living in areas with limited access to safe, affordable financial services.

These examples are more than just history—they’re reminders that we have to be vigilant about where we bank and who we trust with our money.

The right bank can be a tool for empowerment. It should offer:

  • Low or no-cost checking and savings options
  • Bilingual staff and support materials
  • Community investment and outreach
  • Fair lending programs for families and small businesses

Let’s take a look at what features to look for when choosing where to bank.

What to Look for in a Bank

Not all banks are built the same. And most banks aren’t legally required to put your best interest first. That’s important to understand.

Imagine having a business partner who only makes decisions that benefit themselves—not you. That’s how many traditional banks operate. So it’s on us to be cautious and selective.

Here are some things to consider:

  1. Low Fees & Decent Interest Rates
  • Watch out for high monthly fees, especially at big banks that prioritize shareholders.
  • Look for accounts with no minimums and no maintenance charges.
  • Personal example: I was once charged $14.95 per month just to keep my account open. That’s nearly $180 a year I could’ve saved or invested.
  1. Bilingual Services
  • If Spanish is your first language, make sure the bank you choose can accommodate that.
  • Many community banks and credit unions offer Spanish-speaking tellers and materials.
  1. Online and In-Person Access
  • Whether you prefer visiting a branch or managing your finances through an app, make sure the bank fits your style.
  • Some online-only banks offer great interest rates and fewer fees, but may lack personalized service.
  1. Community Investment
  • Some banks go beyond banking—they give back to local communities through financial education and affordable lending.
  • These are the banks we should consider supporting. Their success is often tied to the well-being of our neighborhoods.
  1. Remittance Support
  • If sending money abroad is part of your life, look for banks with low-cost or free international transfer services.
  • Some partner with Zelle, Wise, or Western Union to keep fees low.
  1. Credit-Building Tools
  • Find banks that help customers improve or build credit.
  • Some offer ITIN loans or secured credit cards, which are helpful for those without a traditional credit history.
  1. Latino-Owned or Minority-Focused Institutions
  • Supporting banks that reflect our community values can make a difference.
  • These institutions often offer better service, more personalized guidance, and programs tailored to our needs.

Final Thoughts: Banking as a Step Toward Stability

Choosing the right bank isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a step toward long-term stability.

Here are three quick reminders before opening an account:

  • Compare fees and interest rates
  • Look for services that meet your language and cultural needs
  • Read reviews and ask others about their experiences

That first trip to the bank with my mom taught me a lot about saving. It helped set the tone for how I viewed money. With the right banking partner, we can pass those same lessons to the next generation—and do even better.

Helpful Resources:

  • Bankrate
  • NerdWallet
  • DepositAccounts

Make your bank work for you, not the other way around.

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