Even in our modern, connected world, barriers to banking still exist for some folks which can make it tough to manage money, or in some cases, protect it.
Most of us have a bank account and enjoy the safety and security it provides. We take our debit cards for granted, as well as our ID, our address, and our social security number. But what if you didn’t have access to all or some of those things? How do you go about getting a bank account, or even a debit card?
Keeping your money safe and available is important, no matter what your current personal situation. Something as simple as a transaction account can be the first step to financial security—which is why First Fed wants to make these services available to more of the community.
Banking for All
For those who have no credit because they are missing forms of traditional US identification, First Fed offers a bank account to get your financial security back on track.
The Compass account is a safe, low-cost bank account designed for people with alternate forms of ID, like consular ID cards, tribal member cards, and other government-issued cards. Created in partnership with Bank On Washington, this account is especially focused on assisting youth, immigrants and refugees, veterans, and families with disabilities in getting access to financial services. This basic deposit account comes with a VISA debit card.
If you have no credit history or bad credit, the Credit Builder Loan is designed to help you rebuild your credit and start improving your score. The loan allows you to invest in a certificate of deposit (CD) which can be paid back over the course of one or two years. Establishing a steady record of payment helps increase your credit score, and you will have the full savings in your CD along with accrued interest.
Christine Walsh Rogers, volunteering at the Port Angeles Dream Playground.
Strength in Community
As a truly local bank, and the only Washington bank with its headquarters right here in Port Angeles, First Fed has become a part of the community it serves in ways far exceeding the business of banking.
“I live here; this community is our heart, it’s our home. The way we become better is by lifting up the entire community so that everyone can participate in the economy, not just some people,” said Christine Walsh Rogers, Product Strategy Leader at First Fed. “I joined First Fed because the leadership wants to give back. We wanted to help those who are underserved have access to the financial security that everyone should enjoy.”
Getting Started
If you’re ready to start your path towards better financial health and security, the folks at First Fed are ready to help in branches located throughout the Olympic Peninsula and Western Washington.
For more information on the accounts and loan programs First Fed has to offer you can visit their website here.
First Fed is an equal housing lender and member FDIC.