Bank On CT connects residents with safe and affordable bank accounts. Our goal is to increase the number of banked individuals in Connecticut by sharing information about accounts that have no overdraft fees and a low or no monthly cost.
Based on local efforts and lessons learned, the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) put together these Bank On Guiding Principles to outline fundamental shared ideals of the Bank On movement and local coalition priorities.
For more information on this program, please contact Sabrina Acosta at sacosta@cahs.org or 860-951-2212 x245.
Why should I get a bank account?
- Keeps your money in a safe place
- Insured by the FDIC
- Enroll in direct deposit to get funds right away
- Make purchases easily with a debit card
- Budget and track expenses with online banking
- Goes hand in hand with a savings account
- Check your balance at any time
- Establish a relationship with a bank or credit union so you can apply for a credit card or loan in the future
Featured Accounts
Bank On CT encourages financial institutions throughout Connecticut to create banking products that meet the Bank On National Account Standards. The products featured below already meet those standards. Click on each name or logo below to access services.
Bank of America
Safe Balance Checking
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $4.95 monthly fee
- Online banking available
- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $4.95 monthly fee
- Online banking available
- $10 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly fees
- Online banking available
Wells Fargo
Clear Access Checking
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
Newtown Savings Bank
New Start Checking
- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
Thomaston Savings
Uncommon Account Checking
- $10 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly fees
- Online banking available
- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $4.95 monthly fee
- Online banking available
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $4.95 monthly fee, waivable
- Online banking available
New Haven Bank
Bank On Checking
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly fees
- Online banking available
Berkshire Bank
My Freedom Checking
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly fees
- Online banking available
- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly fees
- Online banking available
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $3.95 monthly fee, waivable
- Online banking available
- Any amount opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
Union Savings Bank
Core Checking
- $10 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
Windsor Federal
Hometown Checking
- $25 minimum to open
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
Chelsea Groton
Confidence Builder Banking
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly fee
- Online banking available
Jewett City Savings Bank
ACCESS Account
- $10 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $2 monthly fee, waivable
- Online banking available
- $25 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $10 monthly fee, waivable
- Online banking available
Client Success Story
Melissa was referred to the CAHS Bank On CT initiative by the Greater Hartford Reentry Collaborative to get assistance with filing for her Economic Impact Payment. This program offered the formerly incarcerated the opportunity to apply for the stimulus by the deadline of 11/21. In speaking with her, we learned that she not only needed help with getting her stimulus payment but she didn’t have a bank account. Our Bank On CT Program Coordinator saw this as an opportunity to inform Melissa about Bank On CT. Bank On works with municipalities, and community based organizations to promote safe, affordable, and certified bank accounts with our partner financial institutions.
Tori Hamilton, Director of Asset Building Programs, assisted Melissa with opening a Key Bank Hassel Free account online and then referred her to one of our VITA sites to get assistance with applying for her stimulus payment. The services Melissa received resulted in her receiving $1,200, saving over $300 in tax preparation fees, and opening a safe and affordable bank account. Melissa stated, "I am very grateful to you Tori. I had no one to help me and out of the blue sky you came to my aid. Thank you from my heart."