Our ProjectsFinancial Access

 

   

For low-income individuals and families seeking financial stability, access to banking and financial services is essential. Savings and checking accounts; low-interest loans; credit and remittance services; and financial education in general are all crucial to the asset-building process. Click here to review our groundbreaking Heir Property Project.
 
Appleseed works to help underbanked populations – particularly immigrants and minorities – enter the financial mainstream by promoting fair and transparent practices by financial institutions. In addition to The Fair Exchange project, which calls for greater transparency in the remittance market, Appleseed is advocating for the adoption of alternative models of credit scoring and for curbs on the predatory practices of the payday lending industry. See below for details.
 
Use these links to view our financial literacy brochures in Spanish or Creole>>

 

     
   
 

Appleseed is spearheading a landmark program to bring Mexican and Latin American immigrants into this country’s mainstream financial system, helping them to avoid predatory and other high-cost financial services, and enabling them to save, access credit and build wealth.

Immigrants without bank accounts are at a double disadvantage. Approximately two-thirds cash their paychecks in check-cashing stores that charge high fees. Furthermore, without a bank account they are restricted in their ability to build assets and credit histories that would allow them to buy a home, start a business or pursue an education.

Links to our Financial Access reports and toolkits can be found below. 

   

THE FAIR EXCHANGE REMITTANCE PROJECT

   

"The Value of a Credit Score" (February 2009)

Comments on Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z, June 2009)
Comments on Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z, Sept. 2009)

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Comments on Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Regulation E)
   

"Immigrant Use of Financial Services and Unmet Needs" (Dec. 2008)

Key Findings and Recommendations
   

"Banking in a Global Market" (January 2008)

Executive Summary - "Banking in a Global Market" (January 2008)

Supplement - "Banking in a Global Market" (January 2008)

   

"Expanding Immigrant Access to Mainstream Financial Services" (June 2006)

Next Steps - "Expanding and Improving Financial Services"
   

"Banking Immigrant Communities: A Toolkit for Banks and Credit Unions" (February 2006)
   

"A Guide for Non-profit Organizations Seeking to Connect Immigrant Communities with Mainstream Financial Institutions" (May 2005)
   

Financial Access Brochures (January 2005)