Best Environmentally Friendly Banks of June 2024 (2024)

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If you care about environmental justice and want to bank with a financial institution that aligns with your values, an environmentally friendly bank might a good choice for you.

The best eco-friendly banks have strong bank accounts with low fees in addition to helping the planet. Below, you'll find our top picks for eco-friendly banks and banking platforms based on what type of account you'd like to open.

Best Eco-Friendly Banks and Credit Unions of 2024

  • Amalgamated Bank: Best for a checking account
  • Atmos Financial: Best for a high-yield savings account
  • Clean Energy Credit Union: Best credit union
  • Spring Bank: Best local bank

Compare the Top Eco-Friendly Financial Institutions

The best environmentally friendly banks and credit unions will have clear and concrete examples of how banking with them helps fight the climate crisis. They will also offer bank accounts with strong rates and perks, alongside easy accessibility. Ideally, the financial institution will also offer many different types of bank accounts, such as money market accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs.

Here are the best environmentally friendly banks and credit unions as picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

Best for a Checking Account

Best eco-friendly bank for a checking account

Amalgamated Bank Give-Back Checking Account

Read Review

Insider’s Rating

3.75/5

Fees

no monthly service fee

Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

0.90% to 0.95%

Minimum Opening Deposit

$100

Pros

  • Earns interest
  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • Amalgamated Bank will donate the equivalent of half the interest you earn to charity of your choice
  • Overdraft protection available

Cons

  • $100 minimum opening deposit
  • $34 overdraft fee
  • $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee

Amalgamated Bank Give-Back Checking Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

Product Details

  • Branches in San Francisco, New York City, and Washington, DC; You can also open an online-only account
  • Access to over 40,000 free ATMs through the Allpoint network
  • Amalgamated Bank will match the equivalent of half the interest you've earned on your account and donate it to a participating non-profit organization of your choice
  • Free overdraft protection that lets you link your checking account to an Amalgamated Bank savings account
  • Earn 0.90% APY if you have an account balance under $2,500
  • Earn 0.95% APY if you have an account balance over $2,500
  • Interest compounded daily and deposited monthly
  • FDIC insured

The Amalgamated Bank Give-Back Checking Account is a solid high-yield checking accountwith zero monthly service fees. It stands out from other checking accounts because Amalgamated Bank matches the equivalent of half the interest you earn on the account and lets you donate that amount to a charity that's partnered with the institution.

While the Amalgamated Bank Give-Back Checking Account doesn't charge monthly service fees, you'll want to be mindful of the bank account's other fees. The account has a $34 overdraft fee. And if you're looking for a bank that avoids ATM fees, you might want to look elsewhere. If you withdraw money from an out-of-network ATM, Amalgamated Bank will also charge you $2.50 per transaction.

Your banking experience also may depend on where you live. Amalgamated Bank has branches in New York City and San Francisco, but if you don't live in these cities you'll have to be comfortable with an online-only banking experience.

Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified institution, Amalgamated Bank has pledged not to invest in fossil fuels projects. According to the bank's website, 24% of its lending is solely focused on climate protection and property-assessed clean energy financing.

Amalgamated Bank is also B Corp certified since 2017, which means that it has met the B Lab's standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Certification(s): Certified B Corp, GA BV Member, Green America certified, Fossil Free certified

Amalgamated Bank Review

Best for a High-Yield Savings Account

Best eco-friendly bank for a high-yield savings account

Atmos Financial Climate-Positive Savings Account

Start saving

Atmos, FDIC Insured Account

Insider’s Rating

4/5

Pros

  • High interest rate
  • No monthly service fees
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Measure the carbon impact of your deposits through Atmos
  • Create up to six accounts for individual savings goals

Cons

  • Earn even higher rates with other online banks

Insider’s Take

You might like Atmos Financial if you want to support climate justice and earn a competitive interest rate on a high-yield savings account at the same time — it's one of the best eco banks out there. The Atmos Financial Climate-Positive Savings Account pays 3.50% APY if you make monthly donations of at least $1 to an eco-friendly non-profit organization.

Atmos Financial High-Yield Savings Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

Product Details

  • Atmos is an eco-friendly online banking platform that has pledged to finance zero fossil fuel companies and projects
  • Earn a base rate of 1.75% APY
  • Earn 3.50% APY if you choose to make monthly recurring donations to a non-profit organization on the Atmos app
  • Interest compounded daily and deposited monthly
  • Funds FDIC insured through Five Star Bank

The Atmos Financial Climate-Positive Savings Account is a great high-yield savings account because it doesn't have minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees. You may also earn a competitive interest rate if you choose to make monthly donations of at least $1 to a non-profit organization that's partnered with Atmos Financial.

Atmos Financial is an online fintech platform, not a bank. Its banking services are provided by Five Star Bank, though.

Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified financial institution, Atmos Financial has pledged it will not invest in projects that are harmful to the environment, such as fossil fuel projects or fast fashion companies.

When you open the Atmos Financial Climate-Positive Savings Account, Atmos calculates the carbon impact of your account balance, which you'll be able to see on the platform's mobile app.

Certification(s): 1% for the Planet, Fossil Free certified, B Corp certification

Atmos Financial Review

BestEco-FriendlyCreditUnion

Best eco-friendly credit union

Clean Energy Credit Union Savings Account

Start saving

CECU, Member NCUA

Insider’s Rating

3.75/5

Fees

no monthly service fee

Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

0.15%

Minimum Opening Deposit

$5

Pros

  • Low minimum opening deposit
  • No monthly maintenance fees

Cons

  • Low interest rate
  • Must keep at least $5 in account to maintain membership

Clean Energy Credit Union Savings Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

Product Details

  • To become a member of Clean Energy Credit Union, you'll need to become a member of a participating organization or work at Clean Energy Credit Union, Our Climate, or 350 Colorado
  • Must keep at least $5 in account to maintain membership
  • Interest compounded and deposited monthly
  • NCUA insured

While the Clean Energy Credit Union Savings Account pays a low interest rate, Clean Energy Credit Union has a high-yield checking account that might be ideal if you're searching for a solid interest rate. Clean Energy Credit Union also has low minimum opening deposits and doesn't charge monthly service fees.

Credit unions require you to be a member to open a bank account. To be eligible for membership at Clean Energy Credit Union, you must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Be an employee or volunteer at Clean Energy Credit Union, Our Climate, or 350 Colorado
  • Join a non-profit organization or association from this list
  • Have an immediate family member or household member who meets one of the requirements listed above

To join Clean Energy Credit Union, you have to open up a savings account with at least $5. If you would prefer to only open a checking account, you might consider banking with a different institution.

Your banking experience may also depend on where you live. Clean Energy Credit Union doesn't have any physical branches, but it is still part of the Co-op Shared Branch network. You'll have to use this search tool to see if there are any locations in your area.

Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified financial institution, Clean Energy Credit Union has pledged it will not invest in fossil fuel projects.

Clean Energy Credit Union also offers a variety of loans that can be used for green energy projects. For example, you apply for a clean energy vehicle loan, green home improvement loan, or electric bike loan.

Certification(s): Fossil Free certified, Green America certified

Clean Energy Credit Union Review

BestEco-FriendlyLocalBank

Best eco-friendly local bank

Spring Bank Savings Account

Start saving

Spring Bank, Member FDIC

Insider’s Rating

4/5

Fees

$5 monthly service fee

Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

4.25%

Minimum Opening Deposit

$25

Pros

  • High interest rate
  • Low minimum opening deposit
  • Possible to waive monthly service fee

Cons

  • Need at least $100 in your account to earn interest and avoid monthly service fee

Spring Bank Savings Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

Product Details

  • 2 branches in New York
  • Free access to Citibank ATMs or MoneyPass ATMs
  • You need at least $100 in your account to earn interest and avoid $5 monthly service fee
  • Interest compounded daily deposited monthly
  • FDIC insured

The Spring Bank Savings Account pays a high interest rate as long as you have at least $100 in your account.

Spring Bank also has low minimum opening deposits and monthly service fees. Even though it's a local bank, you'll have free access to Citibank ATMs and MoneyPass ATMs.

Spring Bank has two branches in the New York City area. If you don't live near a branch, you may still open an account online, but you'll still need to live in New York.

Green practices/policies:According to the bank's website, Spring Bank offset over 192,000 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2019.

Spring Bank is also B Corp certified since 2016, which means that it has met the B Lab's standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Certification(s): Certified B Corp, CDFI

Spring Bank Review

AreTheseBanksTrustworthy?

We include ratings from the Better Business Bureau to evaluate how financial institutions address customer issues and handle transparency. Clean Energy Credit Union and Spring Bank haven't been reviewed by the BBB, yet.

Keep in mind that a great BBB rating doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a smooth relationship with a bank. Reach out to current customers or read online customer reviews to get a well-rounded perspective of a bank.

Financial InstitutionBBB rating
Amalgamated BankA+
Atmos FinancialB+ (A- from partner bank, Five Star Bank)
Clean Energy Credit UnionN/A
Spring BankB-

Atmos Financial has an B+ rating from the BBB because of how long it's been open. Atmos Financial's partner bank, Five Star Bank, has an A- rating because it has several unresolved customer complaints.

Clean Energy Credit Union does not have a BBB page.

Spring Bank received a B- rating from the BBB because it has not responded to a customer complaint.

Atmos Financial has been involved in one recent controversy. In January 2024, the FDIC put out a cease and desist letter for Atmos Financial. The cease and desist letter claims that Atmos Financial made misleading statements about being FDIC-insured. Atmos Financial is not a bank. Its partner bank, Five Star Bank, is FDIC-insured.

Overview of Certifications

Below, is an overview of all the certifications and designations mentioned in our guide:

  • B Corp Certification:B Lab is a global non-profit network that issues a B Corp Certification to companies that fulfill high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
  • Community development financial institution(CDFI): To become a CDFI, a financial institution must complete a certification process through the US Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. One of the primary requirements to become a CDFI is that a financial institution must have banking services and lending opportunities in predominantly low-income and underserved communities.
  • Green America Certification: Green America is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental justice. The organization certifies businesses that advocate for social change and meet their Green Business Standards.
  • Global Banking on Values (GA BV):GA BV is made up of an international network of mission-driven banks focused on social impact and environmental sustainability. Banks are evaluated to see if they meet certain standards to become a member.
  • Fossil Free Certification: To receive a Fossil Free Certification by the volunteer organization Bank. Green, financial institutions must commit to financing zero fossil fuel companies and projects now and in the future.
  • Minority depository institution (MDI): An MDI is a financial institution recognized under theFDIC's Minority Depository Institution Programor theNCUA's MDI Preservation Program. To become an MDI, banks or credit unions must be primarily owned or led by Black Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, or Asian Americans. Financial institutions may also be required to serve these respective groups in their communities.
  • 1% for the Planet:Businesses that join 1% of the Planet have pledged to turn over 1% of annual gross sales to non-profit organizations listed on the global network's website.

FAQs

What is an environmentally friendly bank?

Environmentally friendly banks, also commonly referred to as sustainable banks or green banks, are financial institutions or online bankswith policies and initiatives involving sustainability and environmental action. Many big banks invest billions in fossil fuel projects and companies.

How do you identify an environmentally friendly bank?

Most environmentally friendly banks will partner with non-profit organizations focused on combatting climate change. Many will also seek a green certification or designation.

What is the most environmentally ethical bank?

The most eco-friendly banks are Beneficial State Bank, Amalgamated Bank, and City First Bank, which have the most certifications and designations for their social and environmental impact. However, keep in mind that you may also want to look at the overall bank experience before choosing where to bank. You'll need to consider what you prioritize in your account — minimum opening deposits, bank fees, access to cash — before making your decision.

What bank does not invest in fossil fuels?

The following US institutions have received a Fossil Free Certification, which means that these financial institutions will not lend to fossil fuel companies or projects: Amalgamated Bank, Atmos Financial, Beneficial State Bank, Clean Energy Credit Union, Climate First Bank, Self-Help Credit Union, and Virginia Community Capital.

Are there any green banks?

There are several environmentally friendly banks that create policies and initiates with the aim of helping the environment. These include Amalgamated Bank, Atmos Financial, and Spring Bank.

Which bank is the best for the environment?

There isn't one single bank that's best for the environment, but Atmos Financial, Amalgamated Bank, and Spring Bank are all banks with strong environmental policies.

Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on Choosing the Best Bank

To learn more about what makes a good bank or credit union and how to choose the best fit, four experts weighed in:

Best Environmentally Friendly Banks of June 2024 (5)

BI

To see if a bank is environmentally friendly, look at the bank's mission statement and policies. Several banks will specify that they do not lend to companies or projects involving fossil fuels. Also check whether a bank has any green certifications.

Beyond that, choose the best bank using the following criteria:

Fees. Many banks charge monthly maintenance fees on their accounts, but they can typically be waived. Make sure you know of any fees, and whether you can qualify to waive them by keeping a minimum balance in your account or by other criteria.

Customer service. Especially in the case of an online-only bank, you should know how to contact customer service and when they're available.

Safety and accessibility. The bank should be insured by the FDIC (or the NCUA for credit unions). You should feel confident in its security measures online, while still comfortable with how easy it is to access and transfer your money.

Priorities. If you want to earn money on your savings, for example, you'll need a high-yield savings account. Your priorities will likely change over time, so you want a bank you can stick with through changes in circ*mstance, income, or goals.

Methodology:HowDidWeChoosetheBestEco-FriendlyBanks?

At Business Insider, our goal is to create useful content that helps you make good decisions about your money. We recognize every person has distinct preferences, so we provide ample options to help you find the most suitable financial product or account.

We research extensively to make sure you know the standout features and limitations of a financial institution.

First, we researched to find financial institutions with green initiatives and green certifications. We looked at each bank's mission statement, policies, and culture to see how the bank tackled sustainability and climate change. We also assessed the requirements that needed to be met to receive green certifications and designations.

Then, we reviewed each institution to find the most-well rounded banking options. We compared minimum opening deposits, monthly services, and interest rates (for savings accounts). We also took into consideration if a bank product had special features — like environmental impact scores or donation opportunities.

For our list, we chose institutions that had clearly outlined green initiatives and strong bank accounts with minimal bank fees. Most of our top picks are also available throughout the US.

See our full ratings methodology for checking, business checking, savings, and money market accounts »

Sophia Acevedo

Banking Editor

Sophia Acevedo is a banking editor at Business Insider. She is a banking expert, and has about three years of experience reviewing banking products and analyzing savings and CD trends.Sophia oversees Personal Finance Insider's banking vertical. She edits and writes bank reviews, banking guides, and banking, budgeting, and savings articles for the Personal Finance Insider team.Sophia joined Business Insider in July 2021. Sophia is an alumna of California State University Fullerton, where she studied journalism and minored in political science. She is based in Southern California.You can reach out to her on Twitter at @sophieacvdo or email sacevedo@businessinsider.com.Read more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services »Below are links to some of her most popular stories:

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Kit Pulliam

Personal Finance Insider editorial fellow

Kit Pulliam (they/them) is a Personal Finance Insider editorial fellow at Business Insider, specializing in banking. Kit joined Business Insider in January 2024. They cover bank reviews, savings rates, and more.Kit is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University, where they studied English and psychology. Kit previously worked as an editorial specialist at Tax Analysts. They are based in the DC area. You can email them at kpulliam@businessinsider.com.

Evelyn He

Compliance and Operations Associate

Evelyn He is a Compliance and Operations Associate on the Personal Finance team to ensure content accuracy and editorial independence so readers get up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with fact-checked and current stories so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by ensuring language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.

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Best Environmentally Friendly Banks of June 2024 (2024)
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