Your Money Can Fight Climate Change
Big banks funded $6.9 trillion in fossil fuels since 2016. Switch to a green bank and earn up to 5.00% APY while protecting the planet.
If 1% of Americans switched to green banks:
Verified Impact Banking
All banks listed are GABV members, B Corp certified, or have verified fossil fuel free policies
2025's Best Green Banks
Every bank below has committed to zero fossil fuel financing. Compare rates, features, and impact to find your perfect match.
Aspiration
Best Overall Green Bank
Account Details
Key Features
- Carbon neutral spending tracker
- Plant a tree with every purchase
- Zero fossil fuel investments
- Round-up savings feature
Environmental Impact
View detailed pros & cons analysis
Pros
- ✓Highest savings rate among green banks
- ✓Cashback rewards on sustainable brands
- ✓Reforestation with every swipe
- ✓ATM fee reimbursement worldwide
Cons
- ✗Online-only (no branches)
- ✗$15/mo fee if balance under $10
- ✗Limited business banking options
Amalgamated Bank
Best for Full-Service Banking
Account Details
Key Features
- 100% renewable powered branches
- Union-owned cooperative
- No private prisons or weapons
- Free online banking
Environmental Impact
View detailed pros & cons analysis
Pros
- ✓Physical branches in major cities
- ✓Full commercial banking services
- ✓Strong labor union relationships
- ✓Political campaign accounts available
Cons
- ✗Branches only in NYC, DC, SF
- ✗Lower rates than online-only
- ✗Business accounts have fees
Climate First Bank
Most Climate-Focused
Account Details
Key Features
- Solar loan specialization
- Carbon tracking for businesses
- 1% of profits to environmental causes
- Paperless by default
Environmental Impact
View detailed pros & cons analysis
Pros
- ✓Florida's first climate-focused bank
- ✓Specializes in clean energy financing
- ✓Transparent impact reporting
- ✓Free solar consultations
Cons
- ✗Limited to Florida currently
- ✗Newer bank (founded 2021)
- ✗Smaller ATM network
Beneficial State Bank
Best for West Coast
Account Details
Key Features
- Triple bottom line focus
- Community development loans
- Environmental justice financing
- Worker-owned businesses priority
Environmental Impact
View detailed pros & cons analysis
Pros
- ✓Branches in CA, OR, WA
- ✓Strong affordable housing focus
- ✓Nonprofit and coop expertise
- ✓Living wage employer
Cons
- ✗Regional availability only
- ✗Some account fees
- ✗Limited east coast presence
The Impact of Green Banking
Why Choose Green Banking?
Traditional Banks
- Finance fossil fuel extraction
- Invest in private prisons
- Support weapons manufacturers
- Opaque investment practices
Green Banks
- 100% fossil fuel free
- Support renewable energy
- Community development focus
- Transparent impact reporting
Calculate Your Banking Impact
See how much positive impact you could make by switching to a green bank
Your Annual Impact
How it works: Traditional banks invest approximately $0.60 of every dollar in fossil fuels and other harmful industries. Green banks invest that same money in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and community development.
Understanding Green Banking
What is GABV?
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a network of banking leaders from around the world committed to advancing positive change in the banking sector. GABV members:
- •Focus on the real economy and serving communities
- •Are transparent and inclusive in governance
- •Consider long-term relationships over short-term profits
- •Are resilient to outside disruptions
B Corp Banking
B Corporation certification means a bank has met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. B Corp banks must:
- •Score 80+ points on the B Impact Assessment
- •Legally commit to stakeholder governance
- •Undergo verification every three years
- •Complete annual impact reporting
Green Credit Union Alternatives
Credit unions offer member-owned alternatives to traditional banking. These green credit unions have committed to sustainable practices:
| Credit Union | Savings APY | Focus Area | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Energy Credit Union | 3.05% | Clean energy loans only | Open to all via association |
| Missoula Federal Credit Union | 2.50% | Carbon neutral operations | Montana residents |
| Verity Credit Union | 3.00% | Sustainable business loans | Washington state |
How to Switch to Green Banking
Open Your New Green Account
Start by opening your new account online. Most green banks offer quick 5-minute applications. You'll need your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (usually $10-100).
Transfer Direct Deposits
Update your payroll direct deposit to your new green bank. Most employers let you do this online. Keep both accounts open during the transition (usually 1-2 pay cycles).
Move Automatic Payments
List all automatic payments (utilities, subscriptions, loans) and update each one. Green banks often provide switch kits to help track this process.
Close Your Old Account
After 60 days with no activity, close your old account. Request written confirmation and ask specifically that your money no longer funds fossil fuel projects!
Pro Tip: Keep a buffer in both accounts during the switch. Download transaction history from your old bank to ensure you don't miss any recurring payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a bank 'green' or sustainable?
Green banks have formal policies against financing fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure. They're often certified by third parties like B Corp or are members of GABV (Global Alliance for Banking on Values). These banks invest in renewable energy, community development, and sustainable businesses instead of oil, gas, and coal projects.
Are green banks FDIC insured?
Yes, all U.S. green banks listed here are FDIC insured (or NCUA insured for credit unions), protecting deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. This provides the same security as traditional banks while ensuring your money doesn't fund fossil fuels.
Do sustainable banks offer competitive rates?
Absolutely. Many green banks offer rates that match or exceed traditional banks. For example, Aspiration offers up to 5.00% APY on savings, while traditional big banks average 0.01% APY. The difference is your deposits fund solar projects instead of oil pipelines.
What is GABV and why does it matter?
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a network of 70+ banks worldwide with $265 billion in combined assets, committed to financing positive economic, social, and environmental impact. GABV members must demonstrate transparency, triple-bottom-line approach, and real economy focus. In 2024, 25 GABV banks endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
How much do big banks invest in fossil fuels?
Since the Paris Agreement in 2016, the world's 60 largest banks have financed $6.9 trillion in fossil fuel projects. The top 4 U.S. banks alone (JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America) provided over $1.4 trillion. By switching to a green bank, you ensure your deposits don't contribute to climate change.
Can I access my money easily with a green bank?
Yes, most green banks offer full digital banking with mobile apps, online bill pay, and access to nationwide ATM networks (usually 55,000+ fee-free ATMs). Some like Aspiration even reimburse out-of-network ATM fees. The convenience matches or exceeds traditional banks.
Join the Green Banking Movement
Every dollar moved from fossil fuel financing to sustainable banking makes a difference. Start your positive impact today with a green bank account.