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 Tiffany Padilla at tpadilla@act-ct.org or 860-650-4175 x112.
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
Government Phasing Out Paper Checks
Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments.
What This Means for You
If you are still receiving a paper check for Social Security, Veterans benefits, tax refunds, or any other federal benefit AND you do not have a bank account to receive direct deposit, you can open a Bank On account to get your payments.
Check out the featured accounts below to find a safe and affordable bank account. Each of these accounts feature low or no monthly fees, low or no opening deposit, no overdraft fees, free debit card, and are federally insured.
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
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
American Eagle FCU
Simple Checking
- $1 opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
Connex Credit Union
Pathways Checking
- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $4.95 monthly fee
- Online banking available
- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee, waivable
- Online banking available
- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $4.50 monthly fee
- Online banking available
- $25 minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available
- $25 minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- $5 monthly fee
- Online banking available