Giannoulias launches “Bank On Rockford”
Targets unbanked residents for free and low-cost accounts

October 1, 2009

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias formally launched Bank On Rockford today, aiming to sign up 1,000 unbanked Rockford-area residents from underserved and minority communities for free and low-cost accounts in the next year.

About 4,600 Rockford households currently rely on check-cashers, payday lenders and pawn shops to cash checks, pay bills and borrow money, often at a steep cost, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Safe Banking Project. The average unbanked household in Illinois pays $574 a year to simply cash payroll checks, leaving $22,376 in remaining income.

“Too many Rockford residents are ripped off by check cashers and payday lenders and become trapped in an endless spiral of debt,” said Giannoulias, adding that his office plans to establish other Bank On Illinois programs throughout the state in the next year.

“Having access to traditional checking and savings accounts will translate into financial independence and empowerment,” he said. “It will help our most vulnerable citizens, but it has a much broader effect on neighborhoods and communities hit hard during these difficult times.”

Sharon E., 46, of Rockford was a postal worker for 15 years before health issues and a divorce put a strain on her finances. Before she knew it, Sharon had racked up several overdraft fees on her checking account, prompting her bank to close the account and knock her out of the financial mainstream.

That changed in June when a caseworker at Rockford Rescue Mission recommended Sharon open an account at Generations Credit Union, one of 12 banks and credit unions participating in the new Bank On Rockford program, each promoting accounts with different features.

Generations Credit Union provided Sharon a free, “nontraditional” account with direct deposit and a pre-loaded debit card that does not allow overdrafts and provides her with money orders to pay bills for just 50 cents each, according to Member Relations Manager Denise Leonard.

“Most people bank close to where they work or live, but many low- to moderate-income neighborhoods have no access at all,” Leonard said. “With our non-traditional account, you can load your pre-paid debit card online or by phone. You don’t have to visit a brick and mortar location to do your banking any more.”

The key to Bank On Rockford’s success will be its integrated approach, Giannoulias said. The program will reach people who were previously unwilling or unable to maintain traditional accounts through local social service agencies, some of which will provide free financial education classes.

“I will definitely use it. Our people are really being victimized by payday lenders. This empowers people to make wiser financial choices,” said Teresa Reeverts, Sharon’s caseworker at Rockford Rescue Mission.

Banks and credit unions, many of which already have starter or second chance account products, will benefit from the consolidated marketing and new customer base.

“Businesses do best when the communities they operate in are thriving. It is simply in the best interest of any business to act in the best interest of the community,” said Salvador Villalobos, a Licensed Personal Banker at Chase Bank-Mulford Branch.

Bank On Rockford partners will target people who lack accounts, don’t have Social Security numbers or have negative (but not fraudulent) credit histories. Most Bank on Rockford partners accept an Illinois state identification card, ITIN, Mexican Matricula Consular or Guatemalan Consular identification card or foreign passport as primary identification.

“By participating in Bank On Rockford, community groups and non-profit organizations will refer people to our credit union who truly need our help. Without partner referrals, we may never be able to reach many of these people,” said Ed Berg, president of First Northern Credit Union.

The San Francisco Treasurer’s Office launched the first Bank On program in 2006, and it has already opened appropriate accounts – with an average balance of almost $1,000 – for almost 40 percent of its unbanked population. Rockford is one of more than 50 cities to duplicate the city program, while Illinois and California are the first two statewide campaigns to date.

“The people in Rockford who have the least amount of money are spending the most on banking. Our goal is to help my constituents save money and build wealth for a better future,” said State Rep. Chuck Jefferson, whose office will act as Bank On Rockford headquarters.

This change is happening for Sharon after just four months with her Bank On Rockford account. She has a plan to pay back the overdraft fees she owes her old bank and feels in control of her money instead of being controlled by it.

“It is easier for me to keep track of my spending,” she said.

For more information on Bank On Rockford, visit www.bankonrockford.org or call Rep. Jefferson’s office at (815) 987-7433. A complete list of partners is below.

Bank On Rockford Partners

Financial institutions offering free or low-cost accounts:

•Alpine Bank
•AMCORE Bank
•Bank of America
•Chase
•Fifth Third Bank
•First Northern Credit Union
•Generations Credit Union
•MembersAlliance Credit Union
•Riverside Community Bank
•Rockford Bank & Trust Company
•Stillman Bank
•US Bank

Financial education partners offering free money management classes:

•Careers, Etc.
•Family Credit Management Services
•Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition
•Rockford Rescue Mission
•University of Illinois Extension

Outreach partners who can answer questions and offer referrals to Bank On participants:

•Better Business Bureau
•Girls Scouts Rock River Valley
•Goodwill Abilities Center
•Habitat for Humanity
•La Voz Latina
•Lifescape Services
•Northwest Community Center
•RAMP Center for Independent Living
•Rockford Chamber of Commerce
•Rockford MELD
•Rockford Public Libraries
•United Way Rock River Valley
•Winnebago County Health Department: Weed and Seed
•Youth Build Rockford