We all have a bank or a credit union (unless you have gone completely off the grid and are storing cash under your mattress, in which case, I salute you).
However, your choice of financial institution has a substantial impact on the community around you. Every loan a bank issues, from small business capital to large industrial projects, is funded in part by the deposits held in savings and checking accounts.
In short: where you store your money fuels initiatives happening right now.
While you may not track every corporate loan, you likely care about the big picture. Choosing a financial partner is not just about convenience; it is a decision about stewardship. One Bison helps you find alternatives to major financial institutions, specifically those that align with your principles or, at the very least, maintain institutional neutrality rather than working against your values.
Why Your Choice of Bank Matters
Choosing where you bank is a quiet but powerful statement. Whether you are religious or simply values-driven, the principle holds true:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Credit Unions: The Obvious Alternative
Credit unions exist purely to serve their members. They typically offer a range of loan products, including home loans, auto loans, and personal loans. If you’re a conservative, there’s a good chance you’re often better off with a credit union, and your search for an alternative can end here – if you find one that aligns with your values. For a list of credit unions in your state, visit the National Credit Union Administration’s website at www.ncua.gov.
A Note on Due Diligence
While credit unions are structurally different from big banks, they are not automatically aligned with conservative values. In some areas, particularly in major metropolitan hubs, credit unions may be just as socially active as large corporate banks.
It is important to look past the “Credit Union” label and verify the specific operating philosophy of the institution. Some institutions actively engage in social or political advocacy that may conflict with traditional values.
How to Evaluate a Credit Union
So, how do you make sure your financial institution isn’t working against you? Here’s how:
- Review Their “About Us” Page
Check the mission and values section of their website. Institutions that prioritize social engineering over member services will often state this clearly. Look for language that emphasizes financial stewardship and community growth rather than political activism. - Check Their Social Media
Review their recent posts. Does the feed focus on financial literacy, local business spotlights, and member services? Or does it focus on social commentary and political causes? If a bank prioritizes social signaling over banking excellence, it may not be the right fit. - Contact Them Directly
If you cannot determine the stance of a bank from their website, contact them. You can ask simple, non-confrontational questions to gauge their culture:- “What are the core values of the institution regarding community involvement?”
- “Does the bank take official stances on social or political issues, or do you maintain neutrality?”
- Reach Out to Us:If you need assistance, contact our team on social media or via email. We can help you find a bank or credit union in your state that aligns with your values.
Banks as Alternatives
Sometimes you just need a bank, as they can offer better services like advanced mobile apps, online support, or more branch locations. If you require more convenience, then maybe a traditional bank is right for you—just make sure that “traditional” also means conservative. Fortunately, there are still options out there.
Most of the largest big banks support agendas that don’t align with conservative values. If you’re in the South, you might be fortunate to find banks that share your beliefs. If not, use the same vetting process as mentioned above with credit unions.
And at the end of the day, try to remember that even if it means sacrificing some convenience or advanced technology when choosing your bank, for a lot of us it is worth it to ensure that your money isn’t supporting causes you don’t agree with. Big banks may offer better tech, but they also often back agendas that conflict with our values. Be careful when choosing.
Research Resources
Mighty Deposits
A comparison site that uses public data to show how banks invest their money. While the site has a broad focus, its filters are useful for conservatives. You can filter institutions by “Business Lending” or “Housing” to find banks that prioritize economic growth over speculative investing.
- How to Use It: On Mighty Deposits, select filters that focus on business lending or housing to find institutions that support conservative economic growth.
OpenSecrets
This site tracks political contributions from Political Action Committees (PACs) associated with banks. Visit OpenSecrets.org and search for a specific bank to see a breakdown of their political giving. This allows you to see if the leadership of a bank leans heavily toward one party or splits donations evenly.
- How to Use It: Visit OpenSecrets.org and search for your bank to see where their political contributions are going.
