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Choose the situation closest to yours. Start with one useful step, then go directly to the organization that can help.
Starting work or helping someone who is? Use the first-paycheck toolkit →
Find certified account options and prepare for a conversation with a bank or credit union.
See your next step 02Understand a checking-account denial and find possible next steps.
See your next step 03Find local support for food, housing, utilities, and other essentials.
See your next step 04Plan until payday or review the whole month.
See your next step 05Reach the authorized free-report site and understand what you find.
See your next step 06Get official guidance for reporting fraud and protecting your information.
See your next step01 / Everyday banking
Start with the CFE Fund’s official Bank On directory. Compare the accounts available to you, then confirm fees, documents, and eligibility with the institution.
Account directory: joinbankon.org. BankOnUSA.org does not certify accounts or process applications.
Find a local Bank On coalition ↗ (opens in a new tab or window)02 / A fresh start
A denial may involve information in a checking-account report. Ask the institution why you were declined. If a report was used, ask which reporting company supplied it and how to get a copy.
Review that report for errors. The CFPB explains how to dispute inaccurate information and ask about other account options. Approval depends on the institution.
Read the CFPB’s next steps ↗ (opens in a new tab or window)Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
03 / Essential support
If food, rent, or utilities are difficult to cover, 211 can connect you with local assistance resources. Search by location on its site or call 211. Availability and eligibility vary.
BankOnUSA.org does not provide emergency funds or determine benefit eligibility.
04 / Money, made clearer
Use the payday planner to check dated income and bills for possible shortfalls. The monthly planner gives you a wider view of income and planned spending. Both work privately without an account connection.
Planner amounts stay in your browser; they are not submitted to us.
05 / Understand your credit
AnnualCreditReport.com is the authorized source for free credit reports. Checking your own report does not lower your credit score, according to the CFPB. A report and a credit score are different things.
Enter identifying information only on the official provider’s site. We do not request it here.
06 / Fraud & identity
If you sent money to a scammer or notice an unauthorized payment, promptly contact the bank, card issuer, or payment service involved through its official channels. The FTC’s guide explains steps for different payment types.
Source: Federal Trade Commission. Recovering money is not guaranteed.
Financial Empowerment Centers offer free, one-on-one financial counseling as a public service in participating cities and counties. Check the official directory for a location and appointment information.
Find free financial counseling ↗ (opens in a new tab or window)
The official Bank On coalition map (opens in a new tab or window) is a starting point for local financial-access connections. Services differ by community.
We prioritize official public agencies and established organizations with direct, useful services. These links are not paid placements. Sponsors do not decide which resources appear here.
Resources reviewed September 28, 2026. Report a broken link or suggest an improvement.