The Financial Equity Pledge
NerdWallet envisions a world where everyone makes financial decisions with confidence. Regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, we believe everyone deserves the tools needed to achieve financial health and well-being.
But today, there are barriers preventing many people from achieving greater financial equity.
Approximately 63 million adults in the United States are unbanked or underbanked, with Black and Hispanic individuals comprising nearly 60% of this population.*We're committed to changing that.



CDCUs provide these communities with increased access to safe and secure financial products and services, like fair loans, savings accounts, and financial counseling.
Together with Inclusiv, we're championing a movement to close the financial gap in underserved communities and build a more equitable financial future for all.

But we can't do it alone. Join The Financial Equity Pledge today.
How to get involved
Partners who've joined the cause
We may have started the movement, but we're not alone. You and your organization can join these partners who are committed to making a difference in financial equality.


Our partnership with Inclusiv

How you can help:
1
Inclusiv partners with you to identify credit unions in need of capital2
Your company deposits your investment with CDCUs3
CDCUs invest back into the community with safe financial products and loans4
Your company earns interest while community members build financial securityHear from CDCU Members
Jessica Encarnacion, founder of The Van Duzer Artisan Market continues to grow her small business thanks to the product offerings from Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union. Check out how the credit union helped support Jessica’s dream.
Although Darrel has since moved from the Bay Area, his local credit union helped him get back on his feet. Hear his story.
NerdWallet’s Impact
- Via Grant
22
Minority Deposit Institutions helpedIn 2022 and 2023, NerdWallet's $325,000 grant to Inclusiv's Racial Equity Fund was distributed to 22 Minority Deposit Institution (MDI) credit unions and "cooperativas." Expanding Inclusiv's technical assistance services helps ensure that MDI credit unions have the support necessary to serve almost 20,000 members and hold over $110M in Total Assets.In 2022 and 2023, NerdWallet's $325,000 grant to Inclusiv's Racial Equity Fund was distributed to 22 Minority Deposit Institution (MDI) credit unions and "cooperativas." Expanding Inclusiv's technical assistance services helps ensure that MDI credit unions have the support necessary to serve almost 20,000 members and hold over $110M in Total Assets. - Via Grant
318
small businesses and nonprofits assistedDivided between 3 CDCUs, NerdWallet's $150,000 grant to Inclusiv's Bay Area Economic Impact Fund in 2021 helped 318 business owners in the Bay Area obtain $43.1M in PPP relief through loan forgiveness. In addition, 405 Bay Area residents received relief in the form of loan forbearance, loan forgiveness, and affordable small-dollar loans totaling almost $10.9M.Divided between 3 CDCUs, NerdWallet's $150,000 grant to Inclusiv's Bay Area Economic Impact Fund in 2021 helped 318 business owners in the Bay Area obtain $43.1M in PPP relief through loan forgiveness. In addition, 405 Bay Area residents received relief in the form of loan forbearance, loan forgiveness, and affordable small-dollar loans totaling almost $10.9M. - Via Deposit
$16M
in impactNerdWallet's deposit of $2 million in Self Help Credit Union created $16 million in community impact.NerdWallet's deposit of $2 million in Self Help Credit Union created $16 million in community impact.
Looking to learn more about this issue?
What Are Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)?
CDFIs are banks and credit unions that accommodate people who are traditionally locked out of financial systems.
Learn more >CDFIs are banks and credit unions that accommodate people who are traditionally locked out of financial systems.
Second Chance Checking Accounts Across the U.S.
Second chance checking is an option if you've been rejected for an account due to a bad banking history. Accounts are available in all 50 states.
Learn more >Second chance checking is an option if you've been rejected for an account due to a bad banking history. Accounts are available in all 50 states.

Why NerdWallet Invests in CDCUs
Read about NerdWallet CEO Tim Chen's commitment to investing in CDCUs in Fast Company and Triple Pundit.
Read about NerdWallet CEO Tim Chen's commitment to investing in CDCUs in Fast Company and Triple Pundit.
Now is the time to help
Want to help by depositing some of your company’s banked dollars? Email us at [email protected].
*Source: 2021 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households