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.
NerdWallet has joined forces with Inclusiv, a national nonprofit on a mission to help low to moderate-income communities achieve financial independence through community development credit unions (CDCUs).

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

For employers
Join the Pledge
Ready to make an impact through a CDCU investment? Click here to get connected.
For nonprofits
Partner in Volunteering
In 2022, NerdWallet employees volunteered more than 3,500 hours for causes they care about. If you’d like to set up a volunteering program with NerdWallet, reach out here
For employers
Join the Pledge
Ready to make an impact through a CDCU investment? Click here to get connected.
For nonprofits
Partner in Volunteering
In 2022, NerdWallet employees volunteered more than 3,500 hours for causes they care about. If you’d like to set up a volunteering program with NerdWallet, reach out here
For employees
Motivate Leadership
Download this form and ask your leadership team to consider investing in The Financial Equity Pledge.

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 capital

2

Your company deposits your investment with CDCUs

3

CDCUs invest back into the community with safe financial products and loans

4

Your company earns interest while community members build financial security

Hear 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 helped
    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.
    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 assisted
    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.
    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 impact
    NerdWallet'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 >
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 >

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