A Policy Mapping Analysis of Goals Related to Bank Accounts in Federal Legislative Proposals

Despite efforts to address financial exclusion and recognition of such exclusion’s adverse effects, the numbers of unbanked and underbanked Americans remain stubbornly high. How can the United States broaden access to low-cost basic banking services?

In this study, the authors conduct the first systematic analysis of Congressional attention and action on the affordability and accessibility of bank accounts, mapping bills proposed between 1990 and 2020. The findings suggest gaps in the attention paid to underserved populations, and the authors identify steps for expanding access.

Project: Financial Capability & Asset Building (FCAB)