Fresh Start Banking
Fresh Start Banking
Mentorship Program
powered by Element Federal Credit Union
Fresh Start Financial Education & BankingÂ
About the Progams
Formerly incarcerated people face significant challenges when it comes to financial services – their options are extremely limited. We are committed to changing this narrative. First Step Alliance provides re-entry and other program participants with access to safe, affordable banking products and financial education uniquely tailored to their needs.
Our Fresh Start Banking program is made available through our membership relationship with Element Federal Credit Union. We also offer a Fresh Start Financial Education program in partnership with a best-in-class provider of online financial education and credit counseling services, that has helped millions of people improve their financial health.
Fresh Start Banking
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Low cost, no-minimum checking account
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Direct deposit of paycheck
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Prepaid or regular debit card
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Secured credit card to help rebuild credit
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Credit Builder loan – build credit & save
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Online & mobile banking
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Fee-free CO-OP ATM network
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Apple, Google & Samsung Pay
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eDeposit – deposit checks electronically
Fresh Start Financial Education
Gaining the knowledge to manage your finances, pay down debt, increase savings and establish good credit can help you achieve long-term financial well-being. The Program is free to individual program participants, who can log in anytime to an online learning portal which includes many important financial topics, like creating a budget, identity theft, and understanding your credit score. Individual credit counseling services are also provided to participants.
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"Success is not final; failure is not fatal:
It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill