The County of Los Angeles Center for Financial Empowerment, housed within the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, celebrates the launch of BankOn Los Angeles County, a program designed to connect residents to safe and affordable financial products, regardless of their immigration status.

In honor of the launch, the CFE will host Summer Saturdays, a free event series that will connect Los Angeles County residents to checking accounts and financial empowerment resources.

Summer Saturdays will include two events, kicking off Saturday, July 28 in Van Nuys. The public is invited to attend the free events at the following CFE community partner locations:

Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
NEW FamilySource Center
6946 Van Nuys Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91405-3984

Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Barrio Action Youth and Family Center
4927 Huntington Dr. #200
Los Angeles, CA 90032

At each event, the CFE and BankOn financial institution partners will help consumers understand the benefits of banking and start the process of opening a checking account. Attendees can also learn about credit, how to save for college and get first-time home buying tips at financial education workshops while enjoying free ice cream.

“Our county residents have worked hard to earn their paycheck, it is important that they have access to affordable and secure financial services that help them safeguard every cent,” said DCBA Interim Director Joseph M. Nicchitta. “Families could lose up to $45,000 a year by using expensive check-cashing services. Our BankOn Los Angeles County partners provide residents with low-cost alternatives.”

BankOn Los Angeles County offers multiple checking accounts that include features such as free check cashing services, no overdraft fees and unrestricted customer service. Three accounts were specifically developed for the program by SCE Federal Credit Union, Self-Help FCU and First Foundation.

Consumers can learn more about the program and the available accounts by visiting dcba.lacounty.gov/bankon/.

The county Board of Supervisors created the Center for Financial Empowerment to lead regional efforts to build stability and household wealth L.A. County residents with low to moderate incomes.

For more information on the Center for Financial Empowerment and its programs, visit dcba.lacounty.gov/financial-empowerment. Follow the Center for Financial Empowerment on Twitter @LACountyCFE.

Since 1976, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has served consumers, businesses, and communities through education, advocacy, and complaint resolution. We work every day to educate consumers and small business owners about their rights and responsibilities, mediate disputes, investigate consumer fraud complaints, and enforce Los Angeles County’s minimum wage ordinance. For more information, visit dcba.lacounty.gov.