Banks play a vital role in our financial lives, managing our deposits, loans, and investments. These institutions are regulated to ensure they serve the needs of all communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is a federal law enacted to ensure that banks meet the credit needs of their entire community. If you believe a bank is not living up to its CRA responsibilities, it’s essential to know how to file a complaint on the bank’s CRA public file.

Understanding the Community Reinvestment Act

The Community Reinvestment Act, passed in 1977, is a significant piece of legislation designed to promote economic development and community revitalization. It requires banks to meet the credit needs of their entire service area, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA encourages banks to provide loans, mortgages, and other financial services to underserved populations, contributing to the growth and stability of these communities.

One crucial aspect of the CRA is transparency. Banks are required to maintain a CRA public file, which contains information about their CRA activities. The public file is accessible both online and in physical branches, allowing the public to review the bank’s performance and file complaints if necessary.

How to Access a Bank’s CRA Public File

To access a bank’s CRA public file, you have several options:

  1. Visit the Bank’s Website: Many banks post their CRA public file on their websites. You can navigate to the bank’s “Community Reinvestment Act” or “CRA” page, where you can find information about their CRA activities, including reports and documents.
  2. Visit a Local Branch: You can also request access to the bank’s CRA public file in person at a local branch. Most banks are required to have a physical copy available for public review.
  3. Contact the Bank Directly: If you can’t find the CRA public file online or in person, you can contact the bank directly. Ask a bank representative for assistance in accessing the file, and they should guide you on where to find it.

Reviewing the CRA Public File

Once you’ve gained access to the CRA public file, it’s essential to thoroughly review its contents. Look for information such as:

  1. CRA Disclosure Statement: This document provides a summary of the bank’s CRA activities, including lending, investment, and services in different geographic areas.
  2. Maps and Lists: The file should contain maps and lists showing the bank’s assessment areas, branches, and locations where the bank conducts CRA-related activities.
  3. Performance Evaluation: The bank’s most recent CRA performance evaluation, conducted by federal regulators, will be included. This assessment rates the bank’s performance in meeting the needs of its community.
  4. Public Comments: You can find comments from the public about the bank’s CRA activities. These comments can shed light on the community’s perspective regarding the bank’s performance.

Filing a Complaint

If, after reviewing the CRA public file, you believe that the bank is not adequately meeting the credit needs of its community, you have the right to file a complaint. The process for filing a complaint typically involves the following steps:

  1. Contact the Bank: Before filing a formal complaint, it is often advisable to discuss your concerns with the bank’s management. You can use the contact information provided in the CRA public file or reach out to the bank’s customer service department.
  2. Submit a Written Complaint: If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can proceed to submit a written complaint. Your complaint should be well-documented and specific, outlining the aspects in which you believe the bank is falling short of its CRA obligations.
  3. Contact Regulatory Agencies: To strengthen your complaint, consider contacting the regulatory agencies that oversee the CRA. The two primary agencies responsible for CRA enforcement are the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Reserve.
  4. Follow Up: Be prepared to follow up on your complaint, as it may take time for regulatory agencies to investigate and respond.

The Community Reinvestment Act serves as a critical tool for ensuring that banks meet the credit needs of all communities, including underserved and low-income areas. Filing a complaint on a bank’s CRA public file is an essential step in holding banks accountable and making sure they fulfill their obligations under the law. By understanding the CRA, accessing the bank’s public file, filing a complaint and, when necessary, you can play an active role in promoting financial inclusion and community development.

Christopher G. Cox is the principal, publisher, and managing editor of realesavvy.com