Did you know your bank might be using your money to fund the climate crisis? It’s a shocking truth. The dollars and cents sitting in your traditional checking account are often loaned out to fund new fossil fuel projects, deforestation, and other industries that don’t align with your values. But what if you could change that—right from your phone? The rise of financial technology has created a new wave of eco-friendly banking apps designed for the conscious consumer. If you want to make your money matter, stop funding polluters, and start building a sustainable future, you’re in the right place. Welcome to the future of ethical finance.
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What is Green Banking and Why Does It Matter?
Before we dive into the best apps, let’s clear up what “green banking” actually means.
Green banking, also known as sustainable banking or ethical banking, is a model where a financial institution has a stated commitment to positive social and environmental impact. Unlike traditional banks, which often have their largest investments in carbon-heavy industries, green banks actively avoid them.
But it’s not just about avoiding the bad; it’s about funding the good. These banks and fintech apps use your deposits to provide loans for renewable energy projects, support sustainable agriculture, build affordable housing, and fund other community-focused initiatives.
Your choice matters more than you think. A 2023 report from the Rainforest Action Network revealed that the world’s 60 largest banks have poured over $5.5 trillion into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement. When you deposit money in one of those banks, you’re essentially giving them an interest-free loan to continue business as usual.
Switching to one of the best green banking apps for the eco-conscious consumer is one of the most powerful individual actions you can take for climate change. It’s called fossil fuel divestment, and it sends a clear message: you will not let your money be used to harm the planet.
The Rise of the Green Neobank: How Tech is Changing Finance
You’ll notice most of the options below are “neobanks.” A neobank (or “challenger bank”) is a digital-only bank that operates entirely online, without physical branches. This tech-first approach is central to the green banking revolution.
Because they don’t have the overhead of brick-and-mortar buildings, sustainable neobanks can focus their resources on technology, user experience, and, most importantly, their environmental mission. They are part of a larger trend in financial technology, which you can read more about in our guide: What is FinTech and How It Is Shaping Finance.
This digital-first model allows them to offer unique features you’ll never see at a traditional bank, like real-time carbon footprint tracking, automated tree-planting, and high-yield savings accounts that directly fund solar projects. They are disrupting the financial industry in the same way innovative tech is disrupting other old-guard sectors, like the insurance industry (a trend explained in The Rise of Insurtech Explained).
How We Picked the Best Sustainable Finance Apps
To make this list, we went deep. We didn’t just look at marketing claims. We judged these apps on four core criteria to ensure they are legitimate, safe, and truly make an impact.
- True Fossil Fuel Divestment: Do they have a 100% transparent, iron-clad policy against funding fossil fuels, weapons, and tobacco?
- Proactive Impact: Are they using your money to fund positive change (like renewable energy) or just avoiding bad stuff? We looked for features like automated tree planting, carbon offsetting, and impact lending.
- Security and Trust: Are they legitimate? We prioritized apps that are FDIC-insured (meaning your money is protected up to $250,000, just like at a big bank) and have strong security.
- App Usability and Features: A green bank is still a bank. The app needs to be easy to use, with features like mobile check deposit, low fees, and good customer support.
The Top 5 Green Banking Apps for 2024
Here are our top picks for the best sustainable finance apps that let you bank with your values.
1. Aspiration: The All-in-One Impact Leader
Aspiration is arguably the most well-known and feature-rich of the eco-friendly banking options. It’s a B Corp-certified company that has built its entire platform around helping you align your money with your values. They are not a bank themselves, but a fintech company that provides services through partner banks (all FDIC-insured, of course).
In-Depth Review:
What sets Aspiration apart is its holistic approach. It’s not just a checking account; it’s an ecosystem for sustainable finance. When you sign up, you get a checking account (they call it “Spend & Save”) and an eco-friendly debit card made from recycled ocean plastic.
Their most famous feature is “Plant Your Change.” You can round up every purchase to the nearest dollar, and Aspiration will use that spare change to plant a tree. They have planted over 100 million trees to date.
Aspiration also offers the Aspiration Impact Measurement (AIM) score right in the app. This feature analyzes your spending habits and gives you a “sustainability score,” showing you how your purchases at different businesses stack up environmentally. It’s a powerful tool for the truly eco-conscious consumer who wants to optimize their daily spending for the planet.
Key Features:
- 100% Fossil Fuel Free: Your deposits are guaranteed not to fund fossil fuel projects.
- Plant Your Change: Automatically plant trees with every purchase.
- Up to 3.00% APY: On your savings with their “Aspiration Plus” subscription (which is “Pay What Is Fair,” starting at $0).
- Cashback Rewards: Get up to 10% cashback at businesses in their “Conscience Coalition” (like TOMS, Warby Parker, and Allbirds).
- Carbon Offsetting: Their paid “Plus” plan includes automated carbon offsetting for all your gas purchases, a feature called “Planet Protection.”
Pros:
- Extremely feature-rich app.
- Tangible impact (you can see your tree-planting total).
- B Corp certification adds a high level of trust.
- “Pay What Is Fair” model makes it accessible.
Cons:
- To get the best features (like high APY and carbon offsetting), you need the “Plus” subscription.
- They are a fintech provider, not a bank, which can confuse some users (though security is still FDIC-insured).
Who is it for?
This is the best green banking app for the everyday user who wants an easy, all-in-one solution to make their spending and saving more sustainable.
(Click here to check out Aspiration and start planting trees today)
2. Atmos Financial: The Climate-Positive Savings Engine
If Aspiration is the all-rounder, Atmos Financial is the specialist. Their entire mission is to finance the clean energy transition. This is one of the best high-yield savings accounts for climate change.
In-Depth Review:
Atmos offers a checking account and, more impressively, a high-yield savings account. The difference? They only use your deposits to provide low-cost loans for climate-positive projects. We’re talking residential solar installations, geothermal systems, and sustainable building upgrades.
The transparency is unmatched. On their website, you can see exactly what kinds of projects your savings are funding, right down to the kilowatt-hours of clean energy generated and tons of CO2 avoided.
Their savings account is designed to reward you for supporting their mission. You get a “base rate” APY (which is already competitive), but you can unlock a much higher “impact rate” by setting up recurring deposits or donating to their approved list of environmental nonprofits. This is one of the best impact investing apps for beginners disguised as a savings account.
Key Features:
- 100% Climate-Positive Lending: Your money only funds clean energy and sustainability projects.
- High-Yield Savings: Earn a competitive APY that gets even higher when you support climate causes.
- Total Transparency: See the real-world impact of your deposits on their dashboard.
- Fossil Fuel Free Debit Card: Their checking account comes with a debit card with no monthly fees and cashback at sustainable businesses.
Pros:
- The most direct link between your savings and clean energy projects.
- Excellent APY on savings, rewarding you for saving.
- Unbeatable transparency in their lending portfolio.
Cons:
- Their checking account is a bit more basic than Aspiration’s.
- The app is newer and still adding features.
Who is it for?
This is the best sustainable finance app for savers. If you have a decent emergency fund or savings and want that money to be actively fighting climate change (not just sitting idly), Atmos is your best bet.
(Click here to explore Atmos Financial and start funding clean energy)
3. Ando Money: The Community-Driven Impact Bank
Ando Money (now part of the Fourth-Purpose holding company) is another strong contender in the ethical banking apps space. Their promise is simple: your money, your values. Like the others, they are FDIC-insured and promise 100% fossil fuel-free banking.
In-Depth Review:
Ando’s big selling point is its “Impact Center.” Right on the app’s home screen, you see the collective impact of the Ando community—how much CO2 has been reduced, how much clean energy has been generated, and more. This fosters a sense of community that many other apps lack.
They are also one of the few carbon neutral banking options that offer an early paycheck feature, allowing you to get your direct deposit up to two days early. This is a practical perk that makes it a viable replacement for a traditional bank.
Ando’s core philosophy is that “how you bank, invest, and spend matters.” They focus on providing low-interest loans to sustainable businesses and projects. They also have a very strong referral program, encouraging users to invite friends and grow the green banking movement.
Key Features:
- 100% Clean Finance: No fossil fuels, weapons, or private prisons.
- Impact Center: Tracks the community’s collective positive impact.
- Get Paid Early: Receive your direct deposit up to two days sooner.
- Low Fees: No monthly fees, no minimum balance, and access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs.
Pros:
- Strong community focus.
- Excellent, user-friendly mobile app.
- Practical features like early direct deposit.
Cons:
- Their impact reporting isn’t as project-specific as Atmos’s.
- Fewer bells and whistles (like tree-planting) than Aspiration.
Who is it for?
This is the best green neobank for community-focused individuals who want a simple, no-fuss, and fee-free banking experience that still packs a powerful environmental punch.
(Click here to learn more about Ando Money and join the movement)
4. Beneficial State Bank: The B Corp Bank for Deep Impact
This one is different. Beneficial State Bank is not a neobank; it’s a real, chartered community bank with physical branches (mostly on the West Coast). But its world-class mobile app makes it one of the best green banking apps available, and it’s open to applicants nationwide.
In-Depth Review:
Beneficial State Bank is one of the highest-rated B Corp certified banks in the world. Their mission isn’t just “green”; it’s “beneficial.” This means they are legally bound to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, the community, and the environment.
Their lending is split into three categories: 75% goes to high-impact sectors (like affordable housing and renewable energy), 25% goes to balancing the needs of the community, and 0%—ever—goes to fossil fuels or other extractive industries.
Because it’s a full-service bank, you get access to a wider range of products than with most neobanks, including business banking, nonprofit services, and even auto loans. Their mobile app is robust, offering everything you’d expect: mobile deposit, bill pay, and transfers.
Key Features:
- True B Corp Bank: One of the most ethical and transparent banks on the planet.
- Full Range of Services: Offers checking, savings, business accounts, and loans.
- Nationwide Availability: You can apply for an account from all 50 states.
- GABV Member: A member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, a network of the world’s leading sustainable banks.
Pros:
- Highest level of trust and transparency (B Corp and GABV).
- A full-service bank, not just a fintech app.
- Deep, proven commitment to community and environmental lending.
Cons:
- As a traditional bank, they may have more fees or minimum balance requirements on some accounts than neobanks.
- The app is functional but not as “flashy” as Aspiration’s.
Who is it for?
This is the best ethical banking option for the purist. If you want the security and services of a full-fledged bank but with the strongest possible commitment to social and environmental justice, Beneficial State is the gold standard.
(Click here to explore Beneficial State Bank’s mission-driven accounts)
5. Acorns (with ESG Portfolios): The Sustainable Investing App
Our final spot goes to a “green-adjacent” app. While the first four help you spend and save sustainably, Acorns helps you grow your money sustainably. This is one of the best sustainable investing apps for beginners.
In-Depth Review:
Acorns is a “micro-investing” app famous for its “Round-Ups” feature. It rounds up your daily purchases and automatically invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio. What many users don’t know is that Acorns offers ESG-focused portfolios (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
When you choose an Acorns “Sustainable Portfolio,” you are investing in ETFs (exchange-traded funds) that are composed of companies with high ESG ratings. This means your investment portfolio will be weighted toward companies leading in sustainability and social responsibility, while screening out the worst offenders.
This is a fantastic way to start building passive income streams with affiliate marketing—or in this case, with sustainable investing. While you’re saving the planet with your green bank account, Acorns can help you build long-term wealth that is also aligned with your values.
Key Features:
- Micro-Investing: Automatically invest your spare change.
- Sustainable ESG Portfolios: Choose to invest in companies with high environmental and social ratings.
- Acorns Earn: Get bonus investments when you shop at partner brands.
- Acorns Later: An easy way to start an IRA (retirement account) with a sustainable focus.
Pros:
- The easiest way to start investing for beginners.
- “Set it and forget it” sustainable wealth-building.
- A great complement to a green checking account.
Cons:
- It’s an investment app, not a banking app (though they do offer a checking account).
- The monthly fee ($3-$9) can be high for very small balances.
- “ESG” investing is not as “pure” as direct fossil-fuel-free banking (it invests in “better” public companies, not “perfect” ones).
Who is it for?
This is the best app for the eco-conscious beginner investor. If you already have your green bank account and want to take the next step in aligning your entire financial life with your values, Acorns is the perfect starting point.
(Click here to start micro-investing with Acorns Sustainable Portfolios)
How to Make the Switch to a Green Banking App
Convinced? Making the switch is easier than you think. Here is a step-by-step guide to switching to a green bank:
- Choose Your App: Pick one of the top 5 green banking apps from the list above. Go to their site (using our links to support our work!) and sign up. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
- Fund Your New Account: Link your old, traditional bank account and transfer your “starting” funds. Don’t close your old account just yet.
- Move Your Direct Deposit: Log in to your payroll provider (like ADP or Gusto) or contact your HR department. Change your direct deposit to your new green bank account and routing number.
- Move Your Automatic Payments: This is the most tedious part. Make a list of all your recurring bills and subscriptions (Netflix, car insurance, utilities). Log in to each one and update your payment method to your new green debit card or account number.
- Test and Monitor: Wait for one full billing cycle (about 30 days). Watch your old account to make sure all automatic payments have successfully moved. Watch your new account to ensure your direct deposit lands correctly.
- Close Your Old Account: Once your old account is empty and has had no activity for a few weeks, officially close it. This final step is crucial! It’s the “divestment” part, signaling to the big bank that you no longer support their practices.
The Future of Sustainable Finance is in Your Pocket
The move toward eco-friendly banking options is more than a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in consumer power. By choosing one of these fossil fuel free banking apps, you are voting with your dollars for a cleaner, more equitable world.
You don’t have to be a perfect activist to make a difference. You just have to be a conscious consumer. Choosing Aspiration to plant trees with your coffee, using Atmos to fund a solar panel with your savings, or investing in a sustainable future with Acorns are all powerful, simple steps.
The power to change the world is already in your pocket. The only question is, will you use it?
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Banking Apps
1. What is a green banking app?
A green banking app is a mobile application from a fintech company or bank that has a core mission of environmental sustainability. This means they do not use customer deposits to fund fossil fuels and often use them to fund positive projects like renewable energy.
2. Are green banks safe? Is my money insured?
Yes. This is a critical point. You should only use a FDIC-insured green bank. All the banking options on this list (Aspiration, Atmos, Ando, Beneficial State) are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor through their partner banks. This means your money has the exact same level of protection as it would at a major bank like Chase or Bank of America.
3. What is the difference between a “green bank” and a “neobank”?
A “neobank” is a digital-only bank (like Chime or Varo). A “green bank” is a bank focused on sustainability (like Atmos). A “green neobank” is simply the intersection of the two—a digital-only, sustainable bank, which describes most of the apps on this list.
4. What does B Corp certified bank mean?
B Corp is a certification from the nonprofit B Lab. It means a company has met the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Beneficial State Bank is a prime example.
5. What is ESG investing?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. ESG investing is a strategy where you invest in companies that score highly on these three factors. The Acorns Sustainable Portfolios are a form of ESG investing, screening for companies that are better for the planet and society.
6. Can I really make a difference by switching banks?
Yes. This is called divestment, and it’s one of the most effective tools for change. When you move your money, you are taking capital away from banks that fund fossil fuels. When millions of people do this, it forces those banks to change their lending policies.
7. Do these green banking apps have fees?
Most green neobanks have no monthly fees, no minimum balances, and large fee-free ATM networks. Aspiration uses a “Pay What Is Fair” model (starting at $0), while Atmos and Ando have fee-free checking accounts. Always read the terms, but they are generally much cheaper than traditional banks.
8. What is the Aspiration “Plant Your Change” feature?
It’s an optional feature where Aspiration rounds up your debit card purchases to the nearest whole dollar and uses the spare change (e.g., 50 cents from a $2.50 coffee) to plant a tree.
9. Aspiration vs. Atmos: What’s the main difference?
Aspiration is a better all-in-one spending account with features like tree planting and cashback. Atmos is a better saving account, with its high-yield APY and direct funding of solar projects.
10. What is a “fossil fuel free” debit card?
This means two things: 1) The card itself is often made from sustainable materials (like Aspiration’s recycled ocean plastic card), and 2) The deposits associated with that card are guaranteed not to be used for funding any part of the fossil fuel industry.
11. Can I use these apps for my business?
Some of them! Beneficial State Bank offers full-service business and nonprofit banking. Aspiration also has a business account. Atmos and Ando are primarily focused on personal banking for now.
12. How do I know if my current bank funds fossil fuels?
The easiest way is to check the annual “Banking on Climate Chaos” report from the Rainforest Action Network. It lists all the major global banks and ranks them by their fossil fuel financing. If you bank with a major national or international bank, the answer is almost certainly yes.
13. Are there other ethical banking options not on this list?
Yes. This list focuses on the best green banking apps, which are mostly neobanks. You can also look for local, brick-and-mortar credit unions or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in your area, which often have a strong community-first mission.
14. What is a carbon neutral banking service?
This means the bank or app purchases “carbon offsets” to balance out its own carbon footprint (from its servers, employees, etc.) to net-zero. Aspiration’s “Planet Protection” feature also allows you to become carbon neutral by offsetting the gas you buy.
15. What’s the single best green banking app for a beginner?
For the average user who wants the best mix of features, usability, and impact, we recommend Aspiration. The “Plant Your Change” feature is a simple, tangible way to feel your impact every day, making it a great first step into the world of sustainable finance.
