Bank of New Hampshire’s 'Stepping Stone' account receives national certification

LACONIA — Bank of New Hampshire's Stepping Stone account was officially certified by the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards (2021 - 2022). The national safe account Standards, co-created by consumer advocates, leading national nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and other financial institutions, designate both core and strongly recommended features that ensure low cost, high functionality, and consumer safety.

Key features of the Stepping Stone account include being free for account holders under the age of 23 or a monthly cost of only $5, no overdraft or nonsufficient fund fees, the ability to pay bills and make purchases, and federal deposit insurance. Stepping Stone is available in every one of Bank of New Hampshire‘s 21 offices across New Hampshire and 24/7 through their online account opening at BankNH.com.

“We are proud to partner with the Bank On coalitions, locally-led partnerships between local public officials; city, state, and federal government agencies; financial institutions; and community organizations that work together to help improve the financial stability of unbanked and underbanked individuals and families in our communities,” said Cheri Caruso, EVP - Chief Technology, Digital Banking & Operations Officer for Bank of New Hampshire. “Our new Stepping Stone checking account was developed specifically for this purpose and provides a low fee, no overdraft charges, product options with digital features such as online banking and bill payments.”

“The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund is delighted to award its national Bank On account certification to Bank of New Hampshire‘s Stepping Stone account,” said Jonathan Mintz, president and chief executive officer of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. “Stepping Stone offers New Hampshire residents who are looking to improve their finances a safe, affordable, and truly useful mainstream banking product — this is especially important during COVID-19, as consumers need to access and manage their money both affordably and safely. Bank of New Hampshire’s offering of this terrific account brings them into the forefront of national banking access efforts, and we thank them.”

The goal of Bank On is to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable financial products and services. The Bank On National Account Standards identify critical product features for appropriate bank or credit union accounts, making it easier for local coalitions across the country to connect consumers to accounts that meet their needs.

For more information, call 1-800-832-0912 or visit www.BankNH.com. Member FDIC.