The purpose of Checking Network USA is to provide all unbanked consumers access to mainstream financial services through financial education and practical application.

History & Background

The concept of aligning financial education and mainstream financial access through partnerships with insured financial depositories, community non-profits, faith-based organizations and large employers has always been the mission of Checking Network USA creators Melanie Trausch and Chiquita Board. Both served as national leaders for Get Checking from its inception to 2008 and under their direction, took the program from a local pilot to a national initiative that was well received by many financial institutions, community-based organizations, regulatory agencies and consumer advocacy groups around the country.

In 2009, the corporate sponsorship of eFunds Corporation, which provided human and capital resources for the Get Checking program, decided to terminate its partnership with the University of Wisconsin (the program’s curriculum writer and distributor). As a result, the Get Checking program as it was developed, marketed and known throughout financial literacy circles was ended.

To preclude the void left in the marketplace, former Get Checking program leaders and curriculum web designers united to continue and improve the original concept by creating Checking Network USA. All of the key components are the same; leadership, concept and overall objective, however some program modifications were added to Checking Network USA that are definate improvements to its predecessor.

Checking Network USA supports the National Financial Advancement Alliance's mission by:

• Provide topical financial information that creates confidence within consumers to take action immediately in managing all aspects of their personal finances.
• Partner with diverse and noteworthy industry experts that focus on education and services developed to meet the needs of disenfranchised markets, the unbanked, asset-building programs, financial literacy and regulatory issues surrounding these types of initiatives.
• Make a genuine difference in the lives of everyone who participates in Checking Network USA's classes.