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Oklahoma Credit Union and OCCY expand youth banking access for unaccompanied and transitioning youth
Summary
The Oklahoma Credit Union outlined a program partnership with the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to open low-cost savings and checking accounts for youth without guardians, including those aging out of care. Presenters said they have opened more than 50 youth accounts and will provide certified financial counseling and outreach workshops
The Oklahoma Credit Union told the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth about a partnership to provide banking accounts and hands-on financial education for unaccompanied youth and young people transitioning out of care.
Tammy Kilman of OKCU introduced Amanda Kirby, who said the program aims to give youth a safe place to bank and to teach budgeting, saving and credit basics. "Our mission at OKCU is to help Oklahomists do more with their money," Kirby said. She told the commission the pilot has opened more than 50 youth accounts and had helped one young person obtain an auto loan.
The program serves youths approximately 14 up to the mid‑20s (OCCY and OKCU described outreach to youth aging out of state care). OKCU said account opening options include an online QR code, phone appointments and in‑person branch help. Required documentation can include legal name, date of birth and a Social Security number; the credit union said it will accept a signed form and a case manager verification letter when typical identity documents are unavailable.
Program features highlighted to commissioners included no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, a mobile banking app, certified one‑on‑one financial counseling and waivers of standard opening fees. Commissioners praised the credit union’s commitment to an initial $5 deposit when a youth cannot afford to fund an account and the decision to waive a $25 checking account fee for program participants.
OKCU said it will expand workshops statewide and is using a small grant to develop budgets and other materials. The commission welcomed the partnership and encouraged staff to continue outreach to providers across Oklahoma.
Ending: The commission commended the credit union and partners for offering accounts, counseling and fee waivers designed for youth who lack guardianship or are in transition to independence. OCCY staff said they will continue to promote the program to providers statewide.
