Category: Finance Investment: Eco Banks

If you’re wondering where to put your money these days in the UK and finding it hard to find a bank that actually has an ethical policy – then don't worry you’re not alone. Most banks in the high street think ethical is a word you throw in here and there just to try and win more customers. However there are a couple of banks, building societies and institutions that you can trust. According to Ethical Consumer, the following are the ones you can trust:

Banks

Triodos, Charity Bank, Northern Rock, Smile, Co-operative

Building Societies

Norwich and Peterborough, Ecology building society, Cumberland, Coventry, Leeds, Nationwide

Co-operative Bank and Smile - The Co-operative Bank is the UK’s only high street bank with its own extensive ethical policy, that it shares with its sister company, Smile. Both banks received a mid-level score from the Ethical Consumer but, they both received the fourth highest score of all the banks included in the report.

Triodos - Triodos are clear that they will only invest in ethical businesses and are completely transparent about any companies they choose to invest in. They describe themselves as, “genuinely transparent and only lending to and investing in organisations that benefit people and the environment”.

Charity Bank – Every penny of depositors’ money will be invested in supporting communities and charities. Charity Bank give affordable loans only to organisations with a social mission.

Ecology Building Society - Ecology note that they will, “only lend on properties and projects that minimise environmental impact or which help promote sustainable communities and lifestyles”. They offer mortgages and savings accounts.

Alex is a financial blogger and writer. He loves writing about vegetarian and green issues although he spends most of his time writing about finance and business from mortgages to taxes to payday loans .