Bank branches in the US have been closing steadily for over a decade, but that trend accelerated during the pandemic. Online and digital banking may be out of reach for those without digital devices, broadband, and digital literacy skills. A lack of access to physical banking services can create banking deserts, or geographical areas where there is a significant lack of access to traditional bank branches. Lack of access to physical branches may create challenges for lower-income, rural, older, and disabled customers, and can restrict opportunities to improve their financial health and build wealth.

During this presentation, speakers will share research on bank branch closures and the value of in-person banking. They will also talk about the Fed’s Banking Deserts Dashboard, which analyzes where the deserts are (and could potentially be) located. The panel will also discuss potential solutions for grappling with these issues.