Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Pennsylvania

Community banking policies

I recently walked into a bank to open a savings account and was rejected because I do not live within their captured community. They explained to me that it was their policy only to do business with individuals who reside within their self-determined area and would have to provide proof of residency within. They further stated that if I moved within their district and then moved outside the bounderies, I would be allowed to keep it open which is odd. Can they exercise this right? It seems to me that if they could, then they could also pick and choose the race of their customers as well. Am I off base and completely wrong? Thank You!


Asked on 5/29/03, 4:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Regina Mullen Legal Data Services, PLC

Re: Community banking policies

I am almost positive that they don't have the right to exclude you as a customer simply because you don't live in the area. Banking is covered by both state and federal law, so the question is whether their refusal to do business with you violates a federally-protected right. It may be statutory, but you'll have to have someone look at the laws in your state to know what to do, if anything. If you think it's racial and/or ethnic discrimination, you should contact your local NAACP and see if they will run a test and take the issue up with the bank.

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Answered on 5/29/03, 9:40 pm


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