Community Reinvestment Act
The Community Reinvestment Act encourages depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound operations. This page will provide resources and information about successful initiatives and programs for community investment; reinvestment; small-business lending; affordable housing; and community, rural and economic development.
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Overview
Overview
The CRA applies to federally insured depository institutions, including national banks, state-chartered banks, and savings associations. Every bank’s CRA performance is evaluated periodically by its primary federal regulator: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
The CRA plays a critical role in building stronger communities. For example, banks may receive CRA credit for:
- Lending to, and investing in, projects that create affordable housing in LMI areas;
- Making loans to LMI individuals and in LMI areas to support homeownership;
- Lending to small business owners who may rely on financing to grow their business, create jobs, and contribute to local economic development; and
- Providing access to branches, ATMs, and retail banking services to LMI individuals and in LMI areas.
In all, the CRA remains a vital tool to help meet the credit needs of communities across the nation.
Learn more about the CRA examination process
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Resources
Resources from the Federal Reserve:
Resources from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC):
Connect with your Federal Reserve supervisory agency: