Touchless payments. Non-fungible tokens. AI tellers. The banking world is changing fast. But Californians continue to rely on banks for reasons that remain unchanged: Safe storage of funds. Convenient transactions and ready access to cash. Handy payment processing. And access to essential benefits like credit, financial planning, and advice.
DFPI and banking
We ensure that new technologies are changing banking for the good. We license and regulate banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders and other financial service providers in our state. It’s our responsibility to safeguard your interests and make sure consumers understand their rights when they bank in California.
Featured Resources
Basic Banking and Credit for New Americans (Part One)
Many banks offer workshops and resources to help you manage your money. The staff is trained to help if you have questions or run into issues. Also, remember that the DFPI is always here to ensure you get a fair deal.
Personal Finance for Couples: Managing Joint Finances
Whether you’re just married or recently moved in together, now is the time to talk about money. Sound unromantic? Money is a common cause of stress in relationships, and if left unaddressed, it can impact more than just your wallet. Follow these tips to help you manage joint finances in a marriage or partnership.
Checking Your Credit – What You Need to Know
Find out what your credit history looks like by checking your credit report. Your credit report has information about whether you pay your bills on time, what loans and credit cards you have (and the amounts you owe), and whether you’ve filed for bankruptcy.
Useful Terms
Digital banking
Digital banking has increased convenience and accessibility for consumers. Online and mobile banking platforms make remote funds transfer, bill paying, and check depositing possible.
Mobile Payments
Mobile payments keep growing in popularity as people use their smartphones and mobile devices to make payments at retail stores, restaurants, and online merchants.
Contactless Payment
Contactless payment technology lets consumers pay simply by tapping their cards or mobile devices on a card reader.
Open Banking
Open banking initiatives involve sharing customer financial data between banks and service providers, which drives innovation and competition.
Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion expands access to financial services among underserved and unbanked populations.
Security and Fraud Prevention
As digital banking grows, banks emphasize security and fraud prevention to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized account access.
Useful links
- Protect your money. Know your rights: Our consumer portal enables you to submit complaints, verify banking providers and get answers.
- DFPI: Commercial Banks: We provide directories of accredited banks, summaries of laws and regulations, and more.
- Future of Banking: Deloitte’s report on the evolving state of bank and banking technology.
- GetBanked: Banks protect your deposits, sure, but they use your money to do much more. Learn all about it at this site from the FDIC.
- The Importance of Deposit Insurance: What to know about the insurance that backs most banking deposits.
- The Dual Chartering System: Understand how and why the dual chartering system works to protect the interests of Californians.
Other Recent Consumer Alerts and Insights
Consumer Insights
Tech scams that target older adults
Follow this guide to safeguard yourself and others from the latest technology scams and fraud.
Consumer Insights
Don’t fall victim to student loan debt relief scams
Oct 16, 2024
Know your rights when paying back student loans. Follow these tips to identify debt relief scams and how to protect yourself.
Alerts
Scam Alert: Imposter Posing as DFPI in Crypto Investment Scheme
Apr 25, 2025
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has received reports of scammers claiming to be from “CDFI,” using deceptive email addresses such as [email protected] and [email protected].
Alerts
Advisory to Small Businesses: Speak Up About Merchant Cash Advances
Apr 14, 2025
The DFPI wants to hear from small businesses that may have fallen prey to unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices in connection with a financial product known as a merchant cash advance (MCA).
Stay Connected
Resources and Publications
Industries we regulate
- Commercial Banks
- Industrial Banks
- Public Banks
- Credit Unions
- Trust Services
- Securities
- Franchises
- Capital for Businesses
- Broker-Dealers & Investment Advisers
- Money Transmitters
- Debt Collectors
- Check Sellers, Bill Payers & Proraters
- Consumer & Commercial Loans
- Payday Lenders
- Insurance Premium Finance
- Residential Mortgage Lenders
- Mortgage Loan Originators
- Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
- Escrow
- Student Loan Servicers
