An underbanked business is a type of business that lacks access to traditional banking services and relies on alternative financial services. These businesses often have a difficult time obtaining a loan, a merchant account, or other financial services from traditional banks. Here are the top 5 examples of underbanked businesses:
- Small businesses: Small businesses, especially those in low-income or rural areas, often lack access to traditional banking services. They may have difficulty obtaining a loan or a merchant account, and may rely on alternative financial services such as check cashing or payday loans.
- Microbusinesses: Microbusinesses, or businesses with fewer than 10 employees, also often lack access to traditional banking services. These businesses may have difficulty obtaining a loan or a merchant account, and may rely on alternative financial services such as check cashing or payday loans.
- Nonprofit organisations: Nonprofit organisations, such as charities and community groups, often lack access to traditional banking services. They may have difficulty obtaining a loan or a merchant account, and may rely on alternative financial services such as check cashing or payday loans.
- High-risk businesses: High-risk businesses, such as those in the adult entertainment, online gaming, and e-cigarettes industries, often lack access to traditional banking services. These businesses may have difficulty obtaining a merchant account, and may rely on alternative financial services such as high-risk merchant processors.
- Immigrant-owned businesses: Immigrant-owned businesses, especially those in low-income or rural areas, often lack access to traditional banking services. They may have difficulty obtaining a loan or a merchant account, and may rely on alternative financial services such as check cashing or payday loans.
These are just a few examples of underbanked businesses, but there are many other types of businesses that may fall into this category as well. It's important to note that underbanked businesses can still operate by working with alternative financial services providers, such as high-risk merchant processors, online lenders or other non-traditional banking solutions. Additionally, governments and private organisations have been developing programs and initiatives to help underbanked businesses to access traditional banking