What was the name of the first black-owned bank?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

The historic distinction of the first African-American-owned bank in the United States is widely attributed to the Capital Savings Bank of Washington, D.C., which was incorporated and commenced operations in October 1888. Founded by prominent African-American community leaders, ministers, and entrepreneurs during the post-Reconstruction era, the institution was established to provide secure savings accounts, real estate mortgage financing, and economic empowerment to Black citizens who faced systemic discrimination from traditional mainstream financial institutions, paving the way for the growth of independent Black banking networks nationwide.

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