Millions of Americans don’t have bank accounts. Here’s where they live. [Video]

Most financial experts agree that the best time to start using a credit card is 18, as long as one is equipped with the financial education to tackle the responsibility of taking on debt. The sooner someone can begin building a history with banks, the better.

In a country where taking part in the banking system is a necessary tool for economic opportunity, about 1 in 25 Americans still don’t participate.

Who are they, and why don’t they manage their finances with banks? These adults who don’t use traditional credit cards, savings, or debit accounts are known as the “unbanked.” Spokeo analyzed data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to illustrate where in the U.S. the most unbanked Americans live.

About 4.2% of Americans were considered unbanked in 2023, according to survey data the FDIC released in November. Not using banking services can be expensive and time-consuming. Researchers at the Federal Reserve have referred to being unbanked as “financial …