Accessing Alternatives: Latino Immigrant Financial Experiences in Virginia

Abstract

This work addresses Latino immigrant use of tiendas and remittance services as alternatives to traditional consumer banking in Virginia. Qualitative and quantitative analysis strategies including ethnographic interviews, surveys and in-depth investigation reveal particular patterns among this population. Attention is paid to the reasons given by this population for alternative transaction methods. These center around a feeling of exclusion and mistrust in addition to difficulty with meeting the documentation requirements of consumer banks. Compared with statistical data gathered from a recent study conducted by the FDIC and the U.S. Census, information regarding individual and household income as well as savings and spending habits are offered to demonstrate the market potential of this group. Investigation into the use of 'tiendas', social networks and the significance of local demographics support these alternative methods and should be considered important aspects of the Latino immigrant experience when considering how to provide bank access to unbanked Latinos in Virginia.