Academy Bank Gen Z clients are reporting challenges with credit knowledge, and the bank is providing services to fill that gap.  

“With Gen Z becoming a significant segment of banking customers, it’s clear that this tech-savvy and financially curious generation needs accessible tools to navigate credit-building,” Jodi Vickery, director of consumer banking and consumer loans at Academy Bank, told Bank Automation News.

A survey of 215 people between ages 18 and 27 conducted by the $2.7 billion bank, Navigating Credit Scores: Gen Z’s Credit Knowledge and Challenges, found: 

• 50% of respondents said that a good credit score was extremely important to them; 

• 40% said a good credit score was somewhat important to them;  

• 78% considered themselves somewhat knowledgeable about credit scores; and 

• 19% considered themselves very knowledgeable about credit scores. 

“As the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, Gen Z often seeks financial education and resources within mobile banking apps,” Vickery said. “Recognizing this, banks can meet them where they are by offering tools and campaigns designed to empower them to build healthy credit habits.” 

To help its Gen Z clients build their credit, Academy Bank offers: 

• Mobile Bill Pay, which encourages on-time payments. 

• Savings and budgeting tools, which support healthy financial habits. 

• Educational resources, which provide guidance on financial literacy topics. 

“Academy Bank has tools built into our current online and mobile app platform and plans to continue building in functionality to support this group with education and resources,” Vickery said.  

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