The FDIC recognizes that public confidence in the banking system is strengthened when banks effectively serve the broadest possible set of consumers. As a result, the agency is committed to increasing the participation of unbanked and underbanked households in the financial mainstream. The FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households represents one contribution to this end. Conducted to assess the inclusiveness of the banking system, and in partial response to a statutory mandate, the biennial survey provides estimates of unbanked and underbanked populations. It also seeks to provide insights that will inform efforts to better meet the needs of these consumers.