But they may be subject to discrimination in lending practices by virtue of their sexual orientation. For example, most traditional banks rarely allow same-gender couples to use their joint income to qualify for mortgages or loans. Further, some gay men and lesbians may wish to avoid being out to a loan officer in their community for reasons of comfort, privacy, and anonymity, as well as due to fear of discrimination. Since 1996, journalists and researchers alike have been writing about the potential and power of the gay and lesbian consumer market. These consumers present a significant and as yet untapped market opportunity in the world of banking.
Internet banking saves time and money.
Plus, customers do not have to pay a fee to stand in long lines, only to finally speak with a grumpy teller. As a result, in most cases the company offers lower loan rates and higher depository interest rates due to operating efficiencies. The bank s operational center and corporate headquarters, where the bank s 54 employees work, are in downtown Pensacola, Florida. All private financial information is transmitted over the Internet using methods that ensure privacy, message integrity, and authentication for all applications. User IDs and passwords will be stored on the bank s Intranet system.