Our Commitment to Equality in Lending
At Summit Bank, everyone deserves the same opportunity to succeed—regardless of demographics. That’s why we are deeply committed to Fair Lending practices that ensure every loan application is evaluated consistently, transparently, and without bias.
Fair Lending laws—including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act—are designed to protect individuals from discrimination when applying for credit. But for us, these laws are just the starting point. We go beyond compliance to ensure our lending practices actively foster financial inclusion and opportunity.
What It Means for You
Whether you’re expanding your business, or exploring a personal line of credit, you deserve a fair and supportive lending experience. Here’s what that looks like at Summit:
- Transparent Criteria: We communicate the factors we consider when reviewing a loan—such as credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio—so you know where you stand. No guesswork.
- Bias-Free Decisions: At Summit Bank, we’re committed to making fair and unbiased credit decisions. That means we never consider race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, disability, or any other protected status when reviewing an application. Instead, we focus solely on your financial qualifications—such as your credit history, current financial standing, and ability to repay. Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow and succeed based on their potential, not on factors unrelated to their financial capability.
- Accessible Support: Credit can be a complex topic. That’s why our advisors are always available to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you identify steps to strengthen your financial profile—even if you’re not ready to apply yet.
Building a Stronger Community—Together
When everyone has equitable access to capital, our entire community benefits. Entrepreneurs launch new businesses. Families purchase their first homes. Students pursue education. And neighborhoods grow more vibrant and resilient.
At Summit Bank, we view Fair Lending not just as a regulatory requirement but as a responsibility—and a privilege. We are proud to serve a diverse range of clients across Oregon, and we continually train our team to recognize and prevent unconscious bias at every step of the lending process.
Creating pathways to credit is about more than numbers—it’s about building trust, creating opportunities, and ensuring every person we serve has a fair chance at achieving their goals.
Need Help Navigating the Credit Process?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re applying for your first loan or looking to grow your business, reach out to our team. We’ll walk with you every step of the way—with clarity, care, and commitment to fairness.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY LENDER. MEMBER FDIC.