Pollution, carbon, fossil fuel investments… finance has a huge role to play in the environmental transitionAnd now, customers are no longer fooled. They scrutinize the impact of their bank as much as that of their consumption patterns. In this context, online banks are attracting more and more users seduced by their digital model and responsible communication. But are they really doing better than the traditional players? Is the gap as clear as we think? An overview of a duel that goes far beyond bank fees.

Traditional banks face climate pressure

Having remained silent for a long time, the major banks have had to react to pressure from NGOs, the media and... their own customers. Some are now displaying climate objectives, opportunities, ESG strategies and “decarbonized” portfolios" Except that in fact, they continue - for many — to finance highly polluting sectors.

Fossil fuel financing remains a black spot. Several studies highlight the billions injected each year by institutions like BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole into projects related to oil, gas, and coal.

And while there's a growing number of rhetoric surrounding corporate social responsibility, concrete action often remains timid. CSR is no longer enough to convince... even if some initiatives are moving in the right direction: developing SRI-certified funds, creating green offerings for individuals, or supporting local projects with a positive impact. Mutual banks like Crédit Coopératif and La Nef also demonstrate that a more committed model can exist, even within a traditional framework.

Are online banks really greener?

A lighter model… but is it really more environmentally friendly?

At first glance, online banks seem better equipped to limit their environmental impact: no physical branches, fully digital operations, streamlined infrastructure, etc. This operation naturally reduces energy consumption related to buildings or travel. But is this apparent sobriety enough to make them more responsible players? Not necessarily. Behind the "paperless" image, some practices remain opaque.

Many online banks are adopting a attractive green communication, but in reality, not all of them go all the way with this approach. Some are completely transparent about their investments and their CSR policy, while others remain very discreet or are content with generic mentions.

Contrasting commitments depending on the actors

The online banking market is divided between two major trends: neobanks activists, on the one hand, and online banks from large groups, on the other.

• Green Got et Helios are establishing themselves as the industry benchmarks in green finance. Their promise is clear: not a single cent goes to fossil fuels. They publish their portfolios, finance sustainable projects, and involve their clients in the process. They go even further by offering tools to track the environmental impact of the money deposited into their account.
• Boursorama, Fortune ou Monabanq, although active in digital technology, remain more cautious in their environmental commitment. These subsidiaries of large banking groups adopt more traditional ethical approaches: a few SRI funds, occasional communications, but little transparency on overall investments.

Banking services influenced by the ethical approach

The level of ecological commitment of a bank directly impacts the nature of banking services offered. For activists like Green-Got or Helios, the sustainable approach is integrated into the DNA of the offer: bank card made from recycled materials, systematic contribution to impact projects, monitoring of the carbon footprint of your spending... everything is designed to reinforce ecological coherence.

Conversely, more traditional online banks like Boursorama or Fortuneo offer services that are more focused on performance, usability, and cost. Their "green" offerings exist, but remain peripheral: a few SRI funds or ESG labels, often optional. That said, these institutions can be more attractive based on other criteria: a more varied selection of banking products, additional services like loans, budget management tools, or promotional offers.

To better compare the services and commitments of each actor, This article analyzes the best online banks available on the marketIn summary, the services are not the same depending on the level of ecological commitment, and the choice will depend above all on your priorities: impact or versatility.

 

Transparency, funding, impact: who is really taking action?

How can you tell if a bank is truly taking action to promote the ecological transition? There are several concrete indicators to consider.

Labels play an important role. SRI label (Socially Responsible Investment), the In Germany, or, Finansol help identify impact investments. But be careful: some institutions use them as a simple showcase, without reviewing their entire allocation strategy.

It is also necessary to analyze what the bank voluntarily excludes from its investments. Coal, oil, controversial weapons... The list of exclusions is a good indicator of sincerity.

Another element: education. A committed bank informs its customers, offers awareness-raising content, displays its investment choices, and even allows users to select funds based on ethical criteria.

Finally, the eco-design of digital tools and digital sobriety are areas to closely monitor. Some platforms are offsetting their emissions or optimizing their servers to limit their footprint.

Choosing a bank in line with its values: what are the benchmarks for consumers?

It's difficult to navigate the many similarities between the speeches. However, there are a few pointers that can help you sort things out.

Before opening an account, you should carefully consider:

• Financing supported by the bank
• The origin of funds and investment policy
• Committed partnerships (with NGOs, public actors or local projects)
• Transparency of annual reports and ESG commitments

Tools such as those of the Fair Finance France collective or the Reclaim Finance rankings allow for objective comparisons between establishments on their practices.

Should you avoid all traditional banks? Not necessarily. Encouraging internal change can also be a useful lever. But if your priorities are clear and you want a dedicated, ethical bank or certain specialized neobanks can meet your needs more directly.

The last essential point: accessibility. Because a green bank is useless if it doesn't offer seamless service, reasonable fees, a powerful app, and responsive customer service.

Conclusion

Online banks enjoy a cleaner image, often justified by their digital model. Some go further and are fully committed to sustainable finance. Others remain focused on communication. For their part, traditional banks are moving forward, but at a slower pace. The momentum is building, but the choice always rests with the customer: be an agent of change or continue with what they know.