OCC finds nine biggest US banks blocked customers over politics, religion and business ties

Nine of the nation’s largest banks were found to have denied services to customers because of their political or religious views, and because of the industries they operate in, according to a Wednesday report from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The OCC examined about 100,000 complaints and hundreds of banking decisions made between 2020 and September 2025, and concluded that the nine biggest national banks it supervises let such factors sway their decisions. The review was launched under President Donald Trump’s 2025 executive order that directed federal regulators to identify banks that turned away clients over beliefs. The report notes that while some conservatives say they are being singled out, similar refusals were recorded against Democratic‑leaning groups. Banks also cited legal reasons such as suspected fraud or overdrawn accounts for closing accounts.

Findings

The OCC cited the now‑defunct payment processor WePay, bought by JPMorgan Chase in 2017, for shutting down merchants selling MAGA‑related merchandise. JPMorgan said its policies ban discrimination and that WePay’s processes were corrected and the unit shut down. The agency also flagged refusals to serve firms in oil and gas exploration, coal mining and firearms sectors.

Reactions

Comptroller Jonathan V. Gould said access to banking is a mandate, not a mantra. A JPMorgan spokesperson reiterated the anti‑discrimination stance. Citibank and Wells Fargo declined comment, pointing to a Bank Policy Institute statement that the industry backs fair access while managing risk.

Context

The findings come amid broader debates about whether banks can or should limit services based on customers’ politics, religion or line of business, a question that regulators are now being asked to address more formally.