Who we are
Our co-operative values and ethics have underpinned our approach to banking since 1872. The Co-operative Bank’s customer-led Ethical Policy has been influenced by and designed for our customers for more than 30 years, making it central to how we operate.
At The Co-operative Bank our values and ethics have always been more than just words. We are committed to acting on the issues that are important to our customers and working with our charity partners to deliver real change for planet, people and community.
Together we can:
- tackle the climate crisis
- campaign for change
- demand a fairer society.
The three pillars of our Ethical Policy:
We’re committed to:
- Working to limit and reduce global climate change and the destruction of ecosystems
- Taking steps to reverse the decline in biodiversity
- Preserving animal welfare
- Working towards being a lifetime carbon neutral bank
- Increasing sustainability in our business and suppliers.
We’re committed to:
- Promoting human rights, social justice in international development and equality
- Campaigning for meaningful change in society
- Making sure we’re a responsible bank that treats customers fairly
- Being an ethical employer with a strong culture.
We’re committed to:
- Promoting economic and social development
- Only working with businesses and organisations that are accountable and share our values
- Supporting the co-operative movement and being a member of Co-operatives UK
- Being good digital citizens and maintaining online protections
- Continuing to actively support the small business community.
Planet
Our banking services make a positive difference to the lives of our customers and communities. Our range of business bank accounts has been designed especially to suit small businesses, charities, organisations, co-operatives and medium to large enterprises, and we offer additional features to help our customers reach their own ESG goals. Our ethical screening process ensures we do not provide products, services or finance to businesses that conflict with our Ethical Policy.
People
10 years as Best Charity Banking Provider
We've proudly won again with Business Moneyfacts. Supporting charitable organisations that bank with us to thrive is a big part of what we do. And we've been recognised for it ever year since 2016.
Community
We are committed to driving meaningful change for our customers, colleagues and community. One way we do this is through our Customer Donation Fund, which gives our Community Directplus customers access to funding to support projects close to their hearts. Your choice of bank can help change the world.
Supporting the co-operative movement
The Co-operative Bank was founded on the principles of the co-operative movement. For over 150 years, we've supported businesses who share the same values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. We’re a member of Co-operatives UK and we’ve partnered with them to offer our Business Support for Co-ops programme.
Find out what our customers think of our bank
Read about why our business customers joined The Co-operative Bank and found better business banking products and services that align with their values and goals.
Learn about the most valued aspects of the bank and how you can be supported to reach your business and ESG goals.
Best Charity Banking Provider 2025
The Co-operative Bank has been voted the winner of the 2025 'Best Charity Banking Provider' award by Business Moneyfacts for the tenth consecutive year.
Best service from a Business Bank 2020
The Co-operative Bank has been highly commended in the 2020 'Best Service from a Business Bank' award by Business Moneyfacts.