The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs is partnering with financial institutions including Carver Federal Savings Bank to offer an affordable bank account for unbanked New Yorkers. The New York City SafeStart Account has no upfront fees, no overdraft fees and accepts a minimum balance of $25. The accounts are major improvement over check cashing services, which collect an estimated $225 million from New Yorkers each year. Individuals can open a SafeStart account at participating bank and credit union branches throughout the city or schedule a free one-on-one financial counseling session at one of the city’s financial empowerment centers to learn about opening an account.