When it comes to financial inclusion, one critical yet often-overlooked group is the military community. While fintech innovation has largely centered on unbanked or underbanked populations in urban areas, service members—particularly young recruits and those deployed overseas—continue to face major gaps in access to fair and flexible financial services.
From predatory lenders operating near military bases to the difficulties of managing accounts amid frequent relocations, the need for tailored military banking solutions is urgent. Fortunately, a new wave of digital platforms is stepping up to meet these challenges. Leading the charge is Roger, a mobile-first banking solution designed specifically for the needs of service members and their families.
A Military Experience That Sparked a Mission
The inspiration behind Roger isn’t theoretical—it’s deeply personal. Its creator drew on lived experience as a young recruit struggling with money management, family-related account issues, and a lack of financial literacy. These early challenges later became the foundation for designing a better banking experience for those who wear the uniform.
From losing savings due to misuse by a family member to not understanding basic protections like forgery claims, the lessons learned were hard-hitting. But they revealed a simple truth: recruits often begin service without access to the knowledge, tools, or protections they need to build financial stability.
Understanding the Problem: Barriers Faced by Service Members
For most civilians, opening a bank account is a straightforward process. But for military recruits—many of whom are under 25, unbanked, and frequently relocated—the hurdles are significant.
Roughly 50–66% of recruits start basic training without a bank account. Others open accounts only to face garnishments or mismanagement due to co-signers required by age or lack of financial independence. Worse still, many service members fall prey to financial scams, high-interest loans, or poor credit management.
These issues affect military readiness. When new recruits can’t get paid promptly or are bogged down by debt, their ability to serve suffers. Financial stress has even driven some to take extreme actions, like insurance fraud, out of desperation.
Why Traditional Banks Fall Short
The default banking system is not built for the military lifestyle. Frequent moves, limited internet access during deployment, and odd working hours make it difficult to bank like civilians do.
Many military-focused banks also present barriers to entry, requiring existing service to open accounts. Meanwhile, mainstream banks often don’t provide the flexibility or support needed for someone stationed overseas or in training.
Tasks as simple as changing a billing address or disputing a fee can become hours-long ordeals—something that’s nearly impossible while deployed or working a demanding schedule.
Roger: A Purpose-Built Digital Bank
Roger addresses these problems by focusing on ease, accessibility, and community. Designed in collaboration with real service members and financial experts, the platform combines practical features with the personal understanding of military life.
Here’s what makes Roger different:
- 24/7 secure messaging: Service members can get support anytime, no matter their location.
- Simple mobile controls: Full access and control through a phone, without needing a branch visit.
- High-interest savings: Encouraging financial stability and future planning.
- Spending round-ups with bank matching: Helping members save effortlessly.
- Flexible support hours: Call centers are open seven days a week with extended availability.
The platform also plans to introduce features like credit management tools, peer mentorship systems, and educational resources—all tailored to military life. These additions will help young service members make smarter financial decisions early in their careers.
Building Community and Financial Mentorship
Roger isn’t just a bank—it’s becoming a community. Future plans include connecting junior members with experienced non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who can offer practical advice. It’s a mentorship model built on shared experience and trust, with financial tools to back it up.
The name “Roger” itself reflects this ethos. In military lingo, “Roger” means “message received.” In the banking context, it symbolizes understanding, support, and reliability—exactly what many service members feel they’ve lacked.
The Broader Impact: Financial Health for Military Families
Military life doesn’t only impact the individual in uniform—it affects their entire family. Spouses often struggle with unemployment due to frequent relocations. In fact, nearly 24% of military spouses are unemployed, even in tight labor markets.
Financial vulnerability in this community isn’t about laziness or ignorance. It’s about circumstances. It’s about trying to build a stable life while facing instability most civilians never experience. Fintech platforms like Roger aim to change that by offering tools, support, and education designed for these realities.
A New Model for Fintech: Community-Focused Design
What sets Roger apart isn’t flashy branding or venture capital hype. It’s the focus on real problems. Too often, challenger banks operate more like marketing engines than problem solvers. Roger is different.
It’s fully owned by Citizens Bank of Edmond, with technical support from vendor Nimbus. This structure allows Roger to combine local bank values with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, all while staying close to the needs of its users.
Roger also benefits from deep buy-in. Advisory board members include high-ranking military leaders who believe in the mission. Service members, past and present, have offered feedback, insight, and validation. In short, Roger isn’t a solution designed for the military—it’s built with them.
A Model That Can Inspire Other Niche Fintechs
Roger is part of a growing movement of community fintechs—platforms designed around the needs of specific populations. These banks aren’t trying to be everything to everyone. They’re solving real problems in underserved spaces.
Other niche fintechs can learn from this approach. Start by listening. Engage with the community you want to serve. Build partnerships based on trust, not just profit. And above all, be open to feedback—even if it comes in the form of a social media critique about the uniform a model is wearing.
The Road Ahead: More Than Just Banking
Looking forward, Roger aims to deepen its support systems. Future enhancements may include:
- Community-driven learning platforms
- Peer mentorship opportunities
- Expanded credit services tailored to military life
- Integrated tools for spouses and families
The goal is simple: to build not just a bank, but a financial wellness hub for a community that gives so much—and often receives too little in return.
