Public banks in California are designed to manage public funds, not operate as retail banks for individuals. They will not have physical branches for everyday consumer banking. However, Public Bank Los Angeles and the California Public Banking Alliance are exploring ways to expand access for the general public.

In 2021, California passed the Public Banking Option Act (AB 1177), which will create the CalAccount program. This program aims to provide zero-cost, zero-penalty bank accounts to all Californians, with the goal of reaching millions of unbanked and underbanked residents. Local public banks may eventually become designated partners to hold CalAccounts, though public banks are generally restricted from direct retail banking activity.

There are limited exceptions. Public banks can offer some retail-like services, such as accepting deposits or making loans to public entities, if no local financial institutions are offering those services within the community. While individual residents cannot open checking or savings accounts directly at a public bank today, the broader goal is to create a public banking ecosystem that works alongside community banks, credit unions, and programs like CalAccount to expand financial access for everyone.