Our Story

We built Kudzu for one reason: Your growth

No more guessing where your money went. A Kudzu spending account helps you stay on top of your money and build better habits along the way.

Our Mission

Financial freedom for all

If you’ve ever felt like banking wasn’t built for you, you’re not alone. Kudzu’s mission is to rewrite that story, making financial freedom accessible to all.

Our Promise

The support you need to succeed

Kudzu was built for people who’ve been overlooked. Our promise is simple: We give you the resources you need to move forward—and grow—with confidence.

Our Values

Rooted in values. Driven by purpose.

We're creating a financial community built on knowledge, opportunity, and empathy. Our values aren't just ideals—they're the foundation of how we help you thrive.

Empowering you through knowledge

We equip you with the tools and confidence to make informed financial decisions, fostering lifelong independence and success.

Championing your financial opportunity

We actively create pathways to financial stability and growth for all, especially those underserved by traditional systems.

Caring through connection

We build meaningful relationships by listening, understanding, and supporting the unique journeys of every customer.

Making finance simple for you

Financial stability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We provide easy-to-use resources for making meaningful progress with your money.

Growing with purpose

We commit to responsible innovation and sustainable practices that prioritize long-term benefits for individuals, families, and communities.

Our Story

Deep roots. A future built on service.

Although Kudzu was launched in 2024, our parent company Systems and Methods, Inc. (SMI) has provided financial tools to families and underserved communities since 1971.

As a family-owned and operated organization based in Georgia, SMI serves more than 5 million Americans with secure payment technology solutions across 18 states and 16 Tribal nations. In 2011, we launched the smiONE™ Visa® Prepaid Card to help families and children access the critical funds they rely on—safely, quickly, and with less stress.

Through this work we saw first-hand how conventional banking products and services were ill-suited to the needs of our customers. Many had little or no credit history and poor access to the financial education and tools needed to thrive.

That’s why we knew we had to start Kudzu, a modern, digital banking solution for people who want to grow their money, but can’t access conventional banking services.

People ask why they should be excluded from a chance to build a strong financial future and Kudzu is our answer to that question. Everyone deserves a chance.

With Kudzu in your corner, there’s no telling how far you’ll grow.

Who We Serve

Empowering all paths to growth

Everyone deserves the opportunity for financial growth. Whether you’re just getting started, rebuilding your credit, fine-tuning a budget, or planning for your future, Kudzu is here to help.

Starting Your Financial Journey?

We provide the foundation you need to help you build positive financial habits, manage your money confidently, and avoid unnecessary fees.

Trying to Optimize Your Budget?

Kudzu helps you make sense of your financial situation, helping you create a plan that’s right for you to move your goals forward.

Want to Make Better Credit Choices?

Credit setbacks happen. We’re here to help you recover with confidence and create a plan that puts you back in charge. The Kudzu Visa® Debit Card is not a credit card.

Planning Your Financial Future?

We make long-term planning feel doable with features that simplify saving, support goal setting, and help you stay on track.