How do I open a separate ma’aser bank account?

Most major banks offer free savings accounts if you also maintain a checking account. If your bank does not, we suggest one of the following sources for free checking accounts:

NerdWallet’s Blog Post on Free Checking Accounts

Capital One 360 – A favorite, they allow for unlimited sub-accounts

I am happy to give tzedaka and already give 10% of my income to charity. Why do I need this account?
This program is designed to help each person more easily fulfill their mitzvah of tzedaka, but more importantly it aims to create a focus on tzedaka in our community. By publicly joining us you will encourage others to give, and as the mishna in Pirkei Avos (5:16) states, “[One who] gives and wants other to give is pious.”
But my Rav told me that I am not obligated to give ma’aser. What does this have to do with me?
Tzedaka needs to be a focus of this community. If you are not obligated in maaser you can still participate in this mitzvah by being publicly on board and thereby encouraging others to join in. Your support will encourage others to join, and give you a share in the merit we will all generate by working together and encouraging each other. Once the money is in your ma’aser account you may 100% put it back in your regular account if that is appropriate for you personally; it is not a commitment to GIVE the money to tzedaka, but rather a commitment to continually focus on the mitzvah, whether or not you are giving, and regardless of the magnitude of your ability to give.
I can’t bear to part with that much money every month and am stretched thin as it is.

The only area of our lives in which we are allowed to test Hashem is in the area of giving charity. [Malachi 3:10. See also Rema Yoreh Deyah Siman 247]. Try it for 6 months and see how it goes.

I like the idea of having a separate bank account, but I don't want to publicize that I do. Why should I?

Our goal is to create a new reality where everybody feels that seperating ma’aser is something that they can and should do. By putting your name out there publicly, you help us build momentum so that everybody feels that this is something they can do, should do, and don’t want to be left out of doing. Positive peer pressure goes a long way.

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