In the United States, 25.6 percent of households have very limited or no access to banking services. Most worrisome is the fact that these households are low-income or minority families, according to the findings of a study sponsored by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Further analysis of this percentage indicates that nine million households across the nation, which means some 17 million adults, have no access to banking services. And an additional 21 million households, or 43 million adults, have very limited access to such services.

With limited recourse to banks, these families spend more than they ought to buying postal money orders and paying commissions when they cash their checks. The inquiry, which was carried out by the Census Bureau, also shows that this group makes use of pawnshops at least once or twice a year.

Serious disadvantage for Hispanics

Among the minorities most likely not to have access to banking services are the African-American community, at 21.7 percent, and Hispanic households, at 19.3 percent. Following these groups are American Indian/Alaskans, at 15.6 percent, according to the FDIC study.

And homes with household incomes of less than $30,000 make up at least 71 percent of those with no access to banking services.

As household income rises, the proportion of households without access to banking services drops considerably.

It remains to be noted that nationally, around 20 percent of low-income households in the United States, almost 7 million homes with an income under $30,000 have no bank account.

"This inquiry will provide the basic information for future efforts meant to fulfill the needs of households with no- or limited-access to banking services in the United States," explained Martin J. Gruenberg, FDIC Vice Chairman, in a press release.

"Access to an account in an institution insured by the federal government offers these households an important first step toward financial security: the opportunity to carry out basic financial operations, save over the long run for emergencies, and obtain credit at affordable rates and conditions," FDIC President Sheila Bair assured the press.

Nine million households nationally, which is to say 17 million adults, have no access to banking services.

Those who wish to know more about this inquiry can visit the government web page at www.economicinclusion.gov.