Do Americans want the post office to offer financial services?

Jamie BallardData Journalist
August 08, 2018, 2:00 PM GMT+0

Democrats (41%) are far more likely than Republicans (26%) to say they support the idea

Potential legislation has been proposed which would allow consumers to access basic retail banking services at US Postal Service locations. Services would include small low-interest loans for consumers, as an alternative to payday lenders which often charge high interest rates. According to new data from YouGov Omnibus, Americans are split on whether they support or oppose this idea. About one-third (34%) of people say they would support banking services at USPS offices, but another 30% say they would oppose it.

A similar number (36%) are simply unsure.

There are some notable political differences. Democrats (41%) are far more likely than Republicans (26%) to say they support the idea, while politically independent people fall in the middle, with 32% supporting the idea.

Additionally, there were large differences between age groups. People between 25 and 34 years old were most likely to be in favor of banking services at USPS offices, with 42% in support. Only one-quarter (25%) of people 55 or older said they supported the idea, with many more (41%) saying they are opposed.

Learn more about YouGov Omnibus.

Image: Getty

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