Banks should work on creative approaches to help the working poor and financially strapped get their heads above water.

The working poor and other financially strapped individuals aren't treated like the rest of Florida's people.

The poor pay more - as much as 10 percent when cashing checks and triple-digit rates to take out small loans - although they can afford it the least.

The industries that prey on the needy defend what they do by contending that no other business would deal with their customers.

They suggest that mainstream financial institutions practice a kind of financial red-lining, separating out the poor and financially strapped.

That's not true, but banks could do a better job both of serving those on the financial fringe and of making those services known.

What's needed most, of course, is aggressive government action to bring down to earth the sky-high rates charged by check-cashing services and businesses that lend money in exchange for car titles or provide advances on paychecks.

Another part of the answer, though, lies with mainstream financial institutions. Banks benefit from providing an essential public service, but they also have an inescapable social responsibility.

That, of course, doesn't eclipse the financial responsibilities they have to their owners or depositors, or obligate them to take unnecessary risks. It does, however, call for banks to make their services available to everyone in their communities, including the poor, at reasonable rates.

Union Bank of California has shown what a bank can do when it commits to making a difference. In 1994, the bank launched a program in Los Angeles to compete with check-cashing services for the business of low-income immigrants. In a largely Hispanic shopping district, the bank offered check-cashing and basic banking services at half what check-cashing services charged. It also offered low-cost savings accounts and secured credit cards.

Of course, Union Bank is in business to make a profit. But that hasn't stopped it from doing good. It has succeeded at both, with the program growing to 15 centers in several cities and continuing to expand.

Another option is for banks to take over check-cashing services and make those services more consumer-friendly. One bank with extensive operations in Florida, Banco Popular, has been acquiring check-cashing services in several states - including Florida - since 1997. Banco Popular says it wants to point people in difficult situations toward the financial mainstream. But so far Banco Popular hasn't cut rates at its check-cashing stores. What's it waiting for?

Banks also could offer more low-cost checking accounts that carry few fees and require little or no minimum balance. The federal government is encouraging banks to set up lifeline accounts for people without customary bank accounts to receive federal payments electronically.

Some local banks already are trying creative approaches to help consumers:

• SunTrust Banks launched what it calls "economy checking'' in 1996. The account requires no minimum balance and is designed for people of limited means.
• NationsBank has set up partnerships with consumer-credit counseling services to help the poor manage their finances.
• First Union has a customer-for-life program through which it strives to know its customers and provide needed services - such as help for people in getting their financial life in order.

That's good, but more could be done.

Area banks should review their array of services. Those without inexpensive checking accounts should develop such services.

Banks also should do a better job of getting the word out about loans - such as those secured by car titles. Many people in financial distress have bought the predatory lenders' line that banks wouldn't touch those customers. But most banks offer loans at a fraction of the cost of those hawked by car-title-loan businesses.

Banks have a chance to address the needs of all citizens better and, in doing that, help the working poor fend off Florida's predatory loan sharks. It's time to test the water. It can help, and it will feel good, too.