NEW YORK -- New York State banks may promote their money order, bill payment, and bilingual services to the underserved and new immigrants but few actually cash checks, wire money overseas or take nontraditional identification, according to a retail survey conducted by the New York State Banking Department.

While banks offer more services that cater to the needs of underserved, most still limit those services to people who are already bank customers, said the survey.

According to a Feb. 6 report detailing survey findings based on queries to 209 banks, 87% that responded offer money orders, but just over half of them limit the service to customers. Just 28% offer check-cashing services, while only 19% let people bring money in to pay utility and other bills. Also, just under 25% offer international remittances or wire transfers, with 11% of those limiting it to customers.

Nearly all 94% have staff, services or literature in more than one language, including Spanish, Chinese and Russian. But only 20% accept "cedular" or "consular" cards as identification.

In a press statement, Richard H. Neiman, the superintendent of banks whose department also regulates credit unions, said the agency is " happy to see that banks are actively trying to reach unbanked and immigrant populations" though "we are aware of banks' concern over identification requirements."