The FDIC is a federal agency that protects deposits in American banks and thrifts if the banks fail. It was established in 1933 to ensure trust and stability in the financial system by promoting responsible banking.
Starting in 2023, the FDIC protects deposits of up to $250,000 per depositor if the bank is a member. It’s important for customers to check if their bank is FDIC-insured.
The FDIC’s main goal is to avoid situations where many people withdraw their money from a bank all at once, like what happened during the Great Depression. This rush to withdraw money happened when people were afraid that a bank might close.
When customers panicked and rushed to withdraw their money, banks couldn’t keep up with the demand. The early birds who withdrew their funds from a struggling bank would gain, but those who hesitated could end up losing everything. Without the FDIC, there was no assurance of deposit safety aside from trusting the bank’s stability.
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With most banks and thrifts providing FDIC coverage, customers have more confidence in their deposits. This allows banks to handle issues more effectively without causing a panic among depositors.
If a bank fails, the FDIC protects deposits up to $250,000 per insured bank account, including retirement accounts and trusts. This amount is enough for most depositors, but those with more should divide their money among different banks.
What It Covers?
Checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts are usually fully protected by the FDIC. This protection also applies to individual retirement accounts (IRAs), but only for the portions that match the types of accounts mentioned. Joint accounts, revocable and irrevocable trust accounts, and employee benefit plans are included in the coverage, as well as accounts for corporations, partnerships, and unincorporated associations.
FDIC insurance does not protect mutual funds, annuities, life insurance policies, stocks, or bonds. Safe-deposit box contents are also not covered. However, cashier’s checks and money orders from the failed bank are fully covered by the FDIC.
Business accounts from corporations, partnerships, LLCs, or unincorporated groups at a bank are also protected by FDIC insurance.
Conclusion
The FDIC protects deposits in American banks and thrifts if there is a bank failure or run. It was established in the Depression to boost consumer trust and promote stability in the financial system. It insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, if the bank is a member. Make sure to check if a bank is FDIC-insured before opening an account or depositing money.