Different Types of Banks and Bank Accounts
There are so many types of banks and bank accounts to select from . When it comes time to open up an account, it is often quite confusing. When deciding which type of account you should open, there are some simple explanations to help you determine which is right for you.
Of the many different kinds of banks, here is a sampling:
1. Savings Banks – take deposits of money, invest that money, and pay the depositor interest out of the money made from those investments. Some Savings Banks give credit to depositors.
2. Credit Unions – are owned and controlled by those doing business there. Membership is needed to get into a Credit Union, normally determined by where the person works, their location, or even the church they belong to.
3. Commercial Banks – these banks primarily dealt with businesses, but have extended their services to individuals. Commercial banks offer individuals most of the same services as other types of banks.
4. Savings & Loans – these banks usually provide savings accounts. Money deposited into these banks is then loaned out to local residents in the community, normally for home loans.
5. Investment Banks – these banks… invest. They buy and sell stocks and bonds and give investment advice to their clients. These banks do not accept deposits, make loans, and are not insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Company).
There are many kinds of accounts:
1. Savings account – is probably the most basic account offered. You deposit money into a savings account and earn interest on that deposit based on the APR, or Annual Percentage Rate.
2. Checking account – allows for depositing, withdrawal, and the writing of ‘checks’ to pay bills and for purchases. Many banks offer ATM or debit cards along with the standard checkbook when you open a checking account.
3. Certificate of Deposit – this type of account, also known as a CD, is for deposit only, and is not touched for an agreed upon amount of time. This can vary from 6 months to several years, and you will earn a guaranteed amount of interest. If you withdraw the money before the agreed upon date, you will be charged a fee.
4. Money Market – although similar to a savings account, the interest rate is generally higher, howerver, you may need to maintain a balance of $10,000 or more!
Now that you have an idea of the different kinds of banks and accounts available, it will be easier for you to do your research to find a bank that is right for you.









































