Risk

FDIC Insurance: Definition

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Simple Definition

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage — a US government guarantee that protects money in a bank account if the bank fails, up to a set limit.

Why It Matters

FDIC coverage is why a savings account is treated as a safe place for money you cannot afford to lose. The standard limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category — so someone holding more than that at one bank is only covered up to the limit. It is also worth knowing what FDIC does NOT cover: stocks, bonds, mutual funds and money market funds are not insured, even when bought through a bank.

Key Points

  • Protects bank deposits if the bank fails, up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category.
  • Covers checking, savings, money market deposit accounts and CDs.
  • Does NOT cover investments — stocks, bonds, funds — even if bought at a bank.

Related Terms

Common Questions

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage — a US government guarantee that protects money in a bank account if the bank fails, up to a set limit. FDIC coverage is why a savings account is treated as a safe place for money you cannot afford to lose. The standard limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category — so someone holding more than that at one bank is only covered up to the limit.

FDIC coverage is why a savings account is treated as a safe place for money you cannot afford to lose. The standard limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category — so someone holding more than that at one bank is only covered up to the limit. It is also worth knowing what FDIC does NOT cover: stocks, bonds, mutual funds and money market funds are not insured, even when bought through a bank.

Protects bank deposits if the bank fails, up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category.

Covers checking, savings, money market deposit accounts and CDs.

Does NOT cover investments — stocks, bonds, funds — even if bought at a bank.