Austin, TX Checking Accounts and Reloadable Debit Cards

Do You Know?

Who Regulates Banks and Credit Unions

Nowadays, consumers need to know a lot more about how banks and credit unions work in order to feel confident about the security of their savings. The most important thing is to make sure your deposits are federally insured by either the FDIC or the NCUA. So even if your bank fails, your money is safe. This safety net is paid for through our taxes and premiums paid by banks and credit unions to insure the deposits.

So who's watching these institutions? Banks and credit unions that offer consumers federally-insured checking accounts are regulated by different federal agencies. Each state also has a department that watches over the banks in their state. There are 3 primary federal agencies that regulate banks and credit unions. Within these agencies their are different 'offices' or 'departments' that oversee and regulate different aspects of the banks' operations (their acronyms are long). Here are the 3 main agencies:

  • Federal Reserve Board 'The Fed' was founded in 1913 to provide stability to our financial system. They manage our government's monetary policy, supervise and regulate banks and provide financial services to these banks -- for example, clearing checks.
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation The FDIC was founded by congress in 1933 to protect deposits. This was in response to thousands of bank closures in the late 1920's and early 1930's. This independent federal agency insures deposits and regulates banks. The FDIC can take over a bank if they're insolvent and either sell-off it assets or run the bank.
  • National Credit Union Administration In 1934, the federal government passed the Federal Credit Union Act to facilitate the chartering of federal credit unions in every state. The purpose was to make credit available to individuals and promote individual savings. These institutions are not-for-profit and are managed as cooperatives. In the 1970's the NCUA was formed and is backed of the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (just like FDIC-insured deposit accounts).

Tips About Checking Accounts and Reloadable Debit Cards

Understanding Features of Online-Only Checking Accounts

Online Banking Accounts offer features and services unique from traditional checking accounts, including remote deposit, ATM fee rebates, Surcharge-Fee ATM Use, and higher interest rates. Read on to learn more or use FindABetterBank to find the checking account with the features you want. Read more...

Understanding High-Yield Interest "Rewards" Checking Accounts

In recent years, both banks and credit unions have offered rewards checking accounts with terrific interest rates -- sometimes up to 6.00%. While the interest rates have cooled off, the accounts still offer great benefits like no fee ATM withdrawals and even ATM Rebates. Read more...

How to Close a Checking Account

For many consumers, their checking account is the center of their financial existence because it’s where paychecks are deposited, bills are paid and spending money is stored. Because there is so many transactions flowing in and out of these accounts, it’s crucial to close your checking account properly in order to avoid unwanted blunders. Read on...

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