So Many Banks, So Many Accounts, So Little Sanity?
Sometimes looking into opening an account or accounts in banks can be confusing. Oh, the humanity…look at all those different types of banks and bank accounts! Fortunately, we have an answer to your prayers. Which types of accounts do you need to open? The goal of this article is to discuss the different types of banks and bank accounts in layman’s terms, simple English and the minimum length possible. Enjoy your read and here’s hoping you choose well!
You can choose from different types of banks.
Savings Banks. A Savings Bank is commonly known as a Thrift, and is a for-profit type of organization. Savings Banks take deposits of money, invest that money, and pay the depositor interest out of the money made from those investments. Sometimes a depositor can receive a credit from a Savings Bank.
Credit Unions. These financial institutions do not operate for a profit. This type of bank is owned and controlled by the people who have an interest in the Union. In order to get into a Credit Union, you will have to apply for membership, which is based on several factors, including the place of work, location and in some cases, where you attend church.
Commercial Banks. The term implies that this is a bank that deals with businesses, but individuals can also take advantage of such a bank’s services. Commercial banks offer individuals most of the same services as other types of banks.
Savings & Loans. Savings accounts are the main specialization of these financial institutions. Any monies deposited into this particular type of bank would be loaned out for the purpose of home loans (and some others) to the residents of the bank’s location.
Investment Banks. Of course, these banks are all about one thing…surprise, it’s investment! The services Investment Banks offer, of course, include the purchase and sale of stocks and bonds and investment advice given to clients. Not only do these banks not have any Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) insurance, they are also unable to accept deposits or process or make loans.
Likewise, there are different types of accounts.
Savings account. This type of account is probably the most basic account offered by banks. It is all about depositing funds into the savings account and accruing interest on that deposit, which is determined by the Annual Percentage Rate or APR for short.
Checking account. This type of account allows for depositing, withdrawal, and the writing of ‘checks’ to pay bills and for purchases. Checking accounts offered by most of today’s banks not only offer a check book as standard part of opening a new account, but also an ATM or debit card as well.
Certificate of Deposit. Now this type of account, also referred to as CD, is only for the purpose of depositing money. There would be a stipulated length of time, as short as six months or as long as a good few years in which you are not allowed to touch the money you have deposited into the CD, and over this time frame you will earn guaranteed interest. If you do withdraw the money before the agreed upon date, many banks will charge you a fee.
Money Market account. This type of account is similar to a savings account. The interest rate of these Money Market accounts is normally higher than most savings accounts but again, a caveat — you would need to deposit a minimum balance of $10,000 in most cases!
See, that wasn’t too bad — some brief descriptions of different types of banks and accounts. The onus is now on you to choose the best bank, do some research and shop around wisely.
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February 4, 2012 | Posted by Alice Nance
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