You probably have some idea about what banks do. You know they accept your deposits and make loans — but what else do they do? Much more, it turns out.
A Range of Bank Services
When you use a bank, you receive regular statements that tell you how much you have in your accounts, what bills you've paid, and how much interest you've earned. You can ask for a debit card to use at an ATM and to make purchases. You may qualify for a credit card. If you need money to buy a home or send a child to college, you can apply for a loan. And if you're ready to invest, you can do that through a bank too.
Banks provide detailed information about the accounts they offer, which they update each time they make a change. They also have customer service representatives whose job is to answer your questions and help you take advantage of their products and services. Visiting the local branch office of a bank or their website should provide you with a good overview on what products and services they offer, along with their costs.
Is Your Money Safe?
Perhaps most importantly, banks offer financial security for you and your money. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) guarantees deposits for up to $100,000 per depositor, which means your money is safe even if the bank goes out of business or is robbed.
Your Responsibilities
As a bank customer, it's your job to keep track of your accounts by checking the monthly statements you receive. You'll want to compare the bank's record to your own records to be sure all of the transactions are correct. If you have a loan, you're responsible for making payments on time.
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