When you deposit your money in a bank, you want to be sure it’s safe—especially if the bank ever fails. That’s where FDIC insurance comes in.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. But not all banks are FDIC insured, and it’s important to verify that yours is before trusting it with your money.
So, how do you check if your bank is FDIC insured? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
🔍 1. Look for the FDIC Logo at Your Bank
The easiest way to check if your bank is FDIC insured is to look for the official FDIC logo.
🏦 Where to find it:
✅ Inside physical bank branches—on doors, teller windows, or brochures
✅ On the bank’s website—usually in the footer or the “About Us” section
✅ On your account documents—statements, agreements, or disclosures
Example: If you walk into your bank and see a sign that says:
“Member FDIC” or “Each depositor insured to at least $250,000 per insured bank”—that’s a good sign!
🚨 Warning: If a bank claims to be FDIC insured but you can’t find the logo anywhere, verify it using the next steps.
💻 2. Use the FDIC’s BankFind Tool
The FDIC has an official online tool that lets you search for insured banks.
📌 How to use FDIC BankFind:
1️⃣ Go to FDIC BankFind
2️⃣ Enter your bank’s name or website
3️⃣ Click Search and check the results
✔ If your bank appears in the results, it is FDIC insured.
❌ If it’s not listed, your bank might not be FDIC insured—or you may need to double-check the name.
💡 Pro Tip: If your bank operates under a different name (e.g., a parent company or subsidiary), try searching for variations of its name.
📞 3. Call the FDIC Directly
If you’re still unsure, you can contact the FDIC for verification.
📞 FDIC Customer Service:
- Toll-Free Number: 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM (Eastern Time)
Just provide the name and location of your bank, and they will confirm whether it’s insured.
📜 4. Check Your Bank’s Charter or FDIC Certificate Number
Every FDIC-insured bank has a unique certificate number that proves its status.
You can find this on your bank’s website or by asking a bank representative.
✔ How to verify:
1️⃣ Find the bank’s FDIC certificate number
2️⃣ Go to the FDIC BankFind tool
3️⃣ Enter the number to check its status
💡 Why this matters: Some banks operate under different names or are owned by larger institutions. This method ensures you’re checking the correct entity.
❌ What If Your Bank Is NOT FDIC Insured?
If your bank is not FDIC insured, it’s important to understand the risks:
🚨 Your money may not be protected if the bank fails
🚨 You may need to switch to an FDIC-insured bank for full protection
Alternatives to FDIC Insurance
If a bank isn’t FDIC insured, it might be:
🔹 A credit union (which may be covered by the NCUA instead)
🔹 A fintech company or online financial service (some use partner banks for FDIC coverage)
🔹 An investment firm (stocks, bonds, and crypto aren’t FDIC insured)
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using a fintech or online banking service, check if they partner with an FDIC-insured bank—this is common for services like PayPal, Chime, or Venmo.
📝 Final Thoughts: Always Verify Your Bank’s FDIC Status
Before depositing large sums of money, always confirm that your bank is FDIC insured. It’s a simple step that can protect your savings in case of a bank failure.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Look for the FDIC logo at your bank or on its website
✅ Use the FDIC BankFind tool to verify your bank’s status
✅ Call the FDIC at 1-877-ASK-FDIC for assistance
✅ Check for a bank’s FDIC certificate number
✅ If a bank is not FDIC insured, consider switching to one that is