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Banking with Apps: FDIC-Insured Banks vs. Non-bank Companies

Technology is transforming the business of traditional banking. Financial technology (fintech) provides convenient access to many banking products and services. At the same time, it has blurred the lines between banks and non-banks. Banks are offering mobile banking services, internet-based banks, and even launching digital-only brands separate from their own brand. Also, non-bank companies are marketing and offering fintech apps for accounts that may not be FDIC-insured.

FDIC-Insured Banks

Banks that are FDIC-insured must indicate that they have FDIC insurance in advertisements and at teller windows. The FDIC insures each depositor up to at least $250,000 at each FDIC-insured bank in the unlikely event that their bank closes. This means that your funds will be protected in the unlikely event that your bank closes due to financial difficulties. Banks that have physical locations where customers can visit may offer services such as money orders, notarizing documents, and safe deposit boxes, in addition to other traditional banking services. Most of them also offer online and mobile banking options, giving you the ability to conduct your banking at a branch or while you are at home or on the go.

Some FDIC-insured banks are internet-based and provide no physical branches for customers, so your banking is conducted on a computer, mobile device, or Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Even though there is no branch building, you can typically speak with bank staff by phone, if necessary. It’s important to make sure it is a legitimate bank and not a fraudulent website set up by criminals to entice people into transferring money or disclosing personal information for use in committing identity theft.

Non-bank Companies

It is important to be aware that non-bank companies are never FDIC-insured. Even if they partner with FDIC-insured banks, funds you send to a non-bank company are not FDIC-insured unless and until the company deposits them in an FDIC-insured bank. You need to understand the terms and conditions of financial products offered by non-bank companies and how your funds may, or may not, be protected. If a non-bank company offers products that it states are FDIC-insured, you should verify with the company that your funds will be deposited in an FDIC-insured bank, how and when that will happen, and the specific FDIC-insured bank or banks where they will be deposited.

Understanding the differences between FDIC-insured banks and fintechs or other non-bank companies, as well as all aspects of the products and services they offer, will help you determine what is best for your needs. Some fintechs or other non-bank companies may appear to be banks because they offer products similar to deposit accounts and may even use the word “banking” in their name or description. Remember that FDIC insurance covers deposits in the bank in the event an FDIC-insured bank is closed. It does not cover the closing of a non-bank company or money that has not been deposited in an FDIC-insured bank.