National Consumer Protection Week

Financial Education

Financial education is at the foundation of economic inclusion. Understanding financial terms, banking services, deposit insurance, interest and other fees will help you gain the skills and confidence necessary to sustain a banking relationship, achieve financial goals, and improve your financial well-being. Through FDIC Money Smart, the FDIC offers free, non-copyrighted, and high-quality financial education resources for banks, people of all ages, and small businesses. Visit Money Smart for more information. We also provide a number of resources through our Consumer Resource Center and our monthly FDIC Consumer News.

Insured Deposits

FDIC insurance protects depositors of insured banks located in the United States against the loss of their deposits, up to the insurance limit, if an insured bank fails. Affordable insured bank accounts provide you with the opportunity to conduct financial transactions and save for emergencies and long-term security needs, while developing a banking relationship that may provide a way to obtain credit and loans when you need them. Participation in the banking system also gives you the protections of the regulated banking system. Many banks offer accounts with low-fees, and no overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees, such as Bank On certified accounts. These accounts and others may also provide additional no-fee services such as ATM and branch withdrawals. Find additional information on these low-fee bank accounts at #GetBanked.

Consumer Credit

Banks can help meet your credit needs through a wide range of approaches, from promoting the importance of building a credit history and offering credit-builder loans or other tools, to incorporating a wide range of predictive data into underwriting, and collaborating with local communities on consumer education. Banks may find that adding affordable, entry-level credit products or a credit-building product makes it easier to more effectively meet a community’s diverse needs.

The FDIC supports local efforts to bring additional populations into the financial mainstream through Alliances for Economic Inclusion and other broad-based coalitions of financial institutions. These local initiatives focus on expanding the reach of basic retail financial services, including savings accounts, remittance products, small dollar loan programs, targeted financial education programs, alternative delivery channels, and other asset-building programs.

Mortgage Credit

The FDIC Affordable Mortgage Lending Center provides resources for potential homeowners, including describing a variety of loan products and other housing information. State, regional, and national program resources are also available.

By connecting banks and communities in new ways and increasing awareness and the use of affordable banking services, including affordable mortgage lending, the FDIC works to strengthen the banking system and communities across the country.

Small Business

Money Smart for Small Business (MSSB) was developed jointly with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and is a free training resource to help entrepreneurs become bankable. The FDIC has a long-standing practice of supporting small business development by serving as a trusted resource, facilitator, and connector.

By accessing safe and affordable insured bank accounts, financial education resources, affordable credit and loan options, you are on your way to financial stability.