Your Insured Deposit

Most of us believe that a government-insured deposit in a bank, credit union, savings and loan association, or other depository institution is among the safest places to park our hard-earned savings. And that is generally true, thanks to sound management, the vigilance of government insurance agencies and their examiners, and the historic willingness of the U.S. Government to back up federal insurance programs.

In the U.S., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (www.fdic.gov) for banks and the National Credit Union Association Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) for credit unions cover our deposits, in case a federally insured depository institution fails, up to $100,000. How do you tell if your bank, credit union, or other depository institution is covered by federal deposit insurance? Look on the front door and beside the teller stations. There should be the official logo of the FDIC or NCUSIF plainly visible. If the depository institution you're dealing with is not federally insured, consider carefully the possible risks to your money before leaving it there.

If you have any remaining doubts about the safety of your bank contact the FDIC directly via the Internet.

If you are dealing with a credit union and have any doubts about their insurance status after visiting their site or talking with their personnel, contact the National Credit Union Administration (www.ncua.gov) in Washington D.C. which manages the NCUSIF credit union insurance fund.

Both of these associations have a wealth of information on their Internet websites.