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Get Banked! **Secure your money, simplify your life** Find a bank


Start your financial journey Ready to take a big step toward your financial goals? A bank account can be your best ally. It keeps your money safe, gives you quick access to your funds, saves you money on fees, and brings financial peace of mind.


Why bank? Keep your money safe FDIC deposit insurance protects your money in deposit accounts at FDIC-insured banks in the event of a bank failure.
 Pay bills easily Pay bills fast from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Track your spending easily, too.
 Save on fees Having a deposit account with a bank can offer you savings from check-cashing fees. Depositing checks is free in a bank.
									Paying bills can be cheaper without money orders.
 Build your financial reputation Establishing a relationship with a bank through a deposit account can be a first step that can lead to other financial
									products and help you achieve your financial goals.
 Get more services Banks offer savings account to grow your money, loans for big purchases, and financial advice.
 Plan for the future Banks have special accounts to save for your kids' education or your business' growth.
 Save time and bank anywhere With mobile banking and alerts, it's easy to manage your money anytime, anywhere.
 Protect your money from error or fraud Federal laws can protect you in the event of a debit card error or unauthorized electronic transaction under certain
									circumstances, if this happens to you, notify your bank right away.
 Download a printable version of these points
 Choose an account FDIC Insured The FDIC provides deposit insurance to protect your money in the event of a bank failure. Your deposits are
							automatically insured to at least $250,000 at each FDIC-insured bank.
 Monthly fees Does the account have a monthly fee? Can you avoid it by keeping a certain balance or making regular deposits?
 Overdraft fees Will you be charged a fee if you spend more than what's in your account? Some accounts don't let you overspend, so no overdraft fees.
 ATM fees Are there fees for using the bank's ATMs? What about using other banks' ATMs?
 Alerts and notifications Does the account offer email or text alerts to help you manage your money?
 Online bill pay Can you pay bills online on the bank's website for free using your phone or computer?
 Location convenience Is having a bank branch nearby important to you?
 Teller transaction fees Are there fees for doing transactions with a bank teller or talking to customer service?
 Download a printable version of these points
 Open an account Prepare for your application You must be at least 18 in most places. If you're under 18, a parent, a guardian, or other trusted adult may be able to help you open an account.
 Gather your IDs Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Use your driver's license, state or military ID, or passport to verify your identity. Some banks also accept other forms of ID.
 Complete an application Apply in-person, online, or through a mobile app.
 Make your first deposit The amount may vary, but you may be able to open a bank account with as little as $25. You can use a debit card, prepaid
								card, electronic transfer, or visit a branch to make your first deposit.
 Sign required documents Sign a signature card and other documents, either electronically or in person.
 Set up account tools Activate online or mobile banking and any debit or ATM cards. Ask for help if you are not sure how to use these tools.
 Download a printable version of these points


## Join the movement

Drive positive change in your community through the FDIC's #GetBanked campaign. Your support as a government agency, community group, or consumer-focused organization is crucial.

Join now

## Find a bank

### Open a bank account in person

Search






Open a bank account online These organizations also have lists of banks where you can open an account online with a low opening deposit: Bank On
				Open an affordable bank account online now. American Bankers Association Independent Community Bankers of America


## Frequently asked questions

**General** What is the FDIC, and why is it important? The FDIC, or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, is an independent agency created by Congress to maintain stability
					and public confidence in the nation's financial system. The FDIC provides deposit insurance to protect your money in the
					event of a bank failure. Your deposits are automatically insured to at least $250,000 at each FDIC-insured branch.
 **Getting Started** Can I open a bank account if I don't have much money? Yes, you can! Many banks offer accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements. This means you don't need a lot of money to open and keep your account.
  What if I've had issues with bank accounts in the past? That's okay. Some banks offer 'second chance' banking, which is designed for people who have had banking problems
					before. These accounts can help you rebuild your banking history. Also, certified Bank On
					accounts have low and transparent costs and don’t allow overdraft or
					insufficient fund fees.
  Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen? Yes, many banks allow you to open an account even if you're not a U.S. citizen. You might need different forms of identification, like a foreign passport, a consular ID, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  How do I deposit money into my account? You can deposit money by visiting a bank branch, using an ATM, through direct deposit from your job, or by using a mobile app to deposit checks.
  Are there bank accounts for kids or teenagers? Yes, many banks offer accounts specially designed for young people. These accounts often have features to help kids and teens learn about saving and managing money.
 **Managing your account** How do I keep track of the money in my account? Most banks offer online banking and mobile apps where you can check your balance, see transactions, and manage your account anytime on your computer or mobile device. You can also receive alerts about your account balance.
  What should I do if I lose my debit card? Report your lost debit card to your bank right away. Federal laws can protect you in the event of a debit card error or
					unauthorized electronic transaction under certain circumstances, so contact your bank as soon as possible to report your
					lost card get a replacement card.
  Want to learn more about how banking can work for you? If you're interested in understanding more about banking and how it can benefit you, the FDIC's Money Smart program is a fantastic resource. This free educational program offers valuable information on managing finances, budgeting, and using credit wisely. It's designed to help you make informed banking decisions and improve your financial health.
 **Outreach** How can I get involved and help spread the word about the 'Get Banked' campaign? We're thrilled you're interested in helping! To get involved, visit our Get Involved page. There, you'll find a variety of resources like handouts, online ad graphics, a social media toolkit, and more, which you can use to spread the word in your community or through your personal or social networks. Your support plays a crucial role in empowering more people to take control of their financial future.
  What is the history behind the 'Get Banked' campaign? The #GetBanked campaign started during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people learn how to open a bank
						account online, especially for receiving tax refunds or government stimulus payments quickly and safely. In April
						2021, the FDIC initiated a public awareness campaign in Atlanta and Houston, using various media ads in English and
						Spanish to inform about banking benefits. The campaign expanded in 2022 to Dallas, Detroit, and Los Angeles,
						focusing on the tax season and promoting the use of direct deposit for tax refunds. The FDIC's work on accessible banking goes back over a decade. In 2010, the agency began to help identify accounts that were
						transparent, affordable, sustainable, and insured by the FDIC (i.e., Model Safe Accounts). Inspired by the FDIC’s
						Model Safe Account, the 
						Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund established the 
						Bank On National Account Standards, including accounts that have low and transparent costs
						and no overdraft fees and are fully functional. Over 400 accounts at more than 300 banks have been independently
						certified by the National Consumer Law Center and are are certified under these standards, with widespread national
						availability. The campaign and collaborations like Bank On aim to reach people new to banking and spread awareness
						about the benefits of having a bank account.


## Resources

Consumer News Our monthly newsletter to consumers, with helpful hints, quick tips, and common-sense strategies to protect and stretch your hard-earned dollars.
 Money Smart A financial education program that can help people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships.
  Internal Revenue Service Get your refund fasterWhere's my refund?
 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Guide to filing your taxesTax time YouTube channel
 U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Banking Program


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