Best Ways To Insure Excess Deposits | Bankrate (2024)

After nearly two and a half years without a bank failure, two were announced in three days. These two failures resulted in the second- and third-largest bank failures in U.S. history.

This has caused many people to think more about their Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) coverage.

Even during times when bank failures aren’t common, it’s always important to know your FDIC limits. And if you have excess deposits, it’s important to know your options. Here are seven of the best ways to insure excess deposits that you may have.

1. Understand FDIC limits

The FDIC insures traditional deposit products, such as checking, savings and money market deposit accounts (not money market mutual funds) and certificates of deposit (CD), as well as cashier’s checks, money orders and other items issued by a bank. These deposits are insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per account ownership category. The FDIC insurance limit has been the same for more than a decade.

The FDIC does not insure investment products, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities and life insurance policies. Nor does it cover the contents of safe-deposit boxes.

To understand FDIC limits, you must know about the different account ownership categories, among them: single (one owner), joint (two or more owners), certain retirement accounts like IRAs or Keogh plans, and revocable and irrevocable trust accounts. The FDIC explains ownership categories and how they work here.

If your deposits exceed the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit, talk to your bank about the insurance status of your deposits and your options for insuring all of your savings in-house. You may have to spread money around into different accounts with joint owners or beneficiaries or use more than one FDIC-insured bank to insure all your money.

The FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator can help you figure out how much of your bank deposits are insured.

The FDIC also has a phone number you can call: 877-ASK-FDIC (877-275-3342).

2. Use bank networks to maximize coverage

If you want to spread your money around to expand your FDIC coverage, there are bank networks that can do it for you. IntraFi Network Deposits will put your excess deposits in checking accounts, money market deposit accounts and CDs at separately chartered FDIC banks in its network. IntraFi Network Deposits absorbed what used to be called the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service, or CDARS, and Insured Cash Sweep, or ICS.

Similarly, Impact Deposits Corp. offers insurance protection for excess deposits through its network of almost 200 FDIC-insured community banks. The deposits make funds available for lending in those communities, and 2 basis points (1 basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percent) of deposits in participating banks are donated to local nonprofits.

Using a bank network to protect excess deposits is convenient. You also receive account summaries and a Form 1099 for your taxes.

Another option is the Depositors Insurance Fund, a Massachusetts-based insurer of excess deposits. Any amount above the FDIC’s coverage ceiling is guaranteed. There are no forms to fill out, and no separate titling of accounts is necessary. If you don’t live in Massachusetts, you’re not necessarily left out: Many of the DIF member banks have branches out of state.

3. Open accounts with different ownership categories

Let’s say you have $300,000 in checking, savings and money market deposit accounts in your name alone at a local bank. Since the FDIC limit is $250,000, $50,000 of your money isn’t insured because you are the only depositor. One way to insure all of your money is to open accounts with different ownership categories.

For example, you could open a joint savings account with a spouse — or almost anyone for that matter — and be eligible for up to $500,000 in FDIC insurance because each account holder is insured up to $250,000.

You could set up a trust and name beneficiaries who would receive the money upon your death, if you have significant excess deposits. Each beneficiary is insured up to $250,000.

If you have a business account and a personal account at the same bank, those are separate ownership categories that can increase your FDIC insurance coverage.

Setting up accounts with different ownership categories is something you can discuss with your banker or other financial advisor.

4. Open accounts at several banks

You can easily insure your excess deposits by opening accounts at separately chartered banks to expand your FDIC coverage, if you’re willing to put in the time and are organized enough to keep tabs on your accounts. Opening accounts at different branches of the same bank won’t increase your insurance.

Opening accounts at several banks is also a good way to take advantage of some of the best rates on CDs. Consider using several banks to create a CD ladder. The best rates on CDs and other deposit accounts are typically offered by online banks. It’s easy to open accounts online and to manage them.

5. Consider brokerage accounts

If you have more than $250,000 saved, it may be a good idea to set up a brokerage account with an institution such as Fidelity Investments or Charles Schwab. Brokerages typically offer CDs from different banks across the country, giving you the convenience of one-stop shopping.

Be aware that you’re responsible for making sure your money is spread out among separately chartered banks to maximize your FDIC insurance.

6. Deposit excess funds at a credit union

Credit unions are another good spot for excess deposits that aren’t FDIC-insured. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) is the federal insurer of deposits at National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) member credit unions. NCUA insurance, like FDIC insurance, is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Like the FDIC, the Share Insurance Fund insures individual deposit accounts up to $250,000. The Share Insurance Fund also separately insures IRA and Keogh retirement accounts and revocable and irrevocable trust accounts up to $250,000.

You can use the NCUA’s Share Insurance Estimator to see if all your credit union deposits are covered.

You have to become a credit union member to open a deposit account, but membership requirements are often rather lenient, extending to family and friends.

7. Other strategies for insuring excess deposits

Wintrust Financial has a business model that works well for excess deposit coverage. The company owns 15 separately chartered community banks in the greater Chicago area and Wisconsin. It offers the MaxSafe account, which allows an individual to insure up to $3.75 million by opening CD and money market accounts with Wintrust’s chartered banks.

With various account ownership titles, that dollar amount can go significantly higher. For example, a married couple and their college-age child can open separately titled MaxSafe accounts to greatly broaden their financial protection.

Wintrust has historically offered this service to locals in Chicago and Milwaukee. MaxSafe customers get account summary statements and a Form 1099, too.

Bottom line

Any individual or entity that has more than $250,000 in deposits at an FDIC-insured bank should see to it that all monies are federally insured.

It’s not only diligent savers and high-net-worth individuals who might need extra FDIC coverage. Corporations, family foundations, governments and charities also use bank networks and other measures to expand federal insurance protection of their deposits.

Best Ways To Insure Excess Deposits | Bankrate (2024)

FAQs

Can you insure excess deposits? ›

The Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF) is another option for insuring excess deposits. This program covers deposit account balances beyond the $250,000 FDIC limits at member banks. So, once you exhaust your FDIC coverage limits, you're still protected.

How to insure deposits over $250000? ›

  1. Open an account at a different bank. ...
  2. Add a joint owner. ...
  3. Get an account that's in a different ownership category. ...
  4. Join a credit union. ...
  5. Use IntraFi Network Deposits. ...
  6. Open a cash management account. ...
  7. Put your money in a MaxSafe account. ...
  8. Opt for an account with both FDIC and DIF insurance.
May 1, 2023

How can I protect more than 250k in bank? ›

Here are seven of the best ways to insure excess deposits that you may have.
  1. Understand FDIC limits. ...
  2. Use bank networks to maximize coverage. ...
  3. Open accounts with different ownership categories. ...
  4. Open accounts at several banks. ...
  5. Consider brokerage accounts. ...
  6. Deposit excess funds at a credit union.
Mar 15, 2023

How do I protect my large cash deposits? ›

How to Protect Large Deposits over $250,000
  1. Open Accounts at Multiple Banks. ...
  2. Open Accounts with Different Owners. ...
  3. Open Accounts with Trust/POD [pay-on-death] Designations. ...
  4. Open a CD Account, or Money Market Account, with a bank that offers IntraFi (formerly CDARs) services.
Mar 17, 2023

What insurance covers all deposit accounts? ›

Deposit insurance is one of the significant benefits of having an account at an FDIC-insured bank—it's how the FDIC protects your money in the unlikely event of a bank failure. The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category.

Do millionaires worry about FDIC insurance? ›

Millionaires don't worry about FDIC insurance. Their money is held in their name and not the name of the custodial private bank. Other millionaires have safe deposit boxes full of cash denominated in many different currencies.

Does the FDIC insure $250000 in multiple accounts? ›

The standard deposit insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. The FDIC insures deposits that a person holds in one insured bank separately from any deposits that the person owns in another separately chartered insured bank.

Does FDIC cover $500000 on a joint account? ›

Each co-owner of a joint account is insured up to $250,000 for the combined amount of his or her interests in all joint accounts at the same IDI.

Should you have multiple bank accounts for FDIC? ›

The FDIC refers to these different categories as “ownership categories.” This means that a bank customer who has multiple accounts may qualify for more than $250,000 in insurance coverage if the customer's funds are deposited in different ownership categories and the requirements for each ownership category are met.

What is the highest amount of money a bank will insure? ›

COVERAGE LIMITS

The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. The FDIC provides separate coverage for deposits held in different account ownership categories.

What is the maximum money you can keep in bank? ›

Cash deposits in a Savings Account cannot exceed INR 10 Lakhs in a financial year. The RBI has set similar limits for Current Accounts, Fixed Deposits, and other banking transactions.

How do I deposit a million dollar check? ›

Depositing a Million Dollar Check. When it comes to depositing the check, you can only deposit so much into a single account—and it's not a million dollars. However, if you have multiple accounts, you can deposit so much into each account until the check is fully deposited.

What's the most cash you can deposit without being flagged? ›

Depositing a big amount of cash that is $10,000 or more means your bank or credit union will report it to the federal government. The $10,000 threshold was created as part of the Bank Secrecy Act, passed by Congress in 1970, and adjusted with the Patriot Act in 2002.

How big of a cash deposit can I make without being flagged? ›

Banks must report cash deposits totaling $10,000 or more

When banks receive cash deposits of more than $10,000, they're required to report it by electronically filing a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). This federal requirement is outlined in the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

Do banks care if you deposit a lot of cash? ›

A cash deposit of more than $10,000 into your bank account requires special handling. The IRS requires banks and businesses to file Form 8300, the Currency Transaction Report, if they receive cash payments over $10,000. Depositing more than $10,000 will not result in immediate questioning from authorities, however.

Are credit unions safer than banks? ›

Why are credit unions safer than banks? Like banks, which are federally insured by the FDIC, credit unions are insured by the NCUA, making them just as safe as banks. The National Credit Union Administration is a US government agency that regulates and supervises credit unions.

What deposits are not insured by the FDIC? ›

What is NOT covered? The FDIC does not insure money invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities or municipal securities, even if these investments are purchased at an insured bank.

How can I protect my money from bank failure? ›

How You Can Protect Your Money in the Wake of Banking Collapses
  1. Don't Panic. ...
  2. Research Your Bank's Solvency. ...
  3. Ensure Your Bank Is Insured. ...
  4. Don't Exit the Markets. ...
  5. Don't Exceed the FDIC Limit at Any One Bank. ...
  6. Consult a Financial Advisor.
Apr 13, 2023

How do billionaires insure their bank accounts? ›

Millionaires can insure their money by depositing funds in FDIC-insured accounts, NCUA-insured accounts, through IntraFi Network Deposits, or through cash management accounts. They may also allocate some of their cash to low-risk investments, such as Treasury securities or government bonds.

Where is the safest place to keep cash at home? ›

Where to safely keep cash at home. Just like any other piece of paper, cash can get lost, wet or burned. Consider buying a fireproof and waterproof safe for your home. It's also useful for storing other valuables in your home such as jewelry and important personal documents.

What bank do most millionaires use? ›

Best Private Banks For Millionaires
  • Bank of America: Private Banking.
  • Citi: Private Banking.
  • HSBC: Private Banking.
  • JP Morgan: Private Bank.
  • Morgan Stanley.
  • UBS.
  • Wells Fargo: Private Bank.
Apr 26, 2023

Can you be FDIC insured at multiple banks? ›

FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor for each ownership category in each distinct bank. You can open accounts at different banks or in different ownership categories at one bank to maximize your insurance coverage.

Does adding a beneficiary increase FDIC coverage? ›

Note on beneficiaries

While some self-directed retirement accounts, like IRAs, permit the owner to name one or more beneficiaries, the existence of beneficiaries does not increase the available insurance coverage.

What is the FDIC insurance limit for a trust account? ›

Insurance Limit. The FDIC insures each trust fund owner or beneficiary represented for up to $250,000. This insurance is separate from, and in addition to, the insurance provided for any other deposits of the owners or the beneficiaries.

Can an IRA be FDIC insured? ›

FDIC deposit insurance covers retirement accounts in which plan participants have the right to direct how the money is invested, including: Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

When did FDIC change to $250 000? ›

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 Temporarily Increases Basic FDIC Insurance Coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 Per Depositor.

Who owns the money in a joint bank account? ›

The money in joint accounts belongs to both owners. Either person can withdraw or spend the money at will — even if they weren't the one to deposit the funds. The bank makes no distinction between money deposited by one person or the other, making a joint account useful for handling shared expenses.

How to maximize FDIC insurance at one bank? ›

If your balance is higher than your current FDIC insurance coverage amount, consider these strategies to maximize your coverage:
  1. Open a single account for each adult family member. ...
  2. Pool your money into joint accounts. ...
  3. Save for your child. ...
  4. Save for retirement with an IRA Savings Account or IRA CD.

How many bank accounts do millionaires have? ›

An average millionaire has at least five rich bank accounts. Each of them is usually designed for a specific purpose: savings. investments.

Should I take my money out of the bank 2023? ›

Despite the recent uncertainty, experts don't recommend withdrawing cash from your account. Keeping your money in financial institutions rather than in your home is safer, especially when the amount is insured. "It's not a time to pull your money out of the bank," Silver said.

What it means to have $100000 in savings? ›

You're Gaining Five Figures of Wealth Per Year, Minimum

The average return of the overall stock market is ten percent, which I can reasonably expect to earn as well with said index funds. That means, on average, you're growing your net worth by ten thousand dollars every 365 days.

Can the government take money from your bank account in a crisis? ›

So, can the government take money out of your bank account? The answer is yes – sort of. While the government may not be the one directly taking the money out of someone's account, they can permit an employer or financial institution to do so.

Is it safe to keep millions in the bank? ›

The good news is nearly all banks have insurance through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This protection covers $250,000 “per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category.” This insurance covers a range of deposit accounts, including checking, savings and money market accounts.

Do banks get suspicious of cash deposits? ›

It's not just lump sum cash deposits that can raise flags. Several related deposits that equal more than $10,000 or several deposits over $9,800 can also trigger a bank's suspicion, causing it to report the activity to FinCEN.

Can you keep millions in the bank? ›

Can You Keep Millions in the Bank? Keeping large amounts of money in a bank can be tricky, but it is possible. There are limits to the amount of money that is insured for each depositor at a bank — up to $250,000 per depositor with the FDIC — so the super wealthy often spread out their accounts over multiple banks.

Can you keep $100 million dollars in the bank? ›

The only way one can deposit $100 million in cash with insurance is to open several accounts to maintain the regulation given by FDIC on the maximum insurance amount. FDIC offers separate insurance coverage for money deposited by individuals in the various classification of legal ownership.

Can you carry a million dollars in cash? ›

If you are on a domestic flight in the US, there is no limit to the amount of cash or monetary instruments that you can carry. However, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) security officers at the passenger screening area may ask a passenger who is carrying a large sum of cash to account for the money.

Can you put a million dollars in one bank? ›

Answer and Explanation: Yes, generally, every bank has a currency counting machine. If a person is willing to deposit 1 million dollars in the bank, the bank has the authority to ask the reason for holding that much money.

What is the $3000 rule? ›

Rule. The requirement that financial institutions verify and record the identity of each cash purchaser of money orders and bank, cashier's, and traveler's checks in excess of $3,000.

Can the government see how much money is in your bank account? ›

The federal government has no business monitoring small cash deposits and how Americans pay their bills and has no right to snoop around in private checking accounts without a warrant.

What is a suspicious amount of cash to deposit? ›

Financial institutions are required to report cash deposits of $10,000 or more to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the United States, and also structuring to avoid the $10,000 threshold is also considered suspicious and reportable.

How do you justify cash deposits? ›

Here are some examples of how to explain a cash deposit:
  1. Pay stubs or invoices.
  2. Report of sale.
  3. Copy of marriage license.
  4. Signed and dated copy of note for any loan you provided and proof you lent the money.
  5. Gift letter signed and dated by the donor and receiver.
  6. Letter of explanation from a licensed attorney.
Jun 4, 2021

Can a bank ask where you got money? ›

Yes, banks can question your deposits. In fact, it is the responsibility of each bank to understand the origin of funds being deposited by customers. Additionally, various bank regulations and laws require banks to report suspicious activity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

Can I withdraw $20000 from bank? ›

Unless your bank has set a withdrawal limit of its own, you are free to take as much out of your bank account as you would like. It is, after all, your money. Here's the catch: If you withdraw $10,000 or more, it will trigger federal reporting requirements.

How much cash is considered a large deposit? ›

A large deposit is defined as a single deposit that exceeds 50% of the total monthly qualifying income for the loan. When bank statements (typically covering the most recent two months) are used, the lender must evaluate large deposits.

Is it better to keep cash or deposit? ›

It's a good idea to keep a small sum of cash at home in case of an emergency. However, the bulk of your savings is better off in a savings account because of the deposit protections and interest-earning opportunities that financial institutions offer.

How do I deposit a large amount of cash without getting in trouble? ›

A cash deposit of $10,000 will typically go without incident. If it's at your bank walk-in branch, your teller banking representative will verify your account information and ask for identification. You'll fill out a deposit slip as usual, and the money is deposited into your account.

What is the maximum amount of deposit that is insured? ›

The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), runs a deposit insurance scheme that provides insurance for all bank deposits. The maximum limit per bank account is Rs 5 lakh.

What do banks do with excess deposits? ›

Excess reserves refer to the cash and deposits held by a financial institution (e.g., a commercial bank) exceeding the reserve requirement that an authority (e.g., the central bank) sets. Excess reserves protect the banking system by providing additional liquidity buffers.

How can I protect my money from a bank collapse? ›

How You Can Protect Your Money in the Wake of Banking Collapses
  1. Don't Panic. ...
  2. Research Your Bank's Solvency. ...
  3. Ensure Your Bank Is Insured. ...
  4. Don't Exit the Markets. ...
  5. Don't Exceed the FDIC Limit at Any One Bank. ...
  6. Consult a Financial Advisor.
Apr 13, 2023

Can I have more than $250000 of deposit insurance coverage at one FDIC insured bank? ›

Q: Can I have more than $250,000 of deposit insurance coverage at one FDIC-insured bank? A: Yes. The FDIC insures deposits according to the ownership category in which the funds are insured and how the accounts are titled.

Who insures bank deposits for up to $100000? ›

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) is the agency that insures deposits at member banks in case of a bank failure.

How much money can I deposit in the bank without being reported? ›

Banks must report cash deposits totaling $10,000 or more

When banks receive cash deposits of more than $10,000, they're required to report it by electronically filing a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). This federal requirement is outlined in the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

Are large sums of money safe in the bank? ›

Generally, money kept in a bank account is safe—even during a recession. However, depending on factors such as your balance amount and the type of account, your money might not be completely protected. For instance, Silicon Valley Bank likely had billions of dollars in uninsured deposits at the time of its collapse.

Do banks investigate large cash deposits? ›

Banks Must Report Large Deposits

“According to the Bank Secrecy Act, banks are required to file Currency Transaction Reports (CTR) for any cash deposits over $10,000,” said Lyle Solomon, principal attorney at Oak View Law Group.

Is it suspicious to deposit large amounts of money? ›

It's not just lump sum cash deposits that can raise flags. Several related deposits that equal more than $10,000 or several deposits over $9,800 can also trigger a bank's suspicion, causing it to report the activity to FinCEN.

Does adding a beneficiary to a bank account increase the FDIC insurance? ›

Note on beneficiaries

While some self-directed retirement accounts, like IRAs, permit the owner to name one or more beneficiaries, the existence of beneficiaries does not increase the available insurance coverage.

Where is the best place to put money if banks fail? ›

1. Federal Bonds. The U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve would be more than happy to take your funds and issue you securities in return, and a very safe one at that. A U.S. government bond still qualifies in most textbooks as a risk-free security.

How do rich people protect their money in banks? ›

Millionaires don't worry about FDIC insurance. Their money is held in their name and not the name of the custodial private bank. Other millionaires have safe deposit boxes full of cash denominated in many different currencies.

Where is the safest place to put money if banks fail? ›

Certificates of Deposit

Known as CDs, these are among the safest investments. They offer higher interest rates than a regular savings or checking account in exchange for locking up your money for a set amount of time, typically somewhere between three months and two years.

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