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Saving & banking · 4 guides · 4 calculators

Banking & savings: accounts, fees and insurance

Checking account fees, FDIC and NCUA insurance, high-yield savings vs money market accounts and how CDs work — with the FDIC national average rates.

Figures from official sources · Checked 30 September 2026
0.37%FDIC national average savings rate
0.63%FDIC national average money market
1.73%FDIC national average 12-month CD
$250,000 per depositor, per bank, per categoryDeposit insurance limit
📈0.37%FDIC national average sav…
💵0.63%FDIC national average mon…
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🎯1.73%FDIC national average 12-…
✅$250,000 per depositor, per bank, per categoryDeposit insurance limit
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Checking account fees and how to avoid themMonthly maintenance, out-of-network ATM and overdraft fees add up. Ask for the fee schedule and choose the account that fits how you bank.FDIC and NCUA deposit insurance: how much is coveredBank deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Credit unions have similar NCUA coverage.High-yield savings vs money market accountsMoney market deposit accounts at banks are FDIC-insured; money market funds at brokerages are investments and are not.

🔢 Key numbers

ItemFigureSource
FDIC national average savings rate0.37%FDIC, effective 21 Sep 2026
FDIC national average money market0.63%FDIC, effective 21 Sep 2026
FDIC national average 12-month CD1.73%FDIC, effective 21 Sep 2026
Deposit insurance limit$250,000 per depositor, per bank, per categoryFDIC · NCUA

Each figure links to the guide that explains it and lists the official source. Rates and limits change — always confirm with the source or provider.

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All saving & banking guides

📄CD vs high-yield savings accountA CD locks in a rate for a term; a savings account keeps your money accessible but the rate can change. Which fits depends on when you need the cash.📄Checking account fees and how to avoid themMonthly maintenance, out-of-network ATM and overdraft fees add up. Ask for the fee schedule and choose the account that fits how you bank.📄FDIC and NCUA deposit insurance: how much is coveredBank deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Credit unions have similar NCUA coverage.📄High-yield savings vs money market accountsMoney market deposit accounts at banks are FDIC-insured; money market funds at brokerages are investments and are not.

🧮 Calculators

💰Compound Interest & Savings CalculatorOpen calculator🏦CD CalculatorOpen calculator🪜CD Ladder CalculatorOpen calculator🎯Savings Goal CalculatorOpen calculator
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❓ Frequently asked questions

Is my money safe in a bank?

Deposits at FDIC-insured banks (and NCUA-insured credit unions) are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category.

How do I avoid checking fees?

Ask for the fee schedule, choose a no-fee account or meet the requirements to waive fees (such as direct deposit), and think carefully before opting in to overdraft coverage.

Money market account or money market fund?

A money market deposit account at a bank is FDIC-insured; a money market fund at a brokerage is an investment and is not.

Savings account or CD?

Savings accounts keep your money accessible with a variable rate; CDs lock in a fixed rate for a term with a penalty for early withdrawal.

General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.