Banking

5 Tips for Safe Mobile Banking

Check out these five tips from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions about protecting your money and identity when banking on a smartphone or tablet.

A Quick Guide on Credit, Debit, and Prepaid Cards

Learn how the cards work and what consumer protection is available for each type of card.

Automatic Debit Scams (WI)

Automatic debiting of your checking account can be a legitimate payment method; many people pay mortgages or make car payments this way. But fraudulent telemarketers are abusing the system. Read more.

Avoiding ‘Card Skimming’ at ATMs and Other Money Machines

Thieves use high tech tools to capture account information and steal money. Learn how to protect yourself and your account information.

Bank Find

Use this online directory to locate an FDIC-insured institution, or learn what happened to a bank that changed names or no longer exists.

Banks, Credit Unions and Savings & Loans (GA)

Consumers have many banking choices.  You may be interested in the services offered by a commercial bank, a savings and loan institution, or a credit union. Read more about the products and services available.

Check Clearing (GA)

It has long been illegal to “float” or post-date a check by writing it in an amount exceeding your current bank balance, even if you expected a pending deposit to cover it by the time it reached the bank.  Find out how check processing practices have been changing in recent years, causing your payment check clear the bank even faster.

Consumer Alternatives for Receiving Income Tax Refunds

There are different ways for taxpayers to get income tax refunds. Learn about refund anticipation options and questions to ask Learn about refund anticipation options and questions to ask before you choose a refund anticipation product, and get information about tax preparation.

Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What to Do if They're Lost or Stolen (WI)

Many people find it easy and convenient to use credit cards and ATM or debit cards. The Fair Credit Billing Act and Electronic Fund Transfer Act offer procedures you can use if your cards are lost or stolen. Read more.

Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator

This online calculator helps you determine the deposit insurance coverage at each FDIC-insured bank where you have a deposit account. You can also get a printable report showing whether or not deposits are fully protected.

Extended Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes

If you are a victim of identity theft and have created an Identity Theft Report, you may want to place an extended fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit file. Read more about the differences between these opions and steps to take.

HelpWithMyBank.gov

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency maintains HelpWithMyBank.gov to help customers of national banks and federal savings associations. The site has answers to bank customers' questions, contact information for regulators of other financial institutions, an online complaint form, and a link to questions and answers in Spanish.

Misused Checking Accounts

If a thief steals your checks, uses the account number from your checks, or opens a new account in your name, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible. Learn more

Money Smart: A Financial Education Program

This financial education curriculum from the FDIC concentrates on helping consumers develop financial skills and positive banking relationships.

OCC Customer Assistance Group

The OCC’s Customer Assistance Group helps people resolve issues with national banks and federal savings associations. Trained professionals answer questions and provide guidance related to banking laws and regulation. Read more

Protecting Your Privacy

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) publishes in-depth guides on financial privacy laws and practical tips on safeguarding your information. Learn how to read your bank's opt-out notices, the dangers of using debit cards, the laws requiring banks to confirm your identity, and more.

Teens & Money

The Teens & Money section of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s SaveAndInvest.org. has information for middle- and high-school students and their teachers. The videos, calculators, lesson plans and games cover saving, spending and managing money. Learn more

When a Company Blocks Your Credit or Debit Card

If you’re near your credit limit or you have a low balance in your bank account when a block is placed, your card could be declined for additional purchases. To avoid surprises at the cash register, learn about blocking and how to avoid it.