❓ Frequently Asked Questions About FDIC Insurance (2026)
How much of my money is FDIC insured?
The FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per bank. This means single accounts are insured up to $250,000, joint accounts up to $250,000 per co-owner, IRAs up to $250,000, and trust accounts up to $250,000 per beneficiary. Use our calculator above for your exact situation.
Are joint accounts FDIC-insured to $500,000 in 2026?
Yes! Joint accounts are insured up to $250,000 per co-owner. For two owners, that's $500,000 total coverage at the same bank. For example, a married couple with a $500,000 joint savings account is fully insured. Add a third owner and coverage increases to $750,000.
What happens if my bank fails?
If your FDIC-insured bank fails, you'll receive your insured deposits within a few days - typically the next business day. The FDIC has never lost a penny of insured deposits since 1933. Uninsured amounts (above $250,000 per category) may receive partial recovery from the failed bank's assets.
Can I have more than $250,000 insured at one bank?
Yes! Using different ownership categories, you can insure more at one bank. For example: $250k single + $500k joint (2 owners) + $250k IRA + $250k trust (1 beneficiary) = $1.25 million insured at a single bank. Spread across multiple banks, you can insure millions.
Are credit unions insured the same as banks?
Credit unions have NCUA insurance with identical limits - $250,000 per ownership category. The NCUA is a federal agency that insures deposits at credit unions just like the FDIC insures bank deposits. Check the 'Compare to NCUA' box in our calculator to see credit union equivalents.
What accounts are NOT covered by FDIC insurance?
FDIC does NOT cover: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities, municipal securities, or safe deposit boxes or their contents. Cryptocurrency and crypto accounts are also NOT FDIC insured. Only traditional deposit products (checking, savings, CDs, money market accounts) are covered.
How do I maximize my FDIC coverage?
To maximize FDIC coverage: 1) Use multiple ownership categories (single, joint, trust, IRA), 2) Add beneficiaries to trust accounts ($250k per beneficiary), 3) Spread deposits across multiple banks, 4) Use different account titles at the same bank, 5) Consider CDARS/ICS programs that spread large deposits across banks automatically.
Disclaimer: This FDIC calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate information based on current FDIC regulations as of January 2026, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the results. For official FDIC insurance information and verification, please consult the FDIC's official Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) at
https://edie.fdic.gov or contact the FDIC directly. This tool should not be considered financial advice.