Types of banks
Retail Bank
- Checking and savings accounts
- CDs
- Safe deposit boxes
- Mortgages and second mortgages
- Auto loans
Commercial bank
- Basic accounts such as savings and checking
- Lending money for real and capital purchases
- Lines of credit
- Letters of credit
- Lockbox services
Investment banks
Investment banks help organizations use investment markets.
For example, when a company wants to raise money by issuing stocks or bonds, an investment bank helps them through the process. Investment banks also consult on mergers and acquisitions, among other things.
Investment banks primarily work in the investment markets and do not take customer deposits. However, some large investment banks also serve as commercial banks or retail banks.
Central bank
Credit union
A credit union is an institution owned by the “members” or customers. Contrast this with banks where the customers are just customers. Banks answer to profitability – usually shareholders own a bank and expect financial performance from bank management.
Credit unions are nonprofit organizations that strive for service over profitability. Note that this does not mean they are charities. Credit unions must make sound financial decisions, collect revenue, pay salaries, and compete with other institutions.
Online banks
Online banks are banks that you primarily (or exclusively) use on the Internet.
Online banks allow you to have more choice and flexibility. You can do things on a computer, and you often get more competitive rates from online banks. They claim that they do not have the overhead and expenses associated with brick-and-mortar banks, so they can pass the savings on to you.
Online banks allow you to do everything online, including
Savings and loans
Savings and Loans are banks that were created to specialize in home mortgages.