What is the FDIC coverage limit in 2026?

The standard FDIC coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per account ownership category. Joint accounts are covered up to $500,000 ($250,000 per co-owner). IRA accounts are separately insured up to $250,000. Trust accounts can receive $250,000 in coverage per beneficiary, up to certain limits.

How can I get more than $250,000 in FDIC coverage at one bank?

You can exceed $250,000 at a single bank by using different account ownership categories. For example, an individual account ($250K), a joint account with a spouse ($500K), and a retirement account ($250K) at the same bank would give you $1 million in total coverage. Alternatively, spreading deposits across multiple banks each keeps you within the per-bank limit.

Are CDs FDIC insured?

Yes. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) held at FDIC-member banks are fully insured up to the $250,000 limit per depositor per bank per ownership category. This makes CDs one of the safest savings vehicles available. If your CD balance exceeds $250,000 at a single bank, the excess is uninsured and at risk if the bank fails.

FDIC Insurance Calculator

Q: What is FDIC insurance and what does it cover?

FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insurance protects depositors if an FDIC-member bank fails. It covers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and CDs. It does not cover investments like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or life insurance policies. Coverage is automatic when you open an account at an FDIC-member bank — no application required.

Q: What happens to my money if a bank fails?

If an FDIC-member bank fails, the FDIC typically makes insured deposits available within one to two business days, either by transferring them to another insured bank or by issuing a check. Uninsured deposits may be partially recovered through the receivership process, but there is no guarantee. The FDIC has handled hundreds of bank failures since its creation in 1933 without a single insured depositor losing a cent.

Account Type

Number of Banks: 1

1 bank5 banks

Bank 1 Deposit

Bank 2 Deposit

Bank 3 Deposit

Bank 4 Deposit

Bank 5 Deposit

Total Deposits

$100,000

Total Fully Insured

$100,000

Total at Risk

Coverage Breakdown by Bank

Bank	Your Deposit	Coverage Limit	Insured	Uninsured

Understanding FDIC Insurance Categories

The FDIC insures deposits at member banks up to specific limits per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. The key insight is that different account ownership categories each get their own $250,000 limit.

Individual Accounts

Covered up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. Includes single-owner checking, savings, and CD accounts.

Joint Accounts

Covered up to $500,000 total ($250,000 per co-owner) at a single bank. Each co-owner must have equal rights to withdraw.

Retirement Accounts (IRA)

Traditional and Roth IRAs are separately insured up to $250,000 per bank, independently of your non-retirement accounts.

Revocable Trust Accounts

Insured up to $250,000 per eligible beneficiary per bank, up to a maximum of 5 beneficiaries ($1.25M). Beneficiaries must be named in the account records.

For complete FDIC rules and edge cases, visit fdic.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

FDIC insurance is a federal guarantee protecting depositors when an FDIC-member bank fails. It automatically covers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and CDs. It does not cover investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, or life insurance — even if purchased through your bank. You do not need to apply; coverage is automatic at all FDIC-member institutions.

The standard limit is $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per account ownership category. Joint accounts receive $500,000 (two co-owners × $250K each). IRA accounts are separately insured up to $250,000. Trust accounts can receive up to $250,000 per named beneficiary per bank. This limit has been in place since 2008 and is set by federal law.

By using multiple ownership categories at the same bank, you can legally obtain more than $250,000 in coverage. For example: a single account ($250K) + a joint account with your spouse ($500K) + an IRA ($250K) = $1,000,000 covered at one bank. Adding a revocable trust with named beneficiaries can push coverage even higher. Use the calculator above to model your specific situation.

Yes. Certificates of Deposit held at FDIC-member banks are fully insured up to $250,000 per depositor per bank per ownership category. This makes bank CDs one of the safest savings vehicles available. Brokered CDs purchased through a brokerage are also typically FDIC insured, but you should verify this with your brokerage. Credit union CDs are insured by the NCUA under the same limits.

If an FDIC-member bank fails, the FDIC steps in immediately. Insured deposits are typically made available within one to two business days — either transferred to another insured bank or paid by check. Uninsured deposits may be partially recovered through the bank's receivership process, but recovery is not guaranteed and can take months or years. Since the FDIC's founding in 1933, no insured depositor has ever lost a single cent of insured funds.

For educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor.

FDIC Quick Reference

Individual	$250,000
Joint	$500,000
IRA/Roth IRA	$250,000
Trust (per bene)	$250,000

Limits per depositor per bank. Source: FDIC.gov