A
financial business chartered by state or federal government that takes in
deposits from individuals and businesses. Banks then lend the money to other
individuals and businesses that need cash. Banks also offer a variety of
financial and investment products, such as checking and savings accounts,
certificates of deposit, loans, and mortgages. In recent years, banks have
added online bill payment services and online banking. Accounts at banks are
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) for up to $100,000 per
account.