Bank

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Bank'

A financial institution licensed as a receiver of deposits. There are two types of banks: commercial/retail banks and investment banks.  In most countries, banks are regulated by the national government or central bank.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Bank'

Commercial banks are mainly concerned with managing withdrawals and deposits as well as supplying short-term loans to individuals and small businesses. Consumers primarily use these banks for basic checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and sometimes for home mortgages. Investment banks focus on providing services such as underwriting and corporate reorganization to institutional clients.

 

While many banks have both a brick-and-mortar and online presence, some banks have only an online presence. Online-only banks often offer consumers higher interest rates and lower fees. Convenience, interest rates and fees are the driving factors in consumers’ decisions of which bank to do business with. As an alternative to banks, consumers can opt to use a credit union.

Related Definitions

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    A standard numbering system developed to identify bank accounts from around the world. It was originally developed by banks in Europe to simplify transactions involving bank accounts ...
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  • Investment Bank - IB

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    • Merchant Bank

      A bank that deals mostly in (but is not limited to) international finance, long-term loans for companies and underwriting. Merchant banks do not provide regular banking services to the ...
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    • Retail Banking

      Typical mass-market banking in which individual customers use local branches of larger commercial banks. Services offered include savings and checking accounts, mortgages, personal ...
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    • Private Banking

      Personalized financial and banking services that are traditionally offered to a bank's rich, high net worth individuals (HNWIs). For wealth management purposes, HNWIs have accrued far ...
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    • Thrift Bank

      A financial institution focusing on taking deposits and originating home mortgages. Thrift banks often have access to low-cost funding from Federal Home Loan Banks, which allows for ...
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    • Wholesale Banking

      Banking services between merchant banks and other financial institutions. Wholesale banking deals with larger institutions, where as retail banking would focus more on the individual or ...
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    • Foreign Branch Bank

      A type of foreign bank that is obligated to follow the regulations of both the home and host countries. Because the foreign branch banks' loan limits are based on the parent bank's ...
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    • Subsidiary Bank

      A type of foreign bank that is incorporated in the host country but is considered to be owned by a foreign parent bank. The subsidiary bank only needs to operate under the host country's ...
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