I dropped by an Indymac branch in San Marino, CA today to see what was going on.
I arrived with popcorn and soda, HOPING to see either a frenzied bank run or a bloody riot, but the bank was actually closed…
Many customers were confused about the details of FDIC insurance limits. I was confused too, so I did some research online.
IMPORTANT: Opening Different Types of Accounts at the Same Bank Doesn’t Work
A common myth is that if you have $100K in a CD, $100K in a savings account, and $100K in a checking account, then all $300K is insured. This is wrong.
“You cannot increase FDIC insurance by dividing funds owned in the same ownership category among different accounts. The type of account – whether checking, savings, certificate of deposit, or outstanding official check such as a cashier’s check, or other form of deposit – has no bearing on the amount of insurance coverage.” (source:ZionsBank)
How to Get FDIC Insurance on $100K+ at the Same Bank
The trick is to open accounts with different legal ownerships. The typical types of ownership are:
- Single / Individual Ownership Accounts – Only you can withdraw your money.
- Joint Ownership Accounts – Your or your spouse can withdraw money.
- Testamentary (Payable on Death) Accounts – Your beneficiary (usually your kids) can withdraw money when you die.
Single ownership accounts are insured up to $100K.
Joint accounts are insured up to $200K (because they required 2 people to open).
Testamentary accounts are insured up to $100K.
Example: Getting FDIC Insured on $400K at the Same Bank
- Open a individual account with $100k
- Open a joint account w/ someone you trust with $200K
- Open a payable on death account with $100K
That’s how it works. Be smart about where you put your money!


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