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Retail banking

society Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Retail banking is a way for banks to help people.

Halifax bank, Commercial Street, Leeds (27th May 2010)
Halifax bank, Commercial Street, Leeds (27th May 2010)

These banks serve the general public. They do not work for big companies. Instead, they work for you and your family.

There are many ways these banks help. You can use a savings account to keep money. You can also use a checking account to pay for things. Many banks give out debit cards and credit cards. These cards help you buy things easily.

Bank account (UML class diagram)
Bank account (UML class diagram)

Some banks also give loans. A mortgage is a loan that helps you buy a home. You can also get a personal loan for other things.

In the United States, people often call these commercial banks. This helps them stay separate from investment banks. Long ago, a law called the Glass-Steagall Act kept them apart. That law changed in the 1990s.

There are even special kinds of banks. Some are called savings banks. Others are private banks for very wealthy people. Some banks help people in areas that need more help. These are called community development banks.

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File:Bank account (UML class diagram).svg
Bank account (UML class diagram).svg
File:Halifax bank, Commercial Street, Leeds (27th May 2010).jpg
Halifax bank, Commercial Street, Leeds...
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