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Retail banking

society Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Retail banking is a way banks help the public.

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

These banks serve individual people and families. They do not work for big companies or other banks. Some people call this consumer banking. Others call it personal banking. It is a special part of the banking world.

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

These banks offer many different services. You can use a savings account to keep money safe. Transactional accounts help you pay for things. Many people use debit cards or credit cards. You might also use a mortgage to buy a home. A mortgage is a special loan for houses. Some banks even offer personal loans for other needs.

In the United States, names for banks can change. People often use the term commercial bank for these places. This helps them stay separate from investment banks. Long ago, a law called the Glass-Steagall Act was made. This law happened after the Great Depression. It kept normal banks and investment banks apart. That rule was later repealed in the 1990s.

There are many types of retail banks today. Community development banks help people in underserved markets. Private banks manage money for very wealthy people. Some banks are located in places with low taxes. These are called offshore banks. You might also find savings banks. Some are even part of national postal systems.

Banking helps our world run every day. It connects your money to the things you need. You might use a money market account or an IRA. In the U.S., people use sweep accounts too. These tools help people manage their lives. Banking is a huge part of how we live.

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