A bank is a financial institution that provides many services including loans, credit cards and checking and savings accounts. If your money is in a bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC, will insure your deposits up to $100,000.  That means if the bank goes out of business, you'll get your money back.

In case you are unsure with whom you should ask your questions, let's get familiar with workers at a bank.

BANK TELLER is the one who takes your deposits and cashes your checks.  If you need to make a deposit or get some cash from your account, then a teller is the one you talk to.

BRANCH MANAGER is the one who is in charge of making sure that the bank branch runs smoothly. If someone else can't help you, a branch manager can answer any of your questions or concerns.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE is the person who provides you with information about the bank and helps you open a new checking or savings account.  A customer service representative will answer your questions about your account or about the bank.

LOAN OFFICER is the one who you speak with when you need a loan.  The Loan Officer provides all the necessary application materials and guides you through the borrowing process.