Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For deposits at a U.S. FDIC-insured bank, the standard protection is up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. To reduce the chance of an uninsured loss, verify the bank, add up every account you hold there within each ownership category—including accrued interest—and confirm that any trust, business, or intermediary arrangement meets FDIC rules.
How much of your money is protected if your bank fails?
The FDIC’s standard insurance limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. The limit includes principal and accrued interest through the date the bank closes. See the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Basics.
The limit applies to the combined deposits you hold in the same ownership category at the same insured bank—not separately to each account, branch, or product. A checking account and savings account in the same category are added together. Opening another account or visiting a different branch of that bank does not create another $250,000 limit. The FDIC explains the calculation in Deposit Insurance at a Glance and Understanding Deposit Insurance.
How to check and organize your coverage
- Verify the bank. Confirm that the institution holding your deposit is FDIC-insured; the FDIC’s consumer materials point to BankFind for checking institutions. A brand name or app alone does not establish which bank holds your funds. Starting March 1, 2026, the FDIC says to look for its official digital sign on bank websites and apps and, where applicable, certain ATMs. Treat the sign as a cue and verify the institution independently.
- Make an account inventory for each bank. Include checking, savings, certificates of deposit, and other deposits, plus accrued interest when estimating balances. Accounts at separate branches of the same bank still belong to that bank for this purpose.
- Sort by depositor and ownership category. Total the accounts held by each depositor in each category at that bank. The FDIC recognizes categories including single accounts, certain retirement accounts, joint accounts, trust accounts, employee-benefit plan accounts, business or organization accounts, and government accounts. Separate coverage may apply to distinct categories when their requirements are met; category-specific rules and the actual account facts matter. Review the FDIC’s Your Insured Deposits guide and use its Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator for a case-specific estimate.
- Check complex or third-party arrangements before relying on them. For brokered, fintech, custodial, or other intermediary-held funds, identify the legal bank that holds the deposit and ask in writing how the account is structured and what records identify each owner and their interest. Do not assume the platform itself is a bank or that pass-through treatment creates an extra insurance category.
- Keep documents that establish ownership. Preserve statements, account agreements, trust documents, and relevant intermediary records. These can help establish how funds are owned and categorized if the bank fails.
What ownership categories and pass-through coverage mean
Ownership category is based on the legal ownership of the deposit, not merely the account label. Categories such as joint, trust, retirement, business, and government accounts have different eligibility requirements. Do not assume that changing a title or opening an account under another name will qualify for separate coverage; the FDIC’s category rules and the underlying facts control.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- FIRE AND FLOOD PROTECTION FOR ESSENTIAL PAPERS: UL Classified to withstand high temperatures for up to thirty minutes and ETL Verified to protect contents during water exposure, helping safeguard critical paperwork during common home emergencies
- DESIGNED FOR IMPORTANT DOCUMENT STORAGE: Spacious interior fits hanging file folders and is ideal for organizing passports, birth certificates, insurance records, and legal paperwork
- KEY LOCK SECURITY YOU CONTROL: Durable key lock helps prevent unauthorized access and keeps the lid securely closed during fire events. Two keys are included for backup access
- HOME FRIENDLY SIZE WITH PORTABLE DESIGN: Compact footprint fits easily in closets, offices, or under desks while remaining portable enough to relocate when needed
- BUILT FOR EVERYDAY PEACE OF MIND: Black exterior offers a clean, neutral look that blends into home or office spaces while providing dependable document protection year round
Pass-through coverage is not a separate insurance category. It may apply when a deposit is held through an agent or custodian for the benefit of actual owners, but the agency relationship must be disclosed in the bank’s records and records must make each owner and their ownership interest ascertainable. The FDIC assesses these requirements when the bank fails. Its detailed explanation is Pass-through Deposit Insurance Coverage.
What to do if a balance exceeds the applicable limit
If your total in a category at one bank is above its applicable limit, the excess may be uninsured. After confirming the bank, category, and totals, possible planning choices include moving some funds to a different FDIC-insured bank or using a genuinely distinct eligible ownership category. Check how each choice affects access to your money and the documentation you would need. Do not rely on artificial titling or an intermediary’s marketing claim as proof of coverage.
Rank #2
- FIRE RESISTANT BOX: Lifetime after-fire replacement guarantee. Keep your important papers, digital media and other valuables secure and protected from fire with this durable fireproof safety box for home
- ADVANCED FIRE PROTECTION: Fire safe box is UL classified for fire endurance (1/2 hour at 1550ºF) to protect documents and valuables; ETL verified (1/2 hour at 1550ºF) to protect CDs, DVDs, memory sticks and USB drives
- KEY LOCK: Fire resistant safe has a privacy key lock to keep unwanted viewers away and prevent the lid from opening in the event of fire; includes two keys
- CARRYING GRIPS: Convenient carrying grips on fire resistant safe assist with ease of transportation and portability
- SMALL FIRE SAFE: Safety box fits wherever you need; Interior: 3 in. H x 13 in. W x 8.75 in. D, exterior: 5.75 in. H x 15.125 in. W x 11.25 in. D; 0.197 cubic foot capacity, weighs 17 lbs.
What happens to deposits when a bank fails?
A bank failure does not always result in a check being mailed. The FDIC may arrange for a healthy bank to assume insured deposits, allowing customers to access them through that bank, or it may pay depositors directly. The FDIC’s stated goal is to make insured-deposit payments within two business days, but that is a goal, not a guarantee for every account; cases needing additional documentation can take longer. Follow notices from the FDIC or any acquiring bank and keep relevant account and ownership records available. See Payment to Depositors and When a Bank Fails – Facts for Depositors, Creditors, and Borrowers.
Amounts above the insured limit may be claims against the failed bank’s receivership. Recovery of an uninsured balance is not assured.
Rank #3
- Fireproof box is UL Classified to endure 1/2 hour at 1550°F to protect irreplaceable documents and valuables from fire
- Fire safe box is ETL Verified to protect CDs, DVDs, and USBs from fire damage
- Fireproof lock box features a flat key lock to prevent the lid from opening in the event of a fire; Includes 2 keys
- Document safe includes bolt down hardware kit and also features convenient built-in carrying handle for easy transportation
- Exterior: 14.3 in. W x 11.2 in. D x 6.1 in. H; Interior: 12 in. W x 7.5 in. D x 3.5 in. H; Small capacity: 0.18 cu. ft.; Weight: 13 lbs. To assure that the unit will perform properly in case of a fire, store it closed and locked, with the feet down. The front plate with the key should be facing out not up
What FDIC insurance does not protect
FDIC deposit insurance does not cover stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance, annuities, municipal securities, or Treasury securities as bank deposits. It also does not insure losses from theft or fraud. The FDIC’s consumer overview and insured-deposits brochure describe the scope of coverage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【UL-94 VTM-0 Certified Fireproof Document Box】:This fireproof document box is constructed with waterproof silicone coating and aluminum foil. Fire proof briefcase passed SGS testing ( up to 5200°F) and holds UL94 VTM-0 certification. Featuring an 8 protective layers, it provides reliable waterproof and dustproof defense while inhibiting flame spread. Effectively safeguards your important documents against fires, floods, wet conditions, and other extreme environments.
- 【Hard-Shell Fireproof Safe Box Design】: hard-shell fire proof safe for home documents features stronger structural protection and better durability than fireproof document bag. It is resistant to deformation, punctures and tears, can stand stably and be stacked easily for better organization. Ideal for long-term storage of important documents, certificates, valuables.
- 【Pack more than you think】Fireproof file organizer adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs. The portable fireproof safe briefcase includes 1*main big compartment(15×11×5.1'' ) , 2*small mesh pockets, 4*A4 mesh pocket, 12*card slots, 2*USB drive pockets, 4*pen slots, 12*detachable A4 accordion file folders with labels,1*fireproof safe testing sample. Making it effortless to categorize and access 14'' laptops, letter, certificates, valuable when travel or needed.
- 【Digital Lock—keyless, worry-free】The password lock on the carry-on fireproof safe file organizer offers enhanced security, keeping your document safe,fireproof safe from unauthorized access. Easy to set and reset, it ensures simple control over your security while preventing accidental openings. Perfect for business professionals, students, travelers, and creatives, it provides peace of mind and privacy for sensitive documents. Durable and keyless, it offers hassle-free access on the go
- 【Thoughtful Details, Refined Experience】 Poratble Fireproof document organizer features an wider handle, offering a more comfortable grip. Compact size, easy to grab in emergencies. Equipped with a silicone waterproof coating, the zipper enhances water resistance and allows for easier opening and closing, ensuring your items stay dry in any weather.The back strap slides onto suitcase handles, making travel easier and reducing shoulder strain. Ideal for travelers or everyday use
Rank #4
- Ultimate Fireproof & Water-Resistant Protection: Keep your valuables safe with our DocSafe Hard-Shell fireproof file organizer. It is made of thickened silicone coated fireproof heat insulated cotton material and hard-shell material which can stands up against fire and passed the UL94 -V0/5VA flame retardant test. Fireproof box is both fireproof and water-resistant, ensuring your documents stay protected during fires, floods, or wet weather. It may fit both letter and legal-size files
- Upgraded Hard-Shell Design Fireproof Box: Our fireproof document box combines hard-shell construction with fireproof materials, offering unmatched protection and durability. Unlike traditional soft case, our design withstands extreme conditions while maintaining a sleek, professional look. The Non-dusty material actively repels dust,hair and stains, keeping your box clean and tidy for years. It’s the ultimate solution for safeguarding your important documents, laptop, and valuables
- Large-capacity: Outside size: 15.5" x 11.5" x 3"(Thickness can be expanded up to 4"). Our Accordion fireproof document box adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs. These include 13 accordion Pockets with labels,1 zipper pocket,4 pen slot,14 card slots,4 passport holder,4 small mesh bags,2 mesh bags,and 1 main pocket. It can store your important documents,money,passport,U Disk,cards,laptop,certificates in a safe and orderly way. Perfect for daily file filing and storage
- Fireproof File Organizer with Lock: Protect your valuables with the built-in high-quality combination lock (No keys required). Featuring a double metal zipper for convenient opening and closing. Design with a strong handle for carrying everything you needed easily. The fireproof file folder is suitable for business, travel, office, school, home storage, you can be 100% sure that your important documents are in a safe place. Of course, giving it as a gift to your family is also a good choice
- Trusted after sales service: Nothing is completely foolproof, but added protection is always a good idea. In an emergency, our fireproof document organizer ensures your files stay intact, giving you time to save your important documents. It is lighter, easier to carry than fireproof safes and quick to grab and go. If there any quality problem, please feel free to let us know. We are committed to solving your problem immediately, your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
