Will I get compensation if my bank goes bust? (2024)

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Will I get compensation if my bank goes bust? (1)

When a bank is at risk of going bust, there is usually a run on the bank when the bank’s customers try to withdraw the money in their accounts before the bank closes.

There is a government scheme in place which will compensate account holders of a bank that has failed, but only up to a limited sum.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) will pay up to £85,000 of funds held in a bank account if the bank collapses. They pay up to £170,000 for a joint account.

This sum is based on the exchange rate equivalent of €100,000.

If you ensure that the balance on your account is always below the sums protected by the Government guarantee, then you will get all your money back if your bank fails.

If the balance in your account is higher than the sums protected by the FSCS, the best option is to open an account with National Savings & Investments (NS&I). NS&I is a state owned savings bank, offering a wide range of savings accounts and premium bonds. Most of the savings accounts have a government guarantee up to £1 million.

The FSCS also provide temporary protection for balances up to £1million in certain circ*mstances.

Temporary protection (available for 6 months only) for balances up to £1 million in any bank account in a number of specific situations including:

  • Money which will be used to buy a main property and money received from the sale of a main property;
  • Proceeds received under an equity release scheme or insurance policy;
  • Compensation from a PI award;
  • Compensation for unfair dismissal or redundancy;
  • Money received on marriage or divorce;
  • Money paid on retirement
  • Inheritance payments.

The purpose of the temporary protection is to allow you sufficient time to open additional accounts and transfer the money out of your main account.

Compensation received from a personal injury award includes any damages received for an accident, clinical negligence claim or criminal injuries. The protection for PI awards is unlimited in amount (but only for 6 months).

It is reassuring to know that some large sums have higher protection for six months. But it is also important to be aware of the relatively short time limit.

How can Andrew Isaacs Law help?

At Andrew Isaacs Law, we act as Professional Deputy for many clients who have received large damages awards. We regularly transfer large sums of money on behalf of our clients. Our experience and expertise as Professional Deputy ensures that clients’ money is kept safe. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Will I get compensation if my bank goes bust? (2)

Philippa Barton – Senior Solicitor – Court of Protection Team Dated:22.02.2023

Will I get compensation if my bank goes bust? (2024)

FAQs

Will I get compensation if my bank goes bust? ›

Most banks in the US are insured by the FDIC, which provides coverage up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC bank, per ownership category. In the event of a bank failure, insured deposits are guaranteed to be returned within two business days by the FDIC.

How much money are you covered for if a bank goes bust? ›

The level of protection you have will depend on which banks and building societies your accounts are with. The FSCS will only pay out its maximum of £85,000 per person for each 'authorised institution' or banking group. Some bank brands are owned by a larger bank company.

Do you get your money back if a bank goes bust? ›

When a bank is at risk of going bust, there is usually a run on the bank when the bank's customers try to withdraw the money in their accounts before the bank closes. There is a government scheme in place which will compensate account holders of a bank that has failed, but only up to a limited sum.

What happens to my money in the bank if the economy crashes? ›

Your money is safe in a bank, even during an economic decline like a recession. Up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, is protected by the FDIC or NCUA at a federally insured financial institution.

Should I take my money out of the bank in 2024? ›

FDIC insurance coverage guarantees up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. This means that if you have multiple accounts with the same bank, each account is insured separately up to $250,000.

Do you get your money if a bank collapses? ›

If your bank fails, up to $250,000 of deposited money (per person, per account ownership type) is protected by the FDIC. When banks fail, the most common outcome is that another bank takes over the assets and your accounts are simply transferred over. If not, the FDIC will pay you out.

How do you get your money back if a bank closes? ›

If your bank closes, the FDIC will either try to move your money to another bank in good standing or mail you a check for up to the insured amount. If it doesn't move your money, the bank should mail you a check within two business days of closing.

Can a bank legally keep your money? ›

Banks cannot take your money without your permission, at least not legally. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures deposits up to $250,000 per account holder, per bank. If the bank fails, you will return your money to the insured limit.

Can a bank refuse to give you your money back? ›

Transactions not made by you or anyone authorized to use your account are fraudulent, and federal law protects your money. Banks must refund you in certain circ*mstances, but the longer you wait to notify them, the more likely your bank won't refund stolen money.

Will banks refund money? ›

Federal law says banks have to reimburse you for unauthorized transactions but they don't for authorized ones. So, if you voluntarily give someone money, that's on you.

Should I take my cash out of the bank? ›

A bank account is typically the safest place for your cash, since banks can be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured institution, per ownership category.

Should you keep cash at home during a recession? ›

Recessions typically go hand in hand with higher unemployment, and finding a new job may not happen quickly. Catherine Valega, a CFP and wealth consultant at Green Bee Advisory in Winchester, Massachusetts, suggests keeping 12 to 24 months of expenses in cash.

What happens to your money if a bank closes your account? ›

You'll get your money back (usually). You may receive a check in the mail for the remaining balance, unless the bank suspects terrorism or other illegal activities. You can also go to a branch and receive a cashier's check for the account balance.

What would happen if everyone withdrew their money from the bank? ›

However, if many depositors withdraw all at once, the bank itself (as opposed to individual investors) may run short of liquidity, and depositors will rush to withdraw their money, forcing the bank to liquidate many of its assets at a loss, and eventually to fail.

Is it good to have $100,000 in the bank? ›

While reaching the $100,000 mark is an admirable achievement, it shouldn't be seen as an end game. Even a six-figure bank account likely won't go far enough in retirement, which could last as long as 30 years.

What is the 3000 bank rule? ›

The regulation requires that multiple purchases during one business day be aggregated and treated as one purchase. Purchases of different types of instruments at the same time are treated as one purchase and the amounts should be aggregated to determine if the total is $3,000 or more.

How much money are you guaranteed if bank fails? ›

The standard FDIC deposit insurance coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC bank, per ownership category. This means each depositor is insured to at least $250,000 at an FDIC-insured bank.

Is your money protected if a bank collapses? ›

FSCS will pay compensation within seven working days of a bank or building society failing. You don't need to do anything, FSCS will compensate you automatically. More complex cases, including temporary high balance claims, will take longer and you'll need to contact us to request an application form.

What is the 250k bank rule? ›

The standard maximum deposit insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. The FDIC insures deposits that a person holds in one insured bank separately from any deposits that the person owns in another separately chartered insured bank.

How much money does bank insurance cover? ›

The standard deposit insurance coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category. Deposits held in different ownership categories are separately insured, up to at least $250,000, even if held at the same bank.

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