Opening a Swiss bank account is relatively easy, with only the requirement that the account holder must be at least 18 years old. However, banks may reject requests if the origin of the money is suspicious or violates Swiss law. Certified copies of official documents are usually required to prove the source of the money […]
“Break the bank” means something is too expensive. It originated from casino gambling, but may also refer to breaking a piggy bank. It was also the name of a game show where contestants tried to win cash by breaking the bank, but no one ever won the top prize. “Break the bank” is a slang […]
Central banks regulate foreign exchange supplies and policies to ensure stability of national currency and money supply. They may distribute foreign currency, implement monetary policy, regulate banking industry, set interest rates, and act as lender to smaller banks. Examples include the Federal Reserve in the US and the European Central Bank in Europe. Supporters argue […]
BSB is a six-digit code used in Australia and New Zealand to identify bank branches for electronic funds transfers and check clearing. The code includes the parent company’s identification, state, and specific branch location. Credit unions and building societies may not use BSBs, and overseas transfers may take several days and incur additional fees. State […]
Banking departments are state-level agencies in the US that regulate and oversee banks, credit lenders, and financial brokers. They ensure fair and transparent operations, issue licenses, inspect financial records, and perform audits. The FDIC is a national agency that certifies and insures banks, working closely with state banking departments. No insured bank has failed since […]
Kids’ bank accounts teach budgeting, saving, and banking. Parents should teach responsible money management and help choose the best account. Many banks offer incentives, literature, and teen accounts with pre-loaded debit cards to teach responsible use. A kids’ bank account is a fun way for kids to learn about budgeting, saving money, and how the […]
Bank trust departments offer conservative management of trust funds, estate planning support, and administration of trusts. They also provide agency services for businesses and can help manage assets during critical illness. Among the financial services offered with many banking institutions is the bank trust department. Essentially, the department’s role is to handle the administration of […]
Choosing a free offshore bank account requires research on minimum deposits, location, online access, and bank security. Customer service and security are also important factors to consider. A free offshore bank account offers many benefits to its owner, such as tax relief and privacy. There are many countries and many more banks that offer this […]
Commercial bank interest rates for loans and savings accounts are affected by borrower demand, inflation rates, and creditworthiness. Banks pay higher interest rates for accounts from which customers are less likely to withdraw their money. Loans are the main source of income for banks, and interest rates are based on projected inflation and the creditworthiness […]
Bank statements show account balance and activity, including deposits, withdrawals, and fees. They can be received monthly or quarterly, and some banks offer paperless statements. Reading statements helps track expenses and detect errors or fraud. Bank statements are records compiled by a bank to show things like the balance and activity within the account. It […]
To protect a bank card, keep the PIN secret, don’t share card information over the phone, and report lost cards immediately. Never share the PIN, create a random string of numbers, and confirm the caller’s identity. If a card is lost, call the bank to cancel it. You can protect a bank card by keeping […]
Bank fraud can take many forms, but it is possible to identify and report it. Customers and bank employees can report suspicious activity, triggering an investigation that may involve law enforcement agencies and national trade agencies. Quick reporting is important to isolate the source of the fraud and prevent further victims. Bank fraud is an […]
A coin bank is a decorative container for loose change, available in various designs and types, including those that sort and count coins. They make great gifts and are available at most department stores and online sellers. Change has a way of adding up, and before long, there’s just too much to put in your […]
A bank manager is responsible for staff management, marketing, attracting new customers, and resolving complaints. They must have skills in human resources, customer service, accounting, and computer knowledge. They also hire and train employees, oversee accounting documentation, set policies, and develop marketing campaigns. They must resolve customer complaints with excellent customer service skills. A bank […]
Bank compensation policies include wages and bonuses, which vary between banks and are tied to financial performance. Bonuses can be cash or stock-based and are often given to senior executives. Some banks disclose their policies in annual reports, and fiscally conservative policies may reduce bonuses during weak market performance. Bank compensation refers to a financial […]
A subsidiary bank is owned by a parent bank in a different country and only needs to follow regulations in the country where it operates. It differs from a foreign branch bank, which is subject to both parent and host country regulations. The choice between the two depends on the bank’s goals for establishing a […]
A banking corporation is a legal entity that manages two or more subsidiary financial institutions. Its primary function is to set capital standards, evaluate mergers, and manage subsidiaries. Banking companies are heavily regulated to protect consumer funds and have been accused of playing a major role in the global recession. A banking corporation is a […]
A frozen bank account occurs when a creditor sues you for unpaid debt and receives a court order to freeze your account. You will need a lawyer to unfreeze the account. To avoid this, pay bills on time, notify creditors of address changes, and respond to lawsuits. Government assistance and some funds may be exempt […]
Banks charge wire transfer fees for sending and receiving money electronically, with international transfers being more expensive. It’s important to find a bank with reasonable rates, and recipients may charge a convenience fee to cover their own fees. A wire transfer fee is a fee that is assessed by a bank or credit union for […]
A bond bank buys municipal bonds from local government entities and uses the proceeds to support its own bond issues, benefiting both parties. It can work with school districts, state agencies, and local jurisdictions to finance projects. Bond banks can be established at the state level and must comply with banking laws and regulations. A […]
