Maximize Your FDIC Insurance

On October 3, 2008, FDIC deposit insurance temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2009. 
 

Here are some hints on how to maximize your FDIC insurance

  • Keep separate single name accounts for each family member. A husband and wife can each have a single name account insured to $250,000—for a total of $500,000.
  • Use Uniform Gift to Minors Act (or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) accounts, if permitted in your state. These accounts are insured as single name accounts under the minor’s name, not the parent’s or custodian’s.
  • Use multiple joint accounts with different owners. Use revocable trust accounts (i.e. Payable on Death [POD], In Trust For [ITF]).
  • A couple then could have at least $1,250,000 in insured revocable deposits in the following accounts.
    • Acct # 1–John Doe, $250,000
    • Acct # 2–Mary Doe, $250,000
    • Acct # 3–Joint Account, John and Mary Doe, $250,000
    • Acct # 4–John Doe, ITF Mary Doe, $250,000
    • Acct # 5–Mary Doe, ITF John Doe, $250,000
    • Total $1,250,000
  • The FDIC permits each person to have up to $250,000 in insured deposits payable on death to each designated beneficiary.
  • For more information on how to maximize your FDIC insurance click here.