Each depositor insured to at least $250,000 per insured bank

Press Releases

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FDIC Announces a Quick Guide for Consumers on Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cards
Other Services Also Highlighted for National Consumer Protection Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2012

Media Contact: Jay Rosenstein (202) 898-7303 Email: jrosenstein@fdic.gov

In observance of National Consumer Protection Week 2012 (NCPW), the FDIC has issued a guide to help consumers understand the differences between debit, credit and prepaid cards. The guide is intended to help consumers, who routinely use cards to pay for goods and services but who don't always understand the differences in how these cards work or the applicable consumer protections. The quick guide and an accompanying list of 10 things to know about credit, debit and prepaid cards can be found at www.fdic.gov/ncpw.

"The FDIC is committed to consumer education so that households can make informed financial decisions," said Acting Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg. "FDIC.gov is a great place to learn about matters of interest to consumers, and we are pleased now to offer this guide that consumers can refer to when choosing or using a payment card."

Also in connection with NCPW 2012, which is March 4-10, the special Web page above features other FDIC resources for consumers on a variety of topics:

• "EDIE," the FDIC's Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator: An online calculator that assists consumers and businesses in determining their deposit insurance coverage for each FDIC-insured bank where they have deposit accounts. EDIE also provides a printable report showing whether those deposits are fully protected or if some exceed the federal limits.
• Bank Find: The FDIC's online directory that consumers can use to locate an FDIC-insured institution, learn what happened to a bank that changed names or no longer exists, and more
• Customer Assistance Form: An easy-to-use form to submit a question to the FDIC or a complaint regarding a financial institution. Consumers with questions or concerns can also call the FDIC toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC, which is 1-877-275-3342.
• Small Business Web Page: Useful information for small business owners, especially regarding access to loans, plus an online form to ask the FDIC a question or register a concern.
• Money Smart: A financial education curriculum concentrating on the development of consumers' financial skills and positive banking relationships.
• Foreclosure Prevention Toolkit: A Web page that provides easy access to helpful information for homeowners on avoiding foreclosure and foreclosure "rescue" scams.
• FDIC Consumer News: The FDIC's quarterly publication for consumers offers information and tips on credit cards, bank accounts, loans, scams, money management, and much more. Consumers can also listen to articles anywhere, anytime online or by downloading them to an MP3 player.
• Consumer Alerts: Warnings about financial frauds and scams.
• Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Overdraft Fees: An FDIC brochure providing information and advice on overdraft fees.
• E-mail updates: Sign up to receive e-mail notices of each new issue of FDIC Consumer News, Consumer Alerts, and other announcements and publications from the FDIC.

For more information about the FDIC's educational programs and service for consumers, including a toll-free Call Center, free videos and brochures, current and past issues of FDIC Consumer News, and the Money Smart financial education curriculum (one version for adults and one for young adults), visit www.fdic.gov or call 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342).

"The FDIC is proud to be one of the organizing partners of National Consumer Protection Week and to support its focus on the importance of providing consumers with tips and information to manage money and debt, avoid frauds and scams, and protect their privacy," Acting Chairman Gruenberg added.

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Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation's 7,359 banks and savings associations, and it promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars — insured financial institutions fund its operations.

FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically (go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-27-2012