A commercial bank is essentially what comes to mind when you think of a typical bank where both individuals and businesses handle their everyday financial needs. As for-profit institutions, they have the legal authority to accept deposits and extend loans. While primarily serving consumers and small to medium-sized enterprises, some commercial banks also cater to larger corporations. They offer an array of financial services including various deposit accounts and loans.

In the United States, commercial banks dominate the banking landscape with nearly 4,000 in operation, making them the overwhelming majority.

When it comes to what they offer, commercial banks provide a suite of services such as checking and savings accounts, debit cards, certificates of deposit, and credit options like mortgages, personal loans, auto loans, and small business loans. Additionally, some banks have specialized units dedicated to delivering investment services.

Commercial banks are practical for nearly everyone, from individuals wanting a secure place for their savings to businesses seeking funds through loans. By providing a comprehensive range of services, these banks aim to be a one-stop solution, making them more appealing to customers who prefer managing all their banking needs under one roof.

If you’re looking for examples of commercial banks, consider both large national institutions like Chase and Bank of America, as well as smaller ones like KeyBank and City National Bank. These banks may offer numerous branch locations, as seen with large networks like that of Wells Fargo. However, the rise of online-only commercial banks such as Ally Bank and SoFi demonstrates how digital offerings have gained popularity. Traditional banks are adapting to this trend by enhancing their online banking capabilities through websites and mobile apps.

Now, how do commercial banks stack up against other financial institutions? Let’s break it down:

• Commercial Bank vs. Credit Union: Commercial banks are businesses focused on profit and shareholder returns, whereas credit unions are member-owned nonprofits. Both offer similar accounts and loans, but credit unions may have membership restrictions based on geography or employment.

• Commercial Bank vs. Retail Bank: A commercial bank services both individuals and businesses, but retail banks target individual consumers. Banks often divide their operations into “commercial banking” for business clients and “retail banking” for personal customers.

• Commercial Bank vs. Savings Bank: While commercial banks deal in a range of accounts and loans for businesses, savings banks usually concentrate on real estate loans. Ownership structures for savings banks can vary, from shareholder-owned to member-owned forms, like mutual savings banks.

• Commercial Bank vs. Investment Bank: Commercial banks serve consumers and smaller companies, whereas investment banks engage with large corporations and governments, assisting with mergers and capital raising. Some commercial banks offer investment services through dedicated divisions.

• Commercial Bank vs. Corporate Bank: Corporate banks focus on large corporate clients, providing financing and advisory services like those needed for mergers. Some banks operate as both commercial and corporate institutions, covering individual to corporate needs.

• Commercial Bank vs. Central Bank: Central banks regulate a nation’s financial system, managing money supply and monetary policy. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve serves this essential role.

Commercial banks generate revenue mainly through interest on loans, using customers’ deposits to fund these loans. They also earn from an array of fees, including ATM charges, monthly maintenance fees, and penalties for overdrafts or late payments.

As for safety, commercial banks are rigorously regulated to protect customer deposits, especially those insured by the FDIC. This insurance guarantees that, should a bank fail, deposits are secure up to a specified limit. For more information, you can explore the details in FDIC insurance literature.