Online Banking vs Neobanks: Understand FDIC Safety and Protect Your Money
Nov 18, 2024
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Spencer Tierney, a banking expert at NerdWallet with nearly a decade of experience, dives into the complexities of online banking and neobanks. He clarifies the crucial differences between traditional banks and neobanks, emphasizing FDIC insurance's role in safeguarding deposits. The conversation highlights recent vulnerabilities in the neobanking sector, particularly in light of Synapse's bankruptcy, raising awareness about potential risks and protections for consumers. Also discussed are practical tips for affordable holiday hosting, linking festive spending to overall financial health.
Organizing a potluck for holiday gatherings can significantly reduce costs while fostering community among guests through shared dishes.
Understanding the differences between neobanks and traditional banks is crucial, particularly regarding the safety of FDIC insurance for your deposits.
Deep dives
Embracing Budget-Friendly Holiday Hosting
Hosting a holiday gathering can be costly and labor-intensive, but there are effective strategies to manage expenses. One recommended approach is to organize a potluck, where the host prepares the main dish while guests contribute sides and desserts, easing both the financial and physical burden. This not only diversifies the menu but also fosters a sense of community as each guest shares their favorite recipes. Another vital tip for those with overnight guests is to budget for additional food, especially for teenagers who tend to eat more, and it’s important to set boundaries around hosting to maintain comfort and control over expenses.
Understanding the Risks of Neobanks
Neobanks are different from traditional banks, primarily functioning as financial technology companies that partner with established banks to offer banking services. This arrangement means that while neobanks may provide convenience and innovative features, they also carry inherent risks, especially in light of past financial collapses involving neobanks and their software partners. Customers need to be aware that money held in a neobank may not be protected directly by FDIC insurance if the neobank fails, unlike traditional online banks that have direct FDIC coverage. A recent banking crisis underscored the importance of understanding the nuances between these banking models to ensure the safety of deposits.
Maximizing Benefits While Staying Debt-Free
Using credit cards for holiday expenses can be rewarding if done wisely, particularly if you choose cards that offer cashback or travel rewards. However, accumulating debt during the holiday season can negate these benefits, with many shoppers still grappling with credit card debt months later. It’s crucial to be cautious about overspending during this high-pressure time, as financial habits established now can impact goals for the upcoming year. Balancing the allure of sign-up bonuses with the overarching goal of remaining debt-free should guide holiday spending decisions.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Learn how to distinguish neobanks from traditional banks, understand FDIC insurance, and get tips for affordable holiday hosting.
What is the difference between a neobank and a traditional bank? Is my money safe in an online bank or neobank? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss how to distinguish a neobank from a traditional bank and ways to safeguard your savings, helping you understand what to look for in financial institutions. But first, they begin with a discussion of affordable holiday hosting, with tips and tricks on hosting a potluck, budgeting for extra food, and setting boundaries with overnight guests. Then, NerdWallet banking expert Spencer Tierney joins Sean and Sara to discuss the ins and outs of online banks and neobanks. They discuss how FDIC insurance works, what to look for in a neobank’s fine print, and the potential risks of using a neobank.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
Have a money question? Text or call us at 901-730-6373. Or you can email us at podcast@nerdwallet.com. To hear previous episodes, go to the podcast homepage.
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