Deposit insurance protects eligible money when a covered bank fails. The headline limit is important, but so are the bank, ownership category and legal entity behind a brand.
United States: $250,000
The FDIC standard amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. Checking, savings and certificates of deposit can qualify; stocks, mutual funds and safe-deposit-box contents do not.
United Kingdom: £120,000
The FSCS limit rose to £120,000 per eligible person, per authorised firm on December 1, 2025. Brands sharing one banking licence can share one protection limit. Temporary high balances from certain life events may receive additional short-term cover.
European Union: €100,000
EU deposit-guarantee schemes protect eligible deposits up to €100,000 per depositor per bank. National schemes administer the protection under common EU rules.
The common mistake
Opening accounts under two brand names does not necessarily double protection if both operate under the same insured institution or licence. Confirm the legal bank and ownership structure, particularly for joint or trust accounts.
Check the official FDIC summary, FSCS limit and EU guarantee page. Read more Business coverage.
