What Is a National Bank? Overview and Example

By Rachel Warren – Updated Aug 22, 2025 at 8:57 PM | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

National banks in the U.S. offer services like loans and account management.
These banks are chartered by the federal government and insured by the FDIC.
They provide financial services nationwide, unlike state banks with a local focus.

National banks in the U.S. serve a diverse customer base, including both individuals and businesses. In fact, a significant portion of Americans do their banking at national banks to access a wide range of services such as checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment products.

National banks also cater to businesses of all sizes, from small to large corporations. They offer services tailored to businesses, including commercial lending, treasury management, and wealth management. Here’s what you need to know about national banks and how they work.

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Bank teller with customer — Getty Images

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The bottom line

National banks provide a diverse range of financial services to a broad customer base, including individuals seeking various financial products, as well as businesses and other organizations looking for credit, financing, and specialized banking solutions. There are many publicly traded national banks that include the likes of JPMorgan Chase (JPM +1.42%), Bank of America (BAC +0.90%), Wells Fargo (WFC +0.08%), and Citibank (C +2.02%).

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About the Author

Rachel Warren is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, information technology, and consumer goods. Prior to The Motley Fool, Rachel was a paralegal and legal administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Liberty University School of Law.

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Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Rachel Warren has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.