Retail Banking: What It Is, Types, Example

What Is Retail Banking?

By Robin Hartill, CFP – Updated Oct 17, 2025 at 2:32 AM EST

Key Points

Retail banks offer accounts, CDs, and loans for personal financial management.
Deposits in retail banks are safe, insured up to $250,000 by FDIC.
JPMorgan Chase, a major retail bank, provides diverse services but lower interest rates.

When you shop for a personal savings or checking account, or you apply for a home mortgage or personal loan, you're seeking retail banking services. Retail banking is the branch of the banking sector that offers financial services to individual customers. In this article, we'll cover retail banking, including the types of retail banks, common retail banking services, and why the money you deposit at a retail bank is generally safe.

Loading paragraph...

A bank teller handing cash to a customer. — Image source: Getty Images

Loading image...

Loading paragraph...

Commercial Banking

A set of financial services designed for businesses, such as deposit accounts, loans, lines of credit, payment processing, and more.

Loading paragraph...

Bank Statement

A bank statement is a document issued by your financial institution that shows your account activity over a period of time.

Loading paragraph...

Best Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

If you're considering hiring a financial advisor, it's a good idea to have a list of questions ready during your interview.

What is a Fiduciary?

A fiduciary is someone who manages money, assets, or property for a client or beneficiary.

What Is Estate Planning?

Who needs an estate plan? Basically everyone. Here are eight steps to creating one.

8 Best Strategies for Retirement Income

You've worked hard to build a retirement nest egg. Here's how to make the most of it.

Loading hub_pages...

Loading paragraph...

About the Author

Robin Hartill, CFP, is a contributing writer at The Motley Fool. Robin’s work has also been published by Yahoo Finance, USA Today, and Penny Hoarder. She is a graduate of the University of Florida.

TMFRobinHartill

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