For private investigators specializing in financial investigations, it is important to have a solid understanding of banking and financial products and services. Following is an explanation of various banking and financial products:
List of Banking and Financial Products and Services
Products and Services for Financial Transactions Needs
ATM Cards
ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine. An ATM card is a physical plastic card that allows the holder to withdraw cash from ATMs. Also, an ATM card can be used for other purposes. For example, the machine can look up account information, make deposits, and transfer money between accounts.
Checking Account
With a checking account, physical paper checks or electronic checks are used to withdraw money from a bank account. Checks may be used for various financial purposes, such as paying bills, purchasing products and services, sending money to other people, and many other common uses.
Bank checks can also transfer money to other financial institutions’ accounts. Bank checking accounts provide quick, convenient, and frequent access to the money in the bank account.
Typically, deposits can be made into the checking account as often as you choose and may be withdrawn at any time. Most financial institutions allow you to withdraw or deposit funds at an automated teller machine (ATM) or to pay for purchases at stores with an ATM or Debit card.
Banking Products for Credit Needs
Credit Cards
A credit card is one of the most common banking and financial products and services. A credit card is a small plastic card used to purchase goods and services on credit. Banks and financial services companies charge interest on the unpaid credit card balance.
Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan is a second mortgage that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home.
Debit Card
A debit card is a plastic or metal card used to make purchases. The card is linked to a checking, savings, or investment account. When a purchase is made, funds are withdrawn from the account electronically.
Insurance
Insurance provides financial protection against events that could cause a loss. The insured person makes regular premium payments. In the event of a loss, the insurance company reimburses the insured for the loss.
Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
Some checking accounts pay interest; others do not. A regular checking account also called a demand deposit account – does not pay interest, whereas a negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account does.
Financial Institutions may impose fees on checking accounts besides a charge for the checks you order. Fees vary among institutions. Some institutions charge maintenance or a flat monthly fee regardless of the balance in your account.
Other institutions charge a monthly fee if the minimum balance in your account drops below a certain amount any day during the month or if the average balance drops below the specified amount. Some charge a fee for every transaction, such as for each check you write or for each withdrawal you make at an ATM. Many institutions impose a combination of these fees.
Although a checking account that pays interest may appear more attractive than one that does not, it is important to look at fees for both checking accounts. Many bank checking accounts that pay interest charge higher fees than regular checking accounts, so you could pay more in payments than you earn in interest.
Banking and Financial Products and Services for Investors
Bonds – A bond is a type of fixed-income investment. With bonds, investors loan money to an entity, such as a local government or corporation, in return for interest.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) – A certificate of deposit, commonly known as a CD, is a savings investment with a fixed maturity and a specific interest rate. CDs are issued in any amount. CDs are generally viewed as a conservative investment and carry minimal risk.
Derivative – A derivative is a type of investment contract that gets its value from the performance of an underlying entity.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
An IRA is an investing tool that helps individuals save for retirement.
Money Market Account
A money market account is a deposit account that pays interest based on current rates. Usually, the number of checks you can write is limited.
Mortgage Loan – A mortgage loan is money borrowed from a lender to purchase homes and other types of real estate. Mortgages come in various types: conventional, adjustable-rate, fixed-rate, and others.
Mutual Funds
Overdraft Protection
Payday Loans
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
Stock
Sweep Account
Traveler’s Cheques –
More Information about Banking and Financial Products and Services
For more information, check out our selection of Financial Investigation Books available through Amazon.com. Or, visit Bankrate.com.
Please post a message below if you have any questions about these banking and financial products and services.
