U.S. Banking & Account Statistics (2026)

The numbers

1. FDIC-insured commercial banks: 4,562

   Down from 4,706 a year earlier — consolidation continues at roughly 3% per year.

   As of 2025-Q4 · FDIC

2. Total domestic deposits: $17.6 trillion

   $10.4 trillion of which sits inside the $250,000 FDIC insurance cap.

   As of 2025-Q4 · FDIC

3. Unbanked households: 4.2%

   From the FDIC's biennial National Survey. Highest among low-income, minority, and immigrant households.

   As of 2025 · FDIC

4. Underbanked households: 14.1%

   Households with a bank account that also used alternative services (payday loans, check cashers, pawnshops) in the last year.

   As of 2025 · FDIC

5. Annual overdraft + NSF fee revenue: $5.8 billion

   Down from a 2019 peak of $12.6 billion as banks lowered fees under CFPB scrutiny. Eight of the 20 largest banks now charge $0.

   As of 2025 · CFPB

6. Primary-account holders at online-only banks: 24%

   Up from 9% in 2019. Highest among adults under 35 (41%).

   As of 2025 · Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

7. Median monthly checking-account fee at big banks: $12

   Typically waived with direct deposit of $500+ or a $1,500 minimum daily balance. Online-only banks charge $0.

   As of 2025 · Bankrate

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online banks as safe as brick-and-mortar banks?

Yes, when they carry FDIC insurance directly (not through a partner). Confirm on FDIC.gov BankFind that the bank itself — not just the brand on the app — holds an FDIC certificate. Coverage is identical: $250,000 per depositor per ownership category.