Did Your Bank Close? The FDIC May Still Be Holding Your Money

Yes, closed banks still owe people money

When a bank fails, your money does not just vanish. Deposits are usually insured and paid back. But sometimes funds go unclaimed, often because a customer moved, changed names, or simply never knew the money was waiting.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) keeps records of these unclaimed funds from failed banks. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) does the same for credit unions.

If this is your money, you have the right to claim it. There is no fee to search, and there is no paid middleman you need to hire.

Who should check

Check if you ever had an account at a bank that closed or was taken over. Also check for accounts held by a relative who has passed away, since heirs can sometimes claim those funds.

It is easy to lose track of money after a move or a name change. A search takes only a few minutes, and it costs nothing to look.

This search is always free

Watch out for anyone who offers to find your old bank money for a fee. The official FDIC search is free, and you can file a claim yourself.

OpenFinancial is not a bank and not a government agency. We cannot get your money faster. We simply point you to the free, official tools so you can do it yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to search or claim?

No. The FDIC search and claim process is free. You never need to pay a service to find or recover your bank money.

What if the account belonged to a relative who died?

Heirs can sometimes claim funds from a deceased relative's account. Search the FDIC records by their name and follow the claim instructions listed.

What if my bank was actually a credit union?

The FDIC covers banks. For a closed credit union, search the NCUA instead at ncua.gov.

What do I need to search?

You can start with just your name, a business name, or a check number. Adding the bank's name, city, or state can narrow the results.