What is a Retail Bank?

Retail Bank Overview

A retail bank is a bank that works with consumers, otherwise known as 'retail customers'.

Retail banks provide basic banking services to the general public, including:

• Checking and savings accounts
• CDs
• Safe deposit boxes
• Mortgages and second mortgages
• Auto loans
• Unsecured and revolving loans such as credit cards

Retail banks are the banks you most often see in cities on crowded intersections, the ones you probably use for your personal checking account.

In addition to helping consumers, retail banks often serve businesses as well - so they can also serve as commercial banks.