Banks are quickly becoming "one-stop shopping" centers, offering an increasing variety of services in addition to checking and savings accounts. You need to determine what other services will be of benefit to you, and the costs associated with those services. Consider the following:

• Loans and Mortgages. A mortgage, whether it's a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan, can be obtained from most banks. You must know how much of a down payment you can afford, and all the costs involved in the loan. Ask several institutions about the same loan amount, loan term, and type of loan so you can compare the information.
• Retirement Services/IRAs. (Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP) and Education IRAs). These plans allow you to save either tax-free or tax deferred.
• Credit Cards. Banks offer credit cards that vary in annual fee, credit limit and interest rate (e.g., classic, gold, platinum). Many offer travel rewards, free or discounted gift items, or support for special organizations and/or sports teams.
• Brokerage Services. You can get full service, discount services or do your own online trading.
• Insurance and Annuities. Some banks offer life insurance, annuities, auto insurance, homeowners insurance and recreational vehicle insurance.
• Courtesy Services. These services may include providing a payroll system for your business, Traveler's checks, safe deposit boxes and night depositories.

It is important to keep in mind that while many of the bank’s services are FDIC insured, investment products offered through the bank are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed, are not deposits and may lose value.   The bank is required to disclose what products are not FDIC insured.