Editor's Note: On Oct. 3, 2008, Congress raised the FDIC insurance amount to $250,000. This change will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2009, unless it is renewed.
The news of banks failing has consumers rattled. They're asking: "What will happen to my CD?" And if they didn't have accounts at these banks, they're asking: "Is my bank safe?"

This special section explains the role of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. in protecting deposits at banking institutions, how the FDIC handles bank failures and how you can check up on your bank.

Keeping your money safe

Keep more cash safe by learning FDIC rules   The FDIC insures deposits up to $100,000. But suppose you have more saved? Here's how to use the FDIC rules to your advantage. Maxing out FDIC coverage   Making deposits under different ownership categories can help you insure more than the $100,000 FDIC limit per depositor, per bank. Keeping your accounts covered by the FDIC   Retirement accounts can be insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC. Find out what all the rules are to keep your accounts safe. CDARS: An easy way to beat the $100,000 FDIC limit   The Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service, or CDARS, allows you to insure more than the $100,000 limit by using more than one bank -- up to $50 million. What happens when a bank fails?   An FDIC official explains how the agency handles a bank failure and how it affects the bank's account holders. Bankrate's Safe & Sound free bank rating   Wondering how your bank is doing? Bankrate's Safe & Sound Star ratings will help you understand. Find high-yield CDs   Looking for a safe place to earn high yields? Search Bankrate's highest-yielding CD list.