Editor's Note: On Oct. 3, 2008, Congress raised the FDIC and NCUA insurance amount to $250,000. This change has been extended to Dec. 31, 2013.
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

Which agencies protect investors?   While you can't completely protect your investments, there are some measures you should know about. U.S. government stands behind deposits   An FDIC-insured deposit is backed by more than just the insurance fund. It carries a full faith and credit pledge of the U.S. government. How the FDIC pays for bank failures   An FDIC official explains how the agency handles a bank failure and how it affects the bank's account holders. Keep cash safe by learning FDIC rules   Retirement accounts can be insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC. Find out what all the rules are to keep your accounts safe. FDIC protects CD interest earnings   Would a reader lose interest earnings on CD investments, assuming they do not mature prior to a bank failure? What happens when a bank fails?   How does the agency handles a bank failure? How does a failure affect account holders? What happens to your accounts if the bank fails?   A disruption in service can be more than a hassle. Find out what happens to typical accounts when a bank fails. Many ways to check bank's FDIC status Dr. Don   It should be easy to determine if a bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Video: Is your bank safe?   Most people's money in the bank is protected by FDIC insurance. Safe & Sound   Is your bank or other financial institution safe? Find out with Bankrate's free star-ratings search.