A commercial bank is a financial institution that provides a range of services to its customers, including accepting deposits, making loans, and facilitating the transfer of funds. The main function of a commercial bank is to act as a mediator between those who have excess money to lend (such as individuals or companies) and those who need to borrow money (such as individuals or businesses).
One of the primary functions of a commercial bank is to accept deposits from its customers. These deposits can take the form of checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), or money market accounts. By accepting deposits, a commercial bank is able to use these funds to make loans to other customers, which is a key source of the bank's income.
In addition to accepting deposits, commercial banks also make loans to their customers. These loans can be in the form of mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, or business loans. When a customer takes out a loan, they agree to pay back the principal amount plus interest over a predetermined period of time. The interest rate that a commercial bank charges on its loans is determined by a variety of factors, including the bank's cost of funds, the risk involved in lending to a particular borrower, and the overall level of interest rates in the economy.
Another important function of a commercial bank is to facilitate the transfer of funds between individuals and businesses. This can be done through the use of checks, electronic fund transfers (EFTs), and other payment systems. For example, if a customer writes a check to pay a bill, the commercial bank will transfer the funds from the customer's account to the payee's account. Similarly, if a business wants to send money to a supplier, it can use an EFT to transfer the funds electronically.
In addition to these core functions, commercial banks also offer a variety of other services to their customers. These can include providing access to ATMs, debit and credit cards, online and mobile banking, and investment and wealth management services.
Overall, the main function of a commercial bank is to act as a financial intermediary, connecting those with excess funds to lend with those who need to borrow money. Through its core functions of accepting deposits, making loans, and facilitating the transfer of funds, a commercial bank plays a vital role in the economy by helping to allocate capital to where it is needed and supporting the flow of financial transactions.