What type of bank is a commercial bank?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

A commercial bank is a financial institution structured primarily to accept deposits from the general public and extend various types of loans and credit facilities to individuals, small businesses, and large corporations to generate a profit. Unlike central banks that regulate monetary policy or investment banks that focus on capital markets and underwriting, commercial banks provide essential day-to-day transaction processing, checking and savings accounts, commercial working capital lines, mortgages, and payment infrastructure that maintain liquidity and stability within the broader economy.

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