There are several signs that alert you when your bank is in trouble. If your bank starts closing multiple branches, laying off staffs, doing away with incentives such as fee-free account, or enacting sharp increase in fee, it could be in trouble and looking for ways to converse cash. You can take a proactive approach to make sure your funds are safe in your bank by: 1. Checking for insurance coverage(Only deposit your funds in banks that state that they are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC) 2. Mind the cap 3. Keep tabs on news(Be aware of any news that mentions the possibility of your bank being sold or acquired) 4. Check your bank out(The FDIC keep its problem bank list confidential, but the Bankrate websites use a similar grading system for its "Safe & Sound" bank ratings and allow you to look up to your bank by name and zip code to get Bank rates opinion)