Any money you have in savings and checking accounts or in certificates of deposit (CDs) is known as a deposit. Your financial institution is committed to returning all of your deposits (plus interest) whenever you ask.

 You can even take money out of a CD before it matures, however, you will have to pay a penalty for early withdrawal.  Your institution is also required to carry government insurance on your deposits.   

Financial institutions can also provide investment products like mutual funds to their customers. Your bank may sell you this type of product, but it is not obligated to pay you back for any losses you may have if the investment is not successful.