The number of banks on the FDIC’s “in danger of failing” list grew to 860 in July-September, a 17-year high. That number is up from 829 the previous quarter. The list is secret but even if your bank was on it, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to fail, only that it might. So what’s a good way to give your bank a checkup?

To check out your bank’s health, try Googling for its “Texas Ratio,” which is its bad assets and loans divided by its capital equity plus its loan loss reserve. A ratio of 100 or more is considered a “whoa there.” For a partial list, check out this one.

Bank ‘problem list’ swells but industry’s condition improving, FDIC says [LAT]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.