Is there a difference?

what is the difference between an ordinary bank account and an investment account?

An investment account would be something like a 401k, IRA (Individual Retirement Account), a CD (certificate of deposit) or an annuity. These are all long term accounts that usually have some kind of penalty for early withdrawal and 'usually' have a better return on your investment than the standard (or as you put it "ordinary") savings account. Of course the advantage of your regular savings account is access.

Hope this helps.