Banking
From savings account details to bank reviews, economic insights and more — Bankrate offers valuable information and advice for you.
Explore banking basics
![Middle aged woman on laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/07144259/How-to-open-a-certificate-of-deposit.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
How to open a certificate of deposit (CD)
Banking
Everything you need to know about opening an account.
![Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/15095640/How-to-save-money-from-scratch.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
How to start saving (even if you’re starting from scratch)
Banking
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
![Two millenial friends using mobile phone.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/20014206/How-to-transfer-money-from-one-bank-to-another.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
How to transfer money from one bank to another: 4 ways
Banking
Keep fees in check when you shift money from one bank account to another.
Find more resources
Editor's picks
![Person on laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/15155838/Everything-savers-need-to-know-about-APY.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Experts in all things banking
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate![Greg McBride](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/e82ff353b1/br-expert-greg.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Chief Financial Analyst
![Sarah Foster](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/7fb8678166/br-expert-sarah.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
![Mark Hamrick](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/4056ed19a3/br-expert-mark.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Senior Economic Analyst
Banking data studies
![Money next to flashing sirens](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/02/15173759/Banking-Emergency-Savings-Survey.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
New Bankrate data shows the economy is making it harder for Americans to save.
![Piggy bank with doctors equipment. Cute and comical](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/12173049/Banking_FHE_Why_Im_scheduling_a_mid_year_financial_checkup_with_myself_and_how_Im_doing_it.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
I’m a personal finance reporter — here’s how I did a mid-year financial checkup in under an hour
Banking
A mid-year checkup is the most effective way to ensure my finances are on track.
![And elderly couple discussing HYSA options](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/13131722/Deposits_March_FSP_High_yield_Savings.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
Two-thirds of American savers say they’re earning rates below 4% APY. Here’s why.
Featured by names you know and trust
Latest articles
![Person on laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/15155838/Everything-savers-need-to-know-about-APY.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
![Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/29134122/7-best-ways-to-insure-excess-deposits.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
![man making order from the digital menu on smartphone in restaurant](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/29170020/early-payday-apps.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Bills are due but payday is days off? These options can help you stretch your funds.
![Pedestrians walking by TD Bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/04/12150226/how-many-bank-accounts-do-you-need.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
![person looking at computer while sitting on balcony](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/02/04143046/Looking-computer.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
![person sitting on the couch and working on laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/06100647/Wire-vs-ACH-vs-EFT-whats-the-difference.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Some of the most common ways to send or receive money electronically include ACH and wire transfers.
![A mid adult woman sits at the counter in her kitchen and uses a laptop computer for online banking while managing her personal finances.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/02115041/Choosing-small-vs-big-insurance-companies.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Don’t wait for the next Fed meeting to see where rates go before opening a deposit account.
![FDIC building in Washington DC](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/04/25165250/Robinhood-files-with-the-FDIC.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
One of the most ubiquitous signs in the banking world is “Member FDIC.” Here’s what it means.
![Person on laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/15155838/Everything-savers-need-to-know-about-APY.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
![Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/29134122/7-best-ways-to-insure-excess-deposits.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
![A mid adult woman sits at the counter in her kitchen and uses a laptop computer for online banking while managing her personal finances.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/02115041/Choosing-small-vs-big-insurance-companies.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Don’t wait for the next Fed meeting to see where rates go before opening a deposit account.
![image of lawnmower and cash](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/06/24103407/20-ways-to-make-money-Online-and-offline-ideas.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
![piggybank on a riser](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/22175345/Deposits-Best-business-savings-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
![A man uses the Qapital app to save money.](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/08/05133423/5-apps-that-help-save-you-money.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Build up your savings by automatically setting aside small amounts of money.
![Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/31124754/Deposits-Average-money-market-account-interest-rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
![Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/05141131/What-is-the-average-interest-rate-for-savings-accounts_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
![Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/10/21132521/historical-cd-rates.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
![Woman with glasses in front of a computer with her hand by her head, looking worried.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/01/31132409/missed-cd-maturity-date-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s important to weigh your options after missing your CD’s maturity date.
![Woman watering plants.](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/20194528/Current_CD_rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
![Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/16144258/5-cds-to-consider-before-a-fed-rate-cut.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
![Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/04113118/which-cd-term-is-best-in-a-lower-rate-environment.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
![Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/04/17160740/Investing_Why_now_is_the_time_for_longer_term.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
![Young Asian woman using smartphone while relaxing on armchair, checking her bank account via online banking and managing her finances. Online personal banking. Wealth management. Digital banking habits. Smart banking with technology](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/20145521/here-are-the-benefits-of-opening-a-cd-right-now-following-the-fed-s-rate-cut.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Know the two major benefits of opening a CD now, even as interest rates decline.
![woman on couch using laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/29151733/Are-CDs-safe.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
All CDs have one thing in common: They’re among the safest places to park your cash.
![Man working on laptop and drinking coffee](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/01122348/GettyImages-1364881817.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
![piggybank on a riser](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/22175345/Deposits-Best-business-savings-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
![couple with bank worker](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/01/27102438/Untitled-14.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Many of these banks offer low-fee accounts and higher yields than some of the biggest banks.
![Person looking at smartphone](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/09/25141050/Types-of-savings-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
![Bank teller with customer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/01/03103328/Untitled-101.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
![A man researches on a tablet.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/07171757/cds-vs-mmas.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
CDs and MMAs can pay competitive rates, but they have different drawbacks and benefits.
![A graphic of origami of a dollar bill folded to look like a piggy bank with a penny on top.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/01/01225713/Central-savings-money-market-account-rate-forecast.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Expect savings and money market account yields to slide lower, but they still should outpace inflation
![A man researches online.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/02/12103948/5-reasons-why-you-should-get-a-mma.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
![Pedestrians walking by TD Bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/04/12150226/how-many-bank-accounts-do-you-need.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
![person looking at computer while sitting on balcony](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/02/04143046/Looking-computer.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
![Male friends walk on a college campus.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/11173927/Best-student-checking-accounts.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
![Women using tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/19152145/online-checking.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
![Person using credit card at laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/16120246/GettyImages-1215383987.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
![Business man hand writing and signing white blank bank check book](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/05181348/how-to-endorse-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
We list seven ways to endorse a check and how to process it correctly and securely.
![Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/28200222/Where-is-the-account-number-on-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
![A young woman works from her laptop.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/23135104/why-balance-your-checkbook.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.