Banking
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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.
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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.
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Experts in all things banking
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
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Chief Financial Analyst
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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
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Senior Economic Analyst
Banking data studies
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If you’re struggling to pay off debt and build savings, you’re not alone.
![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.
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Worried about losing money held at a bank? Here’s what to know about FDIC insurance.
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The start of a new year is a great time to set financial intentions.
![Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/02/10184532/How-to-save-money-fast.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
![Pink piggy bank stuffed with dollar bills](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/23180205/Piggy-Bank-Cash-GettyImages.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Even as interest rates drop, some top-yielding savings accounts remain competitive.
![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.
![A woman wearing a facemask enters a building where the Employment Development Department has its offices in Los Angeles, California on May 4, 2020, past a posted sign mentioning the closure of the offices's public access counters due to the coronavirus pandemic. - Dismal US employment figures are expected with the release Friday May 8 of figures for April's US jobs report, with 30 million Americans filing for unemployment in the last six weeks.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/23130034/what-to-do-if-unemployment-benefits-are-late.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Overwhelmed state unemployment offices have left Americans without aid for weeks, if not longer.
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The Internal Revenue Service is automatically sending $1,400 stimulus payments to about one million Americans who never claimed their COVID-19 relief checks from 2021, according to a recent announcement. [...]
![exterior of Bank of America branch building](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/04114341/Are-banks-open-today-Federal-bank-holidays-in-2022.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
![Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/02/10184532/How-to-save-money-fast.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
![Pink piggy bank stuffed with dollar bills](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/23180205/Piggy-Bank-Cash-GettyImages.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Even as interest rates drop, some top-yielding savings accounts remain competitive.
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Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
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Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
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Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
![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 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.
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Know the two major benefits of opening a CD now, even as interest rates decline.
![Young couple managing finance and investment online](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/09090227/interest-rates-on-top-yielding-cds-are-dropping.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed cuts rates.
![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.
![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.
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Here’s how to proceed when your CD matures during falling rates.
![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)
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Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
![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.
![A young woman researches on her phone at a cafe.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/04/23155535/are-mmas-safe.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
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These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
![Asian women using laptop computer at home working space.](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/07/19151307/Background-21.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
![A young female researches on her phone.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/04/20123722/why-everyone-should-open-a-savings-account.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s everything you need to know about no-penalty CDs.
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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Not sure how to get started investing with mutual funds? We’ll help you understand the basics.
![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.
![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.
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Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
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Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.