Karen Bennett

Senior consumer banking reporter

EXPERTISE

Banking
Personal finance
Credit cards

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in English, University of Illinois
Master’s degree in journalism, Columbia College Chicago

Karen Bennett is a senior consumer banking reporter at Bankrate. She uses her finance writing background to help readers learn more about savings and checking accounts, CDs, and other financial matters.

Karen brings decades of writing and reporting experience to the table, including the roles of credit cards writer for travel website Million Mile Secrets and money and career writer for The Cheat Sheet. Her work has also appeared in USA Today, Illinois Legal Times, and several Chicago, Milwaukee, and Washington, D.C. newspapers. In addition, she’s worked in the areas of marketing and business development, and she was product manager for a consumer money-saving website.

When she’s not writing Bankrate articles, she can often be found cheering her kids on at soccer games, cooking and reading up on saving for retirement and other personal finance topics.

Karen's latest articles

How to budget and save for a weekend getaway

A few smart money decisions could lead to that weekend trip you’ve been wanting.

6 min read Jun 23, 2023
Why do high-yield savings account rates fluctuate?

High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.

3 min read Jun 13, 2023
5 ways to achieve lifelong financial wellness

Follow these steps to enjoy financial wellness both now and in the future.

5 min read Jun 13, 2023
Best bank accounts for seniors

Here’s how to maximize your banking experience during the golden years.

4 min read Jun 12, 2023
5 ways to hold onto what’s left of your pandemic savings

Follow these steps to hold onto the money you saved during the pandemic.

4 min read Jun 09, 2023
Banking apps and services for immigrants and migrants

These fintech startups are offering bank accounts for immigrants and migrants.

5 min read Jun 09, 2023
How to save money for a child

If you want to get a leg up on parenthood, consider these moves.

4 min read Jun 07, 2023
5 reasons switching banks may be worth it

Here’s what other banks have to offer that you might be missing out on at yours.

5 min read Jun 06, 2023

What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

3 min read Nov 21, 2024
What to do if a bank rejects you for a checking account

Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.

3 min read May 02, 2024
APY vs. interest rate: What’s the difference and why it matters

Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.

4 min read Aug 31, 2023
What is a SWIFT code?

You’ll need a SWIFT code for international wire transfers. Here’s how to find one.

2 min read Aug 14, 2023
How to join a credit union: Here’s what to do to become a member

Here’s what you need to do to become a credit union member.

3 min read Jul 18, 2023
6 ways to manage finances with multiple income streams

These strategies will help you manage multiple income streams.

4 min read Jul 18, 2023
Saving money from your summer job: Top tips for students

These tips can help students maximize savings from their summer job earnings.

3 min read Jul 17, 2023
5 tips to make sure revenge spending doesn’t wreck your wallet

As you look ahead to opening your wallet again, consider these key tips for avoiding revenge spending.

4 min read Jul 12, 2023