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

4 key factors that determine CD rates

Understanding what determines CD rates can help you decide whether to get one.

3 min read May 31, 2023
How to earn extra income while spring cleaning

Clearing out a dusty closet or dank basement can yield moneymaking treasures for resale.

5 min read May 31, 2023
2023 job seekers: A regional overview

Here’s a regional look at what today’s job seekers are up to.

6 min read May 24, 2023
What is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?

Here’s how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau works to keep consumers safe.

2 min read May 10, 2023
Why everyone should open a savings account

A savings account is a useful financial tool for building a stable financial future.

5 min read May 09, 2023
3 ways the banking crisis could change the way you bank

Here’s how you can navigate changes that may be coming to your bank.

3 min read May 04, 2023
First Republic Bank collapse: What you need to know

The troubled First Republic Bank was seized by federal regulators.

3 min read May 01, 2023
Majority of savers still don’t have an online account: Here’s why their rationalizations are costing them

Online banks offer higher APYs and lower fees than brick-and-mortar and are safe.

7 min read Apr 24, 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