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 save for a house

These simple steps will help you get the homebuying process underway.

10 min read Apr 24, 2023
How to save for a house

These simple steps will help you get the homebuying process underway.

10 min read Apr 24, 2023
12 types of CDs: Which one is best for you?

CDs come in many varieties, making it easy to find one that meets your needs.

7 min read Apr 13, 2023
What is a bank run? Definition, causes and examples

Let’s look at what a bank run is, what causes it and how you can protect yourself.

4 min read Apr 07, 2023
What are junk fees?

A look at the best ways to avoid paying such extra charges.

6 min read Apr 04, 2023
The Silicon Valley Bank collapse: What you need to know

Silicon Valley Bank’s failure caused quite a stir. Here’s what’s going on there now.

5 min read Mar 27, 2023
The Signature Bank collapse: What you need to know

Here’s what you need to know about the collapse of America’s third-largest bank.

5 min read Mar 19, 2023
6 tips to set (and hit) your savings goals

If you’re looking for help becoming a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.

5 min read Mar 17, 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