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

These CDs Have No Minimum Deposit Required

These certificates of deposit (CDs) have no minimum deposit.

5 min read Oct 17, 2024
How to save money on everyday purchases

Here’s how to save money on groceries, utilities and other everyday purchases.

7 min read Oct 14, 2024
How to deal with financial anxiety

Financial anxiety – what is it and how to reduce money stress

6 min read Oct 14, 2024
Gen Z and soft saving: Finding the balance between financial and mental health

Here’s how young adults can live within their means while saving for the future.

6 min read Oct 14, 2024
CDs or fixed annuities: Which is a better way to save for retirement?

CDs and fixed annuities can be great retirement options. Here are the differences.

5 min read Oct 11, 2024
What is direct deposit? Here’s how it works

Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.

4 min read Oct 09, 2024
What is a bank reconciliation statement?

A bank reconciliation statement helps you track business finances and catch errors.

3 min read Oct 08, 2024
How to start saving (even if you’re starting from scratch)

Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.

5 min read Oct 07, 2024

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