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Banking

From savings account details to bank reviews, economic insights and more — Bankrate offers valuable information and advice for you.

Explore banking basics

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How to open a certificate of deposit (CD)

Banking
Everything you need to know about opening an account.
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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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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Banking data studies

Money next to flashing sirens
If you’re struggling to pay off debt and build savings, you’re not alone.
Piggy bank with doctors equipment. Cute and comical
A mid-year checkup is the most effective way to ensure my finances are on track.
And elderly couple discussing HYSA options
Two-thirds of American savers say they’re earning rates below 4% APY. Here’s why.

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Latest articles

Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Aerial view of a group of residential boat docks from homes along the Halifax River in Ormond Beach, Florida near Daytona
Managing your finances and choosing the right bank can be daunting, especially in a state as big and diverse as Florida.
Stacks of money lined up against a colorful red background
I’ve been in financial services for nearly 14 years and have helped customers with the most common deposit products, but this month was the first time I opened a certificate of deposit (CD) for myse [...]
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
white-collar woman looks tired in the office
Despite strong economic indicators, many Americans are experiencing a “vibecession.”
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
man working on his laptop outdoors
No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
Young person writing on a notepad
Whether you hope to buy a home or just rent for a while, a solid savings plan is the key to finally moving out of your parents’ house.
Someone watering a plant that grows cash
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
A man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
US dollar bills against blue background
If you think rates may rise again soon, a bump-up CD could be what you’re looking for.
A large pile of cash next to a padlock
A one-year CD can be a safe and worthwhile option, especially turning to high-yielding online banks or credit unions.
Elderly woman on laptop
Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $100,000, but these accounts are not for everyone.
cash folded into a piggy bank shape
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
Young couple managing finance and investment online
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed suggests cutting rates.
Man at laptop, deep in thought
Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
A guide to mutual funds
Not sure how to get started investing with mutual funds? We’ll help you understand the basics.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Best compound interest investments
The name of the game with compound interest is time — the more of it you have, the bigger the payoff.
Woman smiling at cash on a cloud
Lay away cash for an emergency or short-term goals with a money market mutual fund.
woman at ATM
Our picks provide customers with almost everything they need to bank in the branch, at home or on the road.
Savings account and money market rate forecast
Expect savings and money market account yields to slide lower, but they still should outpace inflation
person signing a check
Looking to save money when ordering checks? Consider getting them online instead, here’s how.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
A woman writes a check
A bounced check is something that should be avoided. Here’s what you need to know.
Outside view of a bank with American flag
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
A woman researches online.
Here’s everything you need to know about the specialty consumer reporting agency.
A check with VOID stamped across it
Here’s what you need to know about voiding a check, and the alternative options.
man using an atm
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.