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Banking

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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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Chief Financial Analyst

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Banking data studies

Money next to flashing sirens
Over 1 in 3 people tapped emergency savings in the past year, per a new Bankrate survey.
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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

Image of a pair of open scissors with a U.S. dollar bill lying between the blades ready to be cut.
Amid today’s high cost of living, some are making temporary cuts to “fun” spending.
A family sits together at a kitchen table.
Transfer funds to friends and family without leaving the house.
Image of a 100 dollar bill (US) attached to a pink stethoscope.
New Bankrate data shows money is the No. 1 factor negatively impacting mental health.
A father multi-tasks with his young son.
Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4.4%. Your $10,000 could earn $897 more over two years. Learn how to switch without changing banks.
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Digital banking makes it easy to access your personal finances from anywhere.
Young woman using a smart phone at home
Here’s how you can open a checking account online, in three steps.
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4.4%. Your $10,000 could earn $897 more over two years. Learn how to switch without changing banks.
Young business woman working at the office on a laptop
Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.
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Bankrate recaps the week in savings accounts and analyzes where rates are headed.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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Here’s how to proceed when your CD matures during falling rates.
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A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
Bank sign on glass wall of business center
Looking for a high-yielding APY on a CD? Consider CD offered at these big banks.
A focused mature male freelancer sitting at the wooden table at home and reading online projects on a laptop.
These certificates of deposit (CDs) have no minimum deposit.
Holding up a golden piggy bank, balancing on one finger
CDs and fixed annuities can be great retirement options. Here are the differences.
A long spiral staircase.
Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
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CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s everything you need to know about no-penalty CDs.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
A young woman researches on her phone at a cafe.
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
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Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
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Earn more on your business cash with high-yield accounts offering competitive APYs.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
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Business money market accounts offer higher yields while maintaining access to funds.
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Find the right business savings account to help your company’s money grow.
Person working at table with computer, drinking coffee and looking at smartphone
Learn why you need to check your APY.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.