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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

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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
New Bankrate data shows many Americans are slowly making progress on their savings.
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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.

Featured by names you know and trust

Latest articles

Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Tariffs risk fueling more inflation — and weighing on economic growth.
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The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
Man filling out money order
Here’s what you need to know about how money orders work.
Woman sitting on her couch, looking at her laptop
There are a handful of numbers you should track for your financial health and well-being. A few you might already know about – your credit score and your net worth, for example. But you should also know [...]
Two happy people looking at sheets of paper
As the old saying goes: What goes up, must come down. But in the case of annual percentage yields (APYs), we might have a bit more air time. While APYs on deposit accounts may have come down from their [...]
Woman walking up to an ATM
Some knowledge and planning can help you avoid paying fees for out-of-network ATMs.
Check remote deposit capture at coffee shop
Electronic checks (eChecks) offer a digital alternative to traditional paper checks, allowing you to make payments directly from your checking account online. Learn how eChecks work, when to use them, [...]
Man trying on jacket while looking in the mirror in mens clothing shop
Avoid the pitfalls of lifestyle inflation with some better uses for extra income.
Waitress texting in hallway
On-demand pay is convenient, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Father carrying young daughter on shoulders on beach
A few smart money decisions could lead to that weekend trip you’ve been wanting.
An adult holding a smartphone and standing on a scenic bridge. There is a graphical overlay of solid teal framing this vignette.
These tips help keep your finances safe when you travel abroad.
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
Man looking at cellphone
Follow these steps to hold onto the money you saved during the pandemic.
Illustration of cell phone
Adding game elements to savings apps can push consumers to boost savings.
family playing board game
Here are the top old-school money ideas that can still help you save this year.
Man using laptop in kitchen
Callable CDs can offer a higher yield than traditional CDs, but there’s a catch.
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.
woman working on her laptop at the kitchen table
CDs come in many varieties, making it easy to find one that meets your needs.
Illustration of calculator and stacks of cash
If you have $25,000 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
Illustration of a bar graph, moving down from left to right.
When policymakers and investors seek economic insight, they often use a tool called the yield curve. A yield curve measures the spread between yields on short- and long-term maturity bonds over time. It’s [...]
A woman ponders
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
Middle aged woman on laptop
Everything you need to know about opening an account.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
piggybank on a riser
Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
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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.
couple with bank worker
Many of these banks offer low-fee accounts and higher yields than some of the biggest banks.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
A man researches on a tablet.
CDs and MMAs can pay competitive rates, but they have different drawbacks and benefits.
Check remote deposit capture at coffee shop
Electronic checks (eChecks) offer a digital alternative to traditional paper checks, allowing you to make payments directly from your checking account online. Learn how eChecks work, when to use them, [...]
man signing a check
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
Young smiling woman using mobile phone while working on a laptop at a cafe
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
close-up of a hand holding a cell phone
The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
person signing a check
Looking to save money when ordering checks? Consider getting them online instead. Here’s how.
Person looking on computer, with dog.
Here’s everything you need to know about the specialty consumer reporting agency.