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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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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
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

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks to lawmakers during a testimony.
Experts say higher inflation and a faster rebound could force the Fed’s hand.
A 'Help Wanted' sign is posted beside Coronavirus safety guidelines in front of a restaurant.
The job market has come a long way, but economists’ forecasts suggest more recovery time is needed.
Stock market financial growth chart
The pandemic upended everything, and your wallet wasn’t spared.
Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference in Washington
The Fed isn’t in a rush to raise rates, but slowing asset purchases appears to be on deck.
Stacks of dollars bills moving through a machine at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
You might not know it, but the repo market is the bedrock for the financial system.
For Rent sign taped on gated storefront, Queens, New York
The only thing harder than shutting down the world’s largest economy is bringing it all back to life.
Placeholder image
One Florida credit union aims to offer an alternative to check-cashing stores by starting their own, offering lower interest rates and fees. Elsewhere, middle-income consumers and college students are [...]
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to reporters at a press conference.
As the economy rebounds, don’t expect the Fed’s extraordinary support to last forever.
Older gentleman using a laptop
Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.
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.
female soldier and her husband use a banking app to check the state of their finances
Bank account budgeting tools make it easy to track your personal finances.
Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen
These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
A woman does her budgeting.
The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
A young girl visits a doctor.
Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
couple in the kitchen with bills
Here’s everything you need to know about brokered CDs.
CDs and money
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
Young couple managing finance and investment online
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed cuts rates.
Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously
If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
Percent symbol with people holding money that is many dollar bills. Concepts of the banking system, rising interest rates, inflation, deflation, and savings.
How to proceed when your CD matures during falling rates.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
A man researches online.
Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
A young woman researches on her phone at a cafe.
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
Asian women using laptop computer at home working space.
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.
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.
A young woman works from her laptop.
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Two female fashion designers working together at their studio
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
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.