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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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Senior Economic Analyst

Banking data studies

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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

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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 watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A young woman works from her laptop.
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
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.
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These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
A middle-aged asian woman in blue jeans sitting on the bed in a yoga pose in front of a laptop. Remote work at home. Online shopping in quarantine period
Banks are offering rates up to three times higher than average as the Fed cuts back.
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.
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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.
Man folds his hands in front of his face
Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.
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If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
remote check deposit
There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.
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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
Woman using a cellphone near an ATM
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
man signing a check
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel
Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
woman shopping online with a credit card
If you’re considering a rewards checking account, here’s what you need to know.