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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If you’re struggling to pay off debt and build savings, you’re not alone.
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I’m a personal finance reporter — here’s how I did a mid-year financial checkup in under an hour
Banking
A mid-year checkup is the most effective way to ensure my finances are on track.
![And elderly couple discussing HYSA options](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/13131722/Deposits_March_FSP_High_yield_Savings.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
Two-thirds of American savers say they’re earning rates below 4% APY. Here’s why.
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![A man uses his phone at an ATM.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/08/26170151/what-are-cardless-atms.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to use your smartphone — rather than a bank card — at an ATM.
![Federal Reserve Chair Powell Holds A News Conference Following The Federal Open Market Committee Meeting](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/05163406/will-the-fed-make-an-emergency-cut.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Emergency rate cuts are rare, but some economists believe one may be coming soon.
![Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/27112755/what-is-a-recession.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
![father working on finances with his daughter sitting next to him](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/06143605/What-is-the-50-30-20-rule.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
This budgeting rule of thumb can help make tracking everyday spending easier.
![Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/02154855/When-will-the-Fed-cut-rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
![People walk by a Western Union location in New York.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/11/01145105/western_union_storefront.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Wire transfer fees can be expensive, but here are ways to send money for less.
![Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/31124754/Deposits-Average-money-market-account-interest-rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/05141131/What-is-the-average-interest-rate-for-savings-accounts_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
![Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/31124754/Deposits-Average-money-market-account-interest-rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/05141131/What-is-the-average-interest-rate-for-savings-accounts_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
![woman looking tired at computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/14153903/ways-to-save-for-job-loss.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.
![coins in jar at the beach during sunset](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/31200900/Where-to-park-your-downpayment-this-summer-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
We list three accounts to park your savings this summer as you wait to buy a house.
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Here’s how to determine the amount to put in savings — and what to do with the rest.
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The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
![woman walking and looking at a phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/28152813/apps-unused-subscriptions.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Subscriptions are easy to lose track of, but these apps can help restore order.
![measuring the waistline of cash bills, comical](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/25123250/Deposits_Why_spending_diets_dont_work_and_what_to_do_instead.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A spending diet can help you pursue your financial goals and save cash. Here’s how.
![Man at laptop, deep in thought](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/01164558/Investing-The-pros-and-cons-of-CD-investing.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.
![Woman watering plants.](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/20194528/Current_CD_rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
![Woman using laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/30130553/Deposits-3-ways-to-take-advantage-of-high-CD-rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Locking in a high yield now could be beneficial in the event rates begin to drop.
![Man using laptop in kitchen](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/10/30123251/Deposits-What-is-a-callable-CD.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Callable CDs can offer a higher yield than traditional CDs, but there’s a catch.
![A woman ponders](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/08124330/what-to-do-when-cds-mature.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
![A young woman researches on her laptop.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/01/14115714/with-rates-so-low-are-cds-worth-it-in-2021.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
With a possible recession looming, here’s what savers should know about CDs.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/18121054/Banking-Is-there-still-such-a-thing-as-a-6-percent-CD.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
I’ve often referred to 2024 as the year of the certificate of deposit (CD). In tracking CD rates on a daily basis, I’ve seen how yields remain at an overall high, thanks to the Federal Reserve raising [...]
![Happy young person on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/16173307/Deposits_Best_business_CD_rates_for_August_2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
![Man at laptop, deep in thought](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/01164558/Investing-The-pros-and-cons-of-CD-investing.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.
![Photograph of a condo by the ocean](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/01/01130321/Homes_Pro_tips_for_how_to_buy_a_condo_in_2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Feeling the home affordability crunch? Condos can make you a homeowner for less.
![Woman watering plants.](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/20194528/Current_CD_rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
![Banker and client shaking hands](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/01143959/Best-banks-for-startups-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Our list consists of FDIC-insured banks offering product suites ideal for startups.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/v5.1273.1/next/img/articles/placeholder2.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Explore the top CD rates today and learn how economic trends can affect your rate. Bankrate provides valuable insights to find the best CD products to maximize your savings.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/v5.1273.1/next/img/articles/placeholder4.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The current average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.83, the average rate you'll pay for a 15-year fixed mortgage is 6.27 percent, and the average 5/1 ARM rate is 6.30 percent.
![Image of houses on a sunny day](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/30103521/Homes-Best-mortgage-lenders-in-February-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are the best mortgage lenders for April 2024.
![A brick and mortar bank building on a sunny day](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/31192320/local-bank.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There’s more than one way to bank. Here are the reasons to consider banking locally.
![Woman using laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/16113945/Deposits-7-banks-that-offer-free-checking-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There’s no need to pay for a checking account when many banks offer free checking.
![woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/09172341/Debit-card-spending-limits-heres-how-to-increase-yours.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
![Woman paying at the gas pump](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/10/30121650/Deposits-Places-you-should-avoid-using-your-debit-card.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
![Women using tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/19152145/online-checking.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
![Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/12/01174728/Deposits-Best-business-checking-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
![Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/03162246/How-long-does-it-take-for-a-check-to-clear.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The amount of time can vary from check to check.
![woman doing headstand](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/25135424/Deposits_What_is_the_available_balance_in_your_bank_account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.