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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.

Editor's picks

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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Greg McBride

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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.
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.

Featured by names you know and trust

Latest articles

design image of a women going through bills
Your secret financial weapon: A cash-flow cushion with one month of expenses.
Close-up of hands checking shopping receipts with money on table
Learn why it’s safe to keep your money in the bank during a recession.
President Trump with a frown on his face
The term “Trumpcession” has been popping up in headlines this week, as economists and market watchers debate whether President Trump’s economic policies could trigger a downturn. But are we actually [...]
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Learn six practical ways to safeguard your finances amid economic uncertainty, from strengthening banking security to finding better rates.
Image of Jerome Powell standing behind a podium with American flags behind him.
Trump’s tariffs could raise prices and unemployment, backing the Fed in a corner.
Young mother with toddler
High-yield savings accounts remain a strong option for savers…for now.
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.
A father and daughter go back-to-school shopping.
Follow these tips to shop smarter for school supplies.
Unrecognizable teenage students in high school campus
Saving money as a high school student isn’t always easy, but there are means of doing so.
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More U.S. adults have seen household savings decline than rise in the past year.
woman at a pharmacy
Paying medical expenses with pre-tax dollars is smart, but budgeting is key.
Mobile phone with ATM locations on the screen
Challenger banks are embracing cash in a bid to better serve their customers.
man sitting on the couch and looking at his phone
The online-only bank’s savings rate tops many competitors.
woman with hearing aid talking on the phone
Many challenges still exist but advances have made earning and saving money easier.
Illustration depicting a child and strollers and money
Home equity sharing agreements, like the ones offered by Unlock, are one way to manage growing family expenses.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A father multi-tasks with his young son.
Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
couple in the kitchen with bills
Here’s everything you need to know about brokered CDs.
Woman Inserts Cash Into Wallet
If you think rates may rise again soon, a bump-up CD could be what you’re looking for.
Woman at laptop
Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
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 working on her laptop at the kitchen table
CDs come in many varieties, making it easy to find one that meets your needs.
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.
woman at ATM
Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
happy couple signing papers
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.
Business women discussing project at table in modern office
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.