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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.
Illustration of two hands holding phones, sending physical gold coins to one another.

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

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

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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.

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Latest articles

Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
A hand making an "OK" sign, a bank vault, and a check
An extra paycheck in the month can be a game-changer for your finances.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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.
Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell announces that interest rates will remain unchanged during a news conference.
Had fears of higher prices from tariffs not been on the table, the Fed might’ve considered cutting borrowing costs.
Design element including image of Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
design image of a women going through bills
Your secret financial weapon: A cash-flow cushion with one month of expenses.
A Gen Z woman counting cash next to a laptop
Navigating the world of personal finance is daunting, but it’s particularly so for Gen Zers.
Young woman wearing white headphones using laptop and mobile phone for remote work
A biweekly budget lets you allocate your expenses better than on a monthly basis.
A full grocery basket surrounded by grocery receipts
The average household earned $101,805 in 2023 before taxes and spent $77,280.
The Treasury building.
The best time to cash in savings bonds depends on an investor’s life circumstances.
Female patient paying with credit card at doctor's office front desk
Here’s what you need to know about upcoming changes to Health Savings Accounts.
An attractive African American female creates content with a video camera in a bright office.
Learn how deinfluencers help you save money by promoting mindful spending habits.
Young Asian woman using smartphone while relaxing on armchair, checking her bank account via online banking and managing her finances. Online personal banking. Wealth management. Digital banking habits. Smart banking with technology
Here’s how to determine what a good interest rate is on your deposit accounts.
Older gentleman using a laptop
Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.
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.
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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.