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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.

Featured by names you know and trust

Latest articles

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Here are 11 creative ways to save money, regardless of your financial goals.
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Learn how CD ladders and partial withdrawals can be used to fund emergency savings.
young woman working on finances on her laptop at home
Most online banks are secure and pay better yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
woman working on laptop at home
Here’s everything you need to know about opening a bank account online.
man working on a laptop
Withdrawing your money from a CD before the term ends can be costly.
Serious young woman working at home
It’s possible to leverage the money in your CDs to grow your emergency savings.
People walking back and forth in front of Capital One Bank entrance.
A CFPB lawsuit claims Capital One underpaid savings account interest by $2 billion.
Image showing a dumbbell wrapped with U.S. dollar bills
If your New Year’s goal is to practice self-care, use these tips to stay on budget.
A man works on his laptop.
Several banks are offering high-yield savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
Image of a large money bag in a shopping cart in front of a red downward pointing arrow.
More than half of Americans also say the U.S. economy is on the wrong track.
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.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Woman on laptop
The highest savings account rate has dipped ahead of next week’s Fed rate decision.
A photo of the author of the article near a computer and book
Saving money isn’t just about cutting costs. Sometimes, it’s about reframing how you spend your time. Here’s how one mindset shift helped me avoid impulsive purchases and grow my savings with less [...]
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
stacks of coin with dollar bill
A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
A long spiral staircase.
Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
Illustration of safe with money
CD rates may seem attractive, but in 2025’s uncertain environment, they create a lose-lose scenario that could cost you money.
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.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Woman looking at phone
Find the right business savings account to help your company’s money grow.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
A man researches online.
Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
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 researches on her phone at a cafe.
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Writing on check
Compare prices on paper checks before you place your next order.
person on phone by computer looking at piece of paper
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
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.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.