Banking
From checking account details to bank reviews, debit card insights and more — you’ll find smart banking basics here.
Banking Basics
Editor's Picks
Latest Articles
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Can you write checks from a money market account?
Learn why some banks have limits on how many checks you can write.
3 min read May 06, 2024 -
What is the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet?
Now a cornerstone of Fed policy, the balance sheet has big implications for your wallet.
8 min read May 02, 2024 -
The Fed’s latest meeting wasn’t just about interest rates. Here’s why you shouldn’t overlook its balance sheet announcement
The Fed hopes to prevent major market disruptions that could cause rates to spike.
7 min read May 02, 2024 -
Here’s how much investing $10,000 in a CD right now could earn you in 1 year
If you have $10,000 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
4 min read May 02, 2024 -
Bank overdraft protection: Do you need it?
Overdraft protection can be a helpful and convenient tool to avoid paying a steeper overdraft fee.
3 min read May 02, 2024 -
Can someone open a bank account in your name?
If you’re unsure whether you have an account you didn’t agree to open, take action now.
4 min read May 02, 2024 -
Ally money market account rates
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
1 min read May 07, 2024 -
What to do if a bank rejects you for a checking account
Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.
3 min read May 02, 2024 -
What should I do with Series E savings bonds?
Now might be the time to dust off those paper bonds and cash them in. Here’s what you need to know.
3 min read May 02, 2024 -
What is overdraft protection?
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
4 min read May 02, 2024 -
The best banks and credit unions of 2024
Banks and banking technology are in a constant state of evolution. Whether you’re opening a high-yield savings account at a bank because it offers a yield that’s outpacing inflation, or joining a bank [...]
3 min read May 02, 2024 -
How to switch to a new bank or credit union
Switching banks can be complicated. Here’s your checklist to success.
6 min read May 01, 2024 -
Cashing old checks: How long is a check good for?
There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.
3 min read May 01, 2024 -
Are money market accounts FDIC-insured?
Money market accounts share the same FDIC protections as savings accounts and CDs.
4 min read May 06, 2024 -
Overdraft fees vs. NSF fees: How they differ
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
5 min read May 01, 2024 -
Zelle limits at top banks
Looking to use Zelle for a transfer?Here are the Zelle limits at various banks.
3 min read May 01, 2024 -
Fed keeps interest rates at 23-year high, delaying cuts as inflation progress stalls
Fed officials signaled no immediate plans to begin cutting interest rates.
8 min read Jun 12, 2024 -
Savings bonds: What they are and how to cash them in
Savings bonds are safe and easy to buy, but you can earn higher interest income elsewhere.
5 min read May 01, 2024 -
How to close a joint bank account
Breakups are tough, but closing a joint bank account doesn’t need to be too much of a chore.
6 min read May 01, 2024 -
What is the federal funds rate? How the Fed controls interest rates, explained
The Fed’s policy toolkit has changed almost as much as interest rates itself.
9 min read May 01, 2024
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- Savings calculator
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- How to save money
- Build an emergency fund
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- How to write a check
- How to deposit a check
- How do money orders work?
- How to fill out a money order
- Ways to insure excess deposits
- Cashier's check vs. money order
- How to close a bank account