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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.
Two millenial friends using mobile phone.

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

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Banking data studies

Money next to flashing sirens
If you’re struggling to pay off debt and build savings, you’re not alone.
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

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at post-meeting press conference
The Fed has more in its back pocket than just cutting interest rates.
President-elect Joe Biden speaks at a Delaware address
Workers may be one step closer to seeing a big boost in the minimum wage.
A senior woman goes on her smartphone.
There’s no need to see a teller at the bank when you can perform these tasks on your smartphone.
President-elect Joe Biden speaks to the media after the transition advisory board
Biden will be focused on handling the coronavirus pandemic and the recession.
An older woman works on her laptop.
Financial abuse comes in many forms and targets different sets of victims. Here’s what you need to know.
Men hands holding a US Government Treasury check
The deadline has recently been extended, but you’re still going to want to act fast.
Airline industry workers hold signs during a protest in Chicago
Another round of job losses similar to what Americans witnessed back in March may soon wreak havoc.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference
The Fed will continue to stay on the sidelines when it comes to rates.
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Stack of coins and a calendar
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
man working on his laptop outdoors
No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
Young person writing on a notepad
Whether you hope to buy a home or just rent for a while, a solid savings plan is the key to finally moving out of your parents’ house.
A man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
US dollar bills against blue background
If you think rates may rise again soon, a bump-up CD could be what you’re looking for.
A large pile of cash next to a padlock
A one-year CD can be a safe and worthwhile option, especially turning to high-yielding online banks or credit unions.
Elderly woman on laptop
Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $100,000, but these accounts are not for everyone.
cash folded into a piggy bank shape
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
Young couple managing finance and investment online
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed suggests cutting rates.
Man at laptop, deep in thought
Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
A guide to mutual funds
Not sure how to get started investing with mutual funds? We’ll help you understand the basics.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Best compound interest investments
The name of the game with compound interest is time — the more of it you have, the bigger the payoff.
Woman smiling at cash on a cloud
Lay away cash for an emergency or short-term goals with a money market mutual fund.
woman at ATM
Our picks provide customers with almost everything they need to bank in the branch, at home or on the road.
Savings account and money market rate forecast
Expect savings and money market account yields to slide lower, but they still should outpace inflation
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Woman standing in front of an ATM
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad
Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.
Woman using an ATM
Not all checking accounts are created equal.