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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.

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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
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

Friends looking at phone
You just sent money to a stranger. So, how do you get it back?
Man with shopping bags
The U.S. economy expanded at a slower pace in the fourth quarter of 2018, but came in well ahead of estimates.
Jerome Powell at Fed meeting
Powell faced criticism from Democratic congressmen for his positive evaluation of the job market despite a period of slow pay gains.
Jerome Powell speaks at Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivered a positive assessment of the U.S. economy that nonetheless faces some risks.
Wall Street in New York City
Experts are betting that a recession will occur by the end of 2021, a new survey suggests.
Federal Reserve building
Will the Federal Reserve raise borrowing costs two times in 2019, as it initially anticipated? That’s a question even the officials on the inside can’t answer.
Man relaxed smiling
It could save you time when switching accounts and even inspire you to build a bank of your own.
Advertisement for Ally Bank in Times Square
Don’t settle for rock-bottom yields. You can earn a sizable return at these online banks.
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.
Parents helping baby walk on beach
How to save on baby costs and avoid common financial mistakes made by new parents.
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
mom in graduation gown holding daughter
Learn some of the best strategies for saving for either your short- or long-term goals.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables
These six simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Garage sale in grass on street curb with autumn trees background
Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
A long spiral staircase.
Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Illustration of calculator and stacks of cash
If you have $2,500 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
A collection of assorted items: old analog alarm clock, padlock, keys, a check, a hand holding cash
CDs often pay better interest than savings accounts and can amp up your nest egg.
Young couple managing finance and investment online
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed cuts rates.
Woman at laptop
Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
Asian women using laptop computer at home working space.
CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
Asian women using laptop computer at home working space.
CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s everything you need to know about no-penalty CDs.
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.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Woman smiling at cash on a cloud
Lay away cash for an emergency or short-term goals with a money market mutual fund.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Two female fashion designers working together at their studio
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop
Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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.