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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Everything you need to know about opening an account.
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Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
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Keep fees in check when you shift money from one bank account to another.
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Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
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If you’re struggling to pay off debt and build savings, you’re not alone.
![Piggy bank with doctors equipment. Cute and comical](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/12173049/Banking_FHE_Why_Im_scheduling_a_mid_year_financial_checkup_with_myself_and_how_Im_doing_it.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
I’m a personal finance reporter — here’s how I did a mid-year financial checkup in under an hour
Banking
A mid-year checkup is the most effective way to ensure my finances are on track.
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Two-thirds of American savers say they’re earning rates below 4% APY. Here’s why.
Latest articles
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Consumers get more access to their savings at a time when they may urgently need it.
![Federal Reserve Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/03/12114218/federal-reserve-building.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It could take years for growth and unemployment to return to where they were before the pandemic.
![Federal Reserve and the coronavirus](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/23151527/5-Things-to-watch-ahead-of-the-April-Fed-meeting-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The Fed’s biggest priority should be making sure as little as possible breaks on the way down.
![A man at home makes a phone call.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/22183101/Negotiating-bank-fees-coronavirus.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Talk your way out of a charge — or get someone else to do it for you.
![A man sits in bed, looking at his phone.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/21155157/Shelter-in-place-is-the-coronavirus-a-turning-point-for-challenger-banks.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The branch is closed. Challenger banks see their moment.
![A pedestrian walks by a bank branch.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/16182012/Money-safe-in-bank.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your money is safe as long as there’s federal deposit insurance.
![Vacant stores stand in Wickliffe, Kentucky](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/15094932/how-the-fed-is-rescuing-the-economy-from-coronavirus-with-emergency-stash-of-cash.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s pushed the Fed down a new, uncharted path.
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How to get guidance from an expert without spending a dime.
![Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/31124754/Deposits-Average-money-market-account-interest-rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
![Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/05141131/What-is-the-average-interest-rate-for-savings-accounts_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
![woman looking tired at computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/14153903/ways-to-save-for-job-loss.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.
![coins in jar at the beach during sunset](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/31200900/Where-to-park-your-downpayment-this-summer-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
We list three accounts to park your savings this summer as you wait to buy a house.
![Man calculating finances](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/11111429/How-much-is-too-much-to-put-in-a-savings-account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to determine the amount to put in savings — and what to do with the rest.
![Person on laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/15155838/Everything-savers-need-to-know-about-APY.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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Subscriptions are easy to lose track of, but these apps can help restore order.
![measuring the waistline of cash bills, comical](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/25123250/Deposits_Why_spending_diets_dont_work_and_what_to_do_instead.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A spending diet can help you pursue your financial goals and save cash. Here’s how.
![Man at laptop, deep in thought](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/01164558/Investing-The-pros-and-cons-of-CD-investing.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.
![Woman watering plants.](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/20194528/Current_CD_rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
![Woman using laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/30130553/Deposits-3-ways-to-take-advantage-of-high-CD-rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Locking in a high yield now could be beneficial in the event rates begin to drop.
![Man using laptop in kitchen](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/10/30123251/Deposits-What-is-a-callable-CD.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Callable CDs can offer a higher yield than traditional CDs, but there’s a catch.
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Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
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With a possible recession looming, here’s what savers should know about CDs.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/18121054/Banking-Is-there-still-such-a-thing-as-a-6-percent-CD.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
I’ve often referred to 2024 as the year of the certificate of deposit (CD). In tracking CD rates on a daily basis, I’ve seen how yields remain at an overall high, thanks to the Federal Reserve raising [...]
![Happy young person on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/16173307/Deposits_Best_business_CD_rates_for_August_2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
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Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
![Ally Bank logo](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/04/07120151/Deposits-Ally-money-market-account-rates-3.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
![Best compound interest investments](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/05140817/GettyImages-665950548.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://live-bankrate-press.pantheonsite.io/app/uploads/2024/02/Investments_What_is_a_money_market_fund.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Lay away cash for an emergency or short-term goals with a money market mutual fund.
![woman at ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/01/03120505/Untitled-15.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/01230300/Central-savings-money-market-account-rate-forecast.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Expect savings and money market account yields to slide lower, but they still should outpace inflation
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Many of these banks offer low-fee accounts and higher yields than some of the biggest banks.
![Woman online banking with a tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/06/13123811/Hoe-regulation-D-limits-your-savings-accounts-withdrawls.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
![A brick and mortar bank building on a sunny day](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/31192320/local-bank.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There’s more than one way to bank. Here are the reasons to consider banking locally.
![Woman using laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/16113945/Deposits-7-banks-that-offer-free-checking-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There’s no need to pay for a checking account when many banks offer free checking.
![woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/09172341/Debit-card-spending-limits-heres-how-to-increase-yours.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
![Woman paying at the gas pump](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/10/30121650/Deposits-Places-you-should-avoid-using-your-debit-card.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
![Women using tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/19152145/online-checking.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
![Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/12/01174728/Deposits-Best-business-checking-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
![Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/03162246/How-long-does-it-take-for-a-check-to-clear.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The amount of time can vary from check to check.
![woman doing headstand](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/25135424/Deposits_What_is_the_available_balance_in_your_bank_account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
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