Banking
From savings account details to bank reviews, economic insights and more — Bankrate offers valuable information and advice for you.
Explore banking basics
![Middle aged woman on laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/07144259/How-to-open-a-certificate-of-deposit.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
How to open a certificate of deposit (CD)
Banking
Everything you need to know about opening an account.
![Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/15095640/How-to-save-money-from-scratch.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/20014206/How-to-transfer-money-from-one-bank-to-another.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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.
Find more resources
Editor's picks
![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)
Experts in all things banking
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate![Greg McBride](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/e82ff353b1/br-expert-greg.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Chief Financial Analyst
![Sarah Foster](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/7fb8678166/br-expert-sarah.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
![Mark Hamrick](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/4056ed19a3/br-expert-mark.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Senior Economic Analyst
Banking data studies
![Money next to flashing sirens](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/02/15173759/Banking-Emergency-Savings-Survey.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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.
![And elderly couple discussing HYSA options](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/13131722/Deposits_March_FSP_High_yield_Savings.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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
![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.
![Picture of First Republic Bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/01131431/Untitled-31.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Bank failures had been relatively rare since the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, but that all changed last year when First Republic and Silicon Valley Bank both collapsed and sent shockwaves through [...]
![A woman calculates interest.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/08/10114929/what-is-compound-interest.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Compound interest is a powerful force for people who want to build their savings.
![distressed woman with laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/04/27102048/Untitled-30.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some smart ways to protect yourself if your digital bank account stops working.
![Close up of female accountant or banker making calculations](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/18172527/How-I-built-a-six-figure-net-worth-on-a-five-figure-salary.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Take control of your money and build a six-figure financial foundation. Here’s how.
![A young woman researches on her laptop.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/01/14115714/with-rates-so-low-are-cds-worth-it-in-2021.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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 [...]
![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=1:1&width=356)
A mid-year checkup is the most effective way to ensure my finances are on track.
![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.
![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.
![woman managing personal banking and finance at home](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/29165101/How-to-change-up-your-savings-strategy-as-a-freelancer.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
![man working on his laptop outdoors](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/04174008/10-saving-and-investing-tips-for-all-ages.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
![Young person writing on a notepad](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/06112644/Deposits_The-millennials-guide-to-saving-up-to-move-out.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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.
![Someone watering a plant that grows cash](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/07/11163135/Deposits-Heres-how-much-100k-in-a-HYSA-could-earn-you-in-a-1-year.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
![Young woman working from her kitchen island and drinking a hot beverage](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/18170724/Deposits-Best-business-savings-accounts-for-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
![Pair of friends shoe shopping](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/20115129/GettyImages-1486876705.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Impulse buying can drain your savings. Here are five tips for avoiding it to protect your money.
![A man does research on his laptop.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/03/02173123/what-is-an-add-on-cd.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
![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.
![US dollar bills against blue background](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/09/28160419/Bump-up-CDs-what-they-are-how-they-work.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/07/11154309/Deposits_Heres_how_much_100000_in_a_CD_could_earn_you_in_a_1_year.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/08/24093332/How-much-money-should-you-keep-in-a-CD.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $100,000, but these accounts are not for everyone.
![cash folded into a piggy bank shape](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/20170405/Deposits-Best-business-CD-rates-for-September-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
![Young couple managing finance and investment online](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/09090227/interest-rates-on-top-yielding-cds-are-dropping.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed suggests cutting rates.
![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.
![A guide to mutual funds](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/06/28114842/GettyImages-1325420913.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Not sure how to get started investing with mutual funds? We’ll help you understand the basics.
![Man working on laptop and drinking coffee](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/01122348/GettyImages-1364881817.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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
![couple with bank worker](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/01/27102438/Untitled-14.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Many of these banks offer low-fee accounts and higher yields than some of the biggest banks.
![Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/11171556/Reg.E..jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
![Person reading credit card statement](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/29181714/Deposits_What_is_an_overdraft_fee_and_how_can_you_avoid_it.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
![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 standing in front of an ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/21093308/Deposits-Annual-Checking-Account-and-ATM-Fee.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
![Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/29134643/Banking-Checking-Account-Survey.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.
![Woman using an ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/08121053/Deposits_10_types_of_checking_accounts_SEO_Article.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
![An older couple reviews a bill.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/24105821/how-to-avoid-checking-fees.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
![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.