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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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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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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.

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Latest articles

Young couple managing finance and investment online
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed suggests cutting rates.
married couple looking at computer screen
Experts say you can cut many financial disputes off before they happen by having separate financial accounts.
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 watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A man uses his phone at an ATM.
Here’s how to use your smartphone — rather than a bank card — at an ATM.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell Holds A News Conference Following The Federal Open Market Committee Meeting
Emergency rate cuts are rare, but some economists believe one may be coming soon.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
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 looking tired at computer
Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.
coins in jar at the beach during sunset
We list three accounts to park your savings this summer as you wait to buy a house.
Man calculating finances
Here’s how to determine the amount to put in savings — and what to do with the rest.
Person on laptop computer
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
woman walking and looking at a phone
Subscriptions are easy to lose track of, but these apps can help restore order.
measuring the waistline of cash bills, comical
A spending diet can help you pursue your financial goals and save cash. Here’s how.
woman working on her laptop at the kitchen table
CDs come in many varieties, making it easy to find one that meets your needs.
Image of bonds and cash
Consider these important factors before investing in bonds and CDs.
Young mother with toddler
Should you keep money you need access to in a no-penalty CD or in a savings account?
Couple meeting with financial advisor
Jumbo CDs pay a higher yield than other CDs. Here’s what to know before opening one.
man working on a laptop
Withdrawing your money from a CD before the term ends can be costly.
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 a laptop
Investing in CDs for retirement offers benefits but also some drawbacks.
Two people under umbrella using tablet
The Fed’s recent actions may force savers to start thinking differently about their money.
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
couple with bank worker
Many of these banks offer low-fee accounts and higher yields than some of the biggest banks.
Woman online banking with a tablet
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
There’s more than one way to bank. Here are the reasons to consider banking locally.
Woman using laptop
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
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Woman paying at the gas pump
Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time can vary from check to check.
woman doing headstand
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.