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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.
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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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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.
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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

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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.
father working on finances with his daughter sitting next to him
This budgeting rule of thumb can help make tracking everyday spending easier.
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 watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Man at laptop, deep in thought
Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.
Woman using laptop
Locking in a high yield now could be beneficial in the event rates begin to drop.
Man using laptop in kitchen
Callable CDs can offer a higher yield than traditional CDs, but there’s a catch.
A woman ponders
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
A young woman researches on her laptop.
With a possible recession looming, here’s what savers should know about CDs.
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
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
young asian man shopping online in internet store using laptop computer and credit card. male enters data of paying for services or tickets in application sitting on couch at home living room
Closing a card can increase your credit utilization, which can hurt your score.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
A group of women are enjoying a meal in a restaurant with rose wine. They have a king prawns sharing platter , one woman can be seen passing her friend a plate of food. Mixed ethnic group
The main benefits include cash back on entertainment, dining and groceries.
Woman paying bills online
If you have a low credit score or a limited credit history, you can start building credit with a secured credit card. Here’s what you need to know.
a man on his tablet holding a card in his hand
Learn how to choose between the Wells Fargo Reflect and Wells Fargo Active Cash.
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 [...]
Woman comparing loans on her laptop
Personify Financial and Upstart are online lenders that offer unsecured personal loans. Both work with borrowers who don’t have the best credit, but Upstart will be a better choice for most. It offers [...]
design image of two credit cards
Here’s a breakdown of the Citi Rewards+ Card vs. the Citi Double Cash Card.
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.