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
![A man uses his phone at an ATM.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/08/26170151/what-are-cardless-atms.jpeg?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 BankrateBanking 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
![A man uses his phone at an ATM.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/08/26170151/what-are-cardless-atms.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/05163406/will-the-fed-make-an-emergency-cut.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/27112755/what-is-a-recession.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
![father working on finances with his daughter sitting next to him](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/06143605/What-is-the-50-30-20-rule.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
This budgeting rule of thumb can help make tracking everyday spending easier.
![Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/06/02154855/When-will-the-Fed-cut-rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
![People walk by a Western Union location in New York.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/11/01145105/western_union_storefront.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Wire transfer fees can be expensive, but here are ways to send money for less.
![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.
![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.
![woman walking and looking at a phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/28152813/apps-unused-subscriptions.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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.
![A woman ponders](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/08124330/what-to-do-when-cds-mature.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
![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 [...]
![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.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/v5.1271.0/next/img/articles/placeholder2.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Are you looking for a temporary break from APR? One of the balance transfer credit card offers available on Bankrate could help you pay down balances, improve your credit score and save on interest charges — plus, some earn great rewards.
![Family preparing dinner and ordering groceries online](https://a.storyblok.com/f/102997/6655x4437/742be47ee8/todays-best-cards.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Bankrate's experts compare hundreds of the best credit cards and credit card offers to select the best in cash back, rewards, travel, business, 0% APR, balance transfer and more. Let Bankrate, a leader in personal finance advice, help you find the best credit card today.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/v5.1271.0/next/img/articles/placeholder4.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Many Visa credit cards offer outstanding rewards and perks. Use our expertise to narrow down your search and find the Visa card you need.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/v5.1271.0/next/img/articles/placeholder1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Owning a credit card with a low interest rate can help you save money on APR charges. Read reviews and recommendations from our experts on the best low interest credit cards available from our credit card partners.
![Young woman home office](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/28160824/how-to-choose-the-best-credit-builder-loan-for-you.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Compare a few credit-builder loan options to secure the right one for you.
![Shot of a young man using his mobile phone while laying on his couch at home](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/02/17163946/how-to-qualify-for-low-interest-personal-loans-1144980905.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to qualify for a low-interest personal loan.
![A man painting a wall](https://www.bankrate.com/2016/03/27153953/5-things-to-know-about-unsecured-home-improvement-loans.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re weighing an unsecured loan to spruce up your home, ponder these points.
![Two men discussing finances.](https://www.bankrate.com/2015/09/27142906/How-to-fight-a-creditors-account-levy.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If a creditor taps your bank account, you have a few options to protect your money.
![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.