Skip to Main Content

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

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

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.
Illustration of two hands holding phones, sending physical gold coins to one another.

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.

About Bankrate
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Banking data studies

Money next to flashing sirens
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have no emergency savings, according to a new Bankrate survey.
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.

Featured by names you know and trust

Latest articles

Piggy bank in the green grass at sunset
Banks are increasing offerings of green accounts. Here’s what you need to know.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
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
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Woman with morning cup of coffee, sitting on patio and enjoying moment for herself.
Many women feel financial success is out of reach in today’s economy — but it doesn’t have to be.
A large pile of cash next to a padlock
A one-year CD can be a safe and worthwhile option, especially turning to high-yielding online banks or credit unions.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s the lowdown on no-penalty CDs, and how they differ from regular CDs.
Woman studying a document and working on a laptop
Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
When it comes to handling a windfall, don’t rush it. You’re going to want to make a financial plan.
A water faucet leaks a drop of water
Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.
In case of a potential emergency, it pays to be financially prepared.
A picture of the coronavirus on a blue background
Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
A woman looking at Ally Bank's new savings tools.
Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
Woman erasing blackboard
These common mistakes are costing us a huge chunk of change.
Shoppers checking out at Costco
Nearly 3 in 10 adults would be at a loss if they suddenly needed to cover a costly expense.
Americans crossing the street in the rain
Many Americans are adding nothing to their savings. These are the biggest reasons.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A large pile of cash next to a padlock
A one-year CD can be a safe and worthwhile option, especially turning to high-yielding online banks or credit unions.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s the lowdown on no-penalty CDs, and how they differ from regular CDs.
Currently, you can lock in annual percentage yields (APYs) on certificates of deposit (CDs) above 4 percent on many nationally available CDs, while a select few financial institutions offer promotional [...]
woman working on a laptop
CDs can be a useful tool to save, but make sure to shop around for the right kind and bank for you.
Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously
If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
Coworkers discussing project and having work meeting
Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s the lowdown on no-penalty CDs, and how they differ from regular CDs.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
Woman smiling at cash on a cloud
Lay away cash for an emergency or short-term goals with a money market mutual fund.
Man in home office online banking
These tips can help you manage your money more wisely and make you a bit richer.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Woman looking at phone
Find the right business savings account to help your company’s money grow.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
Male friends walk on a college campus.
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Outside view of a bank with American flag
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
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.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.