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

Banking data studies

A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Over 1 in 4 workers are more worried about job security since 2025 began.
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

Bank building
Even the smallest of these big banks has enormously deep pockets.
An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
loan manager with paperwork talking with client in bank branch
The most impressive banks make it easy to interact both on old and new channels.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
family playing board game
Here are the top old-school money ideas that can still help you save this year.
Father and son counting and organizing money (presumably the child's savings)
If you want to get a leg up on parenthood, consider these moves.
couple in front of house with shape illustrations
These simple steps will help you get the homebuying process underway.
Young college student with backpack and illustrations of cash
These smartphone apps are great for helping busy students manage their money.
adult with down syndrome using a computer
Specific savings accounts can help disabled individuals gain financial security.
Couple talking while standing on cliff by sea during sunny day
Even the small victories add up over time when you’re living on a fixed income.
Man using a tablet for banking
Online banks offer a number of benefits, and they’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks.
Watering the plants
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Woman at laptop
Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
stacks of coin with dollar bill
A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
Person frowning at a laptop screen with illustration of money in background
Sometimes paying an early withdrawal penalty on a CD isn’t a bad idea.
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.
A woman ponders
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
Coworkers discussing project and having work meeting
Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
woman at ATM
Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
A woman uses mobile banking while eating.
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.