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
Stephen Kates headshot

Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate 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

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

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.
Closeup of someone counting money
The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
Illustration of an old-fashioned alarm bell ringing , hovering over a cell phone.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Person imagining a piggy bank made out of cash.
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Photo of Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a podium, holding his hands up.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of 2026, keeping borrowing costs in a target range of 3.5-3.75%. This decision (supported by a 10-2 vote) pauses a streak of three [...]
Wells Fargo branch
Looking for a nearby Wells Fargo location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in Washington, DC.
The big question: How long will the Fed be on hold?
Person imagining a piggy bank made out of cash.
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Illustration of an old-fashioned physical bank branch and a mobile phone.
Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.
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.
A woman works on her laptop.
Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
Woman using laptop
Locking in a high yield now could be beneficial in the event rates begin to drop.
Couple talking to a financial advisor about an investment
Consumers move to interest-bearing accounts; banks increase funds for brokered CDs.
Tortoise turns 100 years old.
The 100-year CD targets investors with philanthropic or generational-wealth goals.
A woman researches online.
Here’s everything you need to know about zero-coupon CDs.
Young mother with toddler
Should you keep money you need access to in a no-penalty CD or in a savings account?
Two people under umbrella using tablet
The Fed’s recent actions may force savers to start thinking differently about their money.
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.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
Young woman calculating her finances while sitting with her laptop.
Investing with mutual funds is an easy way to build a diversified portfolio. Here’s what you need to know.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Illustration of an old-fashioned alarm bell ringing , hovering over a cell phone.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Person folds his hands in front of their face
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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.
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. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
person on phone by computer looking at piece of paper
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.