Banking
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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.
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Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
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Chief Financial Analyst
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Senior Economic Analyst
Banking 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)
New Bankrate data shows the economy is making it harder for Americans to save.
![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.
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If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.
![Bank teller with customer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/01/03103328/Untitled-101.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
![Happy woman reacting to news from her laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/06174250/GettyImages-1306153899.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.
![Smiling young woman with smartphone walking on the street](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/01164957/Zelle-limits-at-top-banks.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Looking to use Zelle for a transfer?Here are the Zelle limits at various banks.
![A person takes a picture of a check.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/29111505/facts-everyone-should-know-about-mobile-deposit.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
![Man smiling at his cell phone in a busy downtown area](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/06175357/GettyImages-1461116301.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
You don’t need a big balance to qualify for a high-yield money market account.
![man using an ATM machine](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/28153824/Banks-that-reimburse-ATM-fees.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
ATM fees can be nuisance that add up. Here are eight banks that don’t reimburse them.
![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.
![Side view of man jogging in city](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/16155031/6-tips-to-set-and-hit-your-savings-goals.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.
![Happy woman reacting to news from her laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/06174250/GettyImages-1306153899.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.
![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.
![family financial planning](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/11/29150302/How-to-save-money-easy-tips.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to boost your savings.
![Money next to flashing sirens](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/02/15173759/Banking-Emergency-Savings-Survey.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
New Bankrate data shows the economy is making it harder for Americans to save.
![Elderly woman connected to the internet at home](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/08095431/how-to-protect-savings-high-inflation.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are ways to save money and improve financial health in times of inflation.
![man sitting on the couch at home working on his laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/27101323/4-tips-for-managing-multiple-bank-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Having multiple bank accounts has its perks but keeping them organized is key.
![Woman doing financial paperwork](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/28192507/Deposits_How_to_renew_a_certificate_of_deposit_CD.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Better to let a CD automatically renew or cash it in? Here’s a guide for those looking to renew.
![A young man researches in the library.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/14130045/how-do-cds-work.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
CDs hold your funds for a set period. In exchange, you get a reliable return.
![man working on tax forms with calculator](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/24101139/Is-an-IRA-CD-tax-deductible.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Looking to score more tax deductions? IRA CDs might be for you.
![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=1:1&width=356)
Everything you need to know about opening an account.
![Coworkers discussing project and having work meeting](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/11/06122844/CDs-vs.-share-certificates-Whats-the-difference.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
![woman on couch using laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/29151733/Are-CDs-safe.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
All CDs have one thing in common: They’re among the safest places to park your cash.
![CD rates forecast for 2024](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/02081152/Central-cd-rate-forecast.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
![A woman researches online.](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/12/09180108/what-is-a-zero-coupon-cd1.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s everything you need to know about zero-coupon CDs.
![Bank teller with customer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/01/03103328/Untitled-101.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
![A man researches on a tablet.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/07171757/cds-vs-mmas.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
CDs and MMAs can pay competitive rates, but they have different drawbacks and benefits.
![Man working on laptop and drinking coffee](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/01122348/GettyImages-1364881817.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
![A graphic of origami of a dollar bill folded to look like a piggy bank with a penny on top.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/01/01225713/Central-savings-money-market-account-rate-forecast.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Expect savings and money market account yields to slide lower, but they still should outpace inflation
![A man researches online.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/02/12103948/5-reasons-why-you-should-get-a-mma.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
![A young woman researches on her phone at a cafe.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/04/23155535/are-mmas-safe.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
![Woman using mobile phone at the bar](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/07/09151141/Whats-the-difference-between-a-money-market-account-and-a-money-market-fund.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
![Asian women using laptop computer at home working space.](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/07/19151307/Background-21.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
![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.
![Person using credit card at laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/16120246/GettyImages-1215383987.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
![Business man hand writing and signing white blank bank check book](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/05181348/how-to-endorse-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
We list seven ways to endorse a check and how to process it correctly and securely.
![Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/28200222/Where-is-the-account-number-on-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
![A young woman works from her laptop.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/23135104/why-balance-your-checkbook.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
![close up of hands signing a check](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/08161719/How-to-write-a-check.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
![Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/14094657/checking-account-fees-what-they-are-and-how-to-avoid-them.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
![Capital One Bank signage in New York City](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/05145443/banks-that-eliminated-overdraft-fees.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.