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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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
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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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Latest articles
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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.
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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 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.
![Young Asian woman using smartphone while relaxing on armchair, checking her bank account via online banking and managing her finances. Online personal banking. Wealth management. Digital banking habits. Smart banking with technology](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/20145521/here-are-the-benefits-of-opening-a-cd-right-now-following-the-fed-s-rate-cut.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Know the two major benefits of opening a CD now, even as interest rates decline.
![Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/04113118/which-cd-term-is-best-in-a-lower-rate-environment.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
![Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/16144258/5-cds-to-consider-before-a-fed-rate-cut.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
![Man using cell phone in living room](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/08/04092301/The-best-places-to-keep-your-emergency-fund.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Learn how CD ladders and partial withdrawals can be used to fund emergency savings.
![CDs and money](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/22174219/Desposits-Best-business-CD-rates-for-November-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
![man working on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/07152504/How-to-avoid-a-CD-early-withdrawal-penalty.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Withdrawing your money from a CD before the term ends can be costly.
![Serious young woman working at home](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/20164708/emergency-funds-and-inflation.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s possible to leverage the money in your CDs to grow your emergency savings.
![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.
![senior woman looking at paperwork in front of a computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/24094116/Racial-disparity-in-banking-fees.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Age and region are also factors in how much consumers pay in checking fees.
![person looking at american express digital checking account on phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/08102110/Amex-digital-checking-account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
American Express launched a digital consumer checking account for card members.
![A senior woman goes on her smartphone.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/10131453/mobile-banking-must-haves.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There’s no need to see a teller at the bank when you can perform these tasks on your smartphone.
![A mobile banking app used at the ATM.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/06/25141011/atms-in-a-pandemic.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Experts weigh in on ways to improve safety for using the more than 50-year old technology.
![Mark Cuban's company Dave](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/06/17160023/Mark-Cuban-backed-fintach-app-launches-checking-account-with-a-twist.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Fintech firm Dave created a product that reinvents overdraft fees and helps customers build their credit.