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Banking

From savings account details to bank reviews, economic insights and more — Bankrate offers valuable information and advice for you.

Explore banking basics

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How to open a certificate of deposit (CD)

Banking
Everything you need to know about opening an account.
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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.
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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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Experts in all things banking

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Chief Financial Analyst

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Senior Economic Analyst

Banking data studies

Money next to flashing sirens
If you’re struggling to pay off debt and build savings, you’re not alone.
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.

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Latest articles

A woman reading the label on a food item while out shopping for groceries in her local supermarket.
Here’s how to save money on groceries, utilities and other everyday purchases.
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Financial anxiety – what is it and how to reduce money stress
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
Comical image of a lady up to her eyes in a pile of cash
Find out who is affected most by financial stress by statistic and how to cope.
Businessman grabs the head concept with business chart on scoreboard
Manage money anxiety in a low rate environment with these savings strategies.
Piggy bank
Here’s how young adults can live within their means while saving for the future.
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.
Holding up a golden piggy bank, balancing on one finger
CDs and fixed annuities can be great retirement options. Here are the differences.
A young man imagining a piggy bank made out of cash. Looks slightly like origami
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Woman holding envelope of cash
Here’s how to use cash to help you stay within your budget each month.
Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her
Many households have too little saved to survive job loss or other emergencies.
Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe
Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
comical illustration of money being injected via medial equipment
Here’s what you need to know about tapping into your emergency fund.
A man gets into a car.
Typically high-net-worth individuals have a net worth of at least $1 million.
pile of US savings bonds
Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
Holding up a golden piggy bank, balancing on one finger
CDs and fixed annuities can be great retirement options. Here are the differences.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A long spiral staircase.
Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
Illustration of calculator and stacks of cash
If you have $2,500 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
A collection of assorted items: old analog alarm clock, padlock, keys, a check, a hand holding cash
CDs often pay better interest than savings accounts and can amp up your nest egg.
Young couple managing finance and investment online
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed cuts rates.
Woman at laptop
Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
A man researches online.
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.
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
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 young female researches on her phone.
Here’s everything you need to know about no-penalty CDs.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
A guide to mutual funds
Not sure how to get started investing with mutual funds? We’ll help you understand the basics.
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.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Two female fashion designers working together at their studio
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop
Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.