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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.
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.

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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
Over 1 in 3 people tapped emergency savings in the past year, per a new Bankrate survey.
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

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Top high-yielding savings accounts continue to handily outpace inflation.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Planning, finance and couple with paper and laptop for budget
These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
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.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
President-elect Joe Biden addresses the nation about his plans to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief bill proposal comes during the pandemic’s biggest inflection point yet.
Hosue Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill
The deal comes just days before key CARES Act programs are set to expire.
Men hands holding a US Government Treasury check
The deadline has recently been extended, but you’re still going to want to act fast.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks from a lectern
The HEROES Act is back, but it could be a non-starter for some Republicans.
Woman voting in a face mask at the polls
In this election, many young voters remain unsure about at least one key issue.
A photo of a check from the Treasury Department
The plan includes direct aid to taxpayers: $1,200 to individuals and $500 per child and dependent adult.
A wealthy couple research their financial accounts.
How much is too much? Here’s everything you need to know.
A picture from above of pedestrians crossing a busy street
The study shows that the number of Americans with less emergency savings has ballooned since the crisis began.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Illustration of safe with money
CD rates may seem attractive, but in 2025’s uncertain environment, they create a lose-lose scenario that could cost you money.
A father multi-tasks with his young son.
Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
couple in the kitchen with bills
Here’s everything you need to know about brokered CDs.
Woman Inserts Cash Into Wallet
If you think rates may rise again soon, a bump-up CD could be what you’re looking for.
Woman at laptop
Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
Man using laptop in kitchen
Callable CDs can offer a higher yield than traditional CDs, but there’s a catch.
A man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
A young woman researches on her phone at a cafe.
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
woman at ATM
Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
happy couple signing papers
Earn more on your business cash with high-yield accounts offering competitive APYs.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Business women discussing project at table in modern office
Business money market accounts offer higher yields while maintaining access to funds.
man and woman working together at a computer in an office
Find the right business savings account to help your company’s money grow.
Person working at table with computer, drinking coffee and looking at smartphone
Learn why you need to check your APY.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Bank of America at Times Square
Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.