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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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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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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

Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
An older couple reviews a bill.
Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Woman Inserts Cash Into Wallet
If you think rates may rise again soon, a bump-up CD could be what you’re looking for.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
The Social Security Administration sign is seen in front of the agency's headquarters in Woodlawn, MD.
Social Security recipients can expect to see a higher-than-average COLA raise in 2026.
Two women exchanging money on a couch.
Most of us have lent money to a friend or family member or paid a group bill with the expectation of being paid back. Unfortunately, these situations don’t always go smoothly and often result in lost [...]
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Close up of someone hands holding and counting American dollar banknotes in her hand
Most people know they should save. But understanding why can make the habit stick. Saving isn’t just about “being responsible” — it’s about control, opportunity, and peace of mind. Here are seven [...]
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
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.
pile of US savings bonds
Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
United States Treasury savings bonds.
You’ve matured, but those savings bonds from childhood may still need more time.
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.
Shot of a young businesswoman using a digital tablet outside of an office
Learn how you can lose money on a CD.
A father multi-tasks with his young son.
Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
stacks of coin with dollar bill
A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Woman Inserts Cash Into Wallet
If you think rates may rise again soon, a bump-up CD could be what you’re looking for.
Photo of Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a podium, holding his hands up.
The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday at the conclusion of its September meeting, marking the central bank’s first rate cut this year. For savers, that’s [...]
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
A couple works on their finances on a laptop in their kitchen.
With interest rates somewhat volatile, it’s important to shop around for the best money market mutual funds.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
woman at ATM
Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Image of a piggy bank stuffed with dollars and an arrow behind it pointing to the right and going up.
$10,000 high-yield savings vs. $10,000 money market account: Here’s which earns more
People walking past an HSBC Bank
These four types of bank accounts can help you meet your financial goals.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s the lowdown on no-penalty CDs, and how they differ from regular CDs.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
An older couple reviews a bill.
Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
person standing next to bike and looking at phone
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.