Skip to Main Content

Banking

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

Explore banking basics

Middle aged woman on laptop

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

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.

About Bankrate
Stephen Kates headshot

Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

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

Woman sitting on her couch, looking at her laptop
There are a handful of numbers you should track for your financial health and well-being. A few you might already know about – your credit score and your net worth, for example. But you should also know [...]
Two happy people looking at sheets of paper
As the old saying goes: What goes up, must come down. But in the case of annual percentage yields (APYs), we might have a bit more air time. While APYs on deposit accounts may have come down from their [...]
Image by Getty Images, illustration by Bankrate
Electronic checks (eChecks) offer a digital alternative to traditional paper checks, allowing you to make payments directly from your checking account online. Learn how eChecks work, when to use them, [...]
Man using laptop in kitchen
Callable CDs can offer a higher yield than traditional CDs, but there’s a catch.
Aerial View of The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Square, Washington DC, USA.
After facing a rent increase, I’m moving to Washington, D.C. to save $24,000 over two years.
comical illustration of money being injected via medial equipment
Here’s what you need to know about tapping into your emergency fund.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation building
Here’s a look at every time the FDIC has increased its deposits insurance limits.
piggy bank on a steering wheel
Take these simple steps to jumpstart your savings plan for a new car.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
Someone watering a plant that grows cash
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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.
sleeping child and grandma rest on travel adventure for family bonding
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously
If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
Percent symbol with people holding money that is many dollar bills. Concepts of the banking system, rising interest rates, inflation, deflation, and savings.
Here’s how to proceed when your CD matures during falling rates.
woman working on a laptop
CDs can be a useful tool to save, but make sure to shop around for the right kind and bank for you.
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.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
Young woman calculating her finances while sitting with her laptop.
Investing with mutual funds is an easy way to build a diversified portfolio. Here’s what you need to know.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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.
woman at ATM
Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
person on phone by computer looking at piece of paper
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.