Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that
we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and
reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the
right financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with
accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards
in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters
thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information
you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our
advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not
receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader.
Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart
personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure
that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our
editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers,
and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So,
whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that
you’re getting credible and dependable information.
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have
been helping you master your money for over four decades. We
continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and
tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that
our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and
reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the
right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial
staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our
advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content,
competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we
make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher
and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for
placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking
on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation
may impact how, where and in what order products appear within
listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary
website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at
your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and
where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a
wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about
every financial or credit product or service.
You’ve probably seen dozens of commercials from banks offering great interest rates on certificates of deposit and other products, but how can you be sure to get the best deal? Interest rates are important, but they aren’t the only factor in pinpointing what’s best for you. Consider these important aspects before you sign on the dotted line.
Online versus local
Online banks often beat local bank rates because their overhead costs are much lower. Physical locations and employees are huge expenses, so online banks have an advantage. But if you need access to ATMs, the ability to make deposits or just like to meet a teller face to face, an online bank may not be the best option. Know exactly how an online bank communicates with you, processes deposits and withdrawals, and calculates the cost of using an ATM.
Know your habits
Some banks will reward — or punish — you based on your banking habits. How often do you use your debit card? Do you use an online bill-pay service? How much money is usually in your checking and savings accounts? Do you need a credit card? The way you manage your money will greatly affect the bank you choose. If you seem to constantly pay fees due to low balances or infrequent debit card use, higher bank rates won’t be worth it in the end. Pay attention to your banking habits so you can determine suitable terms for your lifestyle.
Compare
Using comparative tools from Bankrate.com, you can easily find the best bank rates, online and in your area. You can compare rates, introductory bonuses, minimum balances, monthly fees and more. By educating yourself on each bank’s terms, you’ll be able to pinpoint the best option for you.
Share