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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.
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

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.

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Latest articles

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Money market accounts share the same FDIC protections as savings accounts and CDs.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting
Fed officials signaled no immediate plans to begin cutting interest rates.
Man and woman going over documents
Breakups are tough, but closing a joint bank account doesn’t need to be too much of a chore.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The Fed’s policy toolkit has changed almost as much as interest rates itself.
Chime mobile banking app
These apps pair basic and advanced features to help you take control of your money.
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Bills are due but payday is days off? These options can help you stretch your funds.
Globe and paper air plane
Sending money to another country can be a quick, easy and safe process. Read to find out the various ways you can utilize and how to transfer money internationally.
Woman using a cellphone near an ATM
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
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.
Illustrated by Bankrate
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4% or more. Your $10,000 could earn over $800 more over two years.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
A woman and daughter work together
A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
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The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater.
A woman holds a phone at an office
Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
Man watering plants
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
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A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
Person frowning at a laptop screen with illustration of money in background
Sometimes paying an early withdrawal penalty on a CD isn’t a bad idea.
Photo of Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a podium, holding his hands up.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of 2026, keeping borrowing costs in a target range of 3.5-3.75%. This decision (supported by a 10-2 vote) pauses a streak of three [...]
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 woman ponders
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
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.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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.
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.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
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 woman uses mobile banking while eating.
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
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.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
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