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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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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Banking data studies

Money next to flashing sirens
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have no emergency savings, according to a new Bankrate survey.
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

Image of Jerome Powell speaking from the Federal Reserve podium.
A tough mix of rising prices and weak hiring is leaving the Fed with no easy way out.
People walk by a Western Union location in New York.
Wire transfer fees can be expensive, but here are ways to send money for less.
Someone cutting a stack of cash with scissors
In this era of no-fee banking, pesky fees still exist. Here’s how to avoid them.
Illustration of a robot hand holding a bank building
Artifical intelligence (AI) is likely to reshape our lives in as big a way as the internet did in the 1990s and smartphones did in the 2000s (scary or exciting as that may be). That means changes to your [...]
Illustration of coins with a headline that reads best high-yield savings accounts today
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 12, 2025.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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.
Illustration of bag with dollar sign on it and allow in background, headline reading today's best high-yield savings rates
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 11, 2025.
Illustration of coins with a headline that reads best high-yield savings accounts today
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 12, 2025.
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.
Illustration of bag with dollar sign on it and allow in background, headline reading today's best high-yield savings rates
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 11, 2025.
illustration with piggy bank and arrow in background with headline saying today's top savings rates
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 10, 2025.
Mother and daughter putting money in piggy bank
Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
Illustration of stack of money with headline that says best high-yield savings interest rates
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 9, 2025.
Fed rate hike to curb inflation, wooden block with FED and up-down arrows icon. Central banking system and interest rate changes.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
Illustration of coins with a headline that reads best high-yield savings accounts today
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 8, 2025.
Shot of a young businesswoman using a digital tablet outside of an office
Learn how you can lose money on a CD.
A woman researches online.
Here’s everything you need to know about zero-coupon CDs.
Young mother with toddler
Should you keep money you need access to in a no-penalty CD or in a savings account?
Two people under umbrella using tablet
The Fed’s recent actions may force savers to start thinking differently about their money.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
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.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
Woman smiling at cash on a cloud
Lay away cash for an emergency or short-term goals with a money market mutual fund.
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Woman standing in front of an ATM
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Woman paying at the gas pump
Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
Credit: Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
Illustration of an old-fashioned alarm bell ringing , hovering over a cell phone.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Young woman using the ATM
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
Photo of person taking photo of check with design element included
There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.
Overdraft protection can be a helpful and convenient tool to avoid paying a steeper overdraft fee.