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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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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.
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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

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Being able to open a checking and savings account can help build financial security.
Taxes on CD interest aren’t always clear-cut. Here’s what you need to know.
A joint bank account can make financial life easier for those sharing finances.
Person writing on a piece of paper
Here’s how to determine the amount to put in savings — and what to do with the rest.
A magnifying glass on top of a $100, magnifying Benjamin Franklin's face, and surrounded by other $100 bills.
As the Fed holds interest rates steady, savers still have time to lock in top rates.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of Aug 8, 2025.
Whimsical artwork of four piggy banks standing atop of four stacks of coins, gradually increasing in height
If you’re looking to save with a credit union, here are the top rates available.
A smartphone being held in a person's had displays the words "Payment Failed" surrounded with a red background with an 'X' above.
Save more by zapping unwanted expenses with a ‘cancel everything’ mindset.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Senate building in Washington DC
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — a main line of defense against unfair banking practices — has been dramatically scaled back under the Trump administration. In May 2025, Congress overturned [...]
College students on graduation day, celebrating
Check out Bankrate’s savings picks to help you start off on a long financial future.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 15, 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.
Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A woman does research online.
These CD specials help you earn more money on interest without taking on risk.
A woman ponders
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
A man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
Man at laptop, deep in thought
Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.
A collection of assorted items: old analog alarm clock, padlock, keys, a check, a hand holding cash
CDs often pay better interest than savings accounts and can amp up your nest egg.
Middle aged woman on laptop
Everything you need to know about opening an account.
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.
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.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
A brick and mortar bank building on a sunny day
There’s more than one way to bank. Here are the reasons to consider banking locally.
woman doing headstand
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
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.
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Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.