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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.

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.

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Chief Financial Analyst

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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.

Featured by names you know and trust

Latest articles

With all the talk around economic stimulus, here’s how it works and why it’s used.
Eagle statue on the Fed's Eccles building
Fed officials care about more than just economic data.
Photo illustration of workers in an office
The most common impacts include layoffs, furloughs and a reduction in hours or pay.
Freshly printed $20 bills are inspected at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Would you really get paid to take out a loan?
A restaurant worker hands a bag to a woman with a facemask
And here’s how Americans can stay protected in the future.
A usually busy Main Street in Livingston , Montana
A deep, prolonged downturn separates the inevitable recession from its uglier counterpart, the depression.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell at post-FOMC meeting press conference
With the U.S. economy facing a sharp recession, rock-bottom rates are expected to continue.
A water faucet leaks a drop of water
Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.
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.
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.
Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
Woman watering plants.
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.
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.
Young woman using the ATM
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
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There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.