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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

Experts in all things banking

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick

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.
Piggy bank with doctors equipment. Cute and comical
A mid-year checkup is the most effective way to ensure my finances are on track.
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

Cellphone will Chime logo on the screen
Chime offers checking and savings accounts via partnerships with FDIC-insured banks.
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.
A pink piggy bank being held by a robotic/animatronic hand.
Banks have been loudly touting their multi-billion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence as a breakthrough for consumers. CEOs speak at conferences about AI-powered personalization. Marketing departments [...]
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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.
Money next to flashing sirens
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have no emergency savings, according to a new Bankrate survey.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
A pink piggy bank being held by a robotic/animatronic hand.
Banks have been loudly touting their multi-billion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence as a breakthrough for consumers. CEOs speak at conferences about AI-powered personalization. Marketing departments [...]
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.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Money next to flashing sirens
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have no emergency savings, according to a new Bankrate survey.
sleeping child and grandma rest on travel adventure for family bonding
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe
Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
woman working on a laptop
CDs can be a useful tool to save, but make sure to shop around for the right kind and bank for you.
Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously
If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
Coworkers discussing project and having work meeting
Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
stacks of coin with dollar bill
A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
A long spiral staircase.
Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
Illustration of safe with money
CD rates may seem attractive, but in 2025’s uncertain environment, they create a lose-lose scenario that could cost you money.
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.
Man in home office online banking
These tips can help you manage your money more wisely and make you a bit richer.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Woman looking at phone
Find the right business savings account to help your company’s money grow.
Man working on laptop and drinking coffee
Money market funds are available from several different brokers and fund managers.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Outside view of a bank with American flag
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.