Personal Finance
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Main Differences Between Checking and Savings Accounts
What is a checking account and how does it differ from a savings account? Here’s a look at what each account offers and how to choose the one you need.
Chase Bank Review 2024: Pros, Cons, How It Compares
Chase Bank offers some of the best credit cards in the industry. This can make it a natural choice as a personal bank for both checking and savings. When should you consider banking with Chase?
Best CD Rates in September 2024
Comparing the best CD rates at banks and credit unions can help you find the right savings option for your needs and goals.
Average American Savings Account Balance
Americans keep an average of $41,600 in savings, but this doesn't tell the whole story. Keep reading to find out how much Americans are saving and how much you should save.
11 Best High-Yield Savings Accounts in September 2024
Learn about the best high-yield savings accounts, including how they work, how to choose one and which is the best for different types of savers.
Where to Order Checks? Online and Retailers
Paper checks are still a useful financial tool in this digital age. However, they’re not cheap. Cut down on your check costs with these simple tricks.
Best 2-Year CD Rates September 2024
Looking for a guaranteed, attractive return in exchange for leaving your savings untouched for two years? Here are the best two-year CDs available today.
What is Cash App & How Does It Work?
Cash App is an app that allows you to send and receive money, stocks, or bitcoin through your mobile phone. The app is free, safe, and does not require you to have an open bank account to use it.
Best Mobile Banking Apps for September 2024
Mobile banking apps let you manage your finances, deposit checks, and freeze your cards from anywhere in the world.
What is a 529 Plan?
529 plans are state-sponsored savings and investment accounts, with excellent tax advantages. The funds can be used for a wide variety of qualified education expenses.
Best Bank Accounts for Kids (Checking and Savings) in September 2024
The best bank accounts for kids include checking and savings accounts from online banks, neobanks, and traditional banks.
How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have?
Banks offer multiple account types for different needs. Keep reading to learn how many accounts you should have.
11 Best 1-Year CD Rates in September 2024: Up to 5.35%
Certificate of deposit (CD) accounts can help you save for short- or long-term goals. Here are the best one-year CDs to grow your money.
Money Market Account vs Savings Account: Similarities, Differences, & Which Option Is Best for You
Both money market accounts and savings accounts pay interest on balances, but they differ in the interest rates offered, withdrawal regulations, and minimum deposits needed to open an account.
FDIC Insurance: What Is It and What Are the Requirements?
FDIC is insurance provided by the federal government that protects deposits in U.S. banks up to $250,000. Here’s how it works.
How Many Checking Accounts Should You Have?
Read this guide to learn how many checking accounts you should have and the benefits and drawbacks of using multiple checking accounts.
How to Open a Bank Account as a Non U.S. Citizen: Requirements and Documentation
Non-citizens absolutely have the right to open an account with a U.S. financial institution. Here’s the documentation you need to have—and the procedure to follow—to get one.
CDs vs. IRAs: Key Differences and How Do They Compare?
Certificates of deposit (CDs) and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are commonly used for saving and investing. Learn how these two ways to build assets compare.
11 Best Checking Accounts in September 2024
The best checking accounts offer numerous benefits, such as no fees, special offers for opening an account, and high annual percentage yields.
6 Best Money Market Accounts for September 2024 (Up to 5.30%)
Here’s a look at the best money market account rates in 2024 to help you on your quest to get the best return on your cash while maintaining FDIC insurance coverage.
What Is a Savings Account and Why Do You Need One?
A savings account is an important bank account, ideal for safely storing your money while earning interest. Learn more about what a savings account is here.
How to Close a Bank Account
Closing a bank account is a quick and easy process. Learn how to close a bank account here.
Best Business Savings Accounts in September 2024
Business savings accounts can help you manage your company’s money and earn interest on the balance. Here’s a look at the best business savings accounts.
Emergency Fund: Definition, Importance & How to Start One
Here’s how to build an emergency fund—and how much to have in it—to keep you from needing to resort to a loan or credit card.
U.S. Bank Review 2024
If you’re looking to establish a relationship with a large banking organization that also offers competitive interest rates, U.S. Bank needs to be on your shortlist of candidates.
Best Business Checking Accounts for September 2024
The best business checking accounts provide a combination of few or low fees, and plenty of services. Here’s where to find one.
What Is a Checking Account: A Complete Guide
Checking accounts play an important role in managing your money. Learn what a checking account is and how it works.
How To Open A Bank Account Online: 6 Easy Steps
If you’re looking to get a new checking or savings account, you don’t need to leave home. Check out our guide explaining how to open a bank account online.
A 12-Step Process to Starting a Business
There is a lot to consider when you’re planning to start a business. This guide can help keep you on track so you can check off all those pre-opening boxes.
APR vs. APY: Are They the Same?
While annual percentage rate (APR) and annual percentage yield (APY) might sound similar,they’re actually quite different. The first applies to borrowing money, while the second applies to saving it.
10 Best 6-Month CD Rates of September 2024
Six-month CDs can help you reach short-term savings goals. Here are the best six-month CDs to grow your money.
8 Best Jumbo CD Rates in September 2024
If you have a large sum of money to deposit in the bank, you can earn high rates with a jumbo CD. Read our list of the best jumbo CD rates to see if this savings vehicle is right for you.
CIT Bank Review: Is It the Right Choice for You
CIT Bank is a major online bank, offering high rates on savings and shorter-term CDs. It can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a bank to earn high interest on your savings.
What Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
Not sure if a certificate of deposit (CD) is for you? Learn all about this type of account and what to consider before opening one.
10 Best 3-month CD Rates in September 2024 To Boost Your Savings
Three-month CDs offer high APYs for short-term savings. Here are the best three-month CDs available at the moment.
Private Banking: What It Is and How It Works
Private banking extends personalized financial services and higher yields on deposit accounts, but you’ll need to meet minimum asset requirements to qualify.
PNC Bank Review 2024
PNC Bank is a full-service bank with a large network of branches, as well as online and mobile banking. It offers a wide variety of banking products.
How To Set Your Target Savings Amount
How much you need to save—for retirement, emergencies, your children’s college, a home, and more—depends on your circumstances. Still, there are some helpful guidelines to follow.
What Is a Wire Transfer?
Want to send money? Learn what a wire transfer is, including how it works and whether it’s the right method for you.
Joint Bank Accounts: Complete Guide 2024
Joint savings accounts can help make your financial life a lot simpler. But you’re also giving your co-owner a lot of control over your money, so you think about the consequences before opening an account with a spouse, friend or even your child.
Best 529 College Savings Plans for 2024
A 529 college savings plan offers a tax-advantaged way to save for higher education Find out which states offer the best plans.
Western Alliance Bank Review 2024
Learn more about Western Alliance Bank, who it’s best for, its products, and how it compares to competitors.
Discover Bank Review 2024
Not only does Discover offer some of the very best credit cards, but Discover Bank pays high interest on savings accounts and a wide range of CD terms.
Synchrony Bank Review
This Synchrony Bank review covers this online-only bank offering high-yield savings, money market accounts, and CDs without monthly fees or minimum balances.
Best Rewards Checking Accounts for September 2024
If you’re one of the many who aren’t funneling money through a rewards checking account, you’re effectively lighting dollar bills on fire.
Best High-Yield Checking Accounts for September 2024
High-yield checking accounts let you earn interest on your idle cash. Find the best high-interest checking accounts here.
How to Calculate the Return on Your CD
Thinking about opening a CD? Here's how to determine the interest you'll earn based on the CD deposit amount, term, and interest rate.
What Is The 50/30/20 Rule?
This popular budgeting approach is easy to understand and can be a highly effective way to curb non-essential spending.
Best Teen Checking Accounts in September 2024
The best teen checking accounts combine low fees with plenty of helpful features that teens can use to learn money management skills.
Best IRA CD Rates in September 2024
IRA CDs are low-risk investments with guaranteed returns. Read about the best IRA CD rates available now to determine if they're right for you.
Best 1-Month CD Rates in September 2024
The best one-month CD rates are available through brokered CDs, though some banks and credit unions offer decent rates. We’ve reviewed the top one-month CD rates to help you earn more interest on your deposits.
Best Free Business Checking in September 2024
There is no shortage of business checking accounts. We’ve rounded up some of the best free business checking accounts and reviewed their perks and drawbacks—and who they’re right for.
Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs in September 2024
A business bank account for an LLC separates personal and business finances, preserves limited liability protections, and helps you build business credit.
10 Best Online Checking Accounts in September 2024
Planning to ditch your brick-and-mortar bank for an online bank? This review of the best online checking accounts will help you to do just that.
Best National Banks in 2024
Looking for a new bank account? Our list of the best national banks will help you find the perfect bank for your needs.
Best No-Penalty CD Rates in September 2024
No penalty CDs let you lock in an interest rate without worrying about early withdrawal fees, making them ideal for short-term saving goals. Learn more.
Best Banks for Nonprofits in September 2024
The best banks for nonprofits have low fees and plenty of online banking features. We cover the top banks to help you find the right one for your organization.
Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Which Bank Is Better for You?
Chase and Wells Fargo are both national banks. We’ll walk you through the differences in fees, tech, services, and security so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Share Certificates: Definition, Pros And Cons
Share certificates are credit unions’ equivalent of certificates of deposits (CDs). However, the two savings vehicles are not identical.
Best Military Credit Unions in September 2024
Some financial institutions cater to military service members and their families. Check out our list of the best military credit unions.
Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund?
An emergency fund helps you stay afloat when facing unexpected expenses, without having to rely on high-interest loans or credit cards. Here are the best places to park your emergency fund.
Best Banks in Ohio in 2024
The best banks available in Ohio offer favorable rates and fee structures alongside excellent customer service.
Best Banks in Florida in 2024
The best banks in Florida offer a combination of good customer service, favorable interest rates, and low fees. Find the best banks in Florida here.
Savings vs. Investing: Differences & How to Choose
Our saving vs. investing comparison explains expected returns, how they differ, their pros and cons, and which type of account you need to meet your goals.
How Much Cash to Keep in Your Checking Account (vs. Savings)
Checking and savings accounts can help you reach different goals. It's important to know how much money you should keep in each one.
Routing Number vs. Account Number: Key Differences and Where to Find Them
Routing numbers and account numbers provide crucial information for directing activities for most basic financial transactions. While they are often both needed, they are separate things.
Best Banks in New York City for 2024
New York banks offer a wide range of account choices and low or no fees—and some have bonuses or welcome offers.
Best Banks in Colorado in 2024
Colorado’s best banks offer favorable fees and interest rates, while taking stress out of money management.
Best Banks in California in 2024
The best banks in California offer a mix of excellent accounts and good customer service. Let’s take a look at them.
Best Banks for Early Direct Deposit in 2024
Looking for early access to your paycheck? Here’s a list of banks offering early direct deposit, along with other helpful features. Learn more.
Best Student Savings Accounts in September 2024
Are you looking for a student savings account? We’ve dug through dozens of banks to pick the best with the highest APYs and lowest fees.
SoFi Bank Review 2024: You’re a Member, Not Just a Customer
SoFi Bank offers a high yield savings account and modern banking benefits, but is it right for you? Read our full review to find out.
Best 18-Month CD Rates of September 2024
18-month CDs offer attractive APYs beyond one year. Here are the best 18-month CDs to earn high rates.
Best Banks for Overdraft in September 2024
Choosing a bank that offers overdraft protection comes with numerous perks, such as not worrying about declined transactions or paying extortionate fees.
Best Banks to Avoid ATM Fees in September 2024
ATM fees may seem unavoidable, but these banks make it easy to withdraw cash fee-free or receive reimbursement for out-of-network fees.
Best Student Checking Accounts for September 2024
The best student checking accounts come with no fees and meet the needs of a modern student. Find the best student checking accounts.
What's The Best Savings Account for Kids? September 2024
Banks and credit unions offer savings accounts for kids and teens to help them reach their financial goals. Learn which kids' savings accounts rate the best.
Best Debit Cards for Kids in September 2024
Want to teach your child financial responsibility? The best debit cards for kids can help you and your kids learn about money together.
Is a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) Right for Your Business?
A merchant cash advance (MCA) can provide you with access to funds quickly when your business is in need of cash, but be aware of the high APR on repayment.
Bounced Check: What Is It? How Long Does It Take to Bounce?
What is a bounced check? Read our guide to learn what a bounced check is, how much it will cost you, and what it means for your credit score.
Cashier's Check? Cost, Uses, Alternatives
Cashier’s checks are often accepted for transactions, even when personal checks aren’t allowed. Here’s a look at what cashier’s checks are and how they work.
12 Millionaire Bank Accounts in September 2024
The best banks for the wealthy offer personalized services, top-notch financial management, generous amenities, account security, and privacy.
Are CDs FDIC-Insured?
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a safety investment sold primarily by banks and credit unions. But are CDs FDIC-insured? Find out.
Credit Unions vs. Banks: Key Differences and How to Choose the Right One for You
Credit unions and banks are similar institutions offering a range of financial services. The right one for you depends on your needs, location, and eligibility.
Debit Card vs. Credit Card: Differences and Which Is Better for Payments
Debit cards and credit cards function in many of the same ways, but they are different, and each should be used for the right purpose.
Multicurrency Account: How Does It Work?
Multicurrency accounts let you hold different currencies in one place, without the need for multiple foreign bank accounts.
Money Order: What Is It, How Does It Work, How to Get One
Money orders offer a secure way to pay bills or send funds without requiring a bank account. Find out how they work and when you might use them.
What Is a Bank and How Does It Work?
A bank is a financial institution that allows customers to deposit money, take out loans, and perform other financial transactions. Learn more.
CD vs. Bonds: How Do They Compare?
CDs and bonds both offer steady returns over a set period of time, but they can serve very different purposes in an investment portfolio.
CD vs. High-Yield Savings: What’s the Difference?
Knowing the key differences between a certificate of deposit (CD) and a high-yield savings account (HYSA) can help determine which account is best for you.
What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?
Ready to open a bank account? There are a few key things you'll need to get your account set up and funded.
How to Start Saving for Your Kids’ College
Tax-advantaged accounts, home equity, life insurance, and other strategies can help cover your kids’ college expenses. Learn more.
Money Market Account Vs. Money Market Fund: What’s The Difference?
Money market accounts and money market funds are short-term investment vehicles with similar names and different characteristics.
What Are NSF Fees And How to Avoid Them?
NSF fees, or nonsufficient funds fees, are bank charges for overdrawing your account. Learn more about NSF fees and how to avoid them here.
Axos Bank Review 2024
Axos Bank is a digital bank offering online and mobile banking as well as several investment options. If you want to bank where you invest, Axos is an option.
Capital One Bank Review 2024
Capital One is one of the nation’s largest banks. It’s noteworthy for its lack of account fees, attractive APYs, and cafés that offer free WiFI, workspace, and account services.
Best Joint Checking Accounts for September 2024
Joint checking accounts allow account holders to pay for shared expenses more easily. The joint checking accounts listed here can get you started.
CD vs. Money Market Account: Difference, Similarities & How to Choose
Both money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CD) offer opportunities to earn higher interest than a regular savings account, which can boost savings.
5 Types of Savings Accounts to Save Your Money
Different types of savings accounts offer benefits and features that could be perfect for your needs. Learn more here about the various types of savings accounts that are available.
HSBC Premier Checking Account Bonus Offer: Up to $2,500 If You Can Meet the Requirements
The HSBC Premier Checking account bonus offers up to $2,500 through Nov. 22, but you’ll have to meet strict qualifying criteria.
What Is Direct Deposit and How Does it Work?
Direct deposit is one of the most popular payment methods, but is it for you? Learn what it is and how to set it up.
Bask Bank Review 2024
Bask bank is an online bank that’s a division of Texas Capital Bank, and offers savings accounts and CDs.
What are ACH transfers
Automated clearinghouse (ACH) transfers are an easy and low-cost method of sending funds from one financial account to another. Learn how ACH transfers work.
Bank Fees: 9 Common Types and How to Avoid Them
Along with banking come fees. Here are nine of the most common types of bank fees and how to avoid them.
Best Jumbo Money Market Rates in September 2024
Jumbo money market accounts reward savers for keeping large balances. Here are the best jumbo money market accounts for high-yield earnings.
Chase vs. Bank of America: What Is The Right Choice for You?
Chase and Bank of America are two of the largest banks in the country, offering all banking services. Which should you choose based on checking, savings, CDs, and money market accounts?
How to Cash a Check
Whether you receive a personal, government, or payroll check, there are a few ways to go about cashing it. Here’s a look at how to cash a check and avoid fees.
What Is a Debit Card? Definition, Uses & Examples
A debit card is a common and useful tool for payments directly from a bank account. Learn the pros and cons of debit cards here.
How Do Cardless ATMs Work?
Cardless ATMs allow you to withdraw cash without a debit card or ATM card. How do cardless ATMs work? Learn how cardless ATMs work here.
CD Investments: How Much Can CDs Earn?
Certificate of deposit (CD) earnings can be impressive, depending on the interest rate and term. Learn how CD investments work and how much you can earn from one.
What Is a CD Ladder? Pros, Cons, Alternatives
A CD ladder lets you take advantage of fluctuating interest rates for maximum return while accessing your funds on a regular schedule.
Personal Check Vs. Certified Check Vs. Cashier's Check
Checks are still being used for payment, but which type is best? Find out the differences between personal, certified, and cashier’s checks.
Best Health Savings Accounts in September 2024
The best health savings accounts (HSAs) offer low minimums, a wide range of investment options, and straightforward fees.
What Is Mobile Banking?
Mobile banking refers to banking services and functions that are performed on a mobile device, such as a cellphone or tablet.
Opening a Business Bank Account: What You Need
Setting up a bank account for your business can make it easier to track expenses, but there are a few important things you'll need to get started.
Best Money Transfer & Payment Apps for September 2024
The top money transfer and payment apps make it easy to send money to friends and family—or pay merchants for goods and services in your country and abroad.
The History of CD Rates: From 1984 to 2024
Knowing the history of CD interest rates—along with the economic conditions at the time—can provide helpful guidance for using this information to maximize return on savings.
Best Payment Gateways for Businesses for September 2024
Payment gateways are services enabling businesses to accept credit and debit card payments. We’ve narrowed down the best payment gateways for businesses and what they offer.
Venmo App Guide 2024: What Is It & How It Works
Unsure whether Venmo is for you? Learn how this payment app works, its fees, and how to use it to send and receive money.
Ally Bank Review 2024
What does Ally Bank offer, and how does it fare against its competitors? Learn more.
Business Money Market Accounts September 2024
Are you looking to get a business money market account (MMA)? We’ve put together a list of the best ones based on different factors.
What Is Annual Percentage Yield (APY) And How To Calculate It
There are two interest rates posted with nearly every interest-bearing instrument: interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY). APY is the most important to you as an investor. Here’s why.
What Is Compound Interest?
Compound interest is a powerful financial concept that lets you earn interest on previously earned interest. Learn more about it here.
LendingClub Bank Review 2024
LendingClub Bank offers checking accounts, high-yield savings, CDs, personal loans, and auto loans. Learn how it works to decide if it's the right bank for you.
Cashier's Check vs. Money Order: What to Choose
Not sure whether a cashier’s check or money order is best? Learn how each method of payment works and when to choose one over the other.
What Is a Thrift Savings Plan?
The Thrift Savings Plan is a defined-contribution plan that allows federal employees and military members to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis.
Are CDs Taxable? All You Need to Know
Interest earned by CDs is taxable, though tax payments may be delayed if they are held in some tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Learn the details of how this works.
Are CDs Worth It?
Certificates of deposit (CDs) can offer competitive rates to savers, but it's important to compare options from different banks to find the right one.
What Is A Check-Cashing Service?
Check-cashing services swap checks for cash. They charge a fee for the service, and are most commonly used by those who have limited access to traditional banking.
What Is a Money Market Account? Pros, Cons, Alternatives
Available through banks and credit unions, money market accounts are savings accounts that typically pay higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
What Is a Bank Statement?
A bank statement is a printed or electronic document that lists every transaction in a customer’s account from a specified period, typically monthly.
How to Switch Banks
Switching accounts from one bank to another requires careful attention and monitoring during the transition to avoid lost deposits and missed payments.
Transferring Money Between Bank Accounts Is Easier Than Ever
These days sending money is convenient. Options from apps to wire transfers to physical checks let money move fluidly between accounts.
Online Banking Security: How to Protect Your Online Banking Information
Online banking is convenient, inexpensive, and secure, provided you choose a reputable bank and take practical steps to keep your accounts safe.
What Happens When the Bank Closes Your Account?
Banks close accounts for inactivity, negative balances, overdrafting, suspicious activity, and account-agreement breaches. Here’s what you can do if it happens to you.
How to Balance a Checkbook
Checkbook balancing helps you manage cash flow and track accounts each month. Here’s a look at how to balance a checkbook even if you don’t use paper checks.
Types of Bank Accounts: Checking, Savings, CD & MMA
There are a few types of bank accounts, and each has pros and cons. Learn about the most common types of bank accounts and how to pick the right one for you.
How to Fill Out a Money Order
Do you want to pay using a money order? Learn how to fill out one so that payment goes to the correct recipient.
What Is An Overdraft Fee? All You Need To Know
The overdraft fee is a common checking account fee. When you don’t have the funds in your bank to cover a cost, you could be stuck with an overdraft fee.
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