Finance
Banking

Banking

Whether you're looking to save, invest or build credit, it's important to find the best banking options and financial institutions for you. Our resources give you the information you need to help meet your financial goals.

Getting Started

Find the best banks

Compare savings accounts

Explore credit cards

The basics

Banking 101

What do you need to open a bank account?

5 steps to a checking or savings account

How to manage your money

7 tips for better money management

What is credit?

Credit is the money you have access to

How to check your credit score

5 ways to see your score

What is a good credit score?

Aim for 700 to 749 for good credit

How to build credit

Build your credit in 6 steps

Best of Banking

Find the right companies based on your needs

Best Online Banks

2/17/2023

Best Banks of 2023

1/24/2023

Best credit unions of 2023

6/16/2023

Best Credit Report Sites

4/29/2022

Best Money Transfer and International Money Transfer Services

3/27/2020

Best Prepaid Cards

9/4/2020

Best Secured Credit Cards

6/21/2019

Best travel credit cards of 2023

7/10/2023

2023's Best cash-back credit cards (+ bonus offers)

7/21/2023

Best business credit cards

9/7/2023

Best balance transfer credit cards of 2023

9/7/2023

Best CDs of 2023

3/14/2023

Our Latest Resources

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Best Secured Credit Cards

Looking for a secured credit card? Use our guide to compare the best secured credit cards to build or rebuild credit, no matter how bad your score is.

Kathryn Parkman9/7/2023

Best Money Transfer and International Money Transfer Services

Looking for a money transfer service? Compare the top brands in the industry through consumer reviews and our comprehensive buyers guide.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 9/7/2023

Best Prepaid Cards

Kathryn Parkman9/7/2023

Best airline credit cards of 2023

Want the best airline credit card? Compare our top picks for Southwest, Delta, United, American and more. Plus, learn how to maximize your miles.

Lee Huffman9/7/2023

Best Credit Cards

Compare the various types of credit cards and see expert ratings and consumer reviews with ConsumerAffairs. Plus, learn about rewards programs.

Danni White9/7/2023

Best Credit Report Sites

Use our guide to find the best credit report sites by comparing cost, monitoring and thousands of verified user ratings and reviews.

Barbara Friedberg9/7/2023

Best Banks of 2023

The best banks should make it easy and affordable to manage your account. Here are our top picks for brick-and-mortar and online banks.

Cassidy Horton9/7/2023

Best Online Banks

The best online banks have higher interest rates on checking and savings accounts, plus effortless budgeting features. Top picks include Chime Bank, Ally Bank and Finn by Chase.

Ashley Eneriz9/7/2023

Best CDs of 2023

Certificates of deposit are a low-risk way to grow your savings. Find the best banks for CD rates by comparing terms, rates, fees and more.

Cassidy Horton9/7/2023

Best IRA CDs

Pad your retirement savings by finding the best IRA CDs and comparing them based on APY, term, minimum deposit and early withdrawal penalty charges.

Cassidy Horton9/7/2023

Best no-penalty CDs

No-penalty CDs may be a good fit for people who aren’t sure when they’ll need access to their money, but still want to earn a possibly higher APY.

Cassidy Horton9/7/2023

Best balance transfer credit cards of 2023

Are you looking for a credit card to give you the best deal on a balance transfer? See our top picks for balance transfer credit cards here.

Lee Huffman9/7/2023

Best online savings accounts

The best online savings accounts are secure, simple and provide a sizeable amount of interest. Top picks include Discover, Synchrony and Ally Bank.

Ashley Eneriz9/7/2023

Best secured personal loans of 2023

Secured loans are backed by collateral and often easier to qualify for. See our top picks to decide which lender is the best choice for you.

Dr. Megan Hanna9/7/2023

Best travel credit cards of 2023

Save money on your next vacation by earning points for airline miles, free hotel stays and cash back bonus rewards from these travel credit cards.

Holly Johnson9/7/2023

Best hotel credit cards of 2023

Want to earn free hotel stays? Start racking up hotel rewards points with one of these top hotel credit cards. Compare hotel card offers, reviews, ...

Holly Johnson9/7/2023

2023's Best cash-back credit cards (+ bonus offers)

See our top picks to find the best cash back credit cards. Compare cards with features like: 5% cash back, 0% intro APR period or no annual fees.

Lee Huffman9/7/2023

Best credit cards for bad credit

How do you get a credit card with bad credit? Find out what to look for and compare the best credit cards for people with bad credit.

Kathryn Parkman9/7/2023

Best business credit cards

Compare the best business credit card offers and rates, learn about business credit card requirements and how to get a business credit card.

Kathryn Parkman9/7/2023

What is credit monitoring?

Credit monitoring can protect your financial well-being by detecting fraud, tracking your credit score and alerting you to changes on your report.

Ashley Eneriz8/22/2023

What to do when a CD matures

CDs are timed deposits, so it's important to keep on top of their maturity dates. When a CD matures, you can renew it or move your money elsewhere.

Gabriel Shabat8/1/2023

Is Discover Personal Loans legit?

Wondering if Discover Personal Loans is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Credit Direct legit?

Wondering if Credit Direct is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Happy Money legit?

Wondering if Happy Money is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is LendingPoint legit?

Wondering if LendingPoint is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is LightStream legit?

Wondering if LightStream is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Prosper legit?

Wondering if Prosper is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Rocket Loans legit?

Wondering if Rocket Loans is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Universal Credit legit?

Wondering if Universal Credit is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Upstart legit?

Wondering if Upstart is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Fiona legit?

Wondering if Fiona is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Is Avant legit?

Wondering if Avant is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/28/2023

Making ends meet

Explore Americans’ financial outlook in 2022, how they manage their finances to make ends meet, and the effects of inflation on their budgets.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/27/2023

Financial goals and knowledge gaps

We surveyed more than 1,000 people to explore the most common financial goals and knowledge gaps of Americans. Read on to see what we learned.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team 7/27/2023

Best credit unions of 2023

The best credit unions are easy to join and federally insured. Our top picks also offer competitive interest rates, ATM refunds or many branches.

Cassidy Horton7/19/2023

How to manage your money in 2023

These eight tips will help you create a budget, reach your financial goals and manage your money in a way that works best for your lifestyle.

Ashley Eneriz7/14/2023

What affects your credit score?

Knowing what can increase and decrease your credit score will help you have healthy financial habits so you can work toward excellent credit.

Ashley Eneriz7/14/2023

What is credit and how does it work?

Establishing credit is important for your finances and future goals, like buying a house or car. Here’s what you need to know to start.

Ashley Eneriz7/14/2023

How to check your credit score

Your credit score is an essential part of your financial health. Find out why it matters and how you can check your credit score for free.

Ashley Eneriz7/13/2023

Alternatives to savings accounts: where is the safest place to keep my money?

Is your bank paying pennies on the dollar on your savings accounts? ConsumerAffairs reviews banking alternatives that will pay you much more.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/8/2023

Is my money safe in the bank during a recession?

A bank is one of the safest places to keep your money in a recession. Here's how your bank protects your funds when economic activity slows.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/6/2023

10 questions to ask before opening a checking account

Ready to open a new bank account? There are lots of factors to consider. Read more to learn what to ask so you can choose the right account for you.

Jessica Martel7/6/2023

CDs vs. share certificates: What’s the difference?

CDs and share certificates are both low-risk accounts with a guaranteed rate of return. Here’s the difference between these two financial products.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/6/2023

What is a certificate of deposit?

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings product that earns interest on a lump-sum deposit that’s untouched for a predetermined period of time.

Ashley Eneriz7/6/2023

5 things to know before opening a certificate of deposit

Certificates of deposit (CDs) offer guaranteed rates that are often competitive. But you should know some important things before opening one.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/6/2023

What do you need to open a bank account?

Find out the requirements for opening a savings or checking account, either online or in person. Your money will be safer, and you can start saving.

Ashley Eneriz7/6/2023

What is a good credit score?

Understanding what makes a good credit score is important for your financial health because it will lead to better loan approval and interest rates.

Ashley Eneriz7/5/2023

Should I open a savings account?

Everyone should have a savings account. The right one for you depends on annual percentage yield (APY), fees, account access and other factors.

Jessica Martel7/5/2023

Is a CD investment safe?

CDs offer a range of maturity dates and interest rates and are one of the safest places to park your cash. Here's what you need to know.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/5/2023

Savings account withdrawal limits and Federal Reserve Regulation D explained

Federal Reserve Regulation D used to limit the number of monthly transactions for savings and money market accounts. Here’s what has changed.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/5/2023

CDs vs. savings accounts: Which is right for you?

The answer depends on how long you plan to leave the money in the account. Savings is better for emergency funds; CDs are best for longer-term goals.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/5/2023

Are CDs worth it? How much money should you put in a CD?

Are CDs worth it? Many savers are wondering what to do with their low-yielding CDs. Learn more about CDs and if they are the right investment for you.

Gabriel Shabat7/5/2023

What Is Online Banking: Definition, pros and cons

Online banking allows you to perform regular banking tasks using your mobile device or desktop computer. Learn about its pros and cons here.

Jessica Martel7/5/2023

How to dispute discrepancies on your credit reports

Knowing how to dispute your credit could help remove negative items from your credit report and improve your credit score. Learn more.

Holly Johnson7/5/2023

What are credit union loans?

Credit union loans may have lower rates and more flexible terms than loans from other lenders, making them ideal for fair- and bad-credit members.

Holly Johnson7/5/2023

Checking vs. savings account: What’s the difference?

Checking and savings accounts are two types of bank accounts that serve two different purposes when it comes to managing your money.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/5/2023

What is a money market account?

A money market account is a safe way to earn interest on your money. It may also come with a debit card and check-writing privileges.

Gabriel Shabat7/5/2023

IRA vs. CD: What’s the difference?

IRAs and CDs are both methods of investing that can help you save for the future. Read on to learn the similarities and differences between them.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/5/2023

Pros and cons of being an authorized user on a credit card

Being an authorized user can affect your credit score both positively and negatively; however, the card and its perks ultimately don’t belong to you.

Holly Johnson7/3/2023

What are deposit accounts?

A deposit account is a type of account that allows you to store and access your money safely. Learn more about types of deposit accounts.

Dr. Megan Hanna7/3/2023

Is a high-yield savings account really high-yield?

With a high-yield savings account, you can typically earn at least 10 times the average savings rates, even if national interest rates are low.

Gabriel Shabat7/3/2023

What is a savings account and how does it work?

Learning how savings accounts work is a fundamental banking skill. Learn which type of savings account will best meet your financial goals.

Gabriel Shabat6/28/2023

How to deposit cash at an online bank

Online banks often let you deposit checks from your phone, but not all let you deposit cash at an ATM or bank; you’ll have to find a different method.

Jessica Martel6/28/2023

What is a high-yield savings account?

A high-yield savings account offers better returns than a traditional savings account. Learn more to decide if this type of account is right for you.

Dr. Megan Hanna6/26/2023

Capital gains vs. investment income: how they differ

When it comes to making money in the markets, investors have two main ways: capital gains and investment income. How each works is different.

Dr. Megan Hanna5/18/2023

What is APR?

Understanding APR and how it works will help you choose better rates when shopping for a new home, car, credit card or personal loan.

Ashley Eneriz5/18/2023

8 common banking fees and how to avoid them

If you're not careful, bank fees can really eat into your savings or cost you on your checking account. Learn more about common bank fees to avoid.

Dr. Megan Hanna5/5/2023

How the Federal Reserve impacts savings account rates

For consumers hoping to make saving money a top priority, here’s what to consider when the Fed makes a change to the funds rate. Read more.

Dr. Megan Hanna5/5/2023

VantageScore vs. FICO: What’s the difference?

Are there differences between VantageScore and a FICO score? ConsumerAffairs helps you determine the key differences in this helpful guide.

Jessica Martel5/5/2023

How to avoid a CD early withdrawal penalty

Certificates of deposit, or CDs, can be attractive savings vehicles as long as you understand the possible CD early withdrawal penalties. Learn more.

Dr. Megan Hanna5/5/2023

What is a second chance checking account?

Second chance checking accounts are a way to get a bank account if you were denied. They typically don’t use ChexSystems but come with limitations.

Lee Huffman5/5/2023

How to clean up your ChexSystems record

Check your ChexSystems report to determine why a bank didn't approve your application and follow these steps to clear your record.

Jessica Martel5/5/2023

Annuity vs. IRA: What’s the difference?

Annuities and IRAs can both help you achieve your retirement goals, but they each come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Learn more.

Dr. Megan Hanna5/5/2023

How to build credit with secured credit cards

Yes, you can get a card that reports to the credit bureaus. Use it regularly while keeping your balance low, and pay the bill on time every month.

Holly Johnson5/2/2023

What is a secured credit card?

A secured credit card is a type of credit card that is backed by a cash deposit, which serves as collateral should you default on payments.

Gabriel Shabat4/28/2023

What is a demand deposit account (DDA)?

Demand deposit accounts (DDAs) allow you access to your money without the bank requiring advance notice. Here's what you need to know.

Dr. Megan Hanna4/28/2023

What is an APY?

Looking to make the most of your savings? Learn what APY is and how it is calculated so that savings accounts and products earn interest.

Ashley Eneriz4/20/2023

How long does a collection stay on your credit report?

If you’ve been sent to collections, it can hurt your credit. However, after seven years, many bad debts fall off your credit report. Learn more.

Jessica Martel4/20/2023

Cash management account vs. high-yield savings account

A cash management account is an alternative to a savings account that pays competitive rates. Learn the differences between the two account types.

Gabriel Shabat3/31/2023

CDs vs. bonds: how they compare and which is right for you

Bonds and CDs are both reliable income-producing investments. CDs offer less risk, while bonds carry long-term benefits and tax advantages.

Gabriel Shabat3/27/2023

7 top tips for choosing the best CD for your money

CDs can be a safe investment with a guaranteed rate of return. Know how to shop around for the best rate and choose a term you’re comfortable with.

Gabriel Shabat3/24/2023

CD renewal: how to renew a certificate of deposit

If you have a CD that’s nearing the end of its term, it’s important to know whether you should let it automatically renew or cash it in.

Gabriel Shabat3/24/2023

Money market vs. CD: Which is right for you?

CDs earn more in interest but have fixed terms while money markets are closer to regular savings accounts. Learn how to pick which is right for you.

Ashley Eneriz3/9/2023

Dive Deeper

Explore Related Topics

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Helpful links

Latest Banking News

Credit cards

Credit card lenders step up offers despite shaky economy

Mark Huffman8/9/2022

Credit cards

Medical credit cards draw consumer group's scrutiny

Gary Guthrie9/8/2023

Credit cards

Swipe fees may be set to spike again, costing consumers

Gary Guthrie9/5/2023

Credit cards

Wegman’s says it accidentally double-billed some shoppers

Mark Huffman8/24/2023

Credit cards

How satisfied are you with your credit card?

Mark Huffman8/22/2023

Credit cards

Medical credit cards draw consumer group's scrutiny

Gary Guthrie9/8/2023

Credit cards

Swipe fees may be set to spike again, costing consumers

Gary Guthrie9/5/2023

Credit cards

Wegman’s says it accidentally double-billed some shoppers

Mark Huffman8/24/2023

Credit cards

How satisfied are you with your credit card?

Mark Huffman8/22/2023