Learn About

Banking

NerdWallet’s writers and editors offer insights on deposit accounts. Get clear answers to your questions and learn the fundamentals of banking.


Browse Articles

EXPLORE BY:

Author insights

The team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who cover personal banking deposit accounts, such as checking, savings and certificates of deposit, as well as related banking services, such as overdraft programs and ATM networks.

Authors Published In
MarketWatch MSN Associated Press Yahoo Finance

Explore more on Banking

Latest articles

Venmo vs. Zelle: What the Nerds Prefer

Venmo came out as the favorite payment app among surveyed Nerds, but Zelle was preferred for some specific uses.

Chanelle Bessette's profile picture
Chanelle Bessette

Rate Tracker: Inflation vs. High-Yield Savings Rates

High-yield savings rates mostly outpaced inflation in the past three years.

Spencer Tierney's profile picture
Spencer Tierney

Savings Accounts with Buckets: How They Work

Savings buckets separate your savings into clearly named goals.

Margarette Burnette's profile picture
Margarette Burnette

What Is Raisin?

The online platform works with banks and credit unions to give users access to competitive savings accounts and certificates of deposit.

Tony Armstrong's profile picture
Tony Armstrong

What Is the Average Overdraft Fee?

Based on data collected by NerdWallet writers, the average overdraft fee is $17.

Chanelle Bessette's profile picture
Chanelle Bessette

Wells Fargo Checking Account Bonuses 2026

Wells Fargo bonus offers pay up to $325 for opening a new checking account. Requirements and deadlines apply.

Ruth Sarreal's profile picture
Ruth Sarreal

These Are the Best and Worst Things About New Account Bonus Offers

Learn what bank account bonuses offer aside from cash, and the less obvious pain points to consider.

Ruth Sarreal's profile picture
Ruth Sarreal

I’m Anxious About Combining Finances — Here’s How I’m Working Through It

I talked to financial experts about the emotional side of merging money with my fiancé. Then I created a system.

Chanelle Bessette's profile picture
Chanelle Bessette

Bank Bonuses Funded My Christmas Shopping This Year

How one Nerd paid for all of her holiday expenses with bank bonuses, and how you might do the same.

Erin El Issa's profile picture
Erin El Issa

How I Chased Savings Rates at the Same Bank

Opening a high-yield savings account was easy, but maintaining a high rate took more effort than expected.

Spencer Tierney's profile picture
Spencer Tierney

Why I Stayed with the Same Mediocre Big Bank for 10-Plus Years

The inconvenience of switching banks shouldn’t outweigh the benefits you can receive from somewhere new.

Chanelle Bessette's profile picture
Chanelle Bessette

I’m a Banking Nerd: 4 Rules I Follow Before Moving My Savings

Don’t chase perfection, but do try to seek out better savings options.

Margarette Burnette's profile picture
Margarette Burnette

What Savers Should Do After the Fed’s First Rate Cut in 2025

Borrowing costs will likely drop but so will savings rates.

Margarette Burnette's profile picture
2
Margarette Burnette, Spencer Tierney

Bank of America Checking Account Bonus: Your Choice of Account and a Fair Reward

The Bank of America checking bonus is an up to $500 cash offer for new customers opening an eligible account and meeting direct deposit and other requirements.

Ruth Sarreal's profile picture
Ruth Sarreal

PNC High-Yield Savings Account Interest Rate: How It Compares

PNC’s high-yield account — available in select markets — earns higher rates than accounts at other national banks.

Margarette Burnette's profile picture
Margarette Burnette

Survey: Banking Misconceptions are Commonplace

A NerdWallet survey finds that some Americans believe these common banking myths. Here’s what you need to know.

Erin El Issa's profile picture
Erin El Issa

Banks That Don’t Use — or Will Look Past — ChexSystems

If you’ve been denied a bank account because of a ChexSystems record, consider these institutions.

Chanelle Bessette's profile picture
Chanelle Bessette

Bread Savings CD Rates 2026: Wide Range of Terms and Competitive Yields

The online bank Bread Savings has high yields on short- and long-term CDs, but the minimum deposit is somewhat steep.

Spencer Tierney's profile picture
Spencer Tierney

Survey: Most Parents Teach Their Kids About Saving Money

A NerdWallet survey finds that most parents have taken steps to teach their kids about saving money. Here’s how.

Erin El Issa's profile picture
Erin El Issa

2025 Savings Report

Many are saving money in a bank account each month, but some working Americans (23%) aren’t sure how much they’re putting away, according to a new NerdWallet survey.

Erin El Issa's profile picture
Erin El Issa