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What Is Online Banking? Definition, Pros and Cons

Online banks operate without branches. They tend to pay higher rates and charge lower fees than traditional banks.

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Amber Murakami-Fester, Ruth Sarreal

What Is APY? Annual Percentage Yield Definition and How It’s Calculated

An annual percentage yield, or APY, is the rate of return on money in a bank account.

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Spencer Tierney

How Undocumented Immigrants Can Get Bank Accounts

Some banks let you open an account with an ITIN or passport instead of a Social Security number.

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Kelsey Sheehy, Amber Murakami-Fester

How to Fill Out a Money Order Step-by-Step

Fill in the recipient and your address; for bills, include an account number; sign it; keep proof of payment.

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Margarette Burnette

Money Market vs. CD: What’s Better?

CDs have higher rates but offer less access to your money than MMAs.

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Margarette Burnette, Spencer Tierney

What Is a Personal Check — and Is It Still Useful?

A personal check is drawn from your personal checking account. Checks are still required for some payments.

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Tony Armstrong, Chanelle Bessette

Second Chance Checking Accounts Across the U.S.

Second chance checking accounts are an option if you've been rejected for an account due to your banking history.

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Spencer Tierney, Chanelle Bessette

What 2026 Fed Rate Decisions Mean for CDs

Changes to the federal funds rate can affect yields on certificates of deposit.

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Spencer Tierney

CD Early Withdrawal Penalty: What to Know and How to Avoid It

This penalty can cost several months’ to years' worth of interest earned.

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Spencer Tierney, Tony Armstrong

How to Deposit Cash at an Online Bank

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Spencer Tierney

What Is a Bank Statement?

A bank statement is a monthly document that shows a summary of the money that goes in and out of your accounts. Check for errors, fees and any interest earned.

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Margarette Burnette

Wire Transfer Fees: What Banks Charge

Banks typically charge for outgoing and incoming wire transfers. Fees range from $0 to more than $50.

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Spencer Tierney

Is Online Banking Safe? How to Boost Your Banking Security

To increase online banking safety, use secure networks, create strong passwords and choose a bank or credit union that has industry-standard security technology.

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Margarette Burnette

4 Advantages of Traditional Banks Over Online Banks

Cash, checks and specialty services are where traditional banks have an edge.

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Spencer Tierney

What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

You'll need a government-issued ID and some basic information, and you might have to deposit some money to get started.

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Chanelle Bessette, Ruth Sarreal

How Much Interest Does a CD Earn?

CDs are savings accounts for short-term cash investments. Compare returns on a CD with the calculator below.

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Spencer Tierney

What Are Senior Checking Accounts?

A senior checking account is essentially a regular checking account that may offer features such as free checks and lower monthly fees.

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Amber Murakami-Fester, Margarette Burnette

Cashier’s Check vs. Money Order: How to Decide

Cashier's checks cost more, but let you send more money. Money orders are cheaper and easier to buy, especially if you don't have a checking account.

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Margarette Burnette

How to Pick and Use Multiple Savings Accounts

Online banks tend to have higher savings rates and lower fees, making them good options for multiple savings accounts.

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Margarette Burnette

How Overdraft Protection Transfers Work

Overdraft protection transfers allow your transactions to go through even if you overdraw your checking account.

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Margarette Burnette