Banking

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.

Best Prepaid Cards

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.

Best Credit Cards

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.