Basic Finance
Checking vs. Savings vs. CD vs. Money Market Accounts
Which type of deposit account is best for you? Learn the differences between checking and savings accounts, as well as CDs and money market accounts.
Compound Interest Explained
What is compound interest and how does it work? Here, we'll explain what compound interest is, how it's calculated and how it can help you grow your savings.
What Is a Checking Account?
A checking account is a type of deposit account for daily banking. Learn more about how checking accounts work and how to find one that works for you.
How to Open a Checking Account
Want to open a checking account? Learn how checking accounts work, whether you can open one online and what you'll need to open an account.
What Is an Interest Rate?
Interest rates can determine how much you pay on loans or earn on savings accounts. Read on to learn how interest rates work and how to calculate interest.
How to Withdraw Money from a Bank
There are a few ways to withdraw money from a bank account, including from an ATM and in person. Learn how to withdraw money from a bank account.
What Are the Benefits of Using Direct Deposit?
Direct deposit is fast, secure and convenient. Learn how it works and explore the key benefits of receiving your payments electronically.
What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and How Does it Work?
Learn what a certificate of deposit (CD) is, how it works and the different types. Compare pros and cons to consider when choosing a CD for your financial goals.
Joint Bank Account: What is It and How Does it Work?
A joint bank account is owned by 2 or more people who share equal access to funds. Learn how it works, including deposits, withdrawals and managing finances.
5 Convenient Ways to Send Money
There are a few ways to send money, including via bank transfer, through a payment app and using a cashier’s check. Learn more on how to send money.
What is a Money Market Account and How Does it Work
A money market account lets you earn interest and generally may offer other features, like an ATM card. Learn what a money market account is and how it works.
7 Checking Account Benefits
Checking accounts can be convenient tools for paying bills and handling day-to-day finances. Explore the benefits and features checking accounts offer.
What Is Direct Deposit and How Does It Work
Understand how direct deposit works, when direct deposits hit and what you need to streamline your financial management.
What Is a Cashier’s Check
A cashier's check is a check issued and guaranteed by a bank. You might be asked for a cashier’s check when making a large purchase, like a down payment on a home.
How to Check Your Checking Account Balance
You can typically monitor your checking account balance through online banking, mobile apps, ATMs, bank statements, or by visiting or calling your bank. Learn more.
Business Checking Account vs. Personal Checking Account
Explore the differences between business checking accounts and personal checking accounts. Learn the key features of each and when it makes sense to get a business checking account.
What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account
Learn what documents and information you need to open a bank account, whether for checking or savings. Learn about the process and requirements.
How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have?
Wondering how many bank accounts you should have? Learn the benefits of multiple checking and savings accounts, from budgeting to achieving savings goals and earning interest.
How to Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD)
Learn how to open a Certificate of Deposit (CD), from choosing the right type and term for you to selecting a bank, applying and depositing funds.
Benefits of Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Certificates of deposit (CDs) can come with several benefits, including the ability to earn a fixed rate on your money. Learn more about the benefits of CDs.
Traditional Banks vs. Online Banking: The Differences Explained
Traditional banks have physical branches while online banks do not. Learn more about the differences, including traditional and online banking pros and cons.
Types of Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Learn about the different types of certificates of deposits (CDs), including fixed rate, no penalty, jumbo, high-yield and step up, to help you choose a CD.
What is a Digital Wallet?
Digital wallets can let you conveniently store payment information, identification and more. Learn what a digital wallet is and how a digital wallet works.
What Happens When a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Matures?
Learn what happens when a certificate of deposit (CD) matures and your options, including renewing the CD, withdrawing the money or reinvesting the funds elsewhere.
What Is Overdraft Protection and How Does It Work?
Overdraft protection helps you avoid overdraft fees and declined transactions. Learn what overdraft protection is so you can make informed banking decisions.
Is Certificate of Deposit (CD) Interest Compounded?
Interest on certificates of deposit (CDs) usually compounds. Learn what compounding interest is, how it works and how interest can compound on a CD.
When Should You Renew Your Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
Most certificates of deposit (CDs) automatically renew after the grace period. Learn more about CD renewal tips and grace periods.
How Long Does It Take a Check to Clear?
It usually takes 1-2 days for a check to clear, but there can be exceptions. Learn more about how long it takes a check to clear and what factors affect when funds are available.
How to Wire Money
Learn how to wire money securely and efficiently. Discover how wire transfers work, how to send funds domestically or internationally and what to expect.
How to Deposit a Check
You can typically deposit a check in person at a bank, at an ATM or through your bank’s app. Learn what you need to know to deposit a check.
How to Sign Over a Check
Learn how to sign over a check and when signing over a check to someone else can make sense. Explore alternatives like electronic transfers or mobile deposits.
How to Open a Bank Account for a Minor
Opening a bank account with your child teaches the ins and outs of saving and spending. Learn more about how to open a bank account for a minor.
How to Close a Bank Account
Wondering how to close a bank account online or in person? This guide offers helpful tips and steps to make the process of closing a bank account easier.
How to Set Financial Goals
Learn how to set SMART financial goals. Explore short-, medium- and long-term goals, from building an emergency fund to retirement.
Checking Account vs. Savings Account
Checking accounts are often used for everyday expenses while savings accounts can be a place to keep and grow your money. Learn more about the similarities and differences.
What Is Mobile Check Deposit?
Mobile check deposit lets you deposit checks using your bank’s app and your smart device. Learn how mobile check deposit works and its benefits.
Benefits of Mobile Banking
Mobile banking lets you access account information and more on your phone. Learn more about the features and benefits of mobile banking.
How to Manage Your Checking Account
Learn helpful tips on how to manage your checking account effectively by balancing transactions, monitoring activity, avoiding fees, and maintaining financial organization.
Banking 101: An Introduction to Banking Services
Discover the basics of banking, including how banks work, key products and services, and their role in financial management.
How to Remove a Hold on a Bank Account
A bank might put a hold on funds for several reasons, including when you deposit a check. Learn more about bank account holds and how to remove them.
Common Banking Fees and How to Avoid Them
Learn about common bank fees like overdraft, monthly maintenance and ATM fees and discover effective strategies for avoiding them.
What Is the 50/30/20 Rule?
The 50/30/20 budget divides your income into three spending categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt repayment. Learn more.
APR vs. APY: What’s the Difference?
Learn the difference between annual percentage rate (APR) and annual percentage yield (APY), how they're calculated and when each is used.
What Is a Beneficiary?
A beneficiary is a person or organization you designate to receive an asset after you pass away. You can designate beneficiaries for life insurance and bank accounts to help with estate planning. Learn more about beneficiaries.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) vs. Savings Account
Compare Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and savings accounts to find the best option for your financial goals. Learn the pros, cons, and key differences.
What Is a CD Ladder? | Citi.com
Learn what a CD ladder is, how it works, and its benefits. Discover how to enhance your savings and diversify your investments with a certificate of deposit ladder.
What is Identity Theft?
Learn what identity theft is, how it occurs and actionable steps you can take to help protect your personal information and financial well-being.
What is Compound Interest?
What is compound interest and how does it work? Here, we'll explain what compound interest is, how it's calculated, and the types of compound interest accounts.
5 Benefits of a Savings Account
From earning interest on your money to keeping your savings separate, savings accounts offer a number of benefits. Learn more.
Types of Bank Accounts
Different types of bank accounts can help you manage your money in different ways. From high-yield savings accounts to everyday checking accounts, learn more.
What Is a Bounced Check?
Get clarity on bounced checks. Learn how to avoid bounced checks, how long it takes for a check to bounce and the impact of returned check charges.
Are CDs Worth It?
Whether a certificate of deposit (CD) is worth it depends on your goals and financial situation. Learn more about the pros and cons of CDs.
Types of Digital Wallets
Whether a certificate of deposit (CD) is worth it depends on your goals and financial situation. Learn more about the pros and cons of CDs.
Benefits of Money Market Accounts
Money market accounts are essentially the same as savings accounts. Learn more about their benefits, drawbacks and whether they’re right for you.
What is Zero-Based Budgeting and How Does It Work?
Find out what a zero-based budget is. Understand the advantages of zero-based budgeting for effective financial planning and potential challenges.
How Long Does a Wire Transfer Take?
How long does a wire transfer take? Explore the timeline for bank-to-bank transfers and find out when your money will be available to use.
What Is a Deposit? Meaning, Types and How It Works
Explore what a deposit means in banking. Learn about different types of deposits, how they work and why they're essential for managing your funds.
How to Open a Money Market Account in 5 Steps
This step-by-step guide walks you through how to open a money market account, from choosing the right account for you to funding it.
APY vs. Interest Rate
Discover the key differences between APY vs interest rate. Learn more about savings accounts with a comprehensive guide on interest rates vs APY.
Money Market vs Savings Account: What’s the Difference?
Savings and money market accounts offer similar features. Learn how they work, where they overlap, and how to choose the right options for your savings goals.
How to Close a Checking Account
Learn how to close your checking account. Follow our 5-step guide to help avoid fees and try to protect your credit. Here are some things you need to do.
How to Stop Payment on a Check
Learn how to stop payment on a check, what details you’ll need, when to act and what fees may apply. Understand the process and how to avoid errors.
What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen
Learn how to check for identity theft, spot warning signs and take quick action if your identity is stolen. Explore steps to address a stolen identity.
Budgeting Basics: A Budget Template for Beginners
Creating a budget is the first step to better financial planning. Our guide covers helpful budgeting tips and includes a basic budget template for beginners.
Are Debit Cards Secure?
Debit cards let you easily withdraw funds and make payments, but are they secure? Find out about the use of debit cards online and explore card protections and security tips.
The Pros and Cons of Certificates of Deposit
Certificates of deposit may be a safe, low-risk way to grow your savings. Discover the pros and cons of CD accounts and find out if they're right for you.
What to Know about CD Early Withdrawal Penalties
A CD early withdrawal penalty could eat into your interest and compromise your savings. Learn about how early withdrawal penalties work and how to avoid them.
Financial Scams to Watch Out For
Learn how to spot and avoid common financial scams. Read on for tips to protect your money, verify if something is legitimate and take action if you suspect fraud.
Key Steps to Improve Financial Wellness
Discover what financial wellness means and learn simple ways to help improve it through budgeting, saving, debt management and reliable financial resources.
How to Manage Your Bills Better and Stay on Track
Learn how to manage your bills better with personal finance tips for organizing payments, setting a budget and avoiding missed due dates.
How to Teach Kids About Money: An Age-by-Age Guide
Learn how to teach kids about money with age-appropriate lessons. Get a step-by-step guide to building financial skills from preschool through young adulthood.
5 Tips for Sticking to a Budget
Learn how to stick to a budget with practical tips for tracking spending, building in flexibility, staying motivated, and making your budget work long term.
Tips to Create Your Family's Financial Plan
Learn how to build a strong family financial plan with tips on budgeting, wealth management, estate planning and setting shared goals.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term CDs: How to Choose
Compare short-term and long-term CDs by term length, interest rates and flexibility. Learn how to choose the right CD based on your savings goals.
How to Create a Financial Plan: 5 Essential Steps
Learn the five essential steps to create a personal financial plan. Set goals, build a budget, manage debt and adjust your strategy over time.
Benefits of Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Explore the benefits of CD accounts. Review the benefits of a CD account and the advantages of CD accounts for diversified savings.
Certified Check vs. Cashier’s Check: Key Differences Explained
Learn the difference between a certified check and a cashier’s check and when to use them for payments. Explore more about certified and cashier's checks.
How Much Money Should You Keep in Your Checking Account?
Find out how much money to keep in your checking account to cover expenses, avoid fees and stay financially secure without missing savings opportunities.
Can You Have Multiple Checking Accounts?
You can have more than one checking account, even at the same bank or credit union. Learn how many checking accounts you should have and helpful tips for managing them effectively.
How to Cancel a Lost Debit Card
Lost your debit card or need to cancel it? Learn the steps to report a lost card, close or cancel it securely, and protect your bank account from fraud.
How to Deposit Cash Into a Bank Account
Learn how to deposit money at a bank or ATM, how much cash you can deposit and what to expect when making a deposit in person or electronically.
What Is a Debit Card and How Does It Work?
A debit card lets you access your bank account’s funds for purchases and withdrawals. Learn how a debit works, how to get one and ways to use it responsibly.
Is Online Banking Secure? What You Should Know
Learn how online banking works, what risks to watch for and how to protect your account.
How Many CDs Can You Have Open?
You can open multiple CDs at one bank or across banks. Learn why having more than one CD may be useful and what to consider before opening several.
How to Avoid ATM Fees
ATM fees may end up costing you, even if they seem small at first. Learn how much ATMs charge, what no-fee ATMs are and smart ways to avoid ATM fees.
What Can Someone Do With Your Bank Account Number?
Worried, your bank account is hacked? Learn what someone can do with your bank account number and how to help protect your identity and information.