Hispanolistic/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Offered by many financial institutions, online bill pay is typically a free, secure service that enables consumers to make various types of payments electronically. Payments made via online bill pay can be made using a website or an app. Keep track of your…
Michigan car insurance laws state clearly that drivers in the Great Lake State must have a certain amount of car insurance to drive legally on public roads. Failure to do so can lead to fines and other penalties—and higher coverage rates down the line. Michigan is a no-fault state, which…
Key takeaways There are several ways to finance home renovations, including renovation mortgages, home equity loans and personal loans. Borrowing makes the most sense when repairs are urgent or when improvements will increase your home’s value. Compare loan options carefully, considering interest rates, fees and the amount of home equity…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Non-qualified mortgages, known as non-QM loans, are an option for those who might struggle to qualify for a standard mortgage, such as self-employed borrowers and gig workers. Non-QM loans have more flexible income and credit standards, but they require higher down payments…
Trending
Spotlight This Week
More Articles
Personal Finance
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
The big new fees JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge some financial technology companies may well trickle down to consumers,…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
Featured Articles
Credit: Nate Hovee/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate California home prices are some of the highest in the country, with the median home price in December 2025 hitting $850,680, according to the California Association of Realtors. That means most buyers will need a mortgage to…
Dept Managmnt
2. Coaching and Tutoring Take stock of your areas of expertise – maybe you speak a second language or solving math equations comes…
Banking
These entrepreneurs, traders and investors are making an outsized impact in fintech, crypto and traditional financial services.By Jeff Kauflin, Hank Tucker and Nina…
Credit Cards
All News
At a time of sticky inflation and a softening job market, extra money in the bank can serve as a lifeline for many consumers. Yet 8 in 10 Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year, a new Bankrate survey found, leaving them in no better financial position to…
While the top ten largest credit unions still hold significantly less in assets than even the top five largest banks, they have been growing considerably in recent years. Just within the last five years, total assets in federally insured credit unions have risen by approximately 45 percent over the past…
Key Takeaways: Transition Challenges: Veterans face unique financial challenges when transitioning from military to civilian life, including employment hurdles, healthcare costs, and housing instability. Employment and Economic Stability: Despite strong leadership skills, veterans often encounter unemployment or underemployment due to skill mismatches. Support from programs like VETS and the GI…
Key takeaways Most unemployment payment delays happen due to missing information, fraud checks, or system backlogs. You can often fix the issue by verifying your ID, submitting missing documentation, or updating your payment profile. While you wait, contact lenders to negotiate temporary relief and use savings accounts or short-term loans…
Good news for those looking for more affordable housing: Rents keep falling. In October, rents fell for the 27th straight month year-over-year and the third consecutive month-over-month according to Realtor.com’s October Rental Report. The median asking rent for a 0-2 bedroom property in the 50 largest U.S. metros was $1,969,…
Key takeaways Mobile banking is secure when you use official apps and follow best practices. Major banks invest billions in cybersecurity, but user habits still matter. With the right steps — like multi-factor authentication and strong passwords — mobile banking can be safer than visiting a branch. Mobile banking is…
Key takeaways Saving builds security, flexibility, and freedom — not just a rainy-day fund. Cash reserves protect you from financial stress and open doors to opportunity. The earlier you start saving, the easier it is to reach your life and retirement goals. Most people know they should save. But understanding…
PeopleImages/Getty Images Key takeaways CDs are among the safest places to keep your money, but early withdrawals or inflation can erode returns. FDIC or NCUA insurance protects up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. Smart CD strategies — like laddering or using no-penalty CDs — can help you avoid losses…
Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images Business owners often have startup or major costs that come with investing in their businesses. A credit card with a 0 percent intro APR offer can buy you time to pay off a big purchase without accruing interest. As long as you pay off the…
Images: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Key takeaways A mortgage prequalification helps potential homebuyers know how big of a loan they might qualify for. Getting prequalified does not negatively affect your credit score — but getting preapproved does. While a prequalification is faster and easier to get than a preapproval, it’s…
Editor's Pick
