Social Security provides benefits not only to retired workers but also to spouses who have not contributed to the program. Spouses are one of the many beneficiaries of Social Security, and even ex-spouses can claim a payout from the program in some circumstances. When you apply for Social Security, you…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate After years of credit challenges, I recently signed an apartment lease — with only a $350 deposit and no co-signer. I’m proud of this achievement, which was only possible for two reasons: my 702 credit score, and the work I put in to…
Key takeaways Alternative lending offers accessible eligibility requirements to help you get funding even with subprime credit or finances. Many alternative lenders don’t restrict how you use the funds and often pay out within 24 to 48 hours. Due to short terms and high interest rates, you can expect a…
Key takeaways The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a wise first card for students who want experience earning cash back rewards. Not only do you earn cash back, but perks like free access to your credit score and a short introductory APR on purchases — all while keeping costs…
Trending
Spotlight This Week
More Articles
Personal Finance
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…
If a society is going to make intelligent choices in policy, it helps to understand reality, which includes facts and…
New York startup Casap has raised $25 million in new funding to help banks tackle the thorny problem of credit…
Featured Articles
Key takeaways The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card offers high credit limits, no annual fee, speedy approval and cash back rewards. The card is only available to businesses with good credit, at least six months of activity and a minimum yearly revenue of $30,000.…
Dept Managmnt
When I finished graduate school, I had $72,000 in student loans weighing me down. But less than a year after graduation, I’d paid…
Banking
When it comes to selling coconut water to the health obsessed, New York’s Vita Coco has served up a master class, schooling even…
Credit Cards
All News
Michael M. Santiago / Staff/Getty Images Key takeaways The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut its benchmark rate in coming months, and APYs on competitive savings accounts could fall, in turn. For the time being, savers are enjoying APYs that are higher than they’ve been in more than a…
SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Opening a CD account means locking your money for a fixed term (3 months to 5 years) in exchange for guaranteed interest rates. CDs work best for specific savings goals with known timelines, like saving for a house down payment in two years. Online banks…
Viorel Kurnosov/Getty Images Key takeaways Bank account bonuses typically range from $50 to $500, with some premium offers reaching $1,000 or more for business accounts. Most bonuses require meeting specific criteria like minimum deposits, direct deposits or debit card purchases Bankrate tracks the best current bank account bonuses, updated regularly…
Three years ago, when inflation was rising at the fastest pace in almost half a century, Lori Schkufza could still see the silver-linings. She had a full-time job with benefits as a digital animator. Even though her expenses had grown, her income had increased, too. Now, however, the 38-year-old Buffalo,…
Key takeaways A real estate broker is a licensed real estate agent who has also completed additional training to earn a broker’s license. Brokers can help buyers and sellers navigate some of the more complex details of real estate, such as zoning and title issues. Real estate brokers can work…
Car insurance rates continue to climb, and drivers are feeling the dent in their wallets year after year. The national average cost of full coverage car insurance climbed 12 percent from 2024 to 2025, leaving many drivers wondering why coverage has gotten so expensive. Most states require drivers to carry…
Key takeaways Trip cancellation and interruption insurance reimburses travelers for prepaid expenses when their trip is canceled or interrupted due to circumstances beyond their control. This coverage only applies in specific situations such as illness, injury, natural disasters or financial defaults by travel providers. Many top travel credit cards include…
Key takeaways Insurance brokers work independently and represent clients, helping them find the best insurance policies to meet their unique needs and budgets. They can explore a broad range of policies from different insurers to find the best fit for their clients’ needs. Brokers typically earn money through commissions and…
Alina Rudya/Bell Collective/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways American Express Membership Rewards points are a popular rewards currency that can be earned through eligible Amex credit cards. These points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, statement credits or transferred to airline and hotel partners for potentially higher…
Key takeaways It’s a good idea to have more than one credit card, but applying for multiple cards within a short period of time could hurt your credit score. If you apply for too many credit cards within a brief period, issuers might see you as a risky borrower. It’s…
Editor's Pick
