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Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate It’s a mixed showing for home equity rates as the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a quarter point, its second rate reduction in 2025. The benchmark 5-year $30,000 home equity loan fell nine basis points to 8.02 percent, its lowest level since March…

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that…

Fixed-rate HELOCs are the talk of the town lately among home equity lenders and industry insiders.  Home equity isn’t the flashiest corner of consumer finance, so it’s noteworthy when a buzzy new trend emerges. I talk with home lending experts all the time, and they keep telling me the same…

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates again at its October meeting, bringing its key borrowing rate down to a level last seen in late 2022. Don’t count on it to cure all of your financial woes. Like a line of falling dominos, lower rates from the…

Key takeaways To qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit, you’ll typically need to maintain at least 20 percent equity in your home (including both your existing mortgage and the new equity loan or line of credit). Some lenders allow 15 percent. You’ll also need a solid…

Key takeaways A bump-up CD allows you to increase your interest rate one or more times during the CD’s term if rates rise, typically on 2-3 year terms. Bump-up CDs typically start with APYs that are 0.10-0.25 percentage points lower than traditional CDs of the same term, according to Bankrate…

Key takeaways The Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decisions have a wide-ranging influence on your personal finances, affecting more than just your financing costs but also your job security and purchasing power. When the Fed’s key interest rate falls (or rises), the borrowing costs you pay follow suit, influencing the cost of…

Key takeaways Monthly maintenance fees for non-interest checking accounts average $5.47, costing you over $65 annually, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Checking Account Survey. You can avoid these fees through direct deposit, maintaining minimum balances or switching to a fee-free checking account. According to Bankrate data, 47 percent of non-interest checking…

Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Refinancing your mortgage typically costs between 2 percent and 6 percent of the new loan amount. These closing costs can include fees for origination, a home appraisal and more. You can save on the cost of refinancing by boosting your…

Key takeaways Most checks clear within 2 business days, though some banks may hold funds for up to 7 days depending on the check amount and type. The first $225 of any check deposit must be available by the next business day, as required by federal law. Government checks, cashier’s…