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 5 ½ years, total assets in federally insured credit unions have risen by over 46%, increasing from $1.64 trillion in…
Whether you have to report an inheritance on your taxes depends on what you inherit and the subsequent handling of that inheritance. While inheritances themselves are often not subject to federal income tax, certain inherited assets can generate taxable income once they begin producing interest, dividends or distributions. Because inheritance…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Jessa Lizama/Bankrate Key takeaways Lower credit scores signal higher risk of default to lenders, so lenders will limit loan amounts. Borrowers with bad credit get approved for unsecured loans with an average amount under $2,000, according to TransUnion data. Adding a cosigner or co-borrower with…
A tax refund often feels like a sudden financial windfall, offering a brief moment of relief. However, instead of treating it as a ticket for a shopping spree, consider using it as the ultimate opportunity for some financial spring cleaning. By strategically channeling your refund, you can effectively pay down…
Spotlight This Week
More ArticlesPersonal Finance
Last year, on the day before Tax Day, my mom was scheduled to fly into Philadelphia International Airport to stay…
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be…
Featured Articles
Tax refunds are the biggest windfall of the year for many American households. And ‘tis the season: Through the week ending Feb. 13, nearly 13 million people had received 2025 federal tax refunds averaging $2,476, according to the IRS. That average refund amount is up…
Dept Managmnt
Does a Consumer Proposal Affect My Credit Score? Yes, filing a consumer proposal will affect your credit score. Your score reflects your past…
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
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways In most parts of the U.S., a jumbo loan is a mortgage exceeding $832,750 as of 2026, but the amount varies by county. Jumbo loans generally require a higher credit score, a higher level of income or assets and a larger…
Key takeaways MoneyPass operates 40,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide — one of the largest surcharge-free networks in America. Major banks like US Bank, Capital One, and fintech apps like Venmo, Cash App, and SoFi all use MoneyPass for fee-free withdrawals. Find MoneyPass ATMs at 5,000+ Walmart locations, plus Hy-Vee, Circle K,…
Stefani Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images Key takeaways Chase operates over 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs nationwide — the most extensive network of any U.S. bank. Use the Chase mobile app or website to find nearby locations, check services available, and book appointments that save you waiting time. Chase ATMs offer advanced features…
Closing on my mortgage almost three years ago felt surreal. I was 31 and holding a key to my own condominium in the heart of Seattle, a mere half mile from the Space Needle. I bought it alone, joining the growing number of single women purchasing homes — such an…
When Richard Amaechi, 27, lost his job as a financial planner in North Carolina, he decided to pull up stakes and return to San Francisco, where his parents still lived. The question was: Had his hometown become too expensive to welcome him back? The City by the Bay has been…
For years, the real estate industry has advised prospective homebuyers to cross off their list any home that would require them to spend more than 30% of their income on mortgage payments and other fees. That rule no longer seems to work in much of the country, thanks to the…
Key takeaways The best time to refinance is when your credit score or overall financial situation has improved. Generally, you should aim to either lower your interest rate or your monthly payment — preferably both. Avoid refinancing when auto loan rates are high or if you won’t be able to…
Anderson Coelho/Getty Images Key takeaways You can use a personal loan to finance a used car if conventional financing isn’t available or if you can’t qualify for an auto loan. Rates can be higher and repayment terms shorter, compared to traditional auto loans. You may be able to avoid repossession…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Home equity rates held steady as the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a quarter point at its final meeting of 2025. The $30,000 home equity line of credit was unchanged, holding at 7.81% for the fifth straight week, according to Bankrate’s national survey of…
Alexandria City, Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fairfax City, Falls Church City, Fauquier, Fredericksburg City, Loudoun, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren counties: $1,249,125 Madison County: $1,209,750 All other counties: $832,750 Washington loan limits Caret Down Icon Summit and Wasatch counties: $1,150,000 Wayne County: $997,050…
Editor's Pick




































