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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 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…

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 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…

Most of us have lent money to a friend or family member or paid a group bill with the expectation of being paid back. Unfortunately, these situations don’t always go smoothly and often result in lost money or hurt feelings — sometimes both. About seven in 10 U.S. adults (70…

As millions of Americans head home for the holidays, Bankrate’s latest survey finds that there’s one dinner topic that will likely generate more heartburn than the typical conversation taboos about politics or religion: it’s money. The national opinion poll found that about 3 in 5 U.S. adults (61 percent) said…

What’s worse: a weak job market or stubborn inflation? Most people would say they don’t want either. Rising prices make it harder to afford the things you need, even when you’re working. A weak job market makes it tougher to ask for a raise, find a better position or land…

Key takeaways Three percent down mortgages are exactly what they sound like — they require only a 3 percent down payment. The lower down payment can make it easier to afford a home, but it will mean higher mortgage payments. These mortgages are often part of a program, and borrowers…

Dean Mitchell/E+/Getty Images Key takeaways Your credit utilization ratio is determined by taking the amount you owe on a credit card and dividing it by your credit limit. Credit utilization is an important factor in your credit score. Most experts recommend keeping this ratio below 30 percent for the best…