Key takeaways SBA 7(a) loans are the most common type of loan issued by the Small Business Administration. You can get several types of SBA 7(a) loans, depending on your needs, including a 7(a) Small, Express, Export Express or CAPlines loan. You can use a 7(a) loan for a variety…
Key takeaways Choosing the right type of annuity payout depends on when you want payments to start, how long you want them to last and if you want a survivor’s benefit. Single-life annuities provide higher income but no survivor benefit, while joint-and-survivor and period-certain options have lower monthly payments in…
Key takeaways Typically, experts recommend you spend no more than 28 percent of your gross monthly income or 25 percent of your net monthly income on mortgage payments. Today, you may find yourself spending substantially more on your mortgage due to high home prices in certain parts of the country.…
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage is optional insurance in most states, but you may want to consider it for additional financial protection, even if you have health insurance. If you’re involved in an accident, regardless of fault, MedPay covers eligible expenses for you and your passengers. What is auto insurance medical…
Personal Finance
Many people in economics, finance, business, and regular consumer life have been waiting for the forecast inflation, the tariff shock,…
San Francisco-based Chime, the largest digital bank in America, wants to go public at a price between $24 and $26…
The Trump administration is clamping down on federal student loan defaults; at the same time, Republican lawmakers in Congress just…
A practice of Elon Musk and Tesla’s board raises questions about the company’s governance and the possible low valuation that…
Featured Articles
Key takeaways Federal loan borrowers lose government protections when refinancing, making it a bigger trade-off Autopay discounts offer an easy way to cut rates without changing loan terms Cosigners remain responsible for loans even after refinancing Tens of millions of Americans have borrowed money to…
Dept Managmnt
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate When you’re working hard to build financial security, deciding to spend thousands of dollars on a…
Banking
OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FINTECH SNARK TANK JPMorgan Chase notified fintech data aggregators that, starting later this year, it plans to charge for access…
Credit Cards

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Key takeaways Where Discover credit cards shine for their lack of fees, they come up short in terms of global acceptance and available cardholder perks. Visa credit cards stand out for their rewards rates and cardholder benefits, but only with the top cards available within the network. Instead of choosing…
Key takeaways The Chase Slate Edge℠ can help you pay off credit card debt, with a no-interest purchase and balance transfer option for 18 months. After the introductory period ends, an 18.99% – 28.99% Variable APR applies. The Chase Freedom Flex®* card also comes with a purchase and balance transfer…
Whether you are buying a home or selling one, the process can be more complex and costly than you anticipate. A real estate transaction involves more than just the home’s sale price: You also have to factor in closing costs, which are the various fees, taxes and expenses that both…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Federal student loans are offered by the federal government. Their low eligibility requirements and unique borrower protections make them the better option for most borrowers. Private student loans can help bridge funding gaps or offer better terms for professional or graduate students,…
Much has been made about how buy now, pay later (BNPL) debt will impact consumer credit, but the rising popularity of this accessible loan could have another meaningful effect: an increased demand for debt consolidation. Debt consolidation loans — personal loans used to group multiple debt balances — could become…
For many Americans, Social Security is a foundational source of income in retirement. And knowing how much you can expect to receive, such as what the average Social Security check is at age 65, can help you plan ahead. It’s also important to note that claiming Social Security at 65…
Key takeaways Rewards credit cards provide benefits in the form of cash back, points or miles. You can earn credit card rewards through eligible spending or promotional offers, such as welcome bonuses or a referral bonus. Cash back cards are usually better for earning rewards on everyday spending. Cards that…
Many people start the year with ambitious goals: Pay down debt, invest more and save for an emergency fund. But without the right help and resources, achieving those goals can feel nearly impossible. And halfway through the year, you may feel like you’re falling behind. Thankfully, you don’t have to…
Monty Rakusen/Getty Images Key takeaways A dental loan is a type of unsecured personal loan designed to cover dental expenses. This form of financing often has a more competitive APR than most credit cards. It’s possible to secure funding with bad credit, but you’ll likely pay more interest and fees.…
Knowing what the average Social Security check is at age 64 can help you decide when to retire and create a plan for your income in retirement. Collecting Social Security at 64 does mean you’re claiming benefits before your full retirement age (FRA), which still means a permanent reduction to…