Online Banking Articles & Guides

What Is Lifestyle Creep? How to Stop Spending More as You Earn More

Jul. 09, 2026

9 min read

Best Student Bank Accounts in 2026

The best student bank accounts in 2026 offer no monthly fees, low or $0 minimum deposits, and strong mobile banking tools.

Managing Your Aging Parents' Money: What to Set Up Before You Need It

Jun. 23, 2026

Managing Your Aging Parents' Money: What to Set Up Before You Need It

Setting up financial guardrails like trusted contacts, account alerts, and a durable power of attorney before a crisis hits protects your aging parents' money without taking away their independence.

Why Your Banking Setup Matters More Than Your Starting Salary

Jun. 23, 2026

Why Your Banking Setup Matters More Than Your Starting Salary

Income alone doesn't build wealth; consistent automation does, since small leaks like late fees and idle cash quietly cost more than people realize. A simple three-account "wealth flywheel" of checking, savings, and investing can help even entry-level earners build momentum without relying on willpower.

How Online Banks are Changing How Couples Manage Money

Jun. 21, 2026

How Online Banks are Changing How Couples Manage Money

More couples are favoring "coordinated separation" over fully merging finances, using tools like digital buckets, sub-accounts, and view-only access. The right setup depends on income parity and comfort level, but a clear spending threshold and regular check-ins matter most.

How to Choose the Right Online Bank for You

Jun. 16, 2026

How to Choose the Right Online Bank for You

So, you’ve decided to open an account with an online bank? Online banks offer many benefits over regular banks, including more convenience, lower fees, and no waiting in lines.

How Frictionless “Tap to Pay” Payments Are Changing Spending Habits

May. 24, 2026

How Frictionless “Tap to Pay” Payments Are Changing Spending Habits

Frictionless payments like tap to pay reduce the psychological "pain of paying," making it easier to overspend. Understanding how digital payments affect your brain can help you budget smarter and choose the right online banking tools.

80% Feel Worse After Extreme Budget Cuts—Here Are Better Alternatives to No-Spend Months

May. 19, 2026

80% Feel Worse After Extreme Budget Cuts—Here Are Better Alternatives to No-Spend Months

No-spend bans create an all-or-nothing mindset that often leads to rebound spending and burnout. And the data backs it up—80% of households that made the most aggressive cost-cutting changes actually felt worse off financially, according to a 2025 Federal Reserve analysis.

Married but Financially Independent: Why More Couples Are Ditching the Joint Account

Apr. 30, 2026

Married but Financially Independent: Why More Couples Are Ditching the Joint Account

The share of couples with no joint accounts has grown from 15% to 23% since 1996. Joint, separate, or hybrid—the right system depends on your income, habits, and goals.

When You Pass, Your Online Bank Account Doesn’t: What Families Need to Know About Accessing Digital Accounts

Apr. 30, 2026

When You Pass, Your Online Bank Account Doesn’t: What Families Need to Know About Accessing Digital Accounts

Online bank accounts don't automatically transfer to family when someone dies. They're frozen until the right legal authority is established. Naming a beneficiary is the simplest way to spare loved ones a costly, time-consuming probate process.

Apr. 19, 2026

Pros and Cons of Online Banking

Online banking offers higher interest rates, lower fees, and convenient digital tools — but it also comes with tradeoffs like limited in-person service and potential ATM restrictions. Understanding the pros and cons of online banking can help you decide whether a digital-only bank fits your financial needs.

What Is a High Yield Savings Account and How They Work?

What Is a High Yield Savings Account and How They Work?

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or getting ready to retire, it’s important to have a rainy day fund where you can sock away some of your hard-earned cash. A high yield savings account may be just what you need to help you store money thanks to its combination of liquidity, return on investment, and cost.

What’s the Typical Minimum Balance for Online Savings Accounts?

What’s the Typical Minimum Balance for Online Savings Accounts?

Most online savings accounts do not have a minimum balance requirement to keep the account open or avoid monthly fees. While some may require a small opening deposit, typically between $1 to $100, this is becoming less common. In contrast, traditional brick-and-mortar banks often require a minimum daily balance of $300 or more to waive fees.

How Many Bank Accounts Should I Have?

While juggling multiple accounts can seem daunting, a strategic "bucket" system can help you stay organized, maximize interest, and ensure your funds are protected.

ATM Withdrawal Limits: Everything You Need to Know

ATM Withdrawal Limits: Everything You Need to Know

An ATM withdrawal limit is the maximum amount of cash you can take out from an ATM within a 24-hour period.

When Should You Use Your Emergency Fund?

Apr. 14, 2026

When Should You Use Your Emergency Fund?

You should use your emergency fund only for urgent, unavoidable expenses that protect your financial stability—such as job loss, medical emergencies, or critical home and vehicle repairs. Discretionary purchases like vacations or lifestyle upgrades generally do not qualify as true emergencies.

How to Apply and Qualify for Second Chance Banking

Apr. 14, 2026

2 min read

How to Apply and Qualify for Second Chance Banking

Second chance banking allows you to open a checking account even if you’ve been denied by traditional banks due to past overdrafts, unpaid fees, or negative ChexSystems records. While these accounts may include higher fees or restrictions, they provide an opportunity to rebuild your banking history and regain financial stability.

Apr. 13, 2026

Where Can I Exchange Foreign Currency?

Getting your hands on foreign currency doesn't have to be complicated or expensive—you just need to know where to look.

Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds with a Money Market Account

Feb. 05, 2026

Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds with a Money Market Account

A money market account is a type of savings deposit that combines higher interest rates with flexible access to your funds. Offered by banks and credit unions, it’s ideal for savers who want better returns than a standard savings account — without giving up liquidity.

How to Transfer Apple Cash to Your Bank Account: Step-by-Step Instructions

Jan. 20, 2026

How to Transfer Apple Cash to Your Bank Account: Step-by-Step Instructions

From coffee runs to splitting bills, Apple Cash has changed how we handle day-to-day expenses.

Why You May Need a Separate Business Checking Account

Jan. 18, 2026

Why You May Need a Separate Business Checking Account

Managing your business and personal finances through the same account might seem convenient, but it could be holding your business back.

How to Transfer Money From One Bank to Another

Jan. 18, 2026

How to Transfer Money From One Bank to Another

If you need to move money between two banks, your options range from free (but slower) to fast (but sometimes expensive).

How To Open A Savings Account For A Child

Jan. 15, 2026

How To Open A Savings Account For A Child

Whether you’re stashing birthday cash, building an allowance habit, or setting up a “first money” system, the right account makes it easier to teach real-world money skills.

Simple Interest vs. Compound Interest: What's the Difference?

Jan. 13, 2026

Simple Interest vs. Compound Interest: What's the Difference?

Interest is the cost of borrowing money or the return you earn for saving or investing, usually expressed as a percentage. But interest comes in different forms, so it’s important to understand how charges apply before signing up for any loan or investment.

How to Switch Banks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jan. 11, 2026

How to Switch Banks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Switching banks can be daunting, but sometimes it's necessary to find better services, lower fees, or improved customer support.

Is Online Banking Safe? Know the Risks and How To Protect Yourself

Is Online Banking Safe? Know the Risks and How To Protect Yourself

Online banking is the new standard, and beyond being convenient, it's also relatively safe. However, there are risks involved in digitally sharing your personal and financial information. Here's what you need to know to keep your money safe the next time you bank online.

What Is a Virtual Wallet and How Does It Compare to Online Banking?

What Is a Virtual Wallet and How Does It Compare to Online Banking?

Digital payments are changing how we spend money, with virtual wallets quickly becoming the go-to method for many.

2 min read

CD Calculator

Use our CD calculator to estimate how much you could earn from a certificate of deposit. Enter your initial deposit, CD term, and APY to see your potential earnings on your CD at maturity.

What Is a Savings Account and How Does it Work?

What Is a Savings Account and How Does it Work?

A savings account is a type of bank account that allows you to store your money in a safe place and earn interest. The rules and interest rates vary from bank to bank. Some savings accounts require a minimum balance, while others don’t have any requirements.

What Is Annual Percentage Yield (APY)?

You may notice if you’re shopping for a savings account that banks advertise both an interest rate and an annual percentage rate, or APY. While an account’s interest rate can give you a basic idea of how much you can earn on your deposits, its APY gives you a better picture of your potential returns.

Oct. 28, 2025

8 min read

How to Close a Bank Account

Thinking of closing your bank account? Whether you're switching to a better bank, simplifying your finances, or moving to a new location—closing an account requires more than just hitting “close” online.

Oct. 21, 2025

3 min read

Simple Savings Calculator

Use our savings calculator to help plan your financial goals. Calculate how your savings could grow with different deposit amounts, interest rates and time periods.

72% of Gen Z Prefer Online Banks: Our Survey Reveals

Aug. 04, 2025

72% of Gen Z Prefer Online Banks: Our Survey Reveals

Are traditional banks keeping up with the times? As the world becomes increasingly digital, younger generations demand banking solutions that align with their tech-savvy lifestyles. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is at the forefront of this digital banking revolution.

Jul. 01, 2025

3 min read

5 Steps for Switching to an Online Bank

Surveys over the years have consistently shown that most Americans prefer to stick with their existing bank even when they know they are being charged too much.

Bank vs. Credit Union: What’s The Difference?

Jun. 03, 2025

Bank vs. Credit Union: What’s The Difference?

Choosing between a bank and credit union means weighing personalized service against modern convenience. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Overdraft Protection and How Does It Work?

May. 13, 2025

What Is Overdraft Protection and How Does It Work?

If you spend more money than you have in your checking account, your balance will go negative, and your bank will charge you an overdraft fee. Overdraft protection is a feature offered by many banks to help you avoid these fees by covering transactions when your account is overdrawn.

How to Choose the Best CD for Your Savings Goals

May. 12, 2025

How to Choose the Best CD for Your Savings Goals

If you're looking to save your money, you should consider using a Certificate of Deposit, or CD account. CDs are increasingly popular and for good reason. They are savings funds that promise a higher, fixed rate of interest, in exchange for locking your money away for specific amounts of time. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing a CD.

How To Open A Bank Account: Everything You Need

Feb. 23, 2025

How To Open A Bank Account: Everything You Need

You can streamline opening a bank account by collecting the necessary identification documents, preparing financially to fund the account, and choosing the best account and bank for your financial objectives.

How We Rate and Select Top Online Banks and Financial Institutions

Jan. 29, 2025

3 min read

How We Rate and Select Top Online Banks and Financial Institutions

We’ve created the following process to identify the most suitable online banking companies for your needs and deliver on our mission to help you make informed decisions.

MMA vs. CD Accounts: Which Should Be Your Choice?

Aug. 29, 2024