Key takeaways Banks typically provide better exchange rates compared to airport kiosks or tourist areas. Understanding fees, spreads and rates helps you maximize your currency exchange value. Planning ahead typically saves three to five percent on conversion costs. Most banks require you to be an account holder to exchange currency.…
Key takeaways You need proper identification to open a savings account, including your driver’s license or passport and your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. You’ll also need to provide some personal information, including your date of birth, proof of address and contact information. Most banking institutions allow you…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key Takeaways A FICO score below 580 or a VantageScore of less than 601 is considered a bad credit score. If your score falls in the bad credit range, you will face less favorable outcomes with lenders (who may charge you higher…
Key takeaways The Discover it® Student Chrome and the Discover it® Secured Credit Card are both viable options for students and are similar in almost every way. Both cards have the same rewards structure — including boosted rewards for dining and gas purchases — and both cards have no annual…
Trending
Spotlight This Week
More Articles
Personal Finance
Wildfires in southern California have burned at least 47,000 acres in the Los Angeles area—the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire,…
Washington is abuzz over whether Congress will address President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda in one bill or two. But…
This founder built his brand on a simple idea: Forget about changing the world. Get rich doing mundane and even…
Millions of student loan borrowers face an uncertain future as a second Trump administration prepares to return to Washington. But…
Featured Articles
Key takeaways Multiple estimates on labor and parts can help you pick the most affordable repair shop. Work with your insurance to see if it has any discounts or options for in-network mechanics. Consider alternatives like a credit card or personal loan if the cost…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways Zombie debt refers to old or expired debts you’ve either forgotten about or never knew about that debt collectors try to…
Banking
It was a close call for a dog named Max when fire raged through his Altadena neighborhood. The brindle-coated Corso mix hid, huddled…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways The Southwest Companion Pass is attainable by using Southwest credit card welcome bonuses to meet the 135,000-point requirement. Applying for a…
All News
The Federal Reserve reduced borrowing costs again at its final gathering of 2024, but officials penciled in two fewer cuts for the year ahead as inflation stays stubbornly above their target. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut rates by a quarter of a percentage point, marking the third consecutive…
Key takeaways Survey platforms work best as supplemental income, typically earning $100-500 monthly with strategic use. Legitimate platforms offer transparent payment terms and realistic earnings ($0.50-$3 per survey) through PayPal or gift cards. Specialized surveys targeting specific professions or demographics often pay significantly more than general consumer surveys. Side hustles…
The number one cause of car crashes in Illinois is speeding, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. In 2023, over 1,200 people were killed in car crashes in the state, and 55 percent of those fatalities were a result of speeding. Not only is speeding dangerous, but it may…
Key takeaways The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is a premier points program for among rewards credit cards. Through Chase’s travel portal, certain cardholders can score heightened points value toward travel, whether it be by redeeming for travel with specific Chase cards or transferring to high-value airline and hotel partners.…
Key takeaways Emergency loans are borrowed for unexpected expenses when you don’t have enough savings. There are different types of emergency loans, including installment and revolving options. Personal loans and personal lines of credit offer lower interest rates and more flexibility, while payday loans and title loans have higher interest…
PM Images/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Loans for this amount are offered by banks, credit unions and online lenders. The latter often features rapid funding times. An excellent credit score will typically qualify you for the lowest rate on a loan of this size. Most importantly,…
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and gift-giving. However, it can also bring about financial stress and anxiety, especially if you’re worried about managing your credit card payments amidst the flurry of holiday expenses. To help you navigate holiday spending without missing a beat on your financial…
MoMo Productions/ Getty Images Key takeaways Both banking tools and third-party apps serve different purposes in financial tracking. Banking tools excel at daily monitoring, while third-party apps offer comprehensive analysis and planning features. Combining bank-provided tools with select third-party apps often provides the most complete financial tracking solution. Regular monitoring…
Key takeaways Factor rates are a decimal that you use to multiply the entire loan by to get the total loan cost. Factor rates do not incorporate loan fees into its rate, as APRs do, making it difficult to evaluate the total cost of the loan. Factor rate loans tend…
Cavan Images / Nenad Stojkovic / Getty Images There are many types of annuities out there. Critics might say too many types. But if you’re in the market for an annuity, it’s important to understand how they’re described and classified so you know exactly what you’re signing up for and…
Editor's Pick
