A bank is an institution where anyone (approved by the bank) can deposit savings and take out loans. Banks are often seen as a convenient and secure way to store money, and some account types also earn interest. Most banks have both online and in-person services.

What is an online bank?

An online bank is a financial institution that takes deposits and makes loans online, without any physical branches.

What is a credit union?

A credit union is a nonprofit financial institution that exists to serve its members. Unlike banks, credit unions are owned and operated by their members, with a focus on providing affordable financial products and services.

Banking Tips & Resources | The Motley Fool

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Start comparing banks

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts

Best Checking Accounts

Best CD Rates

Best Money Market Accounts

The Motley Fool's top banking resources

Bank Reviews

Latest Banking News

2024 Banking Award Winners

Complete Guide to Banking

FAQs

A bank is an institution where anyone (approved by the bank) can deposit savings and take out loans. Banks are often seen as a convenient and secure way to store money, and some account types also earn interest. Most banks have both online and in-person services.
An online bank is a financial institution that takes deposits and makes loans online, without any physical branches.
A credit union is a nonprofit financial institution that exists to serve its members. Unlike banks, credit unions are owned and operated by their members, with a focus on providing affordable financial products and services.

High-yield savings account comparison

We recommend comparing high-yield savings account options to ensure the account you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout accounts.

Account	APY	Promotion	Next Steps
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars. 4.75/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.	up to 4.60% Rate info Min. to earn: $0	New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits!	Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars. 4.75/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.	5.05% APY for balances of $5,000 or more Rate info Min. to earn: $100 to open account, $5,000 for max APY	N/A	Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
Open Account for Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.	4.75% Rate info Min. to earn: $0	N/A	Open Account for Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings
Open Account for Bask Interest Savings Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars. 4.00/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.	5.10% Min. to earn: $0	N/A	Open Account for Bask Interest Savings

Dive deeper into our banks library

Savings CDs

Types of bank accounts

There are four main types of bank accounts: checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and MMAs.

Savings accounts

A savings account is a low-risk account where you can earn interest on your money. It's a great place to save for an emergency fund, a vacation, or a down payment on a home.

Checking accounts

You should open a checking account for money you plan to use for everyday spending. You can withdraw money as often as you like, as long as you don't withdraw more money than you have.

Money market accounts (MMAs)

If checking and savings accounts had a baby, that baby would be a money market account (MMA). MMAs often come with checks or debit cards, like a checking account. They also have high interest rates -- like savings accounts. However, they usually have high minimum balances. You'll have to be able to keep a hefty chunk of cash in the bank at all times if you want to have an MMA.

Best Money Market Accounts

Certificates of deposit (CDs)

A certificate of deposit (CD), also known as a share certificate if you're using a credit union, is a special type of savings account that offers a higher interest rate -- but there's a catch. When you put the money into a CD, you're agreeing that you won't touch it for the length of the CD term. This can be anywhere from a few months to several years. Usually, the longer the loan term, the higher the interest rate.