Banking
Looking for a new bank? Trying to optimize your savings strategy? Just curious to learn more about how banks operate? LendEDU’s team of financial writers and certified experts are here to help with in-depth educational articles and honest, data-based banking product reviews.

Compare High-Yield Savings Accounts
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are one of the easiest ways to earn more on money you’re already saving. While big banks still pay close to 0.40% APY (if you’re lucky), many online banks and credit unions have 3% to 5% APYs right now.
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- Earn up to 4.00% APY8
- Limited Time Offer – New accounts earn a 0.70% APY boost to 4.00% for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit8
- $0 minimum balance to earn APY
- Earn $50 or $300 when you sign up and set up eligible direct deposit1
- Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up
- Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3
- FDIC Insured up to $250k plus up to $3M in supplemental insurance4
SoFi Disclosures
- Earn 3.85% APY* with Barclays1 Tiered Savings
- $0 min. balance to earn APY
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Easy direct deposits & online transfers
- Deposits are FDIC Insured
Barclays Disclosures
- Earn 3.85% APY* with Forbright Bank Growth Savings
- No minimum deposit or account fees
- Unlimited transfers
- Open an account in minutes
- FDIC-Insured
Learn About Banks

Best Banks and Credit Unions That Don't Use Chexsystems
Most banks and credit unions use ChexSystems as part of their account approval process, but not all. Some even offer second-chance checking accounts for people who have been denied accounts elsewhere due to their ChexSystems report. See our roundup here.
Safest Banks in the U.S. for 2025
Looking for secure banking options? This guide highlights the most trustworthy banks in the United States, focusing on FDIC protection, financial stability, consumer ratings, and institutional strength.
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Is Your Money Safe in the Bank?
This guide breaks down the protections in place to keep your money secure, including FDIC and NCUA insurance, bank balance limits, and how to check if your financial institution is regulated.
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What Happens When a Bank Fails?
Bank failures are rare, but they do happen. This article explains what it means when a bank collapses, how the FDIC steps in to protect depositors, and what you should do if your bank is at risk.
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What Is Debanking?
Debanking is when a bank decides to close an account, usually without advance notice. It’s recently gotten mainstream attention in the news. In August 2025, the White House issued an executive order to prevent banks from closing accounts illegally. We’ll explain the current controversy about debanking and share what to do if this happens to you.
Mobile Bank Reviews

Varo Bank: 2025 Review
Varo offers a comprehensive suite of mobile-first banking products, including checking, savings, a secured credit card, cash advances, and a cashback debit card. With no monthly fees, a strong ATM network, and full FDIC insurance, Varo stands out as a legit all-digital bank built for modern users.
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Current vs Chime vs Varo: 2025 Comparison
This head-to-head comparison breaks down three leading fintech apps—Current, Chime, and Varo. See how they stack up on fees, features, savings tools, credit-building options, and more to help you choose the best mobile banking app.
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Chime: 2025 Review
Chime is one of the most popular challenger banks in the U.S., offering fee-free banking with perks like early direct deposit, credit-building tools, and no overdraft fees.
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Current App: 2025 Review
Current is a flexible mobile banking app designed for people on the go—including teens, families, and solo spenders.
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All banking articles
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What Is the Typical Minimum Balance Needed for an Online Savings Account?
Many people assume you need hundreds of dollars to open a high-yield online savings account. Totally fair. Traditional banks have trained us to expect fine print, minimums, and hoops to…
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How Does a Traditional Savings Account Work?
A savings account is a bank account where you can store money safely and watch it grow over time, thanks to interest. Everyone can benefit from having a savings account;…
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Compare Savings Accounts: Weigh These 8 Crucial Factors
Savings accounts are one of the most essential parts of personal finance. Money you keep in your savings account is safe and relatively accessible and can grow over time through…
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Dave App Review 2026: Is This Banking and Paycheck Advance App Worth It?
What is the Dave App? Dave, a popular fintech app with more than 12 million members, aims to make everyday banking easy and accessible. T he app offers checking and…
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Betterment Review 2026: Cash Reserve High-Yield Cash Management Account and Checking
What is Betterment? Launched in the wake of 2008’s Great Recession, Betterment was created to make it easier and more affordable for people to receive investment advice. Over the years,…
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BrioDirect Review: Best Online Savings Account for APY in 2026?
Our take: Is BrioDirect a good bank? BrioDirect earns 4.2 out of 5 stars from LendEDU and our Best High-APY Savings designation for one simple reason: It pays an excellent…
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Axos Bank Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Fees, and Whether It’s a Safe Online Bank
Using a digital bank is commonplace these days, but when Axos Bank started back in 2000, the idea was revolutionary. Since its founding days, when it was known as the…
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Synchrony Bank 2026 Review: Competitive High-Yield Savings and CD Rates
Our take: Is Synchrony Bank a good bank? Synchrony Bank earns a 4.4 out of 5 from LendEDU and stands out as one of the best options for competitive high-yield…
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Truist Bank Review 2026: Full-Service Banking With Trade-Offs
What is Truist Bank? Truist Bank is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has a footprint in 17 states, plus Washington, D.C. The full-suite bank has 1,900+ branches and 2,800+…
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Barclays Bank Review 2026: Strong Savings Rates, but No Checking Account
What is Barclays Bank (Barclays US)? Barclays Bank was established in the United Kingdom in 1690 and has been an innovative presence in the country ever since, debuting the U.K.’s…