Best Online High-Yield Savings Accounts
- We review savings accounts at nearly three dozen institutions weekly to identify the strongest options.
- The best ones are offered by banks with a strong online presence, robo-advisors, and other internet-only financial companies.
- All accounts listed offer at least 4.35% APY, significantly higher than the national average.
Best Credit Cards of 2024 | Top Picks for Rewards, Travel, and Cash Back
Discover the best credit cards of 2024 with our expert reviews and comparisons. Find the top cards for rewards, travel, cash back, and low interest.
Best Cash-Back Debit Cards of 2024
Find the top cash-back debit cards with the highest rewards rates. Compare cash-back debit card features to maximize your earnings on everyday purchases.
Best Personal Loan Companies of July 2024
Our list of best personal loans includes LightStream, SoFi, Wells Fargo, Avant, PenFed, and Service Credit Union. Learn about interest rates, fees, and more.
Understanding Mortgage Rate Buydowns
Business Insider's methodology for evaluating mortgage lenders
Personal Finance Insider looks at four main categories when evaluating lenders: loan types, affordability, customer satisfaction, and trustworthiness.
Securing a Low-Interest Rate Mortgage: Expert Strategies
Unlock the secrets to securing a low-interest rate on your mortgage. From improving your credit score to shopping around for lenders, learn strategies to save.
Owner Financing for Mortgages Explained
Learn what owner financing is, how it benefits both buyers and sellers, and what to consider before entering into an owner-financed real estate transaction.
How to Get a Mortgage With No Down Payment
Explore your options for securing a mortgage without a down payment. We cover government-backed programs, lender-specific offers, and practical tips to help you achieve homeownership with minimal upfront costs.
Deciding on Your Home Down Payment: A Comprehensive Guide
Determine the right size for your home down payment. Factor in your finances, loan requirements, and long-term goals to make an informed decision.
Calculating Your Rent Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide
When to Refinance a Mortgage
What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do?
Fixed-rate mortgages: How they work, pros and cons
A fixed-rate mortgage locks your interest rate for the entire life of the loan, which keeps your payments predictable. See if this is the right mortgage for you.
What is a reverse mortgage, and how does it work?
A reverse mortgage is a type of mortgage for older adults in need of cash. The lender pays you from your home's equity. Find out if a reverse mortgage is right for you.
Average HELOC interest rate trends by loan type and credit score
The average HELOC interest rate has increased significantly this year. Here's how HELOC rates can vary based on the type of loan you get and your credit profile.
A beginner's guide to home renovation loans
Discover the ins and outs of home renovation loans in our beginner's guide. Explore financing options, eligibility, and tips for successfully financing projects.
Unraveling Mortgage Rates: What Drives and Determines Them
Discover the key factors that determine mortgage rates. Explore the influence of economic indicators, lender policies, and other critical elements in our guide.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Escrow: Definition, Process, and Services
Discover what an escrow account is and how it works in real estate and other financial transactions. Get a clear understanding with our informative guide.
401(K) Home Purchase Withdrawals: Pros and Cons
Explore the pros and cons of 401(k) home purchase withdrawals. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of using retirement savings for a home down payment.
How to Get a Mortgage - Your Complete Guide to Home Financing
Discover the essential steps on how to get a mortgage, including tips on improving your credit score, choosing the right mortgage type, and understanding the application process.
Construction Loans: How to Finance the Cost of Building a Home
From eligibility criteria to the application process, here are our tips for financing your home building project efficiently using a construction loan.
Finding the Right Real Estate Agent: Everything You Need to Know
Learn the steps to finding a real estate agent who can help you with buying or selling a home, including questions to ask and how to vet their expertise.
How to decide between a fixed- vs. adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
Mortgage rates come in two basic flavors: fixed and adjustable. Here's how to determine whether a fixed- vs. adjustable-rate mortgage is right for you.
Can you transfer your mortgage to someone else?
Whether you can transfer your mortgage to someone else depends on the type of loan you have. Only certain types are assumable, meaning they can be transferred.
HELOC vs. home equity loan: What's the difference?
What's the difference between a HELOC and home equity loan? They're both second mortgages, but repayment methods are different. Find your rate today.
Mortgages and grants to help people with disabilities buy a home
There are many programs that can make homeownership more achievable if you have a disability. See which disability home loans and grants could be right for you.
How people with disabilities can use an ABLE account to buy a house
Using an ABLE account can help people with disabilities save for homeownership without losing benefits. Learn how you can buy a home using an ABLE account.
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Interest-only mortgage: How does it work, and should you get one?
An interest-only mortgage allows you to just pay interest for the first few years. Then you'll switch to paying both interest and principal. Find out if it's the right fit for you.
What is a balloon mortgage, and should you get one?
Balloon mortgage monthly payments are smaller than with a regular mortgage, but you'll make a large lump sum payment later. Find out if it's a good fit for you.
Mortgage broker: What do they do, and should you use one?
A mortgage broker is the middleman between you and a variety of lenders, and they have access to lenders you can't find on your own. Find out if a mortgage broker is right for you.
VA loan: Definition, how it works, and eligibility
A VA loan is a mortgage for active military, veterans, and their families. You usually don't need a down payment. Find out if you qualify for a VA loan.
USDA loan: What it is, how to qualify, pros and cons
USDA loans don't require a minimum down payment. They're for low-to-moderate-income homebuyers in rural or suburban areas. Find out if you qualify
How to spot discrimination in mortgage lending, and what you can do about it
It's illegal for mortgage lenders to make lending decisions based on protected class characteristics, such as race, religion, or sex. Here's what borrowers should know.
Some homebuyers send love letters to help their offer stand out — but they could run afoul of fair housing rules
"Love letters" can help homebuyers make their offers more personal. But accepting them could end up violating fair housing laws. Here's what sellers need to know.
What is a conventional loan, and should you get one?
For most borrowers, a conventional loan is the mortgage of choice when buying a home or refinancing. Learn what these loans are, how to qualify, and where to get one.
Average mortgage payment by state, city, and year
The average mortgage payment varies depending on current rates and where you live. Learn what the median and average monthly mortgage payments are in the US right now.
Mortgage: definition, loan types, how to get one
A mortgage is a type of loan used to buy a home. It uses the home as collateral, which means the lender can foreclose on the property if a borrower defaults.
The pros and cons of adjustable-rate mortgages
Adjustable-rate mortgages are a popular alternative to fixed-rate mortgages. But they come with certain risks, so it's important to consider the pros and cons.
What is a land lease?
Buying property on leased land can be very affordable, but there are risks involved. Here's what you need to know about what a land lease is and how it works.
Will mortgage rates go down? 5 reasons you shouldn't wait for rates to drop
Mortgage rates are at a two-decade high, and home prices are continuing to rise. But there are some silver linings that could make buying a house in this market worth it.
What are iBuyers, and should you sell your home to one?
iBuyers are companies that purchase homes directly from sellers, using algorithms to determine the value of the homes. It can be convenient, but there are drawbacks.
Understanding what housing discrimination is, its effects — and how to report it if it happens to you
Housing discrimination was made illegal in 1968, but it still happens, often in subtle ways. Learn about housing discrimination and where to go if it happens to you.
What does debt-to-income ratio mean for mortgage borrowers?
Lenders look at debt-to-income ratio — monthly debt payments divided by monthly gross income — to decide whether a borrower can handle a monthly mortgage payment.
How to get a mortgage with bad credit, a guide for first-time home buyers
It's possible to get a mortgage and buy a house with bad credit, but you'll typically pay more to do so. Improving your credit can help you save money in the long run.
What is PMI? Private mortgage insurance explained
Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is a cost that will be included in your monthly mortgage payment if you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan.
What is a mortgage lien?
Mortgage liens are legal tools that enable lenders to recoup their losses when a borrower defaults. Here's everything homeowners should know about mortgage liens.
What's the difference between mortgage APR vs. interest rate?
Lenders have to disclose both the mortgage APR and the interest rate to borrowers. APR gives you a better idea of what you'll pay on your mortgage overall.
Renting vs. buying: Making the jump to homeownership
Homeownership comes with a lot of benefits, but it's not for everyone. Explore renting vs. buying a home and the pros and cons of becoming a homeowner.
How much does it cost to refinance? Average closing costs by state
Average mortgage refinance closing costs in 2021 were $2,375, but it can vary depending on where you're located. See how much borrowers pay in your state.