Understanding Banking

Banking consists of the products and services people use every day, including financial institutions such as lenders or credit unions. It also includes an array of financial services such as cashing checks, borrowing, loaning, buying, selling and investing. Whether you’ve been putting your money in a high-yield savings account or in a piggy bank, you’ve been banking.

Not all banking is created equal, and the right financial choices aren’t always the obvious ones. GOBankingRates was created to help you make informed financial decisions.

No matter how big or small the denominations are, the way people bank greatly influences the economy — by paying for or investing in goods and services, people’s banking choices determine supply and demand, drive commerce, and decide market value. Whether you’re choosing the best bank or learning how to set up direct deposit, GOBankingRates is here to help.