Key takeaways Closing a credit card may hurt your credit, but the impact varies depending on your credit history. Sometimes, it makes sense to close a card even though it might affect your credit. You can take steps to minimize the potential hit to your credit. If you’re like most…

Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Semi-truck loan timelines range from 24 hours to up to 90 days, depending on the lender and loan type Banks and credit unions tend to take longer to fund semi-truck loans than online or direct lenders Check eligibility requirements and…

Buying a home is an expensive process, and one of the most significant expenses you’ll pay is often your real estate agent‘s commission. When you consider the fact that each agent involved in a transaction typically earns 2.5 to 3 percent of the home’s sale price, the total cost of…

Key takeaways Applying for preapproval can help you know how much you can afford and negotiate at the dealership. The higher your credit score is, the lower your interest rates may be. Lenders offer competitive terms to borrowers with good to excellent credit. Have a budget in mind and know…

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Key takeaways With an eligible Chase credit card, you can earn boosted rewards when you redeem for statement credits toward select purchases made in the last 90 days. Depending on the card, categories include travel, charities, groceries, gas and annual membership fees. Expiration dates vary…

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Charday Penn / Getty Images Verizon and Openbank announced a partnership on Tuesday that gives Verizon customers a way to save money on their bill if they have an Openbank High Yield Savings account. Verizon customers can save money on their monthly bill for 12 months and also access a…

Key takeaways Using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt could be a smart move if you can secure a lower rate or are juggling multiple credit card payments Paying off credit card debt with a personal loan may not be right for you if you’re overwhelmed by…

Hero Images Inc/Getty images Key takeaways A mortgage rate lock extension fee is a charge you pay to retain the interest rate you were initially quoted after the original lock period expires. A lock extension fee typically costs a few hundred dollars, but it can vary by lender, the reason…

Options are a popular way for traders to make money in the market. While basic option strategies let traders take big swings — with some big risks — more advanced multi-leg options strategies allow traders to hedge their risks, giving them more fine-tuned exposure and payoffs. But what all options…

staticnak1983/Getty Images Key takeaways If you need to cover large homebuying expenses, you may be tempted to withdraw from your Roth IRA. You can withdraw contributions from your Roth IRA any time without facing charges or penalties. Taking money out of your retirement now means you could lose out on…

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that…

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images Key takeaways The best bank for a business savings account depends on factors like interest rates, fees, accessibility and services. Online banks typically offer higher APYs and lower fees, while national and regional banks provide in-person banking and additional business services. Look beyond interest…

Key takeaways A financial plan starts with one question: What do you hope to achieve? Think broadly as you create your family financial plan, considering the near and far future and things that may not seem related, such as insurance coverage. Change your plan as your life and goals change.…

Retirement can be a great time to travel abroad, and some retirees even take the more adventurous step of moving overseas. If you’re thinking of taking this big step in a foreign country, you’ll want to double-check that you won’t have problems receiving your Social Security benefits.  Here are three things…