How does a local community bank stack up against a big bank? We're not afraid to look at both banking options and find out which type of financial institution stands taller in the financial battlefield. Let's state the obvious equities up front: Both will provide an account holder with a checking account and a savings account, and both lend money when it's time to buy a car or take out a personal loan. Of course, there's much more to consider from a community bank or large...

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Many people prefer to use their debit card for everyday purchases because it is easier to manage your money. While you can overdraft (ouch!), you can't rack up the same amount of interest-bearing debt like you could on a credit card. Debit cards are so popular that they account for 28% of all non-cash transactions. Debit vs credit transactions You might have noticed that when you make purchases with a debit card, you have the option to run it as debit transaction or credit. This...

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If you've ever heard a story about popular retailers involved in major security breaches, it’s no wonder that credit and debit card fraud raise your concerns. You can avoid becoming a part of a breach by learning how to protect your personal finances. The security of your bank keeps your debit card and money safe. With a few precautions of your own, you can protect your accounts and keep your money easy to access and spend. Monitor your accounts Credit and debit cards might...

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Sometimes the best reward is more money in your bank account. Kasasa Cash Back accounts give you just that. When you spend money with your debit card, it benefits your bank. They make money with every swipe. There's no reason you shouldn't be earning rewards for your debit card spending the way you do with your credit cards. That's the idea behind our free Kasasa Cash Back accounts. You get rewarded in cash back when you make debit card purchases, plus a few...

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Managing your finances is a lifelong journey. You wouldn’t start a trip without directions. This list of financial wellness tips will help you enjoy the ride.  1. Create a Budget Find the right approach for you. There’s the 50/30/20 budget, the zero-balance budget, the pay-yourself-first budget. There are many different strategies out there. Read about popular options here. Check your spending habits. You've got your goals, great! Time for a gut check. See where...

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Kasasa checking accounts offer monthly rewards that blow most other accounts away...as long as you meet a few qualifications. One of those is swiping your debit card a certain number of times each month. But if you’re like most people, you also have a credit card that offers rewards too. When faced with the question of how to get all your Kasasa debit card swipes, and still earn credit card rewards, we understand your dilemma. You aren't swiping either card just for the rewards....

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A question many potential home buyers ask when applying for a mortgage is: Should I pay off debt before applying for a home loan? Credit card debt, auto loans and other forms of debt can all have an impact on a person's credit score, which in turn affects the rate they are able to get on their mortgage (or their ability to qualify in the first place). The answer isn't always as simple as a yes or a no, but there are a few figures to keep in mind that can aid in making this decision. Potential...

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We get brand loyalty. You’ve been using the same kind of toothpaste for over a decade, there’s only one type of coffee that tastes right in the morning, a small handful of sources you trust to deliver you news. But when is the last time you second-guessed your bank? A lot of us sign up early in our financial lives with a national bank, maybe one offering painless on-campus signup to freshmen, or the one you went with because they have branches everywhere you go. That national bank...

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Your credit score plays an important role in many aspects of your life, from the rate you get on a car loan to passing a background check for your dream job. In lots of little ways, having bad credit can keep you from achieving your short- and long-term plans. Luckily, improving your credit score isn't a mystery; it is a simple process that you just need to follow consistently. Step 1: Check your credit score You cannot begin to make changes to your credit score if you...

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At its core, banking is all about bank accounts providing cash, which financial institutions use to make loans. But since there’s much more to it than that, here’s a look at what goes into the calculation so you can shop for the best rates for you. Interest rates on loans How do banks and credit unions determine the interest rate you pay on your loan (Annual Percentage Rate). There are several factors. Your credit score: You might see an advertisement for a great rate...

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