Last updated: November 11, 2026
When we compare banks, credit unions, savings accounts, CDs and checking accounts, we use the same criteria every time so you can see why an account made our list. This page explains what we look at, how much each factor counts, where our data comes from and how often we check it.
What we look at
| Factor | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (APY) | 35% | The APY compared with top national rates and the FDIC national average, and whether the rate is a short promotion or needs conditions such as direct deposit. |
| Fees | 20% | Monthly maintenance fees and how easy they are to avoid, overdraft and nonsufficient-funds fees, ATM fees and early withdrawal penalties on CDs. |
| Access to your money | 15% | Transfers, ATM network, branch access, mobile check deposit, and how quickly you can move money in and out. |
| Minimums and terms | 10% | Minimum deposit to open, minimum balance to earn the rate, CD term choices and how rate tiers work. |
| Safety | 10% | FDIC or NCUA insurance (we confirm it in FDIC BankFind or the NCUA credit union locator), and whether money is held through a partner bank. |
| Customer experience | 10% | Mobile app features, customer service hours and channels, and patterns in public complaint data. |
We adjust the weights for the type of account. For a checking account, fees and access matter more than APY; for a CD, the rate and the early withdrawal penalty matter most.
Where our data comes from
- Rates and terms published by each bank or credit union on its own website and rate pages.
- Fee schedules, truth-in-savings disclosures and account agreements from each provider.
- Official sources: FDIC national rates and BankFind, NCUA data, the Federal Reserve and the CFPB.
Every rate table on FinInfoBlog shows the date the rates and terms were checked. Rates can change at any time, so always confirm on the provider’s own site before you open an account.
How often we update
- Savings, money market and CD rate lists: at least monthly, and after every Federal Reserve rate decision.
- Checking account and bank comparisons: at least every three months, or sooner when a bank changes its fees.
- When we update a list, we change the “Rates and terms checked” date shown above the table.
What we don’t do
- We don’t accept payment to include a bank or change its position. FinInfoBlog doesn’t have paid placements today; if that changes, partner products will be clearly labeled and still judged by these criteria. See our Advertising Disclosure.
- We don’t review every bank and credit union in the country. Our lists focus on accounts available nationwide or widely available online.
- Our ratings are general comparisons, not personal advice. The best account for you depends on how you bank.
Questions or a correction? Tell us through our contact page. Read more about how we work in our Editorial Policy.
Related: Best High-Yield Savings Accounts · Best CD Rates · Best Free Checking Accounts · FDIC Insurance Calculator