Banking

Sometimes a money order is the best way to conduct a financial transaction, but knowing how to successfully fill one out is key.

By Cherise Threewitt

Many people don't write checks anymore - or didn't grow up having to fill them out. Still, there are times when the old check is the most convenient (or only) method of payment. So how do you fill one out?

By Nathan Chandler

Even if you have no need for a checkbook, you still need your bank's routing number to set up online payment. So where do you find it?

By Nathan Chandler

Millions of people have figured out how to get by without a bank account, whether by choice or force of circumstance.

By Oisin Curran

By reconciling your checking account, you'll be able to keep a close eye on your account's balance. You can learn more about reconciling a checking account by reading this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

When ATMs entered our daily lives in the '80s, an industry grew around the goal of making banking and living more efficient. But what can you do at an ATM aside from withdrawing cash?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

Even though your bank offers a variety of convenient services, chances are they're not free. And regulations now require banks clearly state all of their fees upfront, but that doesn't mean we expect them.

By Stephanie Crawford

If you're looking for a new place to put your money, it pays to concentrate on finding the right bank for you. What are some of the different things to consider for both your present needs and future financial growth?

By Jacob Clifton

From the outside, banks and credit unions seem very similar, but under the surface, the two types of financial institutions couldn't be more different. What are the differences between banks and credit unions?

By Jacob Clifton

These days ATM skimming is as easy as it looks in the movies -- and it's usually well camouflaged and hard to spot. But armed with some information, you should be able to spot a suspicious ATM when you see one.

By Wesley Fenlon

Cash, credit or debit? You're probably thinking that's not much of a choice since it's all money anyway. That's not exactly true, and you could get burned if you're not careful.

By Josh Clark

Banks do much more than just hold (and repurpose) the money you give them. From mobile banking to international banks to bank alternatives, get a glimpse into the world of banking in our image gallery.

You've prudently pinched pennies to build your nest egg. But with the recent failures of First Republic and Silicon Valley banks, should you worry about losing your money if your bank goes bust?

By Jane McGrath & Kathryn Whitbourne

During a routine car check-up, a service attendant announces to you that it will take $500 to repair your car. Normally, this cost wouldn't be a big deal, but this month you had to pay your income taxes, and you took a hit. How are you going to pay for the repairs?

By John Barrymore

A line of credit can help cover large, unexpected expenses like surgery fees that your medical insurance doesn't cover. With this type of loan, you don't start repayments until you borrow the funds.

By John Barrymore

The year was 1933, and financial ruin was everywhere. Enter the FDIC, created by U.S. Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt to ensure that bank customers didn't lose their money if a bank failed. In 2008, a new financial crisis loomed. What did the FDIC do?

By Dave Roos & John Barrymore

Imagine having a money club with your neighbors to earn money from its profits, and to finance your own mortgages. That's why S&Ls were created, although many folded during the 1980s and 90s.

By John Barrymore

If you've been slapped with an overdraft fee greater than your check or debit charge, you may wonder whether you need all your money in the bank. There are options to banking.

By Jane McGrath

Ever absentmindedly tossed out a credit card bill or checked your bank balance from a computer at the library? Mistakes like these could pave the way for fraud.

By John Barrymore

You've probably heard of offshore bank accounts and Swiss bank accounts. You may have heard there's great wealth to be found in these foreign bank investments. But what's really so special about these international banking opportunities?

By John Barrymore

Credit unions are not-for-profit institutions that offer many banking services to their members. You may be surprised by who's eligible for membership.

By Dave Roos

Swiss bank accounts: They're not exactly the same in real life as they are in James Bond movies and Robert Ludlum books. What's behind their secrecy?

By Lee Ann Obringer

Any time of day, no matter where you are, your money is at your fingertips (and probably earning interest!). Checks, ATMs, electronic transfers -- the modern banking industry makes paying for stuff almost too easy.

By Lee Ann Obringer

You can stop at an ATM, push a few buttons, and leave with cash. Learn about the machines that give you money and the network that approves the transactions.

By Jim Bowen