Karen Bennett
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30Years of experience
- Consumer banking
- Savings accounts
- CD rates
- Money market accounts
- Personal finance
- Master of Arts in Journalism, Columbia College Chicago
- Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Illinois
- Minor in Political Science, University of Illinois
Karen Bennett is a senior consumer banking reporter at Bankrate. Her expertise lies in finding the best savings accounts, checking accounts and CDs, as well as all things personal finance. She’s been a reporter at Bankrate since 2021, and she holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a bachelor’s degree in English.
Karen’s writing experience spans topics including bank accounts, saving money, budgeting, and credit cards, as well as lifestyle and health. She also spent time as a writer of product reviews and a reporter for local newspapers in Chicago, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. In addition, she worked for over a decade as a writer and product manager for CoolSavings, a website devoted to saving money on groceries, travel and other products.
Karen stays on top of the latest in banking and personal finance. Topics she writes about for Bankrate include how to choose the best high-yield savings account, the latest statistics on checking account fees and ways to protect yourself from bank fraud.
On the personal finance front, Karen has covered topics such as progress for women in banking and the pitfalls of spaving deals (spaving is the act of spending more money to qualify for money-saving promotions).
When she’s not working, Karen enjoys working on her novel, as well as reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family.
Karen beyond Bankrate
The pillars of smart money management include having an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, paying down debt, following a budget and living within your means.
— Karen Bennett
Karen's latest articles
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Here’s when an early withdrawal from a CD is worth it
Sometimes paying an early withdrawal penalty on a CD isn’t a bad idea.
4 min read Jan 28, 2026 -
NCUA: What it is and how it keeps your credit union deposits safe
The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
4 min read Jan 28, 2026 -
How to open a savings account: 5 steps to take
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
6 min read Jan 28, 2026 -
How to start (and build) an emergency fund
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
11 min read Jan 28, 2026 -
How to start saving (even if you’re starting from scratch)
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
4 min read Jan 22, 2026 -
Short-term CD vs. long-term CD: Which is best for you?
CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
5 min read Jan 22, 2026 -
What to do when a CD matures
Find out what happens to CDs that are set to mature.
4 min read Jan 21, 2026