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Karen Bennett

Consumer Banking Reporter
  • 30
    Years of experience
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Consumer banking
  • Savings accounts
  • CD rates
  • Money market accounts
  • Personal finance
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • 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

Karen talks with Yahoo Finance on ways to save more money each month

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How to budget for the holidays

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Karen’s 5 steps to a financial glow-up

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Ways to save at the grocery store

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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

  • Santander Bank Review 2025

    Read our experts' review on Santander Bank's features and product offerings. Bankrate reviews and compares hundreds of banks to help find the right fit for you.

    2 min read Jun 05, 2026
  • TAB Bank Review 2025

    Read our experts' review on Transportation Alliance Bank 's features and product offerings. Bankrate reviews and compares hundreds of banks to help find the right fit for you.

    2 min read Jun 05, 2026
  • CIT Bank Review 2025

    Read our experts' review on CIT Bank's features and product offerings. Bankrate reviews and compares hundreds of banks to help find the right fit for you.

    4 min read Jun 05, 2026
  • Bankrate awards 2024 banking banner featuring a piggy bank with coins hovering above it

    The Best Banks of 2024

    See top banking accounts for 2024, backed with Bankrate's expertise. Low fees, online banks, savings accounts and more—find the best with The Bankrate Awards.

    1 min read Jun 05, 2026
  • Best IRA CD Rates for June 2026

    Find the best IRA CD rates from credit unions and banks by comparing APY, term, minimum deposit required and early withdrawal penalty charges.

    9 min read Jun 05, 2026
  • CD Rates in Massachusetts June 2026

    Maximize your savings by exploring the best CD rates in Massachusetts. Compare rates from multiple banks, evaluate terms, and to find the right CD for you.

    3 min read Jun 04, 2026