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Michael Benninger

Michael Benninger

Staff writer

Michael Benninger is lead editor of banking at Forbes Advisor and a former writer at Finder, specializing in banking. His work and analysis has been featured in Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, GoBankingRates and the Los Angeles Times, among other top media. He holds a B.A. in business administration and marketing from Rowan University in New Jersey.

Expertise

  • Kids’ banking products
  • Cash management accounts
  • Fintechs and neobanks

Experience

  • Expert in kids’ bank accounts and prepaid debit cards

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in business administration and marketing | Rowan University | 1998–2002

Featured publications

Latest articles by Michael Benninger

49 articles written by this author

Best home equity lenders

Shopping for a new home? Here are five of the best home equity lenders in America.

Michael Benninger 13 October 2022
Best home equity lenders

Best mortgage lenders

Shopping for a new home? Here are five of the best mortgage lenders in America.

Michael Benninger 28 January 2022
Best mortgage lenders
Checking Accounts

First Citizens Bank Free Checking review

First Citizens Bank Free Checking includes budgeting features, but it’s not available nationwide.

Michael Benninger 17 November 2021
First Citizens Bank Free Checking review
Checking Accounts

First National Bank Freestyle Checking account review

First National Bank Freestyle Checking has no monthly fee, but it doesn’t earn interest.

Michael Benninger 10 November 2021
First National Bank Freestyle Checking account review
Checking Accounts

First National Bank eStyle account review

First National Bank eStyle is an online bank account without check-writing privileges.

Michael Benninger 9 November 2021
First National Bank eStyle account review
Checking Accounts

First National Bank Lifestyle Checking account review

First National Bank Lifestyle checking earns interest and includes a safe deposit box.

Michael Benninger 9 November 2021
First National Bank Lifestyle Checking account review
Compare Prepaid Cards

Figure Pay prepaid debit card review

The Figure Pay card is free and earns rewards, but it lacks several standard features.

Michael Benninger 8 October 2021
Figure Pay prepaid debit card review
Bank Accounts

16 banks with early direct deposit

Early direct deposits allow you to access your paycheck before it usually processes. Compare over 15 banks that offer this feature.

Michael Benninger 10 September 2021
16 banks with early direct deposit
Checking Accounts

Sable Bank account review

Sable’s debit card earns rewards, but you can’t deposit checks or use ATMs for free.

Michael Benninger 8 September 2021
Sable Bank account review
Kids banking

Navy Federal Visa Buxx review

Navy Federal’s Visa Buxx card has no fees, but you must qualify for membership with the credit union.

Michael Benninger 13 July 2021
Navy Federal Visa Buxx review
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