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
45 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.
![Best home equity lenders](https://www.finder.com/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/06/article-default_450x250.png)
Best mortgage lenders
Shopping for a new home? Here are five of the best mortgage lenders in America.
![Best mortgage lenders](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2018/12/usfhl-best-mortgage-lenders-contentfeed.png)
First Citizens Bank Free Checking review
First Citizens Bank Free Checking includes budgeting features, but it’s not available nationwide.
![First Citizens Bank Free Checking review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2021/11/FirstCitizensBankLogo_supplied_450x250.png)
First National Bank Freestyle Checking account review
First National Bank Freestyle Checking has no monthly fee, but it doesn’t earn interest.
![First National Bank Freestyle Checking account review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2021/11/FirstNationalBankLogo_Supplied_450x250.png)
First National Bank eStyle account review
First National Bank eStyle is an online bank account without check-writing privileges.
![First National Bank eStyle account review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2021/11/FirstNationalBankLogo_Supplied_450x250.png)
First National Bank Lifestyle Checking account review
First National Bank Lifestyle checking earns interest and includes a safe deposit box.
![First National Bank Lifestyle Checking account review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2021/11/FirstNationalBankLogo_Supplied_450x250.png)
Figure Pay prepaid debit card review
The Figure Pay card is free and earns rewards, but it lacks several standard features.
![Figure Pay prepaid debit card review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2021/10/FigurePayLogo_Supplied_450x250.png)
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.
![16 banks with early direct deposit](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2021/05/Man-watching-laptop_getty_450x250.png)
Navy Federal Visa Buxx review
Navy Federal’s Visa Buxx card has no fees, but you must qualify for membership with the credit union.
![Navy Federal Visa Buxx review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2020/03/NavyFederalLogo-NFCU-450x250-1.jpg)
Regions Savings for Minors review
This account has no fees and a low minimum deposit, but it earns little interest.
![Regions Savings for Minors review](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-us/wp-uploads/2020/01/RegionsLogo_Supplied_450x250.png)