Banking industry publications can keep professionals up to date on current news and trends occurring in their field.

To find out about banking publications pricing and costs you will have to consider different types of banking materials available. Look on sites that retail banking magazines, books and journals to see what you can expect to pay for a subscription or single banking book purchase.

1. Decide on the publications on banking that you want to own. Browse for print and online banking publications before you start looking at prices.

2. Determine a budget for banking industry publications. For instance, you may not want to spend more than $100 a month to keep your banking library updated.

3. Gain access to free banking magazines and publications. Many bank industry news stories are printed online at no cost.

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Purchase new and used banking book publications

Banking books will cover a large range of topics depending on the title that you choose; you can find anything from current financial markets to banking institution management techniques. Newer publications will carry a higher price, especially if it's a lengthy book while used versions can save you money.

I recommend: Choose a book on banking from the extensive offerings available through the World Bank site. Most of the banking books cost around $30 to $40. These prices are for new versions and you can save money by looking to retailers that sell used books on banking. BestBookBuys has banking publications from used and new resellers for as little as $1.

Subscribe to banking magazines

A banking industry magazine can give you more current information than books about banking. Subscribe to a well respected banking journal or magazine in order to stay abreast of news. Since banking magazines are specialty publications, they will likely run upwards of $5-10 per issue.

I recommend: American Banker is one of the leading magazines about banking in the industry. To subscribe to the magazine, you will pay close to $1,000 per year, which will include print versions and online access. For a more affordable monthly banking magazine option, subscribe to US Banker on Magazine City for about $120 a year.

Receive free banking publications

Typically, banking professionals are given complimentary subscriptions to many bank related magazines, especially for the first year. You can also find a slew of online banking publications that will cost you nothing to browse.

I recommend: As long as your work in the banking industry, you can access the ABA Banking Journal for free. You will have to give information about your role in banking before your subscription can become active. Bank Systems & Technology has a free complimentary one year subscription plan for residents of the United States and Canada. You can also view online articles for free.

The banking industry can be one of the most rewarding places to build a career if you're able to stay on top of the latest industry news. One of the easiest and most accessible ways to get ahead of the game is by regularly reading banking publications. From banking magazines to online banking publications, these periodicals are mandatory reading for the industry's elite as well as up-and-comers.

You can use banking publications to get the latest industry data and statistics, find the latest banking technology trends or find out what it takes to run a successful banking company from those who do so the right way every day. When choosing which publications to add to your research arsenal, consider the following:

1. Banking magazines offer great blanket industry information in a timely manner on a regular basis throughout the year.
2. Banking technology is key to running a successful business, and publications that focus on it will be an invaluable help.
3. Some of the best resources in the industry are bank executives, and they regularly share their insights with a number of trusted magazines about banking.
   

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Look up blanket banking industry publications

A number of publications on banking report on every aspect of the industry, making them great go-to resources for blanket news and information.

I recommend: American Banker is banking book that is a comprehensive source of banking industry news. The Banker is another banking book that proves to be an all-encompassing source of banking news and information.

Look for banking magazines that target banking technology

There are a number of banking magazines that deal exclusively with the realm of banking technology, from the latest software to the newest ways to configure systems. Make sure to add these magazines to your banking industry reference collection.

I recommend: The Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce is a banking publication that provides a worldly perspective on Internet banking. Bank Technology News, a publication of American Banker, offers news and information on Internet-based banking companies and other banking technology issues.

Look into banking journals geared toward executives

The most useful banking articles can be found in banking magazines specializing in the insights of banking CEOs. Any banking magazine that looks to the industry leaders for the latest information is a useful resource for repeat reference while on the job.

I recommend: The ABA Banking Journal is a monthly publication of the American Bankers Association that's written to help executives and managers navigate the competitive commercial and savings bank markets. The Northwestern Financial Review is a banking journal geared toward bank presidents and other bank executives.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The banking industry is made up of multiple sectors, all of which are covered in the online editions of these publications. Go to the websites listed above and sign up for e-mail alerts and e-newsletters to supplement the information you receive from the publications.

The banking industry publications range from the traditional banking journal to banking magazines. Banking journals generally cater to professionals within the banking system. Conversely, the magazines about banking target a broader range of consumers. Both offer valuable resources for any stakeholder within the banking industry. Another form that is outside the traditional banking publications types and styles is the online periodical. Although online banking publications offer the immediacy of the Internet and valid information, they've yet to attain the same industry reputation of the journals and magazines.

When you're compiling and entering the information for the banking book, the various types and styles of banking publications can be of great assistance. The various banking journals cover industry regulations and news from within the banking system. Magazines on the other hand provide more advice, tips and editorial information. That's why it's important to understand the difference between the two. However, before you begin to evaluate the different types and styles, there are few things to consider:

1. Review the journal publications on banking.

2. Examine the banking industry magazines that offer strategies and commentary.

3. Evaluate the online banking publications.

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Compare the different types of banking periodical journals available

Banking journals vary from the general to specific themes like regulations or banking law. While each offers their own value, one can benefit another profession or company over another. For instance, if you were a lawyer, then you would want to be sure to subscribe to the Banking Law Journal. However, should you have a lawyer on retainer, then you would prefer Journal of Banking Regulation.

I recommend: Assess the banking information available at ABA Banking Journal. If your company is closer to the investment side of banking, you may want to review the Journal of Banking and Finance. Finally, as previously mentioned, review the styles and types offered at the Journal of Banking Regulation and the Banking Law Journal.

Study each banking industry magazine for the differences in style

The content for a banking magazine is, just as the name suggests, comparable to a traditional magazine from any business sector. Banking magazines will have less information pertaining directly to operating a bank and more to dominating personalities and problems within the industry.

I recommend: Subscribe to the industry publication the U.S. Banker. Evaluate the content available at BAI Banking Strategies.

Analyze the types and style of online banking industry publications

While it's true that online publications have less of a track record than journals and magazine, the information available through these outlets can offer more timely data. The publication speed and adaptability is the main advantage an Internet publication provides. If news breaks within the industry, these publications can react almost instantly.

I recommend: Subscribe to the Online Banking Report. You can also review the industry information from the Banking Business Review.

No matter what place you have in the banking industry, you will need a way to stay on top of financial trends. Fortunately, there are plenty of publications that deal with banking. Consider whether you prefer a journal or magazine, how many new editions you want per year, and if you want hard facts or opinion pieces. Either way, there is a banking publication out there for you, so get to know some of the main magazines and journals available.

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ABA Banking Journal

The ABA Banking Journal is free if you have a career in banking. The objective of the ABA Banking Journal is to explore news and trends in the banking industry. You can receive it in print or digital form, and it is published monthly.

I recommend: Check out The American Bankers Association to find out details about the ABA Banking Journal.

US Banker Magazine

If you are in a high-level role at your banking institution, a subscription to US Banker Magazine might interest you. No matter how much money your bank deals with, you can always afford to learn more about issues like globalization and deregulation. These topics, among others, are covered by US Banker Magazine.

I recommend: Magazine City offers a detailed description and discounted subscription to US Banker Magazine.

American Banker

American Banker is offered in both print and online formats, and has existed since 1835. Readers are treated to recent market research, analytical articles and the latest financial information available from writers who reside in eight cities nationwide.

I recommend: American Banker is available to anyone involved in banking, complete with online features that are free with a subscription.

The Banking Law Journal

If you are interested in learning more about laws regarding banking, The Banking Law Journal should be of interest. This journal offers information about cases and regulations involving the financial industry. It is published ten times per year.

I recommend: A.S. Pratt & Sons features a description of The Banking Law Journal.

Journal of Money, Credit and Banking

Whether you're in upper level bank management or simply interested in financial matters, the Journal of Money, Credit and Banking is an informative resource. Find out about fiscal policies, bank regulation and more with this journal.

I recommend: Visit John Wiley & Sons to find out more about the Journal of Money, Credit and Banking.

Bank Advisor

Bank Advisor prides itself on providing those in the banking industry with information about new products, services and strategies. Subscribers also receive free weekly newsletters that address financial trends.

I recommend: Learn more about a subscription to Bank Advisor, which comes with free newsletters.