The Federal Reserve and Your Money
The U.S. central bank has lifted interest rates to a 22-year high, impacting how much you pay to borrow money and how much you earn when you save. Get advice and stay informed on what to do with your wallet.
The Fed's impact on your wallet
The latest interest rates
Every time the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, borrowing and savings rates move in lockstep. Compare Bankrate data to see how the latest Fed decision is impacting rates on key consumer products.
As economy slow, mortgage rates retreat
This week's HELOC news and analysis
Current credit card interest rates
Current car loan interest rates
What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
Essential reading
Banking
May Fed meeting preview: Are rate cuts canceled or just delayed? Watch for these 3 key themes as inflation stays hot
9 min read
Banking
Top high-yield savings accounts are now beating inflation. Here’s why that’s important
5 min read
Banking
Why now might be a good time to consider longer-term CDs
4 min read
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Latest Articles
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How the Federal Reserve impacts personal loans
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates several times. These interest rate changes are likely to affect the rates of personal loans.
4 min read May 09, 2024 -
What is the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet?
Now a cornerstone of Fed policy, the balance sheet has big implications for your wallet.
8 min read May 02, 2024 -
The Fed’s latest meeting wasn’t just about interest rates. Here’s why you shouldn’t overlook its balance sheet announcement
The Fed hopes to prevent major market disruptions that could cause rates to spike.
6 min read May 02, 2024 -
Bank overdraft protection: Do you need it?
Overdraft protection can be a helpful and convenient tool to avoid paying a steeper overdraft fee.
3 min read May 02, 2024 -
How the Federal Reserve affects HELOCs and home equity loans
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
4 min read May 01, 2024 -
How does the Federal Reserve affect mortgages?
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
3 min read May 01, 2024 -
How does the Fed interest rate affect car loans?
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
3 min read May 01, 2024 -
What the Fed’s continued rate pause means for homebuyers and sellers
The Fed again held steady with no new rate hike at its second meeting of 2024.
4 min read May 01, 2024 -
How the Fed rate changes impact student loan interest rates
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
5 min read May 01, 2024 -
Though Fed holds lending rates steady, subprime cardholders continue to feel sting of high interest rates
Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
4 min read May 01, 2024 -
Why are credit card APRs so high?
Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
5 min read May 01, 2024 -
How the Fed impacts stocks, crypto and other investments
The best way for most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to the long-term plan.
7 min read May 01, 2024 -
Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
12 min read May 01, 2024 -
How the Federal Reserve impacts savings account interest rates
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed raises interest rates.
4 min read May 01, 2024 -
Biggest winners and losers from the Fed’s interest rate decision
While the Federal Reserve stood pat this time, it has raised rates a total of 11 times in this current cycle.
6 min read May 01, 2024 -
What is the federal funds rate? How the Fed controls interest rates, explained
The Fed’s policy toolkit has changed almost as much as interest rates itself.
9 min read May 01, 2024 -
May Fed meeting preview: Are rate cuts canceled or just delayed? Watch for these 3 key themes as inflation stays hot
Rate cuts may be in jeopardy after three months of hotter-than-expected inflation.
9 min read Apr 29, 2024 -
6 key ways the Federal Reserve impacts your money
Every financial decision you make comes back to the Federal Reserve.
11 min read Apr 29, 2024 -
Why now might be a good time to consider longer-term CDs
If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
4 min read Apr 02, 2024 -
When will the Fed cut interest rates? Not so fast, some officials say, as inflation stays stubborn
Some Fed officials are starting to rethink just how much they can cut rates.
7 min read Mar 29, 2024
Related Topics
Helpful Links
- How to save money
- How to build an emergency fund
- Savings tips for different goals
- How to get the best mortgage rate
- How to get the best refi rate
- How often to compare mortgage rates
- Best low-risk investments
- How to pay off debt
- How much does it cost to buy a home?
- What's next for the housing market?
- How to make your paycheck last
- What debt should you pay off first?
- How to pay off credit card debt
- How to boost your credit score
- Tips for scoring a lower credit card rate
- Fed's interest rate history
- Inflation’s impact on auto rates
- When will car interest rates start dropping?
- Are interest rates going up on personal loans?
- Historical CD interest rates