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
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Latest Articles
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Here’s how top economists predict the coronavirus will impact the U.S. economy
Predictions range from cautiously optimistic to outright warnings.
4 min read Mar 10, 2020 -
Survey: Coronavirus outbreak has the potential to threaten US economic growth
That’s led the majority of economists to say risks are tilted toward the downside.
7 min read Mar 04, 2020 -
In rare move, Fed issues emergency rate cut to bolster economy from coronavirus
It’s the first emergency move since October 2008, during the Great Recession.
5 min read Mar 03, 2020 -
Fed signals openness to rate cuts as coronavirus outbreak fuels economic uncertainty
With markets swooning, all eyes are now turning to the Fed.
5 min read Feb 28, 2020 -
Was Trump right about the Fed and the need for lower interest rates all along?
The chief executive’s claims weren’t wholly correct — even if they ended up being right.
9 min read Feb 19, 2020 -
Fed holds rates steady, sticks with wait-and-see approach
What will get the Fed off the sidelines?
8 min read Jan 29, 2020 -
January Fed forecast: Experts say rates will stay put, but here’s what could shift policy
The Fed will stay on the sidelines for an extended period, experts predict.
5 min read Jan 24, 2020 -
Short-term CDs are still a smart money move, thanks to the Fed
With the Fed likely holding steady on rates for now, short-term CDs still look like a good option.
3 min read Jan 24, 2020 -
These 4 officials will now have a vote on the Fed committee that sets interest rates
Will the new voting members be hawkish or dovish on rates?
7 min read Jan 17, 2020 -
Fed forecast survey: Top experts predict borrowing costs will be left alone — for now
The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision looks all but locked in.
5 min read Dec 06, 2019 -
Survey: Recession odds diminishing for U.S. economy, but watch for a slowdown
The U.S. economy is going to be walking a fine line over the next year.
8 min read Dec 04, 2019 -
Fed cuts interest rates for third straight time, but signals it may now be on hold
Will it be enough to keep the economic expansion going?
5 min read Oct 30, 2019 -
6 big questions to focus on ahead of the Fed’s October meeting
A rate cut seems like a given, but what’s next?
9 min read Oct 25, 2019 -
Fed cuts rates by quarter point, split on further reductions
Here’s what the U.S. central bank decided to do with interest rates.
6 min read Sep 18, 2019 -
5 key themes to watch for at the Fed’s July meeting
How much of a rate cut can we expect from the Fed?
10 min read Sep 16, 2019 -
How likely is a recession by the 2020 elections? Here’s what top economists say
The major concern about the U.S. economy: How much longer will the expansion last?
5 min read Sep 16, 2019 -
Survey: Expect the Fed to cut rates at least two more times over the next year
The July rate cut is likely just the beginning, Bankrate’s latest economists’ poll finds.
7 min read Sep 04, 2019 -
Fed cuts interest rates by a quarter point for the first time in a decade
The Fed’s move is a win for borrowers and a wake up call for savers.
6 min read Jul 31, 2019 -
If the Fed cuts interest rates, expect it to be an ‘insurance’ cut — here’s what that means
Here’s everything you need to know about this unique type of easing from the Fed.
8 min read Jul 24, 2019 -
We’re in the longest economic expansion in US history — here’s what made it unlike any other
The U.S. economy looks far different now than it did when the expansion first began in June 2009.
13 min read Jul 18, 2019
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- How to pay off credit card debt
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- Historical CD interest rates