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The Federal Reserve and Your Money

Interest rates are a little lower than they used to be, but they’re still near the highest levels in over a decade. Here’s what it means for your wallet.

The latest on the Fed from Bankrate’s experts

“Americans who are hoping for lower borrowing costs should reset their outlook to a world of largely stable interest rates. Making financial decisions based on the assumption of imminent change is likely to lead to frustration.”

– Stephen Kates, CFP

The Fed didn’t cut interest rates. Here are 5 things to watch next.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates alone at its first meeting of the year, keeping borrowing costs at a multiyear high for Americans as policymakers grow more cautious about making future cuts.
Read more

Recent interest rate trends

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.

Experts in all things finance

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About Bankrate
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Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers remarks at a news conference.
The best way for investors to deal with the Fed’s interest rate changes? Focus on your long-term investment plan.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in Washington, DC.
The big question: How long will the Fed be on hold?
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Jerome Powell in front of interest rate graphic
A complicated U.S. economy. Stubborn inflation and a jobless boom. Unprecedented conflict with the president. Personnel changes, and a new Fed chair. Federal Reserve officials are no stranger to difficult [...]
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference.
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is superimposed over the Fed Building, looking pensive
Powell is dealing with the most intense division of his eight years as Fed chair.
Illustration of gift box surrounded by an up arrow representing higher inflation.
Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
Illustration of woman holding a briefcase in front of two bar graphs representing the deteriorating labor market
It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in Washington, DC.
The big question: How long will the Fed be on hold?
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell with a now hiring sign in the background.
The U.S. may dodge a recession, but experts aren’t denying it: Something feels off.
Rates could soon be within range of their pre-pandemic peaks. There’s a catch.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference.
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is superimposed over the Fed Building, looking pensive
Powell is dealing with the most intense division of his eight years as Fed chair.
Illustration of gift box surrounded by an up arrow representing higher inflation.
Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
Illustration of woman holding a briefcase in front of two bar graphs representing the deteriorating labor market
It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
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