The Federal Reserve and Your Money

The U.S. central bank has lifted rates at the fastest pace in four decades, impacting how much you pay to borrow 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

How Fed rates impact student loans

The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.

How the Fed impacts mortgage rates

The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.

The Fed and credit card rates

The Fed continues its fight against inflation and is expected to take rates higher, meaning cardholders could see higher rates, too.

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.

Mortgage rates

As economy slow, mortgage rates retreat

HELOC rates

This week's HELOC news and analysis

Credit card rates

Current credit card interest rates

Auto loan rates

Current car loan interest rates

Savings rates

What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?

CD rates

This week's outlook for CD interest rates

Essential reading

Follow us for the latest financial news:

Greg McBride, CFA Chief financial analyst, Personal Finance

Mark Hamrick Washington Bureau Chief, Senior Economic Analyst

Sarah Foster Principal U.S. Economy Reporter, Personal Finance

Latest Articles

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 Sep 20, 2023
How the Fed rate hikes impact student loan interest rates

The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.

5 min read Sep 20, 2023
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 Sep 20, 2023
How the Federal Reserve affects ARMs, HELOCs and home equity loans

If you have a home equity loan or variable-rate mortgage, pay attention to the Fed.

3 min read Sep 20, 2023
Fed leaves interest rates unchanged, sees borrowing costs staying higher for longer

The higher rates rise, the more Fed watchers wonder: Is the Fed about done?

9 min read Sep 20, 2023
How will a Federal Reserve rate pause affect mortgages?

The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.

2 min read Sep 20, 2023
What the Fed’s September rate pause means for homebuyers and sellers

The Fed held steady with no new rate hike in its September 20 meeting.

5 min read Sep 20, 2023
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.

6 min read Sep 20, 2023
The Federal Reserve’s latest dot plot, explained – and what this powerful tool says about interest rates

This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.

6 min read Sep 20, 2023
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.

10 min read Sep 20, 2023
How the Fed affects auto loan rates

The Fed rate has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.

3 min read Sep 20, 2023
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 Sep 20, 2023
Biggest winners and losers from the Fed’s interest rate decision

While it stood pat this time, the Federal Reserve has raised rates 11 times in this cycle.

6 min read Sep 20, 2023
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?

4 min read Sep 20, 2023
Subprime credit card holders hit hardest by rising interest rates

Why subprime borrowers are vulnerable to rising interest rates, and how to prepare.

5 min read Sep 20, 2023
The Federal Reserve impacts your money in these 6 main ways

Every financial decision you make comes back to the Federal Reserve.

13 min read Sep 18, 2023
September Fed meeting preview: Rates may not have peaked yet, but expect Powell to hold for now

Inflation is slowing, and the economy is still strong. Will it stay that way?

8 min read Sep 18, 2023
Americans’ expenses are rising faster than their paychecks

High inflation and interest rates are leading many Americans to rely on credit.

3 min read Sep 15, 2023
Are banks open today? Federal bank holidays in 2023

Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.

3 min read Sep 01, 2023
Should you buy a house during a recession?

How might a recession affect the housing market? Find out what the experts think.

7 min read Aug 22, 2023

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