Banking
Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present
13 min read
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
“Inflation is the type of thing that would keep the Fed on the sidelines, but a sharp slowdown in growth, or a rapid deterioration of the labor market, could prompt the Fed to resume cutting rates.”
March Fed Meeting Preview: How will officials respond to rising recession fears?
Officials on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) look poised to keep interest rates unchanged when they announce their next interest rate decision today, but they’ll likely stress that their next moves are uncertain, thanks to tariffs, federal layoffs, stricter immigration and more from President Donald Trump’s new administration.
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.
Mortgage rates
This week's mortgage news
Savings rates
What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
Auto loan rates
Current car loan interest rates
HELOC rates
This week's HELOC news and analysis
Credit card rates
Current credit card interest rates
Experts in all things finance
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Editor's picks
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
U.S. Economy Reporter and Analyst
Latest articles
Tariffs are an import tax on foreign-made goods, and they act like a sales tax.
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies is keeping the Fed on the sidelines, at least for now.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
If the Fed’s independence is jeopardized, here’s what experts say it could mean for your wallet.
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
What is stagflation, explained — and whether the economic crisis could return from Trump’s trade war
Stagflation is an economic “super villain,” bringing high inflation and unemployment.
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
The odds of a downturn jumped the most since 2022.
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
If the Fed’s independence is jeopardized, here’s what experts say it could mean for your wallet.
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
The odds of a downturn jumped the most since 2022.
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its March 18-19 meeting.
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information