Skip to Main Content

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

“It is tempting to romanticize the idea of lower interest rates, particularly from a borrowing perspective. But the reason for lower interest rates is very important. We want interest rates to come down because inflation pressures are easing, not because the economy is weakening.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Fed skips another interest rate cut, warns of ‘potential’ for stagflation

The Federal Reserve voted on Wednesday to keep interest rates steady for the third consecutive meeting even while acknowledging that unemployment could increase, a decision that signals officials are more concerned about inflation than the possibility of a recession.
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

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks with journalists at a post-meeting press conference
The move marks an end to the Fed’s most aggressive economic rescue effort in history.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.
The Fed’s unconventional tool for fending off recession is being wound down.
President Joe Biden stands behind Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the announcement of his renomination
Consumers are bracing for a longer stretch of high inflation. But when can it be expected to slow down?
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks with lawmakers at a congressional testimony
Officials are sounding the alarm that they’re running the economy too hot.
the change drawer of the cash register at Symbiote Collectibles in West Reading, PA
The coin shortage in the U.S. continues to be an inconvenience for many.
A cargo ship moves towards the Bayonne Bridge as it heads into port in New Jersey
The principle can sometimes predict where inflation is heading.
Supermarket staff work at a grocery store in medical protective mask
Employers should also restore just about all of their pandemic-related job cuts.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a House Financial Committee hearing in Washington, D.C.
Economists say high inflation is forcing the Fed’s hand.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Image of former St. Louis Fed president, Jim Bullard
Powell is concerned tariffs could lead to more inflation. This former Fed official has a different view.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Design element including image of Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Image of Jerome Powell standing behind a podium with American flags behind him.
Trump’s tariffs could raise prices and unemployment, backing the Fed in a corner.
Stylized image of Trump wearing a Maga hat pointing to the left above the Federal Trade building.
If the Fed’s independence is jeopardized, here’s what experts say it could mean for your wallet.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Image of former St. Louis Fed president, Jim Bullard
Powell is concerned tariffs could lead to more inflation. This former Fed official has a different view.
Design element including image of Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Image of Jerome Powell standing behind a podium with American flags behind him.
Trump’s tariffs could raise prices and unemployment, backing the Fed in a corner.
Stylized image of Trump wearing a Maga hat pointing to the left above the Federal Trade building.
If the Fed’s independence is jeopardized, here’s what experts say it could mean for your wallet.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc