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
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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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 27, 2023 -
Will the Fed raise interest rates one more time this year? Some economists aren’t convinced
Most Fed officials see one more rate hike, but the economy could dictate otherwise.
8 min read Sep 27, 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
Related Topics
Helpful Links
- How to save money
- How to build an emergency fund
- Savings tips for different goals
- The repo market, explained
- How to get the best mortgage rate
- How to get the best refi rate
- How often to compare mortgage rates
- Best low-risk investments
- How to pay off debt
- How much does it cost to buy a home?
- What's next for the housing market?
- How to make your paycheck last
- What debt should you pay off first?
- How to pay off credit card debt
- How to boost your credit score
- Tips for scoring a lower credit card rate
- Fed's interest rate history