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 Nov 22, 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 Nov 22, 2023 -
Will the Fed raise interest rates one more time this year? Some economists aren’t convinced
Experts are doubting the Fed’s September projections that showed one more rate hike.
9 min read Nov 08, 2023 -
HELOCs replace cash-out refinancing for equity-rich homeowners
Even at higher rates, a HELOC is worth considering over other types of financing.
3 min read Nov 03, 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 Nov 01, 2023 -
How will a Federal Reserve rate pause affect mortgages?
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
2 min read Nov 01, 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 Nov 01, 2023 -
What the Fed’s November rate pause means for homebuyers and sellers
The Fed held steady with no new rate hike at its Nov. 1 meeting.
4 min read Nov 01, 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 Nov 01, 2023 -
How does the Fed interest rate affect car loans?
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
3 min read Nov 01, 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 Nov 01, 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 Nov 01, 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 Nov 01, 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?
5 min read Nov 01, 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 Nov 01, 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 Oct 30, 2023 -
Fed meeting preview: Will surging bond yields force the Fed to pause its interest rate hikes?
Financial markets may have different plans for the Fed.
8 min read Oct 30, 2023 -
Experts: Mortgage rates won’t rise much more — but also won’t go down any time soon
The sharp rise in mortgage rates raises a new question: How much higher could they go?
3 min read Oct 20, 2023 -
Mortgage rates reach 8%, a first since 2000
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate touched 8 percent on Oct. 19, according to Bankrate data.
4 min read Oct 19, 2023 -
Survey: Fed won’t begin cutting interest rates until 2024 as officials keep tackling inflation
Will the Fed keep interest rates too high for too long?
4 min read Oct 10, 2023
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Helpful Links
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- How to get the best refi rate
- How often to compare mortgage rates
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- 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