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

“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.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

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.

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

Real estate agent greets a client in front of a red brick home
Today’s mortgage rates already reflect the likelihood of a September Federal Reserve rate cut.
family of 4 posing in front of new red-brick house, green lawn and nice landscaping
With a Fed rate cut finally on the horizon, here’s what homebuyers should know.
Image of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
Can a Fed rate cut stop the housing market roller coaster?
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Couple sitting on a sofa, looking at a laptop
Mortgage rates have fallen, but the imminent Fed cut could make them even more favorable for refinancers.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
Portrait of a happy woman smiling outdoors and looking thoughtful
The Federal Reserve is poised to cut rates in September. Will it be enough to entice homebuyers?
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 the back of a man in a suit standing in front of a large line graph that is on top of a half shredded U.S. Dollar.
Stagflation is an economic “super villain,” bringing high inflation and unemployment.
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.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its March 18-19 meeting.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc