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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Survey: There’s a 33% chance a recession is on the way, according to top economists
Fed officials are projecting seven total rate hikes in 2022 alone.
5 min read Mar 31, 2022 -
How is the U.S. economy doing? With inflation hitting 40-year highs, watch these 4 key areas
There’s no telling when inflation will slow down.
8 min read Mar 24, 2022 -
Survey: Pros say these investments are among the top hedges in battle against high inflation
With inflation raging, this is where experts suggest to invest to beat rising prices.
4 min read Mar 22, 2022 -
Survey: Experts forecast Treasury yields to push even higher over next 12 months
Experts expect Treasury yields to increase over the next 12 months as the Fed hikes rates following the pandemic.
4 min read Mar 22, 2022 -
Federal Reserve raises interest rates for first time since 2018
The move marks an end to the Fed’s most aggressive economic rescue effort in history.
8 min read Mar 16, 2022 -
What is quantitative easing?
The Fed’s unconventional tool for fending off recession is being wound down.
6 min read Mar 07, 2022 -
What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)?
The Fed’s interest rate decisions are made by a powerful voting body.
5 min read Mar 07, 2022 -
The worst inflation in 40 years: Here’s when price pressures could hit their peak
Consumers are bracing for a longer stretch of high inflation. But when can it be expected to slow down?
7 min read Feb 25, 2022 -
What is the Federal Reserve? A guide to the world’s most powerful central bank
Its decisions impact your wallet arguably more than any other policymaker in Washington, D.C.
9 min read Feb 15, 2022 -
Why mortgage rates just hit their highest point since 2020, and what you can do about it
The job market is booming. Inflation is raging. The Fed is poised to take away the punch bowl.
2 min read Feb 11, 2022 -
Fed keeps interest rates at zero, signals upcoming rate hike
Officials are sounding the alarm that they’re running the economy too hot.
7 min read Jan 26, 2022 -
The coin shortage isn’t over yet
The coin shortage in the U.S. continues to be an inconvenience for many.
4 min read Jan 21, 2022 -
The Phillips curve, explained – and what it says about soaring inflation in the COVID economy
The principle can sometimes predict where inflation is heading.
5 min read Jan 07, 2022 -
Survey: Economists see unemployment sinking to near 50-year low in 2022
Employers should also restore just about all of their pandemic-related job cuts.
4 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Survey: 93% of economists see the Fed lifting rates more than once in 2022
Economists say high inflation is forcing the Fed’s hand.
4 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Survey: Experts predict another year of decades-high inflation
Price increases depend on supply chain and labor shortages.
4 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Will the Fed raise interest rates in 2022? Here’s what experts are saying
The Fed will be kicking off a new era for policy in 2022.
5 min read Dec 27, 2021 -
5 economic trends to watch in 2022
From the ongoing pandemic to rising inflation, here’s what consumers should pay attention to.
4 min read Dec 24, 2021 -
Fed sees three rate hikes in 2022 and speeds up its taper of bond purchases
Soaring inflation is making it hard for the Fed to justify its aggressive policies.
8 min read Dec 15, 2021 -
Biden picks Jerome Powell for new term as Federal Reserve chair
The appointment gives Powell the chance to finish the U.S. central bank’s pandemic response.
6 min read Nov 22, 2021
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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