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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The Great Resignation: Why millions of workers are leaving their jobs and what to consider before quitting
A game of hiring musical chairs is afoot — and it doesn’t look like it’ll be stopping anytime soon.
9 min read Nov 17, 2021 -
Fed will begin tapering bond-buying stimulus, rates remain at near-zero
The Fed’s decision is a vote of confidence about the economy.
7 min read Nov 03, 2021 -
Taper, explained: How the Fed plans to slow its bond purchases without wrecking the economy
The Fed’s massive bond-buying program has about run its course. Here’s how a taper works.
5 min read Nov 02, 2021 -
Will Biden reappoint Powell as Fed chair? Here’s the latest and what experts are saying
The president will have to weigh his party’s priorities with his desire for continuity.
8 min read Oct 22, 2021 -
Survey: Increasing number of top economists now expecting Fed rate hike over coming year
Experts say higher inflation and a faster rebound could force the Fed’s hand.
5 min read Oct 07, 2021 -
Fed divided on 2022 interest rate hike, signals bond-buying taper coming ‘soon’
The Fed isn’t in a rush to raise rates, but slowing asset purchases appears to be on deck.
6 min read Sep 22, 2021 -
The repo market, explained — and why the Fed has pumped hundreds of billions into it
You might not know it, but the repo market is the bedrock for the financial system.
9 min read Sep 10, 2021 -
Fed keeps rates at near-zero, says economy has made progress
As the economy rebounds, don’t expect the Fed’s extraordinary support to last forever.
5 min read Jul 28, 2021 -
The COVID recession is officially over. Here’s why experts say that doesn’t matter
The worst downturn in a lifetime was also the shortest.
5 min read Jul 19, 2021 -
Survey: Top economists say U.S. economy won’t be fully recovered from pandemic 12 months from now
Here’s where the nation’s top economists see hiring, the Fed and inflation heading over the next year.
9 min read Jun 29, 2021 -
Should you be worried about inflation? Here’s what the experts are saying
Higher inflation is here, but the big question is whether it’s here to stay or not.
7 min read May 27, 2021 -
Savings accounts are still an important part of your financial plan, even in a low-rate environment
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
4 min read May 21, 2021 -
Fed sticks with zero interest rates, even as inflation concerns mount
The Fed’s patience could be challenged as the U.S. economy comes roaring back to life.
6 min read Apr 28, 2021 -
3 strategies for savers in a low interest rate environment
Here’s how to respond to lower rates if you’re in the market for a CD or savings account.
2 min read Apr 27, 2021 -
Survey: Top economists see elevated COVID-19 joblessness for at least another year
But the U.S. economy should pick up speed, thanks to fresh fiscal stimulus.
10 min read Mar 31, 2021 -
Fed keeps rates near zero with bounce back from pandemic in sight
The Fed is pledging to keep aggressively supporting the economy, even after the pandemic officially ends.
7 min read Mar 17, 2021 -
Yield curve control, explained: How soon this ‘blank check’ Fed bond-buying program could happen
Here’s how this unconventional policy works to try and keep yields below a certain level.
7 min read Mar 01, 2021 -
Fed keeps rates near zero as economy struggles to recover from pandemic
For consumers, the pros and faults of today’s low-rate world will prevail for months, if not years, to come.
6 min read Jan 27, 2021 -
Fed keeps interest rates at near-zero as coronavirus rebound sputters
The economy is nowhere close to being out of the woods.
6 min read Dec 16, 2020 -
Survey: Rates at zero until 2024, but coronavirus vaccine likely to ‘supercharge’ economy
Consumers should stick to the status quo.
7 min read Dec 14, 2020
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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