The Federal Reserve news and your money
The U.S. central bank is hiking rates at the fastest pace in 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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Election Day 2020: Is your bank closing early today?
Here’s a look at what a number of popular banks are doing.
2 min read Nov 03, 2020 -
Survey: Top economists see unemployment rate holding above pre-pandemic levels into 2021
While economists were more optimistic, they weren’t without doubts about the risks to the outlook.
8 min read Oct 01, 2020 -
The budget deficit, explained — and how to prepare for a rising tax burden down the road
The financial practice of spending less than you make doesn’t apply to the federal government.
6 min read Sep 18, 2020 -
Here’s what a Trump or Biden presidency would mean for banking
Either way you look at it, there’s going to be some whiplash — possibly weighing on consumers’ wallets.
8 min read Sep 16, 2020 -
When will the U.S. economy get back on track following coronavirus shock? Watch for these 5 signs
The return to normalcy could happen later — rather than sooner.
9 min read Sep 15, 2020 -
How to protect your money from rate decreases with a CD
The Fed’s recent actions may force savers to start thinking differently about their money.
2 min read Sep 14, 2020 -
Ask Bankrate: How can savers stay ahead of inflation?
A reader asks how people living on fixed income can beat inflation.
4 min read Sep 11, 2020 -
Why the coronavirus crisis could cause a double-dip recession — and how to prepare for one
Some forecasts suggest a resurgence in coronavirus cases could tip the financial system over again.
7 min read Sep 10, 2020 -
8 ways to help rescue the job market from coronavirus-driven unemployment crisis
Ending the crisis depends largely on eradicating the virus and the economic problems it opened up.
7 min read Sep 04, 2020 -
Coronavirus relief and stimulus plans: Here’s everything Washington has done (and proposed) so far
From relief checks to unemployment insurance, here’s what could impact your wallet.
9 min read Sep 04, 2020 -
A second wave of the coronavirus could devastate the recovering economy
Economists say a second wave is the biggest downside risk to the U.S. economy this year.
7 min read Aug 24, 2020 -
Fed leaves rates alone, says economy will ‘depend significantly on the course of the virus’
It’s unlikely that the financial and economic calamity will be reversed anytime soon.
7 min read Jul 29, 2020 -
Trump’s controversial Fed pick Shelton moves one step closer to board
Some experts fear Shelton could shake up the U.S. central bank.
4 min read Jul 21, 2020 -
What is economic stimulus and how does it work?
With all the talk around economic stimulus, here’s how it works and why it’s used.
5 min read Jul 16, 2020 -
Survey: 61% of experts see stock market underperforming over next 5 years
The devastating effects of the coronavirus won’t likely be in the rearview mirror anytime soon.
7 min read Jul 15, 2020 -
What is the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book?
Fed officials care about more than just economic data.
5 min read Jul 10, 2020 -
Negative interest rates, explained — and how they work
Would you really get paid to take out a loan?
8 min read Jul 03, 2020 -
We’re in a recession — will the stock market ever act like it?
With the market awash with cash, stocks are rising regardless of the fundamentals.
5 min read Jun 25, 2020 -
Second stimulus check and extended unemployment benefits? Here’s what aid could be on the way
A long road likely lies ahead for the economy. What stimulus might we see to help a return to normal?
7 min read Jun 18, 2020 -
Camp closed this summer? Send your kid to the Fed’s personal finance virtual camp instead
The Fed wants to teach your kids how money works.
1 min read Jun 11, 2020