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

“It is tempting to romanticize the idea of lower interest rates, particularly from a borrowing perspective. But the reason for lower interest rates is very important. We want interest rates to come down because inflation pressures are easing, not because the economy is weakening.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Fed skips another interest rate cut, warns of ‘potential’ for stagflation

The Federal Reserve voted on Wednesday to keep interest rates steady for the third consecutive meeting even while acknowledging that unemployment could increase, a decision that signals officials are more concerned about inflation than the possibility of a recession.
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

Man using credit card while online
Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Design element including image of Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
Calm focused female freelancer in casual clothes revising reports while sitting on soft couch at table and using computer in light contemporary apartment
Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
Banking_How-the-Fed-Rate-Affects-Housing_
The Fed has hit the pause button on rates. How will it affect the housing market?
If you’re looking at HE Loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
Woman looking at fruit while grocery shopping
How hard will the Fed have to push to slow the economy enough?
Woman covering face with hands. Clouds, caution sign, and cash float cartoonishly behind her
Will a recession not wreck the economy’s party after all — or is it just late?
U.S. capital building with a blurry DANGER sign in front
Shutdowns range from a minor inconvenience to a major financial disruption.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at Fed press conference
The higher rates rise, the more Fed watchers wonder: Is the Fed about done?
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after the June rate-setting meeting
The real question is: What will the Fed’s next moves be?
Man in a yellow construction jacket and hard hat
Experts, however, still don’t see a labor market as tough as it was during the pandemic.
Woman walking throw a bunch of floating produce items and cash
While the worst of inflation may be over, the battle hasn’t yet been won.
Sign of Wall St, a man falling down, a bundle of cash
A recession hasn’t happened yet, but it’s likely still coming, economists say.
Design element including image of Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Image of Jerome Powell standing behind a podium with American flags behind him.
Trump’s tariffs could raise prices and unemployment, backing the Fed in a corner.
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.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc