Banking
Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present
13 min read
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
“Progress toward 2 percent inflation has stalled out, and the Fed knows it. They gave no indication in their post-meeting statement that a resumption of rate cuts is likely at the next meeting in March.”
Powell says FOMC is ‘in no hurry’ to cut again after Fed holds rates steady
The Federal Reserve decided to delay additional rate cuts for now and keep interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of the year, giving officials time to assess whether inflation is cooling and how President Donald Trump’s policies might impact the U.S. economy.
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.
Mortgage rates
This week's mortgage news
Savings rates
What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
Auto loan rates
Current car loan interest rates
HELOC rates
This week's HELOC news and analysis
Credit card rates
Current credit card interest rates
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
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Editor's picks
Follow us for the latest financial news:
Greg McBride, CFA
Chief financial analyst, Personal Finance
Mark Hamrick
Washington Bureau Chief, Senior Economic Analyst
Sarah Foster
Principal U.S. Economy and Federal Reserve Reporter
Latest articles
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Learn when a CD is worth it, when it is not, and alternatives to consider in 2025.
Home equity lines of credit are growing in size and volume.
Cryptocurrencies are managed through what’s called a distributed ledger such as blockchain.
With the Fed holding steady on rates for now, is it still a good time to buy stocks?
Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
And if so, how low can they go?
Learn about five ways in which you can break out of the credit card debt cycle.
Presidents may affect the world’s most powerful central bank more than you think.
How long will the job market hold up amid the Fed’s rapid rate hikes?
Economists see the Fed’s tightening cycle peaking at 4.5-4.75 percent.
Storm clouds are gathering above the economy amid high inflation and interest rates.
That’s even despite the Fed’s fastest rate hikes since the 1980s.
Feeling deprived during lockdowns, Americans aren’t ready to fall back on progress.
Skyrocketing costs are causing a major hit to Americans’ financial security.
You might not be able to call rates historically low for much longer.
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Rate cuts from the Fed usually help borrowers. They aren’t right now.
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
The Fed’s rate cuts might be on pause. Here’s what you should do as a consumer.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its Jan. 28-29 meeting.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information