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The Federal Reserve and Your Money

Interest rates are now on the decline, but borrowing costs are still the highest in over a decade. Here's what it means for your wallet.

The latest on the Fed from Bankrate’s experts

“Borrowers should understand that ‘falling interest rates’ are not the same as ‘low interest rates.’ The urgency remains to pay down high-cost debt and utilize zero-percent or other low rate balance transfer offers to turbocharge credit card debt repayment.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Fed cuts interest rates by quarter point but faces uncertainty following Trump’s election win

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting on Thursday but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point, as inflation continues cooling and a slowdown in the job market stabilizes.
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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

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It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
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The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point.
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Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
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The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
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That’s even despite the Fed’s fastest rate hikes since the 1980s.
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Feeling deprived during lockdowns, Americans aren’t ready to fall back on progress.
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Skyrocketing costs are causing a major hit to Americans’ financial security.
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You might not be able to call rates historically low for much longer.
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Over time, a shrinking balance sheet could impact you more than a Fed rate hike.
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Yet, the majority of Americans say they’re preparing for a recession.
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The economy may still be on stable footing, but how long will it last?
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It might not be here yet, but a recession could be coming.
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Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
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Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
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The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
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For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed raises interest rates.
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The Federal Reserve announced that it’s lowering interest rates following its Nov. 6-7 meeting.
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Some high-profile economists have called the Fed’s half-point call “a mistake.”
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Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
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