Skip to Main Content

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.
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

Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Fed chair Jerome Powell makes a speech
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Student walking through college campus.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing.
Rate cuts mark a new era for the Fed. Here’s what you should do as a consumer.
Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States
Follow along as Bankrate’s experts break down the Fed’s next interest rate decision.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Some high-profile economists have called the Fed’s half-point call “a mistake.”
Design element with Jerome H. Powell chairman of the Board of Governors
Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
Jerome Powell speaking. A now hiring banner in the background.
Behind the slowing economy is a Fed determined to defeat red-hot inflation.
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.
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.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Economists see a slower job market in the year ahead but recession odds remain low.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference
Fed officials are trying to prevent an economic slowdown from getting worse.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Tune in to Bankrate’s live coverage of the Fed’s first rate cut since 2020.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
family of 4 posing in front of new red-brick house, green lawn and nice landscaping
With a Fed rate cut finally on the horizon, here’s what homebuyers should know.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
Jerome Powell speaking at a podium
These policymakers will influence the crucial debate of when to cut interest rates.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc