United States

How the Fed rate hike affects your savings, credit cards, and loans

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Higher Fed rates lead to increased savings account yields, making it a good time to save.
  • Credit card APRs rise with Fed rate hikes, making it crucial to manage and pay down high-interest debt.
  • Loan interest rates, including mortgages and personal loans, become more expensive, affecting borrowing costs.

The Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates are pivotal in shaping the economic landscape, affecting everything from savings accounts to credit cards and loans. As the Fed continues to adjust rates to manage inflation and economic growth, it's crucial to understand how these changes impact your financial health.

The Impact on Savings Accounts

When the Fed raises interest rates, it often leads to higher annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts. This is because banks increase the interest they offer to attract more deposits. For instance, high-yield savings accounts, which already offer better returns than traditional savings accounts, become even more attractive in a high-rate environment.

Steve Rick, chief economist at CUNA Mutual Group, explains, "Higher interest rates slow spending and encourage savings among households and businesses. This reduction in spending and investment will slow economic growth and inflationary pressures".

To maximize your savings during periods of high interest rates, consider the following strategies:

Compare Rates: Look for the best rates across various savings products, including high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).

Boost Savings: Reassess your budget to allocate more funds into your savings.

Leverage Compound Interest: Keep your savings untouched to benefit from compound interest.

The Effect on Credit Cards

Credit card interest rates, or APRs, are closely tied to the Fed's rate decisions. When the Fed raises rates, credit card APRs typically increase, making it more expensive to carry a balance. For example, a 0.25% rate hike by the Fed can lead to a similar increase in your credit card interest rate.

Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree, advises, "To tackle high-interest credit card debt, consider utilizing a balance transfer credit card. These cards offer zero interest on balance transfers for a set period, allowing cardholders to pay down their debt without incurring costly interest charges".

The Influence on Loans

Higher interest rates also mean more expensive borrowing costs for various types of loans, including mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans. For instance, a 1% increase in the fed funds rate can significantly impact the lifetime cost of a home mortgage loan.

Ken Tumin, senior banking industry analyst at LendingTree, notes, "Expect to pay more on the interest charges from your credit card company, and auto loans and mortgages will also become more expensive".

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are particularly sensitive to changes in the federal funds rate. When the Fed raises rates, mortgage rates often follow suit, making home loans more expensive. This can cool demand in the housing market, as higher borrowing costs make homes less affordable for buyers.

Personal Loans

Interest rates on personal loans have also risen significantly. For example, rates on personal loans have increased from 8.73% at the beginning of the Fed rate hikes in 2022 to 12.35% in November 2023.

Strategies for Managing Debt

In a high-rate environment, managing debt becomes even more critical. Here are some strategies to consider:

Pay Down High-Interest Debt: Focus on paying off debt with the highest interest rates first, such as credit card balances.

Consider Balance Transfers: Use balance transfer credit cards to consolidate and pay down debt without accruing interest.

Negotiate with Lenders: Contact your credit card issuer to discuss the possibility of maintaining or lowering your current APR if you have a strong credit score and payment history.

The Federal Reserve's rate hikes have a profound impact on various financial products, from savings accounts to credit cards and loans. By understanding these effects and implementing smart financial strategies, you can navigate the changing economic landscape more effectively.


World
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 5:00:00 PM

How to stay prepared when your job vanishes

The layoff email doesn’t shock most professionals anymore. It’s almost expected—another round, another LinkedIn post, another industry “right-sizing.” What’s more revealing is how...

World
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 3:00:00 PM

Why jobseeker ghosting after interview is a strategic red flag

In the corridors of multinational firms and scrappy startups alike, it’s becoming eerily common: jobseekers prepping hard, acing rounds of interviews, then hearing...

Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

43 killed in Israeli strikes amid ceasefire deadlock

The Gaza conflict has entered a new phase of intensity, with Israel’s July 13 strikes killing more than 40 Palestinians, including children at...

Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

KLCI flat as US trade tensions weigh on Bursa Malaysia sentiment

Bursa Malaysia opened the week barely moving—up 0.17 points to 1,536.24. Market breadth showed a slight advantage to gainers, and turnover was light...

Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Singapore remains most expensive city for the rich in 2025

In the global luxury economy, price signals often double as strategic ones. So when Julius Baer’s 2025 Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report shows...

Europe
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Trump EU tariffs 2025 impact: Europe confronts a new trade reality

The European Union faces a critical inflection point in its transatlantic trade relationship. With former US President Donald Trump announcing a sweeping tariff...

Malaysia
Image Credits: Open Privilege
July 14, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Ringgit strengthens as US tariff plans stir global repricing

The ringgit’s early-week strengthening against the US dollar may look modest at first glance—but its underlying message is far from benign. The US...

United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Trump to make historic second state visit to the UK this September

While France recalibrates under post-election fracture and Germany fends off economic stalling, the United Kingdom is leaning into its enduring diplomatic ritual playbook....

United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

US to supply Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, says Trump

President Donald Trump’s July 13 pledge to send US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine—backed by a “100% reimbursement” clause from NATO—marks more than...

World
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

China’s growth likely to beat target, cutting need for more stimulus

China's economy expanded 5.1% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg—a performance that places first-half growth at...

Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

Singapore Q2 2025 GDP growth beats forecasts despite tariff risks

Singapore’s economy dodged a recession in Q2 2025 with a year-on-year GDP growth of 4.3%, outperforming Reuters’ 3.5% consensus forecast and extending Q1’s...

Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
July 14, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

Humanitarian food crisis in Gaza forces impossible choices

While Gulf retail chains push same-day delivery and European supermarkets debate AI-driven inventory planning, in Gaza, people are walking miles through rubble to...

Load More