Key takeaways Decisions made by the Federal Reserve to increase the benchmark rate do not directly impact auto loans but rather the cost for banks to lend. The higher the Fed sets rates, the higher auto loan rates will likely be. The Fed made its third and last rate cut…

Key takeaways The Federal Reserve doesn’t directly set auto loan rates — but it does affect the cost for lenders to borrow money. The Federal funds rate was cut for a third and final time in 2025 and was not changed in the first meeting of 2026, so it currently…

The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and, often, a lot of expenses. As the festivities wind down, many find themselves facing the reality of depleted bank accounts, credit card debt, and the daunting task of rebuilding their financial safety nets. An emergency fund serves as a…

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Key takeaways Your credit card APR can go up if the prime rate changes, you paid your credit card bill late, your intro APR offer ended or your credit score dropped. If your APR increases, you can work on paying down your balance or transfer…

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irina88w/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an extra fee for conventional mortgage borrowers putting down less than 20 percent. The amount you’ll pay for PMI depends on your loan and down payment size, whether it’s a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage and your credit score.…

xavierarnau/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways An installment loan is a lump sum of money you borrow and repay in fixed, scheduled payments — usually monthly — until the balance and interest are paid in full. Unlike revolving credit, like credit cards, the amount does not replenish…

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images It can be tough to find a travel credit card if your credit score has seen better days, as many of the best travel rewards credit cards require a FICO score of 670 or higher. While options may be limited, you can still earn rewards toward travel…

Social Security provides benefits not only to retired workers but also to spouses who have not contributed to the program. Spouses are one of the many beneficiaries of Social Security, and even ex-spouses can claim a payout from the program in some circumstances. When you apply for Social Security, you…

Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate After years of credit challenges, I recently signed an apartment lease — with only a $350 deposit and no co-signer. I’m proud of this achievement, which was only possible for two reasons: my 702 credit score, and the work I put in to…

Key takeaways Alternative lending offers accessible eligibility requirements to help you get funding even with subprime credit or finances. Many alternative lenders don’t restrict how you use the funds and often pay out within 24 to 48 hours. Due to short terms and high interest rates, you can expect a…

Key takeaways The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a wise first card for students who want experience earning cash back rewards. Not only do you earn cash back, but perks like free access to your credit score and a short introductory APR on purchases — all while keeping costs…

Key takeaways Assets are quantifiable items — tangible or intangible — that add to your company’s value. Liabilities are what your company owes to others, whether that’s a vendor or a bank that issued a loan. Equity is the dollar amount left when you subtract liabilities from assets, and it…

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