The Federal Reserve sets the benchmark interest rate for all other borrowing rates in the U.S. economy. This is known as the federal funds rate. Right now, the federal funds rate

This month, it decided to keep the benchmark rate at the same range of 4.25% to 4.50%. When interest rates are high, like they are now, the banks have to pay more to borrow money, and so do you, for loans, mortgages, credit cards and more. At the same time, some banks offer better returns for the money and deposits you keep in their institutions.

The Fed kept its key rate unchanged for the fourth straight meeting Wednesday, and said the economy is expanding at “a solid pace."