What counts as a “good” interest rate depends entirely on whether you are saving or borrowing — and which product you have. In 2026, a good savings rate is 4.50%+ APY, a good mortgage is below 6.50%, and a good credit card APR is below 20%. Here is a full benchmark breakdown.
2026 Interest Rate Benchmarks at a Glance
| Product | National Average | Good Rate | Excellent Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-yield savings | 0.46% APY (avg) | 4.50%+ APY | 5.00%+ APY |
| 6-month CD | ~1.50% | 4.75%+ | 5.25%+ |
| 1-year CD | ~1.80% | 4.50%+ | 5.00%+ |
| Money market account | ~0.65% | 4.40%+ | 4.80%+ |
| 30-year fixed mortgage | ~6.80% | Below 6.50% | Below 6.00% |
| 15-year fixed mortgage | ~6.10% | Below 5.80% | Below 5.50% |
| New car loan (60-month) | ~6.80% | Below 6.00% | Below 5.00% |
| Used car loan (48-month) | ~8.20% | Below 7.00% | Below 6.00% |
| Personal loan | ~12.50% | Below 10% | Below 8% |
| Credit card (carried balance) | ~21.50% APR | Below 20% | Below 16% |
| Student loan (federal) | 6.53% fixed | Fixed is standard | N/A |
Sources: FDIC National Deposit Rate survey, Federal Reserve G.19, CFPB, May 2026.
What Is a Good Savings Account Rate?
The national average savings account rate is 0.46% APY — but that number is dragged down by the major brick-and-mortar banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) which pay 0.01%–0.02% APY.
High-yield savings accounts at online banks — SoFi, Ally, Marcus, Synchrony, LendingClub — consistently pay 4.50%–5.10% APY in May 2026. This gap represents real money:
| Balance | At 0.46% (National Avg) | At 5.00% (HYSA) | Annual Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $23 | $250 | $227 |
| $25,000 | $115 | $1,250 | $1,135 |
| $100,000 | $460 | $5,000 | $4,540 |
Understanding what APY means and how compound interest affects long-term growth explains why this gap compounds significantly over time.
What Is a Good Mortgage Rate?
Mortgage rates are not directly set by the Federal Reserve — they track the 10-year Treasury yield plus a spread of roughly 170–200 basis points. The 30-year fixed rate as of May 2026 is approximately 6.75%–6.90%.
| Credit Score | Typical 30-yr Fixed Rate | Monthly Payment on $400k Loan |
|---|---|---|
| 760+ (Excellent) | 6.40%–6.60% | ~$2,500–$2,540 |
| 720–759 (Good) | 6.60%–6.90% | ~$2,540–$2,620 |
| 680–719 (Fair) | 6.90%–7.30% | ~$2,620–$2,720 |
| Below 680 (Poor) | 7.50%–9.00%+ | $2,795+ |
To get the lowest mortgage rate: 20%+ down payment, FICO 760+, and a debt-to-income ratio below 36%.
What Is a Good Auto Loan Rate?
Auto loan rates depend heavily on credit score and whether the vehicle is new or used.
New vehicle (good credit, 60-month loan):
- Credit union: 5.00%–6.00%
- Bank: 5.50%–7.00%
- Dealer financing: 4.90%–8.00% (promotional 0% financing available on select models)
Used vehicle (good credit, 48-month loan):
- Credit union: 6.00%–7.50%
- Bank: 7.00%–8.50%
- Dealer: 7.50%–10.00%
Rule of thumb: If you’re offered a used car rate above 12%, your credit may need work first.
What Is a Good Credit Card APR?
The average credit card APR in 2026 is 21.47% (Federal Reserve G.19 data). However, the card’s APR only matters if you carry a balance.
If you pay in full each month: the APR is irrelevant — you never pay interest.
If you carry a balance, prioritize cards below 20% APR and pay more than the minimum. On a $5,000 balance at 21.47% APR, you would pay about $1,074 in interest over a year without reducing the principal.
See current prime rate and how credit card APRs are set — most cards price at prime + 14–20%.
How the Federal Reserve Affects What “Good” Looks Like
“Good” rates shift over time with the federal funds rate. In 2021, a 0.50% savings APY was above average. In 2026, it’s poor. Understanding this context helps you judge whether a rate you’ve been quoted is competitive for the current moment.
For current rates across all product types and how Fed decisions drive them, visit the Interest Rates & Federal Reserve hub.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy