Your 5-Minute Guide to May 2017 Interest Rates

At the end of 2016, financial experts predicted what interests rates today might be, but only some of these forecasts have proven correct. No one knows for sure how the rising federal funds rate will impact popular products like mortgage and auto loans, but watching it all play out is interesting.

If you're planning on taking out a loan, it's important to check on current interest rates to make sure you get the best deal. Find out how interest rates today compare with those at the end of 2016, and see how a handful of companies compare to the averages.

Car Loan Interest Rates Today

At the end of 2016, the 48-month auto loan rate hovered around 4.25 percent. Experts predicted this would rise with the federal funds rate, and in some cases they were correct.

Interest rates today for a 48-month new car loan average 4.33 percent and 4.35 percent for a 60-month new car loan. If you're in the market for a 36-month used car loan, expect a rate around 4.84 percent.

Of course, some lenders offer rates well below the national average, so never lock yourself in without shopping around. For example, you might be able to score a rate less than half the national average with LightStream.

Car Loan Interest Rates

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Auto Refinance Interest Rates Today

It might be in your best interest to refinance your car loan if your car is just a few years old and your credit score has improved since you took out the original loan. The amount you'll save depends on many factors, including your current interest rate, the amount remaining on the loan and your new interest rate.

Get the best possible rate by securing quotes from several lenders prior to making a decision. Open Road offers auto refinance rates as low as 1.9 percent, so consider making a move.

Savings Interest Rates Today

At the end of 2016, savings account interest rates averaged 0.6 percent, and they're currently holding steady at the same rate, according to the FDIC. This is expected, so don't plan to get rich off savings account interest rates today, tomorrow or in the near future.

Of course, savings account interest rates aren't the same across the board. If you put in the time to shop around, you might be able to find an above-average rate, such as the following.

Savings Interest Rates

CD Interest Rates Today

CD interest rates have slightly fluctuated since the end of 2016. At the end of the year, the average rate for a 6-month CD was 0.13 percent, 0.22 percent for a 1-year CD, 0.36 for a 2-year CD and 0.78 for a 5-year CD, according to the FDIC.

FDIC data indicates CD interest rates today average a tad higher: 0.14 percent for a 6-month CD, 0.24 percent for a 1-year CD, 0.39 for a 2-year CD and 0.80 for a 5-year CD. As you can see from the chart below, you might be able to get an even better rate by comparing your options.

CD Interest Rates

Check Out: 10 Best CD Accounts of 2017

Checking Account Interest Rates Today

If you're keeping tabs, you've probably realized checking account rates aren't much different than at the close of 2016. Interest checking rates averaged 0.4 percent at the end of December, according to FDIC data, and are holding steady at the same rate today.

Some banks offer above-average rates, so do your homework to get the most for your dollar. One financial institution to consider is Everbank. Selected as one of GOBankingRates' Best Checking Accounts of 2017, the Yield Pledge Checking Account currently offers a 1.21 percent introductory rate.

Personal Loan Interest Rates Today

Whether you're trying to consolidate debt or need cash to pay a bill, there are many reasons to take out a personal loan. Of course, you have to pay interest on the balance, so pay close attention to interest rates.

As predicted, average personal loan interest rates today are higher than they were at the end of 2016. Rates for a 24-month personal loan from a commercial bank averaged 9.45 percent in November 2016, rising to 10.05 percent in February 2017, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Many factors determine your interest rate for a personal loan, including your credit score, current income, employment history, equated monthly installment and repayment history. Consequently, rates at the same financial institution can vary greatly by consumer. For example, LendingClub currently offers personal loan rates that vary from 5.99 percent to 35.89 percent.

Student Loan Interest Rates Today

College is a hefty expense, and if you're like many students, you rely on student loans to help pay tuition. The lower the interest rate, the lower your total financial obligation.

Many different forms of federal student aid are available, and the interest rates attached to each type of loan vary. Some of these include Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans — which currently have a 3.76 percent interest rate — and Direct PLUS Loans, which have a 6.31 interest rate at present.

In some cases, private student loans could offer better rates. For example, SoFi offers student loan rates that vary from 2.575 percent to 6.5 percent.

Get Help: 20 Companies That Help Employees Pay Off Student Loans

Mortgage Interest Rates Today

Home interest rates today are defying the odds. Despite predictions that mortgage rates would rise with the federal funds rate, they seem to be heading in the opposite direction.

Back in December 2016, average rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage were above 4.25 percent, but in April 2017, they tumbled to an average of 4.03 percent, according to Freddie Mac. If you shop around, you might find mortgage interest rates today even lower. For example, loanDEPOT offers rates as low as 3.250 percent APR.

Up Next: 7 Reasons Why You're Getting That Interest Rate Today

Methodology: Interest rates included in this article were found using an internal GOBankingrates database on April 25, 2017. GOBankingRates is a personal finance and consumer interest rate website owned by ConsumerTrack, Inc., an online marketing company serving top-tier banks, credit unions, and other financial services organizations. Some companies mentioned in this article are clients of ConsumerTrack, Inc., which serves more than 100 national, local and online financial institutions. No institution, client or otherwise, paid for inclusion in this article.