PrintCurrent FAQs
Informing the public about the Federal Reserve
All Questions
- How does forward guidance about the Federal Reserve's target for the federal funds rate support the economic recovery?
- Why do the U.S. economic recovery and labor market require additional monetary policy support? Specifically, why did the Federal Reserve begin purchasing additional agency mortgage-backed securities in September 2012?
- How do the Federal Reserve's balance sheet measures since the financial crisis relate to the borrowing decisions of the federal government?
- What are the Federal Reserve's large-scale asset purchases?
- Is the Federal Reserve Act going to expire?
- What can I do if I believe I was harmed by servicer error during the foreclosure process?
- I received a suspicious-looking e-mail that claims to be from the Federal Reserve. Is it a scam?
- How much U.S. currency is in circulation?
- Why did the Federal Reserve lend to banks and other financial institutions during the financial crisis?
- How long is the life span of U.S. paper money?
- What is lawful money? How is it different from legal tender?
- What is the Federal Reserve's maturity extension program (referred to by some as "operation twist") and what is its purpose?
- Who owns the Federal Reserve?
- What is the lowest level of unemployment that the U.S. economy can sustain?
- What is inflation and how does the Federal Reserve evaluate changes in the rate of inflation?
- Why does the Federal Reserve aim for 2 percent inflation over time?
- What is the Federal Reserve doing to help decrease the likelihood of another financial crisis?
- Is the Federal Reserve aware of the challenges that I and others in my community face? Does the Federal Reserve take these issues into account when developing national policy?
- Is the Federal Reserve accountable to anyone?
- Why does the Federal Reserve lend money to banks?
- I'm having a problem paying my mortgage every month. What can I do to prevent foreclosure?
- Is it legal for a business in the United States to refuse cash as a form of payment?
- What were the Federal Reserve's emergency lending facilities during the financial crisis?
- How can I protect myself against identity theft?
- What are the causes of recent increases in the prices of some commodities, such as gasoline?
- What is the Federal Reserve doing to help small businesses get credit?
- What can I do to prevent paying overdraft fees?
- How is the Federal Reserve System structured?
- How do I determine if a banknote is genuine? What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?
- What is the prime rate, and does the Federal Reserve set the prime rate?
- How does monetary policy influence inflation and employment?
- How does the Federal Reserve cooperate with foreign policymakers to promote economic growth and financial stability?
- What is the FOMC and when does it meet?
- What is the money supply? Is it important?
- How much does it cost to produce currency and coin?
- How will the Federal Reserve ensure that the size of its balance sheet won’t lead to excessive inflation?
- How can I obtain a specific series note or coin?
- What are the Federal Reserve's objectives in conducting monetary policy?
- I just got a letter from my credit card company saying that my interest rate is going up. Can they do this?
- Which denominations of currency does the Federal Reserve issue?
- What is the role of the Federal Reserve with respect to banknotes and coins?
- How can I start a bank?
- What can I do if my bank decreases the credit limit on my home equity line of credit?
- Did the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) contribute to foreclosures and the financial crisis? And, is the CRA being reformed?
- Do I have to trade in my old-design notes when a new one begins circulating?
- How can I get a copy of my credit report? Do I have to pay for it?
- How does the globalization of financial markets affect the ability of the Federal Reserve to promote macroeconomic and financial stability?
- Where can I find information about my rights as a credit card user?
- Where can I find information about regulations related to home mortgages?
- How can I contact members of the Board of Governors or request to have a Board member speak at an event?
- How can I comment on a regulatory proposal?
- Why does the United States periodically redesign its currency?
- What is the purpose of the Federal Reserve System?
- Why did the Federal Reserve lend to foreign institutions during the financial crisis?
- When will the new $100 note begin circulating?
- What is the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)?
- Banks seem to have a lot of money, so why aren't they making more loans?
- Who are the members of the Federal Reserve Board, and how are they selected?
- What is the difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy, and how are they related?
- How does the foreign exchange value of the dollar relate to Federal Reserve policy?
- What is the Federal Reserve doing to help stabilize neighborhoods in the wake of the foreclosure crisis?
- Does the Federal Reserve ever get audited?
- What does it mean that the Federal Reserve is "independent within the government"?
- Is U.S. currency still backed by gold?
- Why are interest rates being kept at a low level?
- I have a problem with my bank. How do I file a complaint against it?
Last update:
September 14, 2012
