Do many banks and credit unions publish the interest rates paid on deposit accounts or changed loans?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Sometimes
• D. Always

Answer: (B)

Understanding how rates are set helps here. Banks and credit unions don’t usually publish the exact interest rate you’ll receive on deposit accounts or on loans. Publicly posted rates are often starting points, ranges, or promotional offers. The actual rate you qualify for depends on factors like your account type, balance, relationship with the institution, credit history, income, loan amount, term, and current market conditions. For loans, rates are negotiated based on risk and terms, so the specific rate isn’t guaranteed to be shown publicly. That’s why, in practice, you’ll often need a personalized quote rather than trusting a published figure alone.