Which is higher discount rate or federal funds rate
The discount rate is typically higher than the fed funds rate, so it is used as a last resort by banks that need to borrow. For example, in early 2012 the primary discount rate was 0.75 percent, while the fed funds rate was targeted in a range from 0 to 0.25 percent. The interest rate on these loans is set at a higher penalty rate to reflect the less-sound condition of these borrowers. Under normal circumstances, the discount rate sits in between the Fed Funds rate and the secondary credit rate. Example: Fed funds rate = 1%; discount rate = 2%, secondary rate = 2.5%. The primary credit rate is the basic interest rate charged to most banks. It's higher than the fed funds rate. The current discount rate is 2.75%. The secondary credit rate is a higher rate that's charged to banks that don't meet the requirements needed to achieve the primary rate. It's 3.25%.