Definition of Prime Rate



Prime rate is the interest rate that a commercial bank will offer to its customers with a credit rating score of 660 or higher. Every customer using the credit instruments has given a credit rating or credit score in light of his or her payment behavior. When your credit rating is good you get a higher score, and if it is 660 or more you can get a favorably lower interest rate on a loan or credit facility like credit cards.

 


The prime rate is considered to be determined and affected by economic movements. However, the rate is primarily determined by the federal funds rate that banks charge each other for overnight transactions.


View More Corporate Finance Definitions