Economy
ECB Rates 2026: What Does It Mean for Your Loans?
January 10, 2026
4 Min.
CheckAlle Economics Team
The ECB holds rates at 2.0-2.25%. Will loans get cheaper? The current situation and what you can expect!
ECB Rates: Stability After the Storm
After eight consecutive rate cuts, the ECB is holding steady. The deposit rate is at 2.0%, the main refinancing rate at 2.15%. And that's likely to stay that way for now.
What Does This Mean Concretely?
Forecast 2026
- February 2026: 97% probability rates stay the same
- Throughout year: Only 45% chance of any cut
- Conclusion: Waiting for falling rates makes little sense
Impact on Your Loans
🏠 Mortgage
- Rates stay at 3.5-4%
- No "cheap money" in sight
- Tip: Secure long rate lock now
🚗 Car Loan
- Good offers from 5.79%
- Dealer financing often around 2.99%
- E-car: Take additional subsidies!
💳 Overdraft & Personal Loan
- Overdraft stays expensive: avg. 11.64%
- Personal loan cheaper: 6-8%
- Tip: Convert overdraft to personal loan!
Why No Rate Cut?
The reasons are diverse:
- Inflation: Not yet stable at 2% target
- Government debt: Germany taking record debt
- Geopolitics: US tariffs and uncertainties
Conclusion: Act Now!
ECB rates won't drop dramatically. Compare loans now and secure good conditions!
ECB
Interest Rates
Credit
2026
Monetary Policy