Across the country, other banks also offer special rates for students.

Those that did not offer lower rates found they were in trouble.

Today, many banks offer several rates for the same product.

In exchange for the information, the insurers would offer you lower rates.

For example, 91-day commercial paper in some instances is offering rates at more than 7 percent.

"The low rate and long term offered under this program prompted us to do it now."

Nowadays the initial rate offered is about 6 percent, with no points.

Meanwhile, the Government decided to give credit unions a break, and let them offer whatever interest rates they wanted.

For example, a business establishment might offer reduced rates to all customers on one day each week.

Hotels and restaurants also will be asked to offer special rates for the night, she added.