Frequently asked questions Effect on bank examiners Frequently Asked Questions A Historical Persective Effect on General Public
 
Overview
For Depository Institutions
For Bank Examiners
For the General Public
Effect on institutions Common borrowing situations Frequently asked questions Overview of discount window Terms and features Eligibility requirements Why make the change?
Introduction
The Federal Reserve’s Discount Window serves many purposes for depository institutions and the economy.
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Acts as a safety valve in relieving pressures in reserve markets
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Helps to relieve liquidity strains in individual depository institutions or the banking system as a whole
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Helps to assure the basic stability of the payments system
 

graphicOn October 31, 2002, the Board of Governors approved revisions to the Federal Reserve’s discount window programs that took effect on January 9, 2003.

The new discount window is designed to enhance the Federal Reserve’s lending function; the changes do not represent a change in monetary policy.