(MONEY Magazine) – After 17 consecutive rate hikes over two years, the Federal Reserve has finally opted to leave interest rates unchanged. Does this mean it's time for you to lock in high rates by shifting cash into five-year CDs and other longer-term savings vehicles? Don't be hasty. With fears lingering about inflation, the Fed hasn't ruled out another rate hike in the near future. And even if the Fed leaves rates unchanged, no one expects any drastic declines soon. "Long-term savings rates aren't likely to fall off a cliff in the next few months," notes Greg McBride, an analyst at Bankrate.com. So for the time being, sticking with online savings accounts or money funds is your best bet. You can earn more than 5%, and you'll have ready access to your cash when it's really time to make a move.

SAVINGS

CREDIT

SAVINGS NOTES AND SOURCES: CD and money-market account data as of Aug. 22 from 100 Highest Yields ($124 for 52 issues; 800-327-7717); all have a minimum investment of $10,000 or less. Average tax-exempt and taxable money-market fund yields for the week ended Aug. 22 from Money Fund Report (imoneynet.com); all have a minimum investment of $10,000 or less and assets of $25 million or more. Average bond fund yields for the month ended July 31 from Lipper; all are medium- and high-quality funds without sales loads and with average maturities of three years or less. [1] Manager absorbed all or some operating expenses. CREDIT NOTES AND SOURCES: All rates subject to change. Credit-card rates are for standard cards as of Aug. 22 from Bankrate.com and are variable unless otherwise indicated. Survey does not include Internet-only cards or AmEx Blue. [1] Fixed rate. [2] Visa only. [3] Platinum and gold cards.