Fixed-rate averages on both standard and all cards hovered at the same numbers from last week. For standard, gold and platinum cards, the average fixed rate remained 11.78 percent and for standard cards, 13.42 percent. For all cards, the average variable rate increased 3 basis points to 11.31 percent and fell 5 basis points to 11.57 percent for standard cards.

Recently the House Financial Services Committee approved Rep. Carolyn Maloney's bill, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights (H.R. 5244). Among other protections, the proposal would halt the practice of double-cycle billing and retroactive rate increases to existing balances when a consumer is less than 30 days late. The banking industry has argued such legislation would increase the cost of credit for everyone and limit access to it.

-- Leslie McFadden

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