Credit Cards
- 13.36% (all fixed)
- 14.44% (all variable)
Here's a look at the state of credit card rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts conducted April 27, 2011.
Average interest rates offered to new credit card customers have barely moved all year, and this week proved no differently. The average nonintroductory variable rate held at 14.44 percent from last week, while the fixed rate average kept to 13.36 percent for the 17th consecutive week.
This week, American Express debuted two new cash-back rewards cards called Blue Cash Everyday and Blue Cash Preferred. The cards offer higher-than-average cash-back rates on department store, gasoline and supermarket purchases, and 1 percent on all other purchases. According to American Express, the bonus categories do not rotate and there are no spending thresholds or caps. The Preferred Card, which of the two offers higher returns, comes with a $75 annual fee. For a more detailed assessment, check out this Bankrate blog post.
Bankrate.com makes it easier to find balance transfer credit cards and low-interest cards. You can search by issuer, card type or credit score.
-- Leslie McFadden