Credit Cards

• 13.74% (all fixed)
• 14.3% (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 Aug. 25, 2010.

No change this week in the average purchase APR for fixed-rate or variable-rate credit cards. The mean fixed rate stands at 13.74 percent and the average variable rate is 14.3 percent.

In reaction to the restrictions of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, or Credit CARD Act, card issuers have raised the interest rates on existing cards to a nine-year high, The Wall Street Journal reported this week. The average interest rate for existing credit cards climbed to 14.7 percent in the second quarter, the highest level since 2001, according to research firm Synovate.

Bankrate.com makes it easier to find low-rate credit cards and credit cards with rewards. You can search by issuer, card type or credit score.