Credit Cards

• 13.74% (all fixed)
• 14.31% (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. 5, 2010.

For the sixth week in a row, the average purchase APR for fixed-rate credit cards is 13.74 percent. The mean variable rate also remained unchanged from last week, at 14.31 percent.

In other industry news, last week the Federal Trade Commission issued new rules targeted at "debt relief" firms that market their services over the telephone. Beginning Oct. 27, 2010, they can no longer collect a fee before services are rendered. New disclosure requirements and other restrictions take effect a month later.

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.