Credit Cards

• 13.76% (all fixed)
• 14.57% (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 Dec. 1, 2010.

The average APR on variable-rate credit card offers increased 2 basis points from last week to 14.57 percent. For fixed-rate credit card offers, the average APR remains 13.76 percent for the ninth week in a row.

A quarterly analysis of credit card trends released this week by TransUnion finds that more than 8 million consumers have stopped charging on their bank credit cards during the past year. The drop in credit card use stems from several factors, according to the Chicago-based credit reporting agency.

In a news release, TransUnion attributed the decline to "charge-offs in the higher-risk segments of the population, more conservative spending in the low-risk segments and significant efforts by consumers across the board to maintain the health of their credit card relationships as a financial cushion."

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