Credit Cards

• 13.04% (all fixed)
• 14.39% (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. 22, 2010.

For the third week in a row, the average purchase APR for fixed-rate credit cards is 13.04 percent. The average APR on variable-rate credit card offers fell 5 basis points to 14.39 percent.

Last week, the Federal Reserve Board proposed new limits for interchange fees that merchants pay to banks for debit card transactions. The proposal, prompted by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, could cap debit interchange fees to 12 cents per transaction. The law doesn't restrict interchange fees on credit card transactions, but does allow merchants to set a $10 minimum for credit card purchases.

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.