Credit Cards

• 13.74% (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 July 14, 2010.

The average fixed rate for credit card purchases remained at 13.74 percent for a third consecutive weekly survey. Variable rates averaged 14.39 percent for the fourth straight week.

Small-business credit card use benefits U.S. job creation and the national economy, says a new study conducted for the American Bankers Association by Keybridge Research. Specifically, the research found that the increase in small-business card use from 2003 to 2008 "contributed directly to the creation of 592,000 small business jobs, and an additional 1 million indirect or induced jobs throughout the U.S. economy, for a total beneficial impact of approximately 1.6 million jobs." The report suggests to lawmakers to weigh any proposals that would restrict business card access carefully.

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.