Credit Cards

• 13.76% (all fixed)
• 14.36% (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 Oct. 6, 2010.

The average interest rate for fixed-rate credit cards slipped 3 basis points to 13.76 percent this week, while the average variable rate rose 1 basis point to 14.36 percent.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against American Express and simultaneously announced that it had reached a proposed settlement with Visa and MasterCard over merchant agreement rules that prevent retailers from steering customers to payment cards with lower processing fees. American Express is fighting the suit, which means that for now, consumers may not see any changes at retailers that accept American Express cards.

In other news, Citi announced that it would begin a pilot program next month with "2G credit cards." It will let users apply rewards cash or points toward a purchase with a push of a button on their card.

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.