Credit Cards
- 13.36% (all fixed)
- 14.46% (all variable)
The average annual percentage rate, or APR, for variable-rate credit cards jumped five basis points to 14.46 percent from 14.41 percent last week, according to Bankrate's latest survey of interest rates. A basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percentage point. The fixed rate held even at 13.36 percent, where it has been all year.
Some credit card issuers offered consumers affected by Hurricane Irene a temporary reprieve from late payment fees. Chase told its customers in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut that it will waive the fee, among other banking fees, until Sept. 4. Capital One says it will consider reducing interest rates, holding off on late payment charges or setting up special repayment plans on a case-by-case basis, as will HSBC.