Credit Cards

• 13.74% (all fixed)
• 14.35% (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 Sept. 1, 2010.

The average variable rate for credit cards moved up 5 basis points this week to 14.35 percent. Margins for the purchase APR increased on three variable-rate card offers. The mean fixed APR remained at 13.74 percent.

The volume of corporate and small business credit card offers mailed to consumers surged in 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend. Issuers sent out 47 million "professional" card offers in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 256 percent compared to the same period last year, according to research firm Synovate. Unfortunately, business cards aren't subject to the provisions in the Credit CARD Act of 2009, which means that business cardholders could see changes to their account that have been banned by the law, such as a rate increase on existing debt triggered by a 30-day late payment.

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.