Here's a look at the state of credit card rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts conducted Feb. 24, 2010.Interest Rate RoundupMortgagesCDsAuto LoansHome EquityCredit CardsCredit CardsRates: 13.39 percent (all fixed); 13.73 percent (all variable)The average fixed interest rate on credit cards didn't move from 13.39 percent last week, but the variable rate crept up 10 basis points to 13.73 percent as several issuers in our survey increased the margins for variable-rate cards.On Monday, round two of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 took effect, and a host of changes in our weekly survey reflect the new restrictions under the law. Several issuers dropped their overlimit fee. Chase extended the grace period on its cards from 20 days to 21 days, and Fifth Third Bank switched from two-cycle billing to the average daily balance method for finance charge computation. RBS Citizens now uses the three-month Libor as the index for its variable-rate cards, instead of the prime rate.The CARD Act bans double-cycle billing, requires customer consent before issuers can charge overlimit fees and restricts interest rate hikes on existing balances. It also provides more loopholes for variable rate cards and doesn't set a ceiling on interest rates.American Express and Discover have each launched online initiatives to explain what the law means for customers. The Federal Reserve Board recently posted its own educational site on credit cards and the CARD Act.You can find your best credit card deal -- by type -- at Bankrate's interactive tool.See all credit card rates content.-- Leslie McFadden advertisementRelated Links:5 ways the CARD Act helps balance carriers5 tips for the new credit card eraRep. Maloney discusses Credit CARD ActRelated Articles:Settle card debt for pennies?Chase: You = Zero profitNew credit card era
Here's a look at the state of credit card rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts conducted Feb. 24, 2010.
The average fixed interest rate on credit cards didn't move from 13.39 percent last week, but the variable rate crept up 10 basis points to 13.73 percent as several issuers in our survey increased the margins for variable-rate cards.
On Monday, round two of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 took effect, and a host of changes in our weekly survey reflect the new restrictions under the law. Several issuers dropped their overlimit fee. Chase extended the grace period on its cards from 20 days to 21 days, and Fifth Third Bank switched from two-cycle billing to the average daily balance method for finance charge computation. RBS Citizens now uses the three-month Libor as the index for its variable-rate cards, instead of the prime rate.
The CARD Act bans double-cycle billing, requires customer consent before issuers can charge overlimit fees and restricts interest rate hikes on existing balances. It also provides more loopholes for variable rate cards and doesn't set a ceiling on interest rates.
American Express and Discover have each launched online initiatives to explain what the law means for customers. The Federal Reserve Board recently posted its own educational site on credit cards and the CARD Act.
You can find your best credit card deal -- by type -- at Bankrate's interactive tool.
See all credit card rates content.
-- Leslie McFadden
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A little research could save you BIG on interest.