Here's a look at the state of credit card rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts conducted March 3, 2010.

Credit Cards

Rates: 13.42 percent (all fixed); 13.77 percent (all variable)

The average fixed interest rate for purchases on credit cards increased this week 3 basis points to 13.42 percent, and the mean variable rate climbed to 13.77 percent. A number of changes occurred with variable-rate cards: First National Bank of Omaha and UMB Bank raised margins, San Diego County Credit Union stopped offering two of its cards and National City Bank changed its APR range. Five issuers dropped or reduced the overlimit fee.

The majority of provisions in the new credit card law took effect last week, yet 72 percent of consumers say the restriction on retroactive interest rate hikes constitutes the most important change, according to a February poll from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Consumers were asked which of five new protections under the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure, or CARD, Act was the most significant to them. The second most meaningful protection, chosen by 10 percent of respondents, was the requirement that billing statements show how long it would take to pay off the balance.

You can find your best credit card deal -- by type -- at Bankrate's interactive tool.

See all credit card rates content.

-- Leslie McFadden