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 10, 2010.Interest Rate RoundupMortgagesCDsAuto LoansHome EquityCredit CardsCredit CardsRates: 13.42 percent (all fixed); 13.75 percent (all variable)The average fixed rate for purchases on credit cards stayed at 13.42 percent, while the mean variable rate dipped 2 basis points to 13.75 percent.Bankrate.com found several changes in penalty rates and fees.Four credit-card issuers shed overlimit fees from their cards. U.S. Bank lowered the penalty APR to the purchase rate, but will still assess late fees for missed payments and may close the account.Revolving credit decreased in January for the 16th consecutive monthly decline, according to Federal Reserve data. Debt on credit cards and other types of revolving accounts totaled $864.4 billion, down $1.7 billion from $866.1 in December 2009.The Federal Reserve also reported that the average interest rate paid by those with credit-card balances paid fell to 14.37 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with 14.9 percent in the previous quarter.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:Under 21? Credit cards hard to getWhy do you apply for a credit card?5 ways the CARD Act helps balance carriersRelated Articles:Death of overlimit fees?Best ways to build creditBrokerages offer rewards
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 10, 2010.
The average fixed rate for purchases on credit cards stayed at 13.42 percent, while the mean variable rate dipped 2 basis points to 13.75 percent.
Bankrate.com found several changes in penalty rates and fees.
Four credit-card issuers shed overlimit fees from their cards. U.S. Bank lowered the penalty APR to the purchase rate, but will still assess late fees for missed payments and may close the account.
Revolving credit decreased in January for the 16th consecutive monthly decline, according to Federal Reserve data. Debt on credit cards and other types of revolving accounts totaled $864.4 billion, down $1.7 billion from $866.1 in December 2009.
The Federal Reserve also reported that the average interest rate paid by those with credit-card balances paid fell to 14.37 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with 14.9 percent in the previous quarter.
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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