Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate products and services to help you make smart decisions with your money.
The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, Citi®Double Cash Card, Citi Simplicity® Card, U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
- The type of card and your credit score will affect the interest rate you'll pay on any balances.
- Higher credit scores bring lower interest rates, and reward cards have the highest interest rates.
- Read our guide to the best zero-interest credit cards.
Introduction to Credit Card Interest Rates
The average credit card APR was a whopping 20.92% in the first quarter of 2023, according to data from the Federal Reserve. But, your own credit card interest rate is likely to be different.
Understanding APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
Credit cards come with a cost of borrowing: An annual percentage rate, or APR. This is the amount you'll pay for credit. With a credit card, you'll only pay interest on an unpaid balance after your billing cycle is over. Pay off your card in full each month, and you won't pay any interest.
However, if you don't pay off your balance in full each month, it can get expensive. It's not unusual for a card to carry an APR in the 20% range, which means a balance can continue to grow and snowball for each month it stays on your card.
Current Trends in Credit Card Interest Rates
Outside of paying off your card, there are a few factors that can influence the rate attached to your card, including your credit score and the type of card you have. Here's how these factors influence your interest rate.
Interest Rates by Credit Score
Like getting a loan, the interest rate attached to your credit card largely depends on your credit score. Credit scores are calculated based on your past credit activity on a scale of 300 to 850based on past borrowing, repayment history, available credit, and your mix of credit accounts.
Lenders use them to evaluate how trustworthy you are as a borrower, and whether they should lend to you, so generally thehigher your credit score, the lower your credit card's interest rate. Those with higher credit scores will also be more likely to qualify for zero-interest credit cards with 0% introductory APRs.
Higher Credit Scores Get Lower Interest Rates
According to data from the 2021 CFPB's Consumer Credit Card Market Report, the average total interest paid by consumers increases with lower credit scores.
The CFPB measures this with an effective interest rate — calculated as the total amount of interest charged per year divided by the total balance at the end of the cycle — to create a metric of how much interest was actually paid by consumers at each credit level. Data from 2020 showed that consumers with the best credit paid the lowest effective interest rates, and vice versa.
Credit score category | Effective interest rate |
Deep Subprime (579 or lower) | 21.1% |
Subprime (580 - 619) | 20.2% |
Near Prime (620 - 659) | 19.1% |
Prime (660 - 719) | 16.9% |
Super Prime (720 or greater) | 12.7% |
Overall | 15.7% |
Interest Rates by Type of Credit Card
Premium credit cards tend to carry a higher APR.
The type of card you have can affect the amount of interest you could pay if you carry a balance. Data from S&P Global shows that for three main types of credit cards, a higher interest rate comes with bigger perks.
Credit card type | Annual Percentage Rate (APR) |
Classic credit card | 11.94% |
Platinum credit card | 12.76% |
Rewards credit card | 13.23% |
Some of the name-brand rewards cards you may be familiar with may also have higher interest rates. Here are a few favorites, and the interest rates they carry. Remember that credit card companies can change interest rates, and that only people with excellent credit scoreswill qualify for the lowest interest rates.
Interest Rates for Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cardscan have higher interest rates than the typical card because they offer valuable rewards if used correctly. These credit cards are good options for anyone who wants to earn perks like miles to book award flights, but doesn't plan to keep a balance on their card.
Credit card | Annual Percentage Rate (APR)range |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 21.49% - 28.49% Variable |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | 20.99% - 29.99% Variable |
United℠ Explorer Card | 21.99% - 28.99% Variable |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | 21.24% - 29.99% variable |
Capital One VentureRewards Credit Card | 19.99% - 29.99% variable (rates and fees) |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | 21.49% - 28.49% Variable |
Interest Rates for Cash-Back Cards
Cash-back cards offer the most flexible reward of all: cash. Generally, these cards earn a percentage back of total purchases, up to around 2% cash back. The money can then be applied back to your balance, or even cashed out and put toward other goals.
The interest rates for cash-back credit cards tend to start a little bit lower than rewards credit cards. Here are the interest rates on some of the best cash-back credit cards on the market today.
Credit card | Annual Percentage Rate (APR)range |
Citi®Double Cash Card | 19.24% - 29.24% Variable |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 20.49% - 29.24% Variable |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 19.24% - 29.99% Variable |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | 19.99% - 29.99% Variable (rates and fees) |
Interest Rates for Student Credit Cards
Created specifically for college students, these cards are best for young adults who haven't built much credit yet and can be secured with a cash deposit upfront.
Slightly more forgiving, these student credit cards can be a great way to build credit while still in school, but can have high interest rates. While some borrowers with the best credit scores will see rates around 18%, interest rates could be as high as 29%.
Credit card | Annual Percentage Rate (APR)range |
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | 19.99% - 29.99% Variable (rates and fees) |
Discover it® Student Cash Back | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable |
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | 19.99% - 29.99% Variable (rates and fees) |
Interest Rates for Introductory APR cards
The best balance transfer credit cards allow you to consolidate credit card debt onto one card while paying a 0% APR for a promotional period, sometimes for more than a year. These offers can save you a lot of money on interest, but weigh the pros and cons to be sure a balance transfer is worth it for you.
Cards with an intro 0% APR can also be used to finance large purchases for a short amount of time. Some cards offer an introductory 0% APR on both balance transfers and purchases.
But, these cards won't be interest-free forever: Rates go up after the introductory period is over.During the introductory period, interest won't accrue on your balance. If you pay off your card in full by the time the offer is up, it can be a good alternative to a personal loan. After that intro period is over, you'll pay a fairly typical interest rate.
Here are a few examples of how this works with a few popular cards that offer a 0% intro rate.
Credit card | Introductory APR | Regular APR |
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days | 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening | 19.24% - 29.99% Variable |
Citi Simplicity® Card | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months (transfers must be completed within four months of account opening) and on purchases for 12 months | 19.24% - 29.99% Variable |
Citi®Double Cash Card | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months | 19.24% - 29.24% Variable |
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles | 18.74% - 29.74% Variable |
Remember: Interest Rates Only Apply to Unpaid Balances
If you pay your credit card in full each month, credit cards can be valuable tools to earn airline miles or hotel points, get cash back, and build your credit history, with no interest involved.
If you don't pay your credit card bill in full each month, the interest rate will apply, and add to the total amount you owe. It can get out of hand quickly, and the debt your card accumulates negates any of the rewards you could earn.
Paying your credit card in full means you'll never have to worry about paying more for your purchases than you need to, and can help you earn rewards to enjoy as well. While credit card interest rates can seem high, they're non-existent if you pay your account in full each month and use your card responsibly.
Managing and Lowering Your Interest Rates
Strategies for Reducing APR
Getting a lower interest rate on your credit card can in many cases be as easy as calling the issuer and asking for a reduction. Credit card interest rates are negotiable. Chances are good that you'll be able to get a lower rate by simply asking for it if you've been consistently making payments on time and have a good credit score.
If you can't get a reduction in your rate, there are still ways to reduce the amount of interest you pay. Paying off your full balance each month is the surest way, if you have the wherewithal to do so.
Making several payments each month is another strategy to reduce interest costs. If you plan to pay off a certain amount of your credit card debt at the end of the month, but you won't be able to pay off all of it, splitting that amount into several payments throughout the month reduces your average daily balance and the amount of interest you're charged.
You can also consider a balance transfer — moving debt from a high-interest account to one with a lower rate. Some balance transfer credit cards are even interest-free for the first 12 to 21 months, which means all your payments will go toward reducing the principal.
Average credit card interest rate FAQs
What is the average credit card interest rate currently?
While the average can vary, rates typically range between 15% to 23%, depending on the card type and consumer creditworthiness.
How can I find my credit card's interest rate?
Your APR is listed in your credit card agreement and on your monthly statement. You can also contact your credit card issuer directly for this information.
Can I negotiate a lower interest rate on my credit card?
Yes, it's possible to negotiate a lower rate, especially if you have a history of timely payments or if your credit score has improved since you received your card.
Do all credit cards have the same interest rate?
No, interest rates can vary widely based on the card issuer, the type of credit card, and the cardholder's credit score.
How can I avoid paying high interest on my credit card?
Pay off your balance in full each month, take advantage of cards with introductory 0% APR offers, or transfer balances to a card with a lower interest rate.
Personal Finance Reporter
Liz was a personal finance reporter at Insider. Before joining Insider, she wrote about financial and automotive topics as a freelancer for brands like LendingTree and Credit Karma. She earned her bachelor's degree in writing from The Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives and works in Cincinnati, Ohio. Find her on Twitter at @lizknueven.
Credit cards reporter
Joseph Hostetler is a credit card expert who specializes in helpful miles and points tricks. He is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).Joseph has more than six years of experience writing professionally about credit cards, previously authoring and editing for The Points Guy and Million Mile Secrets.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier Take advantage of today's rates and earn 5.31% APY on your entire account balance – more than 10 times the national average 5.31% annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of 7/11/2024 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY. Accurate as of the time of publication. The national average rate referenced is from the FDIC’s published National Rates and Rate Caps for Savings deposit products, accurate as of 7/15/2024. See the FDIC website for more information. https://www.fdic.gov/resources/bankers/national-rates/index.html